'The Winds of Winter' news: release date may be nearing if new sample chapter is anything to go by

Artwork by Magali Villeneuvegeorgerrmartin.com

George R.R. Martin may still be mum about the release date of "The Winds of Winter," but the best-selling author tries to make up for it by unveiling a new excerpt from the book online.

The sixth installment of the book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" is reportedly still being written. But eager fans can now enjoy reading another excerpt that Martin posted on his website early this week.

"You want to know what the Sand Snakes, Prince Doran, Areo Hotah, Ellaria Sand, Darkstar, and the rest will be up to in WINDS OF WINTER? Quite a lot, actually. The sample will give you a taste. For the rest, you will need to wait," the 67-year-old wrote to introduce the new teaser from the book.

The new sample chapter features the point of view of Arianne Martell, the daughter of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne.

Based on the new chapter, the House Martell seems to be slowly plotting to remove the Lannisters from the King's Landing by sending representatives in different areas to get more allies from various rebel factions. This could mean that the Lannister rule in the Iron Throne could be at risk.

But despite the release of a new chapter, Martin said that the book has not yet reached its finishing stages.

The wait for "The Winds of Winter" began as early as 2011, after Martin unveiled the fifth book from the saga called "A Dance with Dragons." Most of the fans were expecting to have a copy of the book before HBO released the sixth season of the TV adaptation titled "Game of Thrones," but the season premiered in April 2016 without any clear indication that the highly anticipated book will follow suit.

But if Martin could offer a sneak peek for "The Winds of Winter," it could be safe to assume that the book's release date might be announced shortly.