'The Winds of Winter' release date news, rumors: sixth novel's release not yet confirmed but a special 20th anniversary edition of 'A Game of Thrones' is

The cover of "Game of Thrones" Illustrated Edition.GRRM blog

A book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga will hit shelves in a few days but unfortunately, it will not be "The Winds of Winter," the highly-anticipated sequel.

Instead, author George R.R. Martin posted on his blog that it will be the 20th-anniversary edition of the first book in the saga "A Game of Thrones."  According to the author, he has just finished signing copies of the illustrated version of the books, which will go on sale on Oct. 18 at the Jean Cocteau Cinema (JCC) Bookstore.

While the signed copies will not include personalized inscriptions, the books will still be considered collectible items because of Martin's signatures alone.

The hardcover edition of the books will be available for preorder at the JCC Online website and will sell at $60 each. This is a treat for fans of the franchise that started way back in August 1, 1996, reported Christian Post.

The illustrated version will feature 73 black and white illustrations and eight full-color artwork from renowned fantasy illustrators.

Aside from the deluxe edition hardcover, a Special Edition worth $75 will also include other items like an HBO Game of Thrones short, a replica of King Robert Baratheon's will, a Living Language Dothraki online course to help fans understand the fictional language even without the subtitles, and finally, an Iron Coin of the Faceless Man.

A far more expensive option is the Limited Edition, which levels up the Special Edition package tenfold. It comes not just with one coin, but an entire set of Dead Man coins, an exclusive Game of Thrones card game and holiday shield lights. Not only that, it also comes with miniature figures of two of the strongest contenders for the Iron Thrones, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen in addition to a copy of the Maester's Journal, a silk map, and a keepsake printed box with a GRRM insignia.

Unfortunately, there is still no news as to when the actual release date of "The Winds of Winter" will be.

The author has, however, assured eager fans that it would be "stunning and unprecedented."