The wait for "The Winds of Winter" continues, but if the reports are to be believed, it will end sooner rather than later. If the rumors are to be believed, the long-awaited novel might finally arrive early next year.

As of January this year, author George R.R. Martin has written many chapters in the book, although he emphasized that there are a lot more that needs to be done.

"Yes, there's a lot written. Hundreds of pages. Dozens of chapters... But there's also a lot still left to write. I am months away still... and that's if the writing goes well," Martin wrote.

"Chapters still to write, of course... but also rewriting. I always do a lot of rewriting, sometimes just polishing, sometimes pretty major restructures," he went on to say.

Since then, the bestselling author has vowed to do whatever it takes to release "The Winds of Winter" as soon as possible, and his commitment to complete it should be better than ever.

Whether or not this led to him write faster or more chapters for "The Winds of Winter" than before remains to be seen, but it is safe to say he made a progress since he announced the delay of the book early this year.

The earliest that the upcoming novel could arrive is in spring, although the publishers should already be preparing for the printing. For now, fans can count on a 2017 release date.

The fact that he has missed deadlines last year, and "Game of Thrones" has overtaken his book series (with one of his important twists being revealed on the show rather than in "The Winds of Winter"), suggests that he might not want that to happen again with season 7.

Of course, nothing has been confirmed yet. Martin promised to break the news about the book being complete himself so that the news will come directly from him.

As for the plot, rumor has it that there will be fewer casualties in "The Winds of Winter," but no one is safe. Daenerys is reportedly going mad in this book due to mental pressure.

There are also rumors that Jon Snow will be killed in the upcoming book. The character got off safe in the previous season of "Game of Thrones," and it is rumored that the same cannot be said for his book version.