Following some rumors about George R.R. Martin's "The Winds of Winter" release date, the author himself negated that his novel is set to be released in May.

In his blog, Martin was asked by an fan on whether rumors of the novel being edited by his publishers are due out by the end of May this year were crap. The author affirmed that the May release date rumors were not true and were complete crap. "Who makes up these stories?" he said.

Martin also wrote that quite a lot of Darjstar, Ellaria Sand, Sand Snakes, Prince Doran, Areo Hotah would be up to in "Winds of Winter," adding that the sample would give fans and readers a taste. However, they would need to wait for the rest.

Martin also stressed that changing the sample chapter did not mean that he was done, just to debunk the rumors about his novel. "See the icon up above? Monkey is still on my back... but he's growing, he is, and one day," the author added.

"The Winds of Winter" may also cover one of the most epic battles in "Game of Thrones," according to iDigital Times. As per the publication, that fight is the second battle of Blackwater, which is based in Blackwater Bay, one of the most significant settings in Westeros. It is vital, since it cradles the Seven Kingdoms capital of King's Landing.

Previously, the excerpt Martin gave featured things in Arianne Martell's point of view. Now, it is revealed that Hodor's backstory is featured in the novel. In a statement in the "Inside the Episode" featurette, "Game of Thrones" showrunner David Benioff said that they had had a meeting with the author where they were trying to get as much information as possible out of him, adding that Hodor's origins was the most shocking revelation Martin gave them.

With Martin's statement, the official release of "The Winds of Winter" is yet to be announced.