'Winds of Winter', the 6^th and penultimate book in George RR Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' book series, is touted to be released sometime before 2017, although the author says nothing can be said for certain.

Martin's known to enrage fans with overtly optimistic release dates and the inability to follow through with them, but this time, Martin won't make any predictions until he knows for sure.

The 6^th book, which will continue the story from the previous installment, 'A Dance with Dragons', and will be narrated through chapters which contain the points of view of various characters, which follows the story as they experience it - just like the other books in the series.

George RR Martin has confirmed the POV's of a few characters including Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Arianne Martell, Theon Greyjoy, Tyrion Lannister and Barristan Selmy among others. Martin has also revealed that this book will take the characters further North than they've ever gone and will have significant roles for The Others as well.

Martin was very evasive when asked about Tyrion's future in the books, and although he admits Tyrion is his favorite character and that it was always easy to write as Tyrion, he says, "Well, I did cut off his nose, so...."

Meanwhile, actor Sophie Turner who plays Sansa Stark in the HBO adaptation of the books, amid rumors that her character will be going on a killing spree in the latest book said, "I would love for her to go on a massive killing spree! But not like with a sword. Poison, or something. Like a huge, huge killing spree. A mass murder. I think that would be kind of fun to play. I think I'm starting to have a dark side as well!"