In a recent interview, Alejo Cuervo, editor of a Spanish magazine Edicoiones Gigamesh, has confirmed that "Winds of Winter," author George R.R. Martin's sixth novel in the "Ice and Fire Series," will be released in 2016. The much-awaited book will reportedly reveal the fate of numerous characters following the thrilling ending of "A Dance of Dragons."

Citing a report in LosSieteReinos, IB Times states that Cuervo has disclosed that the next book by Martin will be released in 2016. He further stated that there will not be much difference between the release dates of the Spanish version and the English version, as the manuscript will be made available to the Spanish publishers much before the English version of the book is out in the market.

The editor, however, did not reveal the exact release date of the book, but only confirmed that it will be released in 2016. Talking in a lighter vein, Cuervo said that while this is the plan right now, the release date may perhaps be altered if a meteor should fall.

Meanwhile, Martin is also aware of the eagerness of the fans and has been keen on releasing "Winds of Winter" before the upcoming season of 'Game of Thrones,' a television adaptation of his novels on HBO, airs in 2016. In an earlier interview to Entertainment Weekly, the author said that launching the book before 'Game of Thrones' Season 6 has been important to him "all along."

Martin further stated that he has cancelled his plans to go to two conventions, and has even turned down several interview requests to clear his schedule and ensure that he has sufficient time to complete the book.

Martin also teased that he had come up with a new "big, revealing twist" for a "long-time character" and he looks forward to this twist to drive the readers "crazy." Although the author described it as a "great twist," he had still not made up his mind about using that plot direction in his forthcoming book.

Talking about few of the challenges he confronted while writing "Winds of Winter," Martin said that one day he would feel that what he has written is the "greatest thing" he has ever done, but the following day he would feel that all he has written is "all garbage." Thus far, the author has not announced an exact release date of the next book in "A Song of Ice and Fire" novel series.