It was this time last year that George R. R. Martin delivered the devastating news to 'A Song of Ice and Fire' fans that the next book 'The Winds of Winter' would not be released before season six of Game of Thrones aired.
However when the author uploaded a chapter of the book onto his website last March, fans dared to believe that they may yet see the book in 2016. How foolish they were.
2017 has arrived and there is still no sign of the book but we do at least have a comment on the author's progress with it. A blog post from the author about things that have disappointed him recently was commented on by a disgruntled fan who complained that it had been a whole year since they received an update on the book.
Martin replied with an update, but it isn't one that is going to please many fans.
"You really think statements like that would make a difference? Ah, you sweet summer child. I have years of experience with this that tells me otherwise.
But okay, I will try it your way.
Not done yet, but I’ve made progress. But not as much as I hoped a year ago, when I thought to be done by now.
I think it will be out this year. (But hey, I thought the same thing last year)."
So basically, it could be out this year. But don't count on it.