"Winter" may be coming a lot sooner than any of us thought: A new report suggests that "The Winds of Winter," Game of Thrones"), is due out sometime in 2016.

Alejo Cuervo, an editor for the Spanish publisher of the "Song of Ice and Fire" books, said during a recent interview with Catalan radio station El Mon a RAC1 that he knows, roughly, when the book will be published -- and in fact, it's due out next year. The interview has been translated into English by "Thrones" fan site Watchers on the Wall (who found it on Spanish "GOT" fan site Los Siete Reinos); here's their transcript of the key intel from Cuervo:

Radio Host: The sixth book will be?

Cuervo: It is expected next year

Radio Host: In English, but in Spanish when will it be?

Cuervo: We have been promised the manuscript in advance of the release in English which we will translate, there won't be a big difference.

Radio Host: But you are equally sure it will be next year?

Cuervo: Well, let's see, confident...but a meteor could fall.

Watchers on the Wall notes that Cuervo knows Martin personally, so his information on the subject is probably the most accurate of anyone's. (Especially considering he has to translate and prep his own publication of "Winter"'s text.) So while it's far from a confirmation, nor a personal voucher from Martin himself, it is certainly more believable than if it were to come from another source.

As most fans know, "Thrones" is rapidly catching up to the all the plot lines from Martin's previously-published books, and will soon start airing stories from the two remaining tomes that have yet to be finished ("Winter" and "A Dream of Spring"). But if Martin is indeed planning on publishing "Winds of Winter" in 2016, and in fact wants to have it out before "Game of Thrones" debuts its sixth season in spring 2016, then that would be ideal for fans of the books and series alike.

We'll keep our fingers crossed, though as Cuervo notes, there's always the possibility of a meteor. Stay tuned.

[via: Watchers on the Wall]

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