As of now, there is no announcement regarding the release date of the long-awaited 'Winds of Winter' novel. Even George R.R Martin says that he is not eager to make any predictions about the release date of his next 'A Song of Ice and Fire' book, as he said that some days he feels like he's going backwards with the book.

Some speculation, however, says that the book may arrive in February next year, while there are others who say that it will be released around April 2015.

Nevertheless, fans of the series seem to be worried about the death of one of their beloved characters in 'Winds of Winter', as some latest reports say that Martin will write the death of Tyrion Lannister in the upcoming novel.

Fans familiar with Martin's writing style, know that none can be spared from death provided that is where the plot leads the author. However, people who are not familiar with his books as well as the television series, feel that he had already killed off several main characters like Ned, Caitlyn, and Rob Stark, which were immensely popular among the fans.

All said and done, the rumors regarding the impending death of Tyrion in 'Winds of Winter' has yet to be confirmed. This is all the more important after Martin himself disclosed that among all in the Lannister family, The Imp is his most favorite. This might possibly be a saving factor for the character.

Talking to the Hollywood Life recently, Martin revealed, "I love all my characters, of course, but Tyrion has always been a favorite. He is the easiest to write ... The only thing that is hard is that it takes me days and sometimes weeks to come up with the one-liners that Tyrion comes up with in, like, a minute. I wish in real life I was nearly as acerbic and funny as Tyrion."

Yet, Martin was somewhat evasive when asked whether The Imp will die in the 'Winds of Winter', He simply said, "Well, I did cut off his nose, so ..."

Martin further said, "They say that you write what you want to read and you create in television what you want to watch. I love shows that are unpredictable. I like shows to be more real. Predictable shows and books bore me." In addition, the writer said, "I want to be on the edge of my seat. So, the deaths are important and at all times necessary."