Avid followers of the “Game of Thrones” series have been impatiently waiting for the sixth installment of George RR Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. The veteran author recently teased the possible release date of “The Winds Of Winter” novel.

Martin previously revealed in a blog post that he was planning on releasing the book by 2017's end or in early 2018. However, new reports suggest that the New Mexican writer is in no rush to meet the deadline.

Veteran author writes much slower than before

The Christian Post reported that George RR Martin is still keeping details about “The Winds of Winter” under wraps. The news outlet claimed that the 68-year-old author is still uncertain whether or not he can launch the highly-anticipated book before 2017 ends.

"I did not start to write slower over the years. I was working on the first book for six years and four years on the second one,” Martin previously said in a statement. “These are not 1.5k pages like mine, but, for example, 500. In addition, I have not become younger. Age does not add enthusiasm,” he went on.

While working on “The Winds of Winter,” George RR Martin also revealed that he already started writing a Westerosi encyclopedia called “Fire and Blood” at the same time. He even said that the two books might be published together in 2018.

Martin is also finishing the scripts of the five potential spin-offs of the popular “Game of Thrones” TV series aside from writing novels. The veteran writer previously revealed that he hired four writers – Carly Wray, Brian Helgeland, Jane Goldman and Max Borenstein – to help him complete his new projects.

Will ‘TWOW’ reveal Jon Snow as Azor Ahai's reincarnation?

Meanwhile, Express shared the possibility of Jon Snow being revealed as Azor Ahai reborn in the much-awaited “The Winds of Winter” novel.

The publication suggests that Jon could probably be "the prince that was promised."

The news outlet claimed that Jon Snow’s sword Longclaw might be the blade of legend used by Azor Ahai in his first life. Also, he could possibly be the one being described by Rhaegar as “the song of ice and fire” in the “A Clash of Kings” episode.

Fans previously learned in the “Game of Thrones” Season 7 finale that Jon Snow is actually Aegon Targaryen, who is the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. He is also said to be the rightful successor to the Iron Throne.

While these theories could be true, HBO has yet to confirm or deny these claims. Therefore, avid fans of the “Game of Thrones” series should take these speculations lightly until everything is proven true and correct. Stay tuned for more news and updates about “The Winds of Winter.”