You'd think that a franchise like "Game of Thrones," which manages to be an overwhelming success in both book and TV form, would be able to move forward smoothly in both mediums.  "Harry Potter," for instance; massive books, massive movies. Both working in perfect tandem.

But because George R. R. Martin, author of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" book series that HBO's Game of Thrones is based on, takes so long to write each successive novel, he and HBO (also, the franchise's fans) aren't on the best terms.

Now, according to Vulture, Martin is abandoning his usual role on the HBO series to focus on finishing the next book. Usually, Martin is a frequent presence on the "Game of Thrones" set, as well as the script writer for a single episode every season. However, Martin stated that would not be the case for Season 5.

"I might make it over there early next year, but I've got to finish the book 'The Winds of Winter.'"

Martin said the same in regards to his usual written episode: "Not this year, no - once again because I have this book to finish."

However, all this attention on "The Winds of Winter" means we have new information to report on the upcoming novel's story.

First, Martin told Entertainment Weekly that fan-favorite characters Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen would finally cross paths.

"Well, Tyrion and Dany will intersect, in a way, but for much of the book they're still apart," said Martin. "They both have quite large roles to play here. Tyrion has decided that he actually would like to live, for one thing, which he wasn't entirely sure of during the last book, and he's now working toward that end-if he can survive the battle that's breaking out all around him. And Dany has embraced her heritage as a Targaryen and embraced the Targaryen words. So they're both coming home."

This is a pairing that "Game of Thrones" fans have been looking forward to for years- as well as one that's been hinted at in previous books.

But Martin also wryly hinted to HollywoodLife that Tyrion may be the next to die, saying "Well, I did cut off his nose, so..."

We'll find out for sure when "The Winds of Winter" finally gets released.