The new Games of Thrones season is a month and a half away. It is based on the second book of the series, A Clash of Kings. The events revolve around the War of the Five Kings, where opposing factions meet each other in an all out medieval rumble. Robb Stark, Heir of Winterfell from the North, Joffrey Baratheon who sits on the Iron Throne in King’s Landing, Renly and Stanis Baratheon from the Stormlands, younger brothers to the dead king, Robert Baratheon, and Balon Greyjoy, Theon’s father and ruler of the Iron Islands.

In the east across the sea we have Daenerys Targaryen, who leads her own kalazhar towards gathering an army fierce and large enough to return to Westeros and claim her rightful seat on the Iron Throne. In the North, Jon Snow, bastard son of Eddard Stark, has ventured to the other side of The Wall, along with his brothers in black to investigate suspicious activities by the wildlings. In the Iron Islands, Theon Greyjoy returns after a ten year absence to find his family gearing up for war. Arya Stark disguised as a boy travels amidst war ridden lands in order to reach someone, anyone, from her family. Catelyn Stark holds Jaime Lanister captive in the River Lands, the seat of her brother. While the oldest Stark daughter, Sansa remains prisoner under the whims of a psychotic teenage-king in King’s Landing. The Stark pups remain safe behind the walls of Winterfell. In the book two new POV characters are added, one is Theon Greyjoy, and the other one an ex-smuggler, now serving under Stannis’ command: Davos, the Onion Lord.

The majority of chapters in the book though, are focused on Tyrion Lannister, who serves as a temporary Hand of the King. In King’s Landing, Tyrion has to deal with all the treachery and corruption found in the bowels of the Red Keep. He has to manage his nephew from abusing his power, he has to control his sister whose influence and charm have given her much support and he has to organize the city’s defenses so they can survive attacks both from Blackwater port and the North. And he has to do that while standing at four and a half feet tall, and despised by almost everyone.

Some of the other religions from across the world are introduced, exhibiting the grip different kinds of faith have on the people. Political machinations run wry in all fronts while almost all characters try to secure influence and power, from the Black Brotherhood in the North, to the slave culture of the East. The new season is bound to be more complicated and exciting than the last, with greater character interaction among the key players, continuing the struggle for power and survival.

Jon Snow, bastard son of Ned Stark

Theon Greyjoy, wearing the insignia of his house, The Kraken

Balon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands

Melissandre, Priestess of R'hllor and Stannis Baratheon, brother to the dead king contending for the Iron Throne

Renly Baratheon, Baratheon brother contending for the Iron Throne against his brother, nephew and Stark.

Joffrey of the Houses Baratheon and Lannisters, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms

Robb Stark, Heir of Winterfell and King in the North

Sansa Stark, held as prisoner by the King and his mother in King's Landing

Tyrion Lannister, filling in for his father as Hand of the King

Arya Stark, disguised as a boy, travelling with Yoren of the Night's Watch. None of her family know this.

Brandon Stark and Hodor back in Winterfell

Catelyn Stark at Riverrun, the Tully's Castle, where her brother and father rule

Cersei Lannister, Queen Mother

Brienne of Tarth, loyal follower of Renly Baratheon

Davos Seaworth, ex-smuggler, pirate and now in the service of Stannis Baratheon

Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea