The following is a guest post by EJ Parfitt.

You’ve seen the trailers, you’ve rewatched the series on satellite TV, maybe you’ve even read the books to pass the time during the hiatus. But do you really know what to expect from season two of Game of Thrones?

Here’s a hint: the season is called “A Clash of Kings,” and nothing could be more fitting.

The Starks

Freshly crowned the King in the North, Robb Stark will realize that winning a war isn’t easy, especially when there are… certain temptations involved. Remember, he’s only fifteen in the books, so this is a high school sophomore trying to restrain his hormones long enough to conquer a kingdom. On the bright side, fans of Richard Madden will appreciate their favorite star in some very steamy scenes!

As for the girls, Arya is freshly shorn and ready to take on the world with the help of a certain royal bastard (last season’s Joseph Dempsie). Back at court, Sansa continues to learn the harsh lesson that “life is not a song”… but like her sister, she learns to adapt to her circumstances. Future player of the game? We’ll see.

The Lannisters

Jamie Lannister is still being held by Catelyn Stark, and despite his lazy attitude and bondage jokes, even the Kingslayer can’t remain completely unmoved by captivity. Can we say character development?

Cersei has her hands full with King Joffery, who finds himself just as popular with the commoners as he is with viewers. Which is to say, not at all. There may be a riot coming, and when the dust settles, not everyone will be unscathed.

Tyrion has been preparing for war. He has a plan, a pet sellsword (Bronn), and the official endorsement of his father, who made him Hand the King in his own absence. While nothing everything runs smoothly – indeed, his clashes with Cersei and the rest of court will become the stuff of legend – he’ll manage to pull everything together in time to meet…

The Baratheons

Stannis Baratheon is one of the new characters introduced in season two, and boy, he’s a doozy. Tough, righteous, and notoriously inflexible, Stannis considers himself the one true king and will do whatever it takes to reclaim the throne, even if it means burning his old gods and attacking his ex-allies.

His brother Renly isn’t much better, though with a flippant attitude and a secret gay lover, he’s much more fun to watch. Renly considers himself the best choice in the line of succession, and he raises an army to prove it.

On a shallow note, he’ll also be a very fine addition to any high-def satellite TV.

The Greyjoys

Little more than an afterthought in season one, Theon Greyjoy will prove himself a force to be reckoned with when he returns home to the Iron Islands and finds that his father and sister are plotting rebellion. With the kingdoms already attacking each other, they say, it’s the perfect time to seize control. And they want Theon’s help to do it.

Theon has a choice to make, and if you think you know how he’ll swing, you’re probably wrong.

The Targaryen

Last season saw the birth of three baby dragons – the first in a hundred years – after Dany literally walked through fire. You might assume it’s a tough act to follow, but you haven’t even begun to see what the new Khalessi has in store for her enemies.

And remember Barriston Selmy? The knight dismissed by Joffrey in the first season? Don’t consider him gone just yet. Having been humiliated by a king, Barriston may just decide that a queen is a more fitting ruler after all.

No matter who you’re rooting for in this “Clash of Kings,” it’s a safe bet that you won’t be prepared for what happens next. “Game of Thrones” is already famous for its battles, betrayals and bloodshed, and season two promises to bigger and more shocking than ever before.

Winter is coming. Are you ready?

Image credit: FlickR

Tech writer EJ Parfitt has been writing for a short time now and has already picked up steam with several tech websites and local news sites .  During his free time , you’re sure to catch him competing in local chess tournaments in downtown Fort Lauderdale FL .