Summer is here (and how) but on the small screen, it’s time for winter and the new season of Game of Thrones.

The HBO production of George RR Martin’s historical fantasy novels has had five outstanding seasons that have created a cult of fanatics across the world. Set in the fictional kingdoms of Essos and Westeroes and following dynastic battles for power and influence involving several characters, Game of Thrones will return with a new season on April 26 at 10pm on the Star World Premiere HD channel. The new season departs from previous ones because it is not entirely based on the books (Martin is still writing a new volume), and the possibilities of the fates of much-loved characters are endless. Here are some images from the new season (Jon Snow is not among them, but you never know).

Tyrion Lannister with Lord Varys. (Home Box office, Inc.)
Cersei and Jaime Lannister. (Home Box office, Inc.)
Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Moro. (Home Box office, Inc.)
Sansa Stark and Theon Greyjoy. (Home Box office, Inc.)
Ramsay Bolton. (Home Box office, Inc.)

A short video on the visual effects used in the upcoming season is here.