Game of Thrones is a show that will break your heart, stomp on the shattered pieces, chew it up, spit it out and light it on fire.

By this of course, I mean that it is my favorite show.

Based in a fictional universe, the story revolves around about 15 main characters, all fighting for the coveted “iron throne.” Lord and ladies, princes and princesses, kings and queens all battle for a throne that they all believe without a doubt that they deserve. They all have their ways of making sure that the throne becomes theirs, among those being dark magic, giant armies, and my personal favorite, dragons.

The show has its way of appealing to everyone through its diverse narrators, intricately woven story line, and magical world. It will draw any sort of fan into its incredible plot, whether geeks, fantasy nerds, history lovers, or like me, all of the above.

Most of the story centers around the protagonists, the Stark family, a cold blooded, honor swearing clan from the North, bent on doing good and keeping this family together, neither of which they accomplish, especially after the blood bath that was last season. It also focuses on the antagonists, the Lannisters, a power hungry, blond haired family that gleefully gives evil a run for its money. As far as surviving goes, they’re doing pretty well. The same can’t be said for the Starks.

The thing about Game of Thrones that makes it so captivating, and crucial is that no one is safe. Main characters are killed mid-narration, babies are stabbed- even seemingly safe rats are tortured to death. No one can seem to catch a break, and you watch, entranced, for an hour while some avoid close brushes with death, and most meet their end.

All in all, it’s a fascinating plot, an amazing story, and some of the best actors today. In short, I recommend you steel your heart, grab your tissues and settle in for Season 4, which begins next week.