'Game Of Thrones' Season 5 Preview: What Fans Can Expect For Next Year

The "Game of Thrones" Season 4 finale, "The Children," aired on Sunday, but there are plenty of questions left unanswered for fans. With "Game of Thrones" Season 5 a year away, here are some things fans can expect from the series.

Warning: Full "Game of Thrones" Season 4 spoilers and "A Song of Ice and Fire" discussion ahead.

Main Storylines To Expect From "Game of Thrones" Season 5

Based on "The Children," we know a few storylines that will be covered in Season 5. Up north, Bran found the cave of the three-eyed raven, and his apprenticeship will start next season. Expect fans to learn more about the Children of the Forest as well as the identity of the three-eyed raven himself. At Castle Black, expect plenty of Stannis and Jon Snow as the two work together, or clash, on solving the Wildling problem; what will they do with all of the prisoners and Mance Rayder? The next chapter of Littlefinger and Sansa at the Vale will be an interesting storyline to follow as the show is pretty much caught up with "A Song of Ice and Fire."

Across the Narrow Sea, Arya and Tyrion are heading to Braavos and Pentos on ships, albeit under very different circumstances, and Season 5 will definitely cover the aftermath of Tyrion's actions, killing Tywin and Shae, and the next phase of Arya's journey. Daenerys will have to learn how to be a ruler while also deciding what to do with her dangerous dragon brood.

In King's Landing, the death of Tywin will have its own repercussions, and Cersei finally gets her moment to rule. Cersei will likely resist any attempts by Margaery to gain favor with Tommen, and it will be interesting to see how her relationship with Jaime evolves.

New Characters And New Locations

Based on casting and scouting rumors, "Game of Thrones" Season 5 will head to Dorne. Following the death of Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper, the Martell family will become major players in the series. Doran Martell, Areo Hotah (Doran's bodyguard), Trystane Martell and the Sand Snakes (Oberyn's bastard children) are rumored to make an appearance in Season 5, according to a Winter Is Coming report, and it's likely Arianne Martell, Doran's eldest child, and only daughter, will appear. There are also some new characters in "A Dance With Dragons" but I don't think the series will introduce so many new characters and plots in Season 5.

While there have been no casting rumors yet, the Greyjoys play a prominent role in "A Feast for Crows," the fourth novel in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. It will be interesting to see how "Game of Thrones" series creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will adapt the Iron Islands storyline, which includes Theon's uncles Victarion and Euron. Another interesting aspect to consider is Balon Greyjoy as he dies in "A Storm of Swords" but remains alive in the TV series.

Expect Plenty Of Surprises

With two books of material to adapt, "Game of Thrones" Season 5 will be interesting as it's unclear how Benioff and Weiss adapt "A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance With Dragons." The first four seasons covered the first three books of the series. "Game of Thrones" Season 4 covered the second half of "A Storm of Swords," but the next two seasons are unlikely to follow this format. Season 4 featured some moments that surprised fans who have read "A Song of Ice and Fire," such as the White Walker scene and Jojen's death, and it's possible the series will overtake the source material in Season 5 in some storylines.

More Shocking Deaths?

"Game of Thrones" Season 4 featured the deaths of Joffrey, Tywin, Shae, the Hound, Lysa Jojen, Ygritte and Oberyn, just to name a few. The action slows down considerably in "A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance With Dragons," but there could be some shocking moments that will rival Season 4.