George R.R. Martin Says House Of The Dragon's First Episode Is 'Dark' And 'Powerful'

The author of Game of Thrones has given a big tick of approval to the show's prequel series that is set to be released later this year.

Shortly after the final episode of the incredible series aired, HBO revealed they were bringing George R.R. Martin's book House of the Dragon to life on the small screen.

Martin has been lucky enough to see the first episode of the new series and he believes it will wow audiences all over the world.

In a blog post on his website, the author was 'chuffed' to see House of the Dragon was rated as one of the most anticipated TV shows of 2022 alongside Amazon's Lord of the Rings series as well as the other Marvel and Star Wars projects.

"I am anticipating HOUSE OF THE DRAGON pretty eagerly myself, for what it's worth," he wrote.

"Okay, I am hardly objective. And I know a lot of what you will be seeing. (I, um, wrote the book). Also ... mum's the word now, don't tell anyone... I've seen a rough cut of the first episode. And loved it. It's dark, it's powerful, it's visceral... just the way I like my epic fantasy."

That sounds like a glowing endorsement, even if it is a little subjective.

House of the Dragon has been adapted from Martin's book Fire & Blood, which takes place hundreds of years before Game of Thrones.

It dives into the Targaryen family, their relationship with dragons, and how they became one of the most powerful and feared families in Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms.

It was clear HBO wanted to keep the good times rolling after GoT finished and Martin reckons the network has done a fantastic job at bringing his words to life.

"Ryan and Miguel have done an amazing job, and the cast... just as with GAME OF THRONES, most viewers will only have heard of a few of the actors, but I think you are going to fall in love with a lot of them," he added in his blog post.

"(Only to have your heart broken later when... but no, that would be telling). I think the Targaryens are in very good hands. Anticipate away. I do not think you will be disappointed."

We'll be getting 10 episodes in the first season and it's expected to drop at some point this year, however we haven't been given a specific date just yet. Only time will tell if it lives up to the hype.