Welcome to Novel Context, bi-weekly podcast that unpacks influential books to understand the story the author was really telling, how the culture and politics of that time influenced it, and how that story still shapes us today.

On this episode, we begin our season long exploration of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. We'll be walking through Jonathan Harker's haunted trip to Transylvania, and then unpack the origins of Castle Dracula, The Count's the often ignored power over dreams and reality, and we'll unmask the historical figure Dracula was really based on.

This week we're covering The Black Queen, Episode 10 and the season finale of HBO's HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. This season we are covering the Game of Thrones prequel series every week as the episodes premiere.

This week we're talking about how much Otto Hightower stinks, Queen Rhaenyra drinking negronis... sbagliato... with prosecco at the Painted Table, poor Lucerys getting mistaken for Grandma Vhagar's cholesterol medication, Cregan Stark and coming alliances in Season 2... and of course, our full review of HOT D Season 1.

Be sure to find on us on Twitter at @itsnottvpod, and make us feel good about ourselves by leaving a review on iTunes. If you write us a good review, we'll read it on air! If you write us a bad review... we will also read that on air.

It's Not TV is hosted by David Milone and Nicole Talbot, produced by Matt Milone, and is a production of Bruit Media.

Links from the Episode:

• The Best HOT D Twitter Account by @motelsonthemoon

This week we're covering The Green Council, Episode 9 of HBO's HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. This season we are covering the Game of Thrones prequel series every week as the episodes premiere.

This week we're talking about early morning coups, Alicent Hightower's finally finding her queenly agency, Aegon losing his title of grossest Green, coronations and the most important objects of power in Westeros, and Rhaenys killing lots of small folk.

Be sure to find on us on Twitter at @itsnottvpod, and make us feel good about ourselves by leaving a review on iTunes. If you write us a good review, we'll read it on air! If you write us a bad review... we will also read that on air.

It's Not TV is hosted by David Milone and Nicole Talbot, produced by Matt Milone, and is a production of Bruit Media.

Links from the Episode:

• Fancy Russian Crown