NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * This lavish visual history--featuring over 180 all-new illustrations--is a stunning introduction to House Targaryen, the iconic family at the heart of HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon . For hundreds of years, the Targaryens sat the Iron Throne of Westeros while their dragons ruled the skies. The story of the only family of dragonlords to survive Valyria's Doom is a tale of twisty politics, alliances and betrayals, and acts both noble and craven. The Rise of the Dragon chronicles the creation and rise of Targaryen power in Westeros, covering the history first told in George R. R. Martin's epic Fire & Blood , from Aegon Targaryen's conquest of Westeros through to the infamous Dance of the Dragons--the bloody civil war that nearly undid Targaryen rule for good. Packed with all-new artwork, the Targaryens--and their dragons--come vividly to life in this deluxe reference book. Perfect for fans steeped in the lore of Westeros, as well as those who first meet the Targaryens in the HBO series House of the Dragon , The Rise of the Dragon provides a must-have overview for anyone looking to learn more about the most powerful family in Westeros.