The Rise of the Dragon

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.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

Non-fiction TV Series

Release date: October 25, 2022

Book Order

Your Rating

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Standard Shelves

Readers also enjoyed

★ 8.50 / 12

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time (The Wheel of Time)

★ 8.00 / 10

★ 7.90 / 11

★ 7.76 / 24

★ 7.40 / 10

The Book of Lost Tales, Part One (The History of Middle-earth #1)

★ 7.20 / 10

★ 6.58 / 17

Join the Discussion

You can post as a guest or sign in for more features.

Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!

George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin is one of the most influential and celebrated authors in the world of fantasy literature. Known for his epic storytelling, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Martin has captured the imagination of millions of readers globally. Born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, he began his writing career as a young man and quickly became known for his distinctive narrative style. With works spanning across novels, short stories, and television scripts, Martin has established himself as a master of fantasy and speculative fiction.

Best known for his groundbreaking A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the wildly popular television series Game of Thrones, Martin has redefined the modern fantasy genre. His books combine medieval-style politics, deep character development, and unpredictable plots, setting them apart from traditional fantasy works. In A Game of Thrones (1996), the first book in the series, Martin introduces readers to the treacherous and captivating world of Westeros, where noble families vie for power and the fate of the realm hangs in the balance. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, earning Martin critical acclaim and a massive global fanbase.

Martin's writing is known for its complexity, with multiple perspectives and intertwining plotlines that challenge readers' assumptions. His characters, often gray rather than strictly good or evil, add depth to the epic struggles of power, love, betrayal, and survival. The series’ unpredictability, including the shocking deaths of key characters, has set it apart from other works in the genre, earning Martin the title of "The American Tolkien."

Beyond A Song of Ice and Fire, Martin has contributed to various other works, including Fevre Dream, Tuf Voyaging, and The Ice Dragon, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His involvement in television, particularly his role as a co-executive producer and writer on Game of Thrones, has further cemented his status in the literary and entertainment world. Martin is also the editor of the Wild Cards series.

Despite his immense success, Martin's dedication to his craft remains unwavering. Fans eagerly await the next installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, with The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring promising to bring even more depth to his already intricate universe.

With his unparalleled storytelling, George R. R. Martin has not only shaped the fantasy genre but also influenced generations of writers, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and popular culture. His ability to weave together complex worlds, multifaceted characters, and gripping narratives ensures that his works will continue to captivate readers for years to come.

Photo: Henry Söderlund / CC BY 4.0

The Targaryan Dynasty

The Targaryan Dynasty consists of one book and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Main series A Song of Ice and Fire

The Rise of the Dragon (The Targaryan Dynasty #1)

★ 7.50 / 2

⧗ 10.00 / 1

^ Top