The book tells the story of House Targaryen, from the Conquest of Dorne to the events leading up to the Doom of Valyria. The narrative covers over 400 years of history, including the rise and fall of great Targaryen rulers, their conquests, and their struggles for power. Through the book, Martin explores the complexities of Targaryen history, revealing the internal conflicts, family dynamics, and mythical events that shaped the dynasty.