Introduction: A Different Side of Westeros
In the vast literary landscape of George R.R. Martin’s Westeros, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms stands as a unique and often overlooked gem. This collection of three interconnected novellas – The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight – transports readers to a version of the Seven Kingdoms markedly different from the war-torn realm depicted in A Song of Ice and Fire. “I agree with the person who told me that this was some of George R.R. Martin’s best work. This is brilliantly written however it feels like it’s written by a different author.” – Reviewer Analysis Set approximately 89 years before the events of A Game of Thrones and about 13 years after the First Blackfyre Rebellion, these stories follow the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), an honest but self-doubting hedge knight, and his precocious squire Egg, who readers quickly learn is actually Aegon Targaryen, later to become King Aegon V.
Detailed Novella Breakdown
1. The Hedge Knight (5/5) – The Perfect Introduction
Originally published in 1998 in the Legends anthology, this first novella establishes the core relationship that makes the series so beloved.
Character Introductions:
Dunk (Ser Duncan the Tall): A refreshingly honorable protagonist who constantly doubts himself (“Dunk the lunk, thick as a castle wall”), Dunk provides the moral compass of these stories. His humble origins in Flea Bottom and his reverence for his late mentor Ser Arlan of Pennytree shape his worldview. Egg (Aegon Targaryen): The fiery, quick-witted royal hiding in plain sight as a common squire. His dynamic with Dunk provides both humor and heart, as the boy who would be king learns humility and the hedge knight learns confidence. Plot Summary: The story begins with Dunk attending a tournament at Ashford Meadow, where a chance encounter with the cruel Prince Aerion Targaryen (later known as Aerion Brightflame) sets in motion a chain of events that will test Dunk’s honor and survival skills. When Dunk defends a puppeteer from Aerion’s brutality, he finds himself facing a Trial by Seven – a spectacularly dangerous legal proceeding where guilt or innocence is determined by combat between seven champions for each side. Key Strengths:
- Masterful establishment of the central relationship
- Exciting tournament sequences that feel authentic to medieval jousting
- Introduction of important Targaryen figures like Baelor Breakspear
- The spectacular Trial by Seven sequence
- Subtle world-building about the Blackfyre Rebellions
2. The Sworn Sword (4/5) – A Contemplative Middle Chapter
Published five years after the first novella in 2003, this installment takes a more measured approach, exploring the day-to-day realities of life in Westeros between major conflicts. Plot Summary: Dunk and Egg find themselves in service to the elderly knight Ser Eustace Osgrey, whose small holdfast is suffering through a brutal drought. When they discover that a nearby stream has been dammed by their powerful neighbor, the “Red Widow” Lady Rohanne Webber, tensions escalate into a standoff that threatens to turn violent. Themes Explored:
- The subjectivity of history and memory (“There’s three sides to every story”)
- The fading of old knights and ways
- Water rights and small-scale conflicts in Westeros
- Romantic tension between Dunk and Lady Webber
Why It Works: While slower than the other novellas, The Sworn Sword provides crucial character development for Dunk and offers a rare glimpse at how the smallfolk and minor lords navigate Westerosi politics. The resolution presents Martin’s nuanced approach to conflict – neither side is wholly right or wrong.
3. The Mystery Knight (4.5/5) – Political Intrigue Returns
The most recent installment (2010) brings back more of the political intrigue familiar to ASOIAF fans while maintaining the series’ signature charm. Plot Summary: Traveling to another tournament (this time celebrating a wedding), Dunk and Egg find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy involving the ongoing Blackfyre threat. The mysterious “Fiddler” and the disappearance of a dragon egg create a web of intrigue that tests Dunk’s simple honesty against the complexities of royal politics. Key Elements:
- Deeper exploration of Blackfyre loyalists
- Introduction of Bloodraven (Brynden Rivers)
- The touching story of Glendon Ball, a knight determined to prove his worth
- Egg’s growing political awareness
- More tournament action with higher stakes
Connections to Main Series: This novella features several elements that resonate throughout ASOIAF:
- Bloodraven’s mysterious nature (later important in Dunk & Egg and ASOIAF)
- The continued Blackfyre threat (relevant to A Dance with Dragons)
- Early appearances of Houses that become important later (Frey, Butterwell)
Historical Context: Westeros Between Rebellions
The Dunk & Egg stories occupy a fascinating period in Westerosi history:
- 13 years after the First Blackfyre Rebellion: The wounds of Daemon Blackfyre’s failed rebellion still fresh
- Under King Aerys I: A bookish, disinterested ruler
- Bloodraven’s Influence: The infamous Hand’s spies everywhere
- Before the Great Spring Sickness: A relatively prosperous time
- Targaryen Power: Still strong but showing cracks
The Gary Gianni Illustrations: A Visual Feast
The collected edition’s artwork deserves special mention. Gary Gianni’s pen-and-ink illustrations:
- Perfectly capture the medieval aesthetic of Westeros
- Add depth to character appearances (finally showing Dunk’s height)
- Illustrate key scenes with cinematic quality
- Number over 160 throughout the collection
- Evoke classic book illustrations while feeling fresh
Particular standout illustrations include the Trial by Seven, Dunk’s first meeting with Egg, and the dramatic confrontation in The Mystery Knight.
Power and Perspective
Egg’s hidden identity allows Martin to explore how power looks from both above and below, as the future king experiences life as a commoner.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
Perfect For:
- ASOIAF fans wanting more Westeros lore
- Readers who find the main series too dark
- Fans of character-driven fantasy
- Those interested in medieval tournament culture
- Readers who appreciate illustrated editions
Maybe Not For:
- Readers wanting epic battles and huge stakes
- Those who prefer Martin’s grittier style
- Fans solely interested in the “present-day” ASOIAF plot
Final Verdict
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms stands as some of George R.R. Martin’s most polished, enjoyable work. While shorter and smaller in scope than his epic series, these novellas benefit from their focused narrative and lighter tone. The collection earns its 4.7/5 rating through:
- One of fantasy’s great buddy pairings in Dunk & Egg
- Authentic medieval tournament atmosphere
- Beautiful illustrations that enhance the reading experience
- Perfect balance of adventure, humor, and heart
- Valuable expansion of Westerosi history
Essential Reading For: Any ASOIAF fan, fantasy lovers who enjoy character-driven stories, and readers interested in medieval knight tales with depth.
Where to Go Next
After finishing this collection, consider:
- Fire & Blood – For more Targaryen history
- The World of Ice and Fire – For broader Westerosi context
- The Princess and the Queen – Another Martin novella set in Westeros
- Re-reading ASOIAF with new Dunk & Egg insights
- Exploring classic knight tales like The Once and Future King for comparison