A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

George R. R. Martin

Oct 2015 · Sold by Bantam

About this ebook

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Taking place nearly a century before the events of A Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles the first three official prequel novellas to George R. R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A Song of Ice and Fire.
 
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY LOS ANGELES TIMES AND BUZZFEED
 
These never-before-collected adventures recount an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living consciousness. Before Tyrion Lannister and Podrick Payne, there was Dunk and Egg. A young, naïve but ultimately courageous hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall towers above his rivals—in stature if not experience. Tagging along is his diminutive squire, a boy called Egg—whose true name is hidden from all he and Dunk encounter. Though more improbable heroes may not be found in all of Westeros, great destinies lay ahead for these two . . . as do powerful foes, royal intrigue, and outrageous exploits.
 
Featuring more than 160 all-new illustrations by Gary Gianni, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a must-have collection that proves chivalry isn’t dead—yet.

Praise for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

“Readers who already love Martin and his ability to bring visceral human drama out of any story will be thrilled to find this trilogy brought together and injected with extra life.”—Booklist

“The real reason to check out this collection is that it’s simply great storytelling. Martin crafts a living, breathing world in a way few authors can. . . . [Gianni’s illustrations] really bring the events of the novellas to life in beautiful fashion.”—Tech Times

“Stirring . . . As Tolkien has his Silmarillion, so [George R. R.] Martin has this trilogy of foundational tales. They succeed on their own, but in addition, they succeed in making fans want more.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Pure fantasy adventure, with two of the most likable protagonists George R. R. Martin has ever penned.”—Bustle

“A must-read for Martin’s legion of fans . . . a rousing prelude to [his] bestselling Song of Ice and Fire saga . . . rich in human drama and the colorful worldbuilding that distinguishes other books in the series.”—Publishers Weekly

Ratings and reviews

The Dunk & Egg short stories are a reminder that George RR Martin is capable of crafting a good story, something fans of his may have forgotten after the ambling, directionless mess that was the last two ASoIaF novels. These are Martin at his best and they're required reading for any fan of the universe. Keep in mind that while these were just published in 1 volume, The Hedge Knight was first published in 1998 and the mystery Knight in 2003, written 15 years ago.

This is a group of short stories comprising a light hearted romp of an adventure through the Seven Kingdoms. Our main characters are The future Targarion king Aegon the Unlikely and his future Kingsguard Dunk. The stakes are low and the events are relatively predictable when compared to the expectations set by the flagship series. Thats not to say that the book is not worth reading or superbly enjoyable in the absence of any new installments to the main series, because it is a good book and a good time killer. But don't come looking for intrigue or anything to in depth here. I guess one could say this book is to Martins 'Song of Ice and Fire' series as 'The Hobbit' is to Tolkiens LOTR series.

4.5 stars I'm a fan of Game of Thrones, but I haven't read any of A Song of Ice and Fire. I thought I would check out this prequel before diving into the main books. I really liked it, way more than I was expecting, especially the further I got. All the main family names that everyone is familiar with are there, but the characters are new. I love Dunk and Egg. I recommend this book to fans of historical reads with knights, battles, sword fights and such. And the friendship between Dunk and Egg is great, venturing on bromance. I'll definitely be reading more from this universe.

About the author

George R. R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire—A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons—as well as Tuf Voyaging, Fevre Dream, The Armageddon Rag, Dying of the Light, Windhaven (with Lisa Tuttle), and Dreamsongs Volumes I and II. He is also the creator of The Lands of Ice and Fire, a collection of maps from A Song of Ice and Fire featuring original artwork from illustrator and cartographer Jonathan Roberts, and The World of Ice & Fire (with Elio M. García, Jr., and Linda Antonsson). As a writer-producer, Martin has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
 
Gary Gianni graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Art in 1976. He has worked on numerous magazines, children’s books, graphic novels, and paperbacks. He has illustrated a variety of subjects including Batman, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Michael Chabon’s Gentlemen of the Road. He also drew the Prince Valiant comic strip from 2004 to 2012. Gianni is influenced by the masters of the golden age of illustrating, such as Joseph Clement Coll and Franklin Booth.