The Hedge Knight by George R.R. Martin is a novella set in the world of Westeros, about a century before the events of the A Song of Ice and Fire series.
It is the first story in the Tales of Dunk and Egg series, which follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), a young hedge knight, and his squire, Egg.
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Set one hundred years before the events in A Song of Ice and Fire, The Hedge Knight chronicles a young squire as he travels the cruel and complex path to knighthood in the Seven Kingdoms.
Shouldering his fallen master’s sword and shield, Duncan (or “Dunk”) is determined to reinvent himself as a knight in a nearby tournament. But first Dunk needs a sponsor, and that requirement sends him down a road studded with friends, foes, adventure, and hidden agendas. One such friend is Egg, who becomes Dunk’s squire, yet even he may hold secret motivations of his own.
In this gripping prequel, Dunk and Egg seek glory in a world both familiar and new to Game of Thrones fans. What the two fortune seekers encounter, however, is a world of distrust and political machinations. Chivalry is not lost while Dunk holds fast to his dreams of honour. But such outdated virtues make him a target–and they may even lead to his ruin.
About the Author
George R.R. Martin is an American author best known for his epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, which inspired the hit HBO show Game of Thrones. Born in 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Martin started writing at a young age and initially made a name for himself with science fiction and horror stories.
His fame skyrocketed with A Game of Thrones in 1996, the first book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. The series is known for its intricate plots, complex characters, and unexpected twists, drawing readers into the richly detailed world of Westeros.
Martin also played a significant role in the production of the Game of Thrones TV series, helping to bring his elaborate world and characters to life on screen. Despite the series’ success, fans are still eagerly awaiting the last two books, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. Martin’s work has left a lasting impact on the fantasy genre, making him one of the most influential writers of his time.
What to read next
If you enjoyed the Dunk and Egg novellas, I’d suggest reading all the other books in the Game of Thrones world, including Fire & Blood.
