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sullivanblack02 's review for:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
by George R.R. Martin
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms tells the tale of Ser Duncan the Tall, known as Dunk—or, to his peers, “Dunk the Lunk”—and his bald, purple-eyed squire, Egg. This collection of three short stories—The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight—delves into their adventures in the morally complex and politically charged world of Westeros.
The Hedge Knight introduces Dunk’s humble beginnings as a poor hedge knight whose entry into a tourney spirals into chaos. Along the way, he meets Egg, a squire with secrets of his own, and the two form a bond that’s as heartfelt as it is endearing. Dunk’s defense of a helpless girl puts him at odds with Prince Aerion Targaryen, leading to a fight that shows his unwavering honor despite the scorn he faces as a lowly hedge knight.
In The Sworn Sword, Dunk’s loyalty is tested when he chooses to stand by a flawed lord, even when others might abandon him. His sense of honor, protection of the innocent, and prioritization of peace reveal his true knighthood, setting him apart from the many corrupt lords and knights of Westeros.
The Mystery Knight begins with Dunk being humbled in a joust before he uncovers a dangerous plot to overthrow the king. Injured and pursued, Dunk must rely on his wits and the loyalty of his squire, Egg, to protect the realm. This final tale is a testament to their partnership and Dunk’s unyielding dedication to doing what is right, even in the face of impossible odds.
George R.R. Martin’s writing is magnificent in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, blending the overly romanticized ideals of knighthood with the gritty realities of Westeros. Martin creates a story that feels both deeply personal and expansive, a rare feat in fantasy literature. Unlike A Song of Ice and Fire, this collection avoids overly graphic sexual content, relying on the bond between Dunk and Egg and the gripping plot to captivate readers. This distinction makes the book accessible to a wider audience while still retaining the depth and intrigue Martin is known for.
However, one potential downside is the level of knowledge about Targaryen history required to fully appreciate these stories, especially The Mystery Knight. For readers unfamiliar with Westeros’ intricate history, I recommend starting with Fire and Blood or The Rise of the Dragon: An Illustrated History of the Targaryen Dynasty, Volume One for additional context.
A standout feature of this collection is Gary Gianni’s breathtaking pen-and-ink illustrations. His work, reminiscent of medieval woodcuts, beautifully brings Dunk and Egg’s world to life. The illustrations are not just decorative but elevate the narrative, making the book a feast for both the mind and the eyes.
The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is one of my favorite works by Martin. It perfectly captures the gallantry and lessons of true knighthood through Ser Duncan’s story. Despite his humble status, Dunk proves time and again that honor and chivalry are defined by actions, not titles. His journey is a reminder that even in a world as brutal as Westeros, kindness and courage can make a difference.
The Hedge Knight introduces Dunk’s humble beginnings as a poor hedge knight whose entry into a tourney spirals into chaos. Along the way, he meets Egg, a squire with secrets of his own, and the two form a bond that’s as heartfelt as it is endearing. Dunk’s defense of a helpless girl puts him at odds with Prince Aerion Targaryen, leading to a fight that shows his unwavering honor despite the scorn he faces as a lowly hedge knight.
In The Sworn Sword, Dunk’s loyalty is tested when he chooses to stand by a flawed lord, even when others might abandon him. His sense of honor, protection of the innocent, and prioritization of peace reveal his true knighthood, setting him apart from the many corrupt lords and knights of Westeros.
The Mystery Knight begins with Dunk being humbled in a joust before he uncovers a dangerous plot to overthrow the king. Injured and pursued, Dunk must rely on his wits and the loyalty of his squire, Egg, to protect the realm. This final tale is a testament to their partnership and Dunk’s unyielding dedication to doing what is right, even in the face of impossible odds.
George R.R. Martin’s writing is magnificent in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, blending the overly romanticized ideals of knighthood with the gritty realities of Westeros. Martin creates a story that feels both deeply personal and expansive, a rare feat in fantasy literature. Unlike A Song of Ice and Fire, this collection avoids overly graphic sexual content, relying on the bond between Dunk and Egg and the gripping plot to captivate readers. This distinction makes the book accessible to a wider audience while still retaining the depth and intrigue Martin is known for.
However, one potential downside is the level of knowledge about Targaryen history required to fully appreciate these stories, especially The Mystery Knight. For readers unfamiliar with Westeros’ intricate history, I recommend starting with Fire and Blood or The Rise of the Dragon: An Illustrated History of the Targaryen Dynasty, Volume One for additional context.
A standout feature of this collection is Gary Gianni’s breathtaking pen-and-ink illustrations. His work, reminiscent of medieval woodcuts, beautifully brings Dunk and Egg’s world to life. The illustrations are not just decorative but elevate the narrative, making the book a feast for both the mind and the eyes.
The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is one of my favorite works by Martin. It perfectly captures the gallantry and lessons of true knighthood through Ser Duncan’s story. Despite his humble status, Dunk proves time and again that honor and chivalry are defined by actions, not titles. His journey is a reminder that even in a world as brutal as Westeros, kindness and courage can make a difference.