How to Read the Novellas Behind 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' in Order
- - How to Read the Novellas Behind 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' in Order
Rachel KingJanuary 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM
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How to Read The Tales of Dunk and Egg in Order
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HBO’s latest Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has a decidedly different vibe to it. Based upon George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, the trio of stories follow a noble, if not the most intelligent, knight and his very sharp-witted squire as they move through the countryside of Westeros. In contrast to the political scheming and warfare seen in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, Dunk and Egg offer another perspective into this universe, one that isn’t about royals and the highborn but the common people.
Each of the books in the series, set approximately a century prior to Game of Thrones, is only about 100 pages. Published between 1998 and 2010, each of the novellas were included within sci-fi and fantasy anthology books (as was The Princess and the Queen, the basis for House of the Dragon). The three novellas were eventually compiled into one book in 2015, although Martin has said in interviews he is interested in writing more Tales of Dunk and Egg after completing The Winds of Winter, the sixth book in A Song of Ice and Fire, the foundation for Game of Thrones.
The novellas are best read in publication order, which also follows the internal timeline of the story. Below is the recommended reading sequence.
The Hedge Knight
The first novella introduces Ser Duncan the Tall, a newly knighted hedge knight, and Egg, the boy who insists on becoming his squire. Their journey brings them to a tourney at Ashford Meadow in the Reach, often referred to as the breadbasket of Westeros. It is here where Dunk’s sense of fairness and respect of the rules of knighthood places him in conflict with members of House Targaryen.
$17.16 at amazon.com
The Sworn Sword
Set about a year later, the second novella follows Dunk and Egg into the service of a minor lord elsewhere in the Reach during a regional dispute. While the first novel was centered around the bloodsport of a tourney, this one involves more of the political jockeying familiar to Martin’s readers. The story deepens Dunk and Egg’s bond while showing how local power struggles reflect wider tensions in the realm.
$12.26 at amazon.com
The Mystery Knight
The third novella takes place at a wedding tourney, which is actually masking a larger conspiracy tied to Targaryen succession. Dunk and Egg are drawn into events that threaten to reignite another civil war. The novella closes the current arc with clearer links to the royal line that later shapes Game of Thrones.
$19.03 at amazon.com
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (A Song of Ice and Fire)
This compilation features more than 160 illustrations created by artist Gary Gianni. The audiobook version is also ready by Harry Lloyd, who played Viserys Targaryen (Dany’s brother) in season one of Game of Thrones.
$16.35 at amazon.com
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is now streaming on HBO Max. Watch Now
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