It’s that time of the year where eager Christmas lovers are beginning to spread the holiday cheer in preparation for St. Nick’s arrival. Shoppers are already anticipating Black Friday’s deals long before the beloved turkey and sweet potato pie are set at the dinner table. Luckily, the great white-bearded man has the perfect gift for all those early birds…but we aren’t referring to the fellow in the red suit.
Game of Thrones fans and gift givers alike can rejoice knowing that George R.R. Martin announced a prequel series to the critically acclaimed A Song of Ice and Fire collection. Released on October 6th 2015, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is Martin’s latest trilogy of novellas that follows the events that transpire a century before the Starks and Lannisters pull the strings.
What many may not know is that this particular series has been around for quite the while. The Hedge Knight, the first novella in the sequence, was published in 1998, followed by The Sworn Sword in 2003 and The Mystery Knight in 2010. It wasn’t until Random House Books decided to merge the three novellas into one recognizable title that more of the public became aware of its existence.
In the books, readers accompany two unlikely heroes Ser Duncan (Dunk) the knight and his faithful and curiously named squire, Egg, on their journey through Westeros. The companions’ travels are wrought with adventure as they encounter dangerous adversaries, royal conflict, and the general thrill of questing in the infamous seven realms. Much to the happiness of Martin’s devoted followers, the two characters are craftily weaved into the legacy of the succeeding series, A Song of Fire and Ice.
While much of Martin’s fan base is still anticipating the release of The Winds of Winter (his sixth installment of the franchise), this unsung group of stories is sure to keep readers entertained in the meantime. Game of Thrones enthusiasts will find that Martin’s ability to masterfully create an inventive fantasy realm enriched with compelling characters and intrigue is ever present in the prequel.
With that being said, if you happen to be looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for a friend, loved one, or even yourself, give this series a try. Bundle up with a warm blanket and some hot cider and follow Dunk and Egg on their exciting expeditions in a time when winter wasn’t quite coming.