A Knight of the Seven KingdomsReview by Paul Fiander
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Written by: George R. R. Martin
Narrated by: Harry Lloyd Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins Series: Song of Ice and Fire Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited |
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When George R.R. Martin (GRRM) created Westeros he took his time in giving it a rich and varied past. From the Children of the Forest to the First Men all the way up to the fall of the Mad King. Everything was plotted so well that the events make numerous appearances in mention throughout the Song of Ice and Fire. The background work was necessary for some of the stories, the mad king being a prime example of this but the rest was not needed unless you wanted to create more than just a story. Thankfully for us GRRM decided to create so rich a history that is has spawned not only this book but also a history of Westeros in A World of Ice & Fire, a review of which you can read here.
Within the histories we get a great deal devoted to the Targaryens, and one of the Dragon Lords is the part focus of this book, with the main part being devoted to Dunc the lunk. Of course that's not his real name but when we meet our hero we do not know the hero he is to become and neither does he. Duncan is a squire for an old ailing knight, he was born in poverty but due to a spot of luck managed to get out of flea bottom and into the service of See Arlan of Pennytree. This arrangement though does not last for long in the book and soon Duncan the Tall, a Hedge Knight comes into being. This book then tells of how a simple man managed to affect a Kingdom, a Lord, a Lady and even a future king. |
The book is split into three different stories, each being a test for Duncan in its own way, though the idea of a knights "code" runs thick through each. The series as a whole has benefited from its multifaceted characters from the devoted little finger to the always thinking Tyrion. Duncan however is more akin to Ned Stark but thanks to the inner workings of each tale you never find him boring, especially when Egg is around. Egg is an interesting character that Duncan meets on the road and together they make quite a traveling duo. Eggs quick tongue and Dunc’s size make them a target as well as a twist to the plot that gives this tale an ambitious flare.
This is the first GRRM book that I have listened to without Roy Doltrice narrating. The warm blanket of his Martin is thrown off the story with Harry Lloyd taking over the role. He seems to have stuck with the regionalised accents of Doltrice and makes a strong gust at the majority of them. His diction is very good and he knows when to breathe do the sentences flow throughout.
As a standalone story this is an epic tale of a knight and his honor and when added to the mythos of Westeros it is a lovely addition. On a side note this is perhaps the most accessible GRRM book I have read due to its focus on one character and this makes it perfect for the newcomer as well as the 7 Kingdoms elite.
This is the first GRRM book that I have listened to without Roy Doltrice narrating. The warm blanket of his Martin is thrown off the story with Harry Lloyd taking over the role. He seems to have stuck with the regionalised accents of Doltrice and makes a strong gust at the majority of them. His diction is very good and he knows when to breathe do the sentences flow throughout.
As a standalone story this is an epic tale of a knight and his honor and when added to the mythos of Westeros it is a lovely addition. On a side note this is perhaps the most accessible GRRM book I have read due to its focus on one character and this makes it perfect for the newcomer as well as the 7 Kingdoms elite.
Image and Physical copy of book via publisher
Audiobook purchased by Reviewer.
Audiobook purchased by Reviewer.
