A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order is simple because the main collection contains three connected Dunk and Egg novellas.
Read them in this order:
Order
Story
Original publication
What it covers
1
The Hedge Knight
1998
Dunk meets Egg and enters a major tourney
2
The Sworn Sword
2003
Dunk and Egg become involved in a land dispute
3
The Mystery Knight
2010
Dunk and Egg enter a dangerous tourney
4
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
2015
Collection containing all three stories
George R. R. Martin’s official site confirms that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms collects the first three Dunk and Egg stories: The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight.
So, if you buy the single collection, you do not need to buy three separate books. You can simply read the three stories inside the collection from beginning to end.
Contents
What Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order refers to the connected stories about Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, Egg.
These stories take place in Westeros long before the events of A Game of Thrones. The official George R. R. Martin book page places the stories nearly a century before the main A Song of Ice and Fire story.
Unlike the main novels, these are shorter stories.
However, they still contain many things that fans love about Westeros.
There are knights, kings, castles, tournaments, family fights, secret identities, old rivalries, and political danger.
At the center of it all are two very different characters.
Dunk is a large young knight who has little money and little experience.
Egg is a clever young boy who becomes his squire.
Together, they travel around Westeros.
Their friendship grows with every story.
Most importantly, the stories show a different side of Westeros.
The world is still dangerous, but the stories often feel more personal and adventurous than the main A Song of Ice and Fire novels.
Why the Reading Order Matters
The best A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order follows the publication and story order.
That means you should begin with The Hedge Knight.
Then read The Sworn Sword.
Finally, read The Mystery Knight.
This order matters because the characters develop from one story to the next.
Dunk learns from his mistakes.
Egg also changes as he grows older.
Their friendship becomes stronger.
At the same time, readers learn more about Egg’s hidden background.
The stories also build on the history of the Targaryen family and the conflicts that happened before the events of Game of Thrones.
Therefore, reading them out of order can remove some of the fun.
The Hedge Knight Comes First
The Hedge Knight is the first story in the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order.
It introduces Ser Duncan the Tall.
Dunk has recently become a knight.
He does not come from a rich family.
He has no great castle.
He has no famous army.
Instead, he travels as a hedge knight and looks for work.
That simple life changes when he meets a young boy named Egg.
Egg offers to become Dunk’s squire.
Dunk does not know the boy’s true identity at first.
That secret becomes very important.
The story then takes Dunk to a great tournament.
The tournament gives him a chance to earn money and prove himself.
However, it also puts him in serious danger.
The story introduces the idea of chivalry in a very direct way.
Dunk believes that a knight should protect people.
But Westeros does not always reward good behavior.
That conflict becomes one of the main ideas of the series.
Why The Hedge Knight Is the Best Starting Point
The first story works well for new readers.
You do not need deep knowledge of Westeros.
You do not need to remember every great house.
You do not need to understand the whole Targaryen family tree.
Instead, you follow Dunk.
That makes the story easy to understand.
You also meet Egg at the same time Dunk does.
Therefore, readers discover Egg’s secrets slowly.
This creates a natural mystery.
The story also gives you a simple introduction to knights and tournaments.
As a result, The Hedge Knight is an excellent starting point for both new readers and longtime fans.
The Hedge Knight and the Ashford Tournament
One of the most important parts of the first story is the tournament at Ashford.
Dunk hopes the tournament will give him money and a chance to gain respect.
Instead, events become much more serious.
A conflict involving Prince Aerion Targaryen forces Dunk to make a difficult choice.
He cannot simply walk away.
He must decide what kind of knight he wants to be.
That decision gives the story its heart.
The tournament is not just about winning.
It is about honor.
It is about power.
It is about whether a poor knight can stand against people who have more money and influence.
The Sworn Sword Comes Second
The second story in the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order is The Sworn Sword.
This story continues Dunk and Egg’s journey.
The mood changes.
The first story focuses heavily on a tournament.
The second story focuses more on everyday life in Westeros.
Dunk serves under Ser Eustace Osgrey.
However, a dispute develops between Ser Eustace and Lady Rohanne Webber.
The disagreement involves land and water.
At first, it may sound like a small problem.
But in Westeros, even a small land dispute can become dangerous.
Dunk finds himself caught between two sides.
He must decide where his loyalty belongs.
The Sworn Sword Shows a Different Westeros
The second story is valuable because it shows ordinary people.
You see farmers.
You see soldiers.
You see small castles.
You see people struggling with drought and war.
This makes the world feel larger.
Westeros is not only about kings sitting on the Iron Throne.
It is also about people trying to survive.
That is one reason the story feels different from The Hedge Knight.
Instead of a large tournament, the story gives readers a smaller conflict.
However, the smaller conflict still has serious results.
The Mystery Knight Comes Third
The third story in the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order is The Mystery Knight.
It is the final published Dunk and Egg novella in the original collection.
Dunk and Egg travel to a tournament.
As you might expect, the tournament does not stay simple.
Secrets begin to appear.
Political plans are hidden beneath the surface.
The story also connects more strongly to the history of the Blackfyre Rebellions.
Therefore, longtime Game of Thrones readers may notice more links to Westerosi history.
The official George R. R. Martin site describes The Mystery Knight as one of the Dunk and Egg novellas and highlights the mystery surrounding the tournament and Egg’s identity.
Why The Mystery Knight Feels Bigger
The third story expands the political side of the series.
Dunk is still a wandering knight.
Egg is still his squire.
However, Egg’s royal background makes things complicated.
Dunk must protect Egg while also trying to understand what is happening around them.
The story includes hidden loyalties.
It also includes old enemies.
Furthermore, it gives readers more information about the political history of Westeros.
That makes The Mystery Knight a strong ending for the currently collected stories.
The Complete Collection Explained
The easiest way to follow the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order is to purchase the collection with that title.
George R. R. Martin has explained that the collection was created because the three Dunk and Egg stories had originally appeared in different anthologies.
The collection brought them together in one volume.
The 2015 edition also includes artwork by Gary Gianni.
Martin’s official publication information says the illustrated collection includes more than 160 illustrations.
So, the collection is more than a simple reprint.
It gives readers one convenient place to experience Dunk and Egg’s early adventures.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the title of a collection.
Inside it are three separate novellas.
They are:
The Hedge Knight
The Sworn Sword
The Mystery Knight
Therefore, you can think of it as one physical book containing three connected stories.
Penguin Random House describes the collection as containing the three official prequel novellas.
Are There Three Dunk and Egg Books?
The answer depends on what you mean by “books.”
There are three main published Dunk and Egg stories.
But they were first published as individual novellas.
Later, Martin collected those three stories into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Therefore, a reader looking for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order should not assume that they need three separate modern volumes.
The easiest option is the collection.
A Simple Story Timeline
Here is the basic timeline:
Story
Place in story
Main focus
The Hedge Knight
1
Dunk meets Egg
The Sworn Sword
2
Dunk serves Ser Eustace
The Mystery Knight
3
Tournament and political danger
The order is straightforward.
Read the stories from top to bottom.
You will then follow Dunk and Egg naturally.
Where These Stories Fit in Westeros History
The A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order take place about 90 years before A Game of Thrones.
That makes them prequel stories.
The Targaryens still rule Westeros.
The Iron Throne still belongs to the Targaryen dynasty.
However, the political world is not the same world readers know from the main series.
The dragons are gone.
Yet memories of dragons remain.
That creates an interesting setting.
The world feels familiar, but it also feels different.
How Egg Connects to the Targaryens
Egg is not an ordinary child.
His real identity is Aegon Targaryen.
He is the future King Aegon V.
This is one of the most interesting parts of the series.
Dunk sees Egg as a young boy.
Readers, however, know that Egg’s future will be important.
That creates dramatic tension.
Egg wants adventure.
But his royal family has other plans for him.
Dunk also has to deal with the fact that his squire belongs to a powerful family.
This gives their friendship an unusual shape.
Who Is Ser Duncan the Tall?
Ser Duncan is the main hero.
People usually call him Dunk.
He is very tall.
He is also strong.
However, strength is not his only important trait.
Dunk cares about doing what he believes is right.
He often struggles because he does not understand the complex rules of noble society.
That makes him easy to follow.
He is not a master politician.
He is not a clever lord.
Instead, he is a young knight trying to live by his idea of honor.
Who Is Egg?
Egg is Dunk’s young squire.
He is smart.
He is curious.
He can also be stubborn.
Most importantly, he hides his royal identity.
That secret shapes the entire series.
Egg’s position creates a strange relationship with Dunk.
Dunk is technically his master.
Yet Egg sometimes knows more about politics than Dunk does.
This makes their conversations fun.
Egg can also see things that Dunk misses.
Together, they make a strong pair.
Dunk and Egg: Why Their Friendship Works
The friendship between Dunk and Egg is one of the biggest strengths of the books.
Dunk has physical strength.
Egg has knowledge and intelligence.
Dunk is older.
Egg is young.
Dunk has little social power.
Egg secretly has a great deal.
These differences create balance.
They also create humor.
At times, Dunk has to protect Egg.
At other times, Egg helps Dunk understand what is happening.
Therefore, their relationship becomes the emotional center of the series.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Books in Order for New Readers
If you have never read a Game of Thrones book, you can still start here.
In fact, this collection may be easier than starting with the main series.
The stories are shorter.
There are fewer major characters.
The central relationship is easy to understand.
The main conflicts are also easier to follow.
However, knowing some Westeros history can make the stories even more enjoyable.
If you know the Targaryens, the Blackfyres, and the basic idea of the Iron Throne, you will notice more details.
Do You Need to Read A Game of Thrones First?
No.
You do not need to read A Game of Thrones first.
The stories stand on their own.
Penguin Random House describes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a prequel to the main A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Therefore, you can read it before the main novels.
Still, reading the main series first gives you more historical context.
It also lets you notice the importance of certain families and events.
Should You Read Fire & Blood First?
Not necessarily.
Fire & Blood covers much earlier Targaryen history.
It is also written in a different style.
For a reader who mainly wants Dunk and Egg, starting with Fire & Blood can feel like extra work.
Instead, start with The Hedge Knight.
Then continue through the three Dunk and Egg stories.
Afterward, you can explore other Westeros history if you want more background.
Publication Order vs Story Order
For these three stories, publication order and story order are essentially the same.
The first was The Hedge Knight.
The second was The Sworn Sword.
The third was The Mystery Knight.
Martin later collected all three in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
That makes the reading plan very easy.
You do not need a complicated timeline.
Just follow the three stories in their normal order.
The Original Publication Story
There is an interesting real-world example behind the collection.
The Hedge Knight originally appeared in the anthology Legends.
The Sworn Sword later appeared in Legends II.
The Mystery Knight appeared in Warriors.
Martin later brought them together.
He explained that the stories had become too long to fit comfortably into the original anthology plan, so the collection became the practical solution.
This is a useful publishing case study.
Readers no longer needed to hunt through several old anthologies.
Instead, they could buy one collection.
Real-Life Publishing Case Study
Consider a reader who discovered Dunk and Egg years after the original stories appeared.
That reader would have had to find different anthology editions to read all three stories.
That could be difficult.
Some editions could also become harder to find.
In 2015, Martin’s collection solved that problem by putting the three stories together.
His official blog described the collection as bringing the three published stories together in one place.
So, from a reader’s point of view, the collection made the series much easier to access.
The Graphic Novels Are Different
New readers sometimes see graphic novels and wonder if they should read them as separate parts of the main series.
You do not have to.
The graphic novels adapt the Dunk and Egg stories.
They do not create a new chronological sequence.
For example, The Mystery Knight also received a graphic novel adaptation. Penguin Random House identifies it as a graphic novel version of one of the Dunk and Egg novellas.
Therefore, read the prose stories first if you want the original experience.
Then try the graphic novels if you enjoy visual storytelling.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Books in Order vs Graphic Novels
Here is a simple comparison:
Format
What it contains
Best for
Prose collection
Three original novellas
Full original reading experience
Graphic novel
Visual adaptation
Readers who enjoy art
Audiobook
Narrated version
Listening while traveling
E-book
Digital text
Phones and tablets
The prose collection is the best starting point.
After that, the other formats can add something new.
What Makes The Books Different From Game of Thrones?
The tone is different.
The main A Song of Ice and Fire books contain many characters.
They also move between many locations and viewpoints.
The Dunk and Egg stories are smaller.
You spend much more time with Dunk and Egg.
That makes the stories feel more personal.
There is also more focus on knighthood.
Dunk wants to be a good knight.
That simple goal often clashes with the complicated world around him.
The Role of Honor
Honor is a major theme.
Dunk believes that knights should help people.
However, noble families often care about status.
That creates conflict.
A knight may know what is right but still face pressure from a powerful lord.
Dunk repeatedly has to decide whether to protect himself or stand up for others.
This makes his adventures more than simple fantasy battles.
They become stories about choices.
The Role of Friendship
Friendship also matters.
Dunk and Egg come from very different backgrounds.
Yet they travel together.
They eat together.
They fight together.
They argue.
They help each other.
Their friendship becomes stronger because neither character is perfect.
Dunk can be stubborn.
Egg can be secretive.
Still, they trust each other.
That trust gives the series its warmth.
The Role of Targaryen History
The Targaryen family plays a major background role.
Egg’s identity makes the royal family especially important.
The stories also take place during a period of Targaryen rule.
However, you do not need to memorize every king.
The story gives you enough information to follow the main events.
If you later learn more about Targaryen history, you will notice additional details.
The Blackfyre Connection
The Blackfyre Rebellions are important to the wider background.
They help explain why some characters distrust the Targaryen family.
They also help explain why certain political movements remain dangerous.
This background becomes especially useful in The Mystery Knight.
However, do not worry if you do not know everything before reading.
You can still understand the main adventure.
Advantages of Reading the Series
There are many advantages to reading these stories.
Shorter commitment
The collection is much easier to finish than the large main novels.
Simple central cast
You can focus on Dunk and Egg.
Rich world
You still get Westeros, knights, kings, castles, and political danger.
Strong friendship
Dunk and Egg are memorable characters.
Historical value
The stories add depth to Targaryen history.
Easy starting point
New readers can understand the stories without reading every Westeros book.
Disadvantages to Consider
The collection also has a few drawbacks.
It is unfinished as a larger planned story
Only three main Dunk and Egg novellas have been published in the collection.
You may want more
Readers often finish the third story and want another adventure.
Some history may feel confusing
The Blackfyre and Targaryen background can take time to understand.
It is not the same as Game of Thrones
If you expect a giant political story with dozens of characters, the smaller scale may surprise you.
Still, these differences are often part of the charm.
Is the Collection Good for Younger Readers?
The writing is generally more approachable than many long fantasy novels.
However, parents should remember that it is still a fantasy story written for an adult audience.
It includes fighting, death, political conflict, and mature themes.
Therefore, the reading level may be easier, but the content is not simply a children’s book.
How Long Does It Take to Read?
The answer depends on reading speed.
Because the collection contains three novellas rather than three huge novels, many readers can finish it much faster than the main A Song of Ice and Fire books.
A useful plan is:
Day 1:The Hedge Knight
Day 2:The Sworn Sword
Day 3:The Mystery Knight
Of course, there is no need to rush.
Taking notes can make the history easier to remember.
A Simple Three-Day Reading Plan
If you want a short plan, use this:
Day One
Read The Hedge Knight.
Focus on Dunk, Egg, the tournament, and Dunk’s idea of honor.
Day Two
Read The Sworn Sword.
Focus on the land dispute and Dunk’s loyalty.
Day Three
Read The Mystery Knight.
Focus on the tournament, Egg’s identity, and the political danger.
This plan gives you a clear path through the collection.
A Better Four-Week Reading Plan
If you prefer slower reading, try this:
Week 1: Read the first half of The Hedge Knight.
Week 2: Finish The Hedge Knight and review the main characters.
Week 3: Read The Sworn Sword.
Week 4: Read The Mystery Knight.
This plan works well for readers who like to think about each story.
Expert Advice From the Author’s Publishing History
The safest reading advice comes directly from the structure Martin established.
His official site identifies the collection as the first three Dunk and Egg novellas.
His blog also explains how the three stories were collected.
Therefore, you do not need to follow complicated fan-made reading orders.
Start with The Hedge Knight.
Continue with The Sworn Sword.
Finish with The Mystery Knight.
That is the cleanest route.
What About Future Dunk and Egg Stories?
This is an important point.
The three published stories are not necessarily the end of Dunk and Egg’s overall journey.
Martin has discussed other possible Dunk and Egg stories over the years.
For example, his 2014 blog post mentioned a possible story called The Village Hero.
However, readers should not treat every rumored or planned title as a published book.
The reliable reading list today remains the three published novellas.
Therefore, do not add unfinished stories to your required reading order.
What About the HBO Series?
The HBO adaptation uses the Dunk and Egg stories as its source material.
HBO describes the series as a story centered on Ser Duncan and his squire Egg.
That means many new viewers may now want to read the books.
The best approach is simple.
Read the stories in order.
Then watch the adaptation.
This lets you understand the original material before comparing it with the screen version.
HBO’s official A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms page
Book First or TV Show First?
For readers who enjoy books, I recommend book first.
Start with The Hedge Knight.
Then read The Sworn Sword.
Then read The Mystery Knight.
Afterward, watch the show.
Why?
Because the books give you the original version of Dunk and Egg.
You can then see how the television writers turn the story into a visual format.
However, if you already watched the show, you can still enjoy the books.
The books give you more detail about the characters and their thoughts.
What Readers Should Watch For
While reading, pay attention to three things.
First: Dunk’s choices
Ask yourself why Dunk makes each decision.
Second: Egg’s identity
Notice how his royal background affects events.
Third: Westerosi history
Watch for references to old wars and rival families.
These three details will help you understand the deeper story without making the reading difficult.
Common Reading Mistakes
One common mistake is buying every book with the words “Dunk and Egg.”
You may accidentally purchase duplicate versions.
For example, a graphic novel may adapt a story already included in the main collection.
Another mistake is starting with The Mystery Knight.
That can spoil parts of Egg’s development.
A third mistake is trying to read the entire Westeros universe first.
You do not need to.
Start small.
Read the three stories.
Then explore more if you enjoy them.
The Best Buying Strategy
If your goal is simply to read the stories, buy the collection.
Look for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin.
Check the contents before buying.
You want the edition that contains:
The Hedge Knight
The Sworn Sword
The Mystery Knight
Penguin Random House lists the collection and its editions, including the HBO tie-in edition.
Penguin Random House’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms listing
Final Reading Checklist
Before you begin, use this checklist:
Start with The Hedge Knight
Continue with The Sworn Sword
Finish with The Mystery Knight
Use the collection if you want all three in one book
Remember that Egg has a secret royal identity
Watch Dunk’s development as a knight
Notice the Targaryen history
Pay attention to the Blackfyre background
Read the graphic novels only as optional adaptations
Watch the HBO series after reading if you want to compare versions
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Books in Order: Complete Chart
Here is the most useful chart for quick reference.
Rank
Title
Type
Story order
Key characters
Main appeal
1
The Hedge Knight
Novella
1
Dunk, Egg
First meeting and tournament
2
The Sworn Sword
Novella
2
Dunk, Egg, Ser Eustace
Land dispute and loyalty
3
The Mystery Knight
Novella
3
Dunk, Egg
Tournament and political mystery
4
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Collection
Contains 1–3
Dunk and Egg
All three stories together
5
Graphic novel adaptations
Adaptations
Optional
Dunk and Egg
Visual version
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Books in Order: Complete Reading Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order?
The correct order is The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. These three stories appear together in the collection A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms one book?
Yes. It is a collection containing three connected Dunk and Egg novellas.
How many Dunk and Egg stories are in the collection?
There are three: The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight.
Should I read The Hedge Knight first?
Yes. It introduces Dunk and Egg and begins their shared journey.
Who is Dunk?
Dunk is Ser Duncan the Tall, a young hedge knight who becomes Egg’s protector and mentor.
Who is Egg?
Egg is Aegon Targaryen, a young member of the royal family who travels with Dunk as his squire.
Is Egg related to Daenerys Targaryen?
Yes. Egg, whose full name is Aegon Targaryen, belongs to the same Targaryen family line.
How long before Game of Thrones do these stories happen?
The stories take place nearly a century before the events of A Game of Thrones.
Do I need to read Game of Thrones first?
No. The Dunk and Egg stories can be read on their own.
Should I read Fire & Blood first?
No. It is not required. If your main goal is Dunk and Egg, begin with The Hedge Knight.
Are the graphic novels part of the main reading order?
No. They are adaptations of the prose stories.
Is The Mystery Knight the last book?
It is the third and final published Dunk and Egg novella in the collection.
Will there be more Dunk and Egg stories?
Martin has discussed possible additional stories, but readers should separate planned ideas from officially published books.
Is The Sworn Sword connected to The Hedge Knight?
Yes. It continues Dunk and Egg’s journey after the events of the first story.
Is The Mystery Knight connected to the Blackfyre Rebellions?
Yes. The story has important links to the political conflict surrounding the Blackfyres.
Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms suitable for new fantasy readers?
Yes. Its smaller cast and shorter stories make it easier to enter the Westeros world.
Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms part of A Song of Ice and Fire?
Yes. It is a prequel collection set in the same fictional world.
Should I read the books before watching HBO’s series?
If you enjoy books, reading first is a good choice. You can then compare the adaptation with the original stories.
Which Dunk and Egg story should I read after The Hedge Knight?
Read The Sworn Sword next.
What is the easiest way to read the series?
Buy or borrow A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and read the three stories in the order they appear.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Books in Order: Final Recommendation
The answer to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order is much simpler than it may first appear.
You only need to remember three titles:
The Hedge Knight
The Sworn Sword
The Mystery Knight
Those three stories form the core of Dunk and Egg’s published adventures.
The easiest option is the collected volume A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Martin’s official site confirms that the collection brings these three novellas together, while Penguin Random House also describes the book as a collection of the three official prequel stories.
The best part is that you do not need to read the massive A Song of Ice and Fire series first.
Instead, you can meet Dunk and Egg right away.
Dunk gives the stories strength and heart.
Egg brings mystery, humor, and royal history.
Together, they travel through a Westeros that existed long before the events of Game of Thrones.
The stories also offer something different from the main series.
They have tournaments and political danger, but they focus more closely on one friendship.
They ask simple but powerful questions.
What does it mean to be a good knight?
Should you follow the rules when the rules are unfair?
What happens when an ordinary person becomes connected to powerful people?
And can friendship survive when one friend hides a huge secret?
Those questions make the stories worth reading even if you already know the world of Westeros.
So, if you are searching for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms books in order, start with The Hedge Knight, continue with The Sworn Sword, and finish with The Mystery Knight.
Then, if you want more Westeros history, explore the wider books.
For a simple, enjoyable starting point, however, Dunk and Egg are the perfect place to begin.
Important factual note: As of August 2026, the three published prose Dunk and Egg stories remain The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. Martin has discussed possible additional stories, but unpublished or proposed stories should not be added to the established reading order.
