Fine, fine George. You can come up with moving, engrossing stories, and you build up worlds excellently. I hate complimenting you, but objectively, you deserve it. Complete these stories already please!

The three novellas included in this edition are the only ones available of the “Dunk and Egg” series, set about a century before the ‘main events’ that we all know and love (and are waiting for George to complete!) — I’d recommend not reading the back cover though, as it spoils a very important part of the first novella. I’ll refrain from the same spoilers.

Dunk is a hedge knight, aged maybe 17; Egg is his squire, aged about 10. Their dynamic is nothing short of fun and endearing, as they have an almost brotherly relationship. Dunk is doing his best to navigate knighthood, and how feeble he can be is what makes him such a “real” character. Egg is witty and can be sarcastic, but ultimately very caring.

Their stories are set a decade and a half after the Blackfyre Rebellion, at a very interesting point in time that allows GRRM to question the notions of historiography, and to investigate how easily the entire direction of history can change. The novellas are much easier to read than the “original series,” in that they’re more straightforward whereas the main books are filled more with intrigue and crumbs to stitch together. But this does not mean this should be someone’s first introduction into this universe — you should at least be familiar with the show to pick up on the things that really make these novellas special.

Don’t expect a mastery of the art of writing from GRRM: I’ll be the first to admit he writes in a rather juvenile way. But boy oh boy can he construct stories and worldbuilding! You’ll love the characters, and be invested in their adventures. Though the second novella was for the most part boring when I re-read it, the way it expands upon the history of Westeros is so great, I couldn’t not rate this book 5/5.