Title: The Mystery Knight
Author: George R.R. Martin
First published January 1, 2010
104 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.23
Overview
Venture back into the world of Westeros with the latest installment of the “Dunk and Egg” series, The Mystery Knight. George R.R. Martin weaves another tale of adventure and intrigue as Dunk and Egg find themselves embroiled in a mystery that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the Seven Kingdoms.
Set against the backdrop of a jousting tournament, The Mystery Knight is a thrilling addition to the beloved series that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss out on this epic tale of chivalry, honor, and betrayal in a world where anything can happen.
About the Author
George Raymond Richard “R.R.” Martin was born in Bayonne, New Jersey on September 20, 1948, to Raymond Collins Martin and Margaret Brady Martin. Martin has two sisters named Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He started writing at a young age, selling monster stories to other children in his neighborhood for pennies.
Later on, he became a comic book fan and collector during his high school years and began writing fiction for amateur fan magazines called comic fanzines. Martin’s first professional sale was made in 1970 at the age of 21, which was sold to Galaxy and published in February 1971.
He continued to make other sales after that.
In 1970, Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois with summa cum laude honors. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
Martin did alternative service from 1972-1974 with VISTA as a conscientious objector attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976 and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978.
While working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher throughout the 1970s, he wrote part-time.
Martin married Gale Burnick in 1975, but they divorced in 1979 without any children. He became a full-time writer in 1979 and was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
In 1986, Martin moved to Hollywood and became a story editor for CBS Television. In 1987, he became an Executive Story Consultant at CBS.
In 1988, he became a Producer for a TV series and then moved up to Co-Supervising Producer in 1989. Martin was the Executive Producer for a pilot he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and he served as South-Central Regional Director from 1977-1979 and Vice President from 1996-1998.
He is also a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, West.
Editoral Review
George R.R. Martin is a well-known author in the world of fantasy and science fiction, and his style typically features epic battles and a large cast of characters with complex motivations. His book, The Mystery Knight, is no exception.
First published in January 2010, this book is the third in his A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series. The Mystery Knight follows the adventures of a young hedge knight named Dunk and his squire Egg.
The story takes place in the fictional realm of Westeros nearly 100 years before the events of Martin’s more famous series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The main narrative revolves around the duo as they become embroiled in a tournament that is not what it seems.
The tournament is hosted by a mysterious lord named Ser Maynard Plumm, and the loyal guests all have something to hide. One of the strengths of the book is Martin’s ability to create a complex world with interesting characters.
Dunk and Egg are a dynamic duo, with Dunk being a large and powerful hero and Egg providing the brains of the operation. The side characters, such as the aforementioned Plumm, are also well-drawn and add to the overall mystery of the story.
The pacing in the book is brisk, and Martin uses his signature writing style of alternating points of view and foreshadowing to keep the reader engaged. The book also deals with themes that are relevant today, such as loyalty, honor, and courage.
There are some limitations to the book, however. The plot is somewhat predictable, and readers familiar with Martin’s style might not find many surprises.
Additionally, some of the character motivations are a bit flat, and the ending is somewhat abrupt. Despite its flaws, The Mystery Knight is a worthwhile read for fans of Martin’s writing style and the fantasy genre as a whole.
The book adds depth and complexity to the world he created in A Song of Ice and Fire and is a great example of sword-and-sorcery literature. For those who enjoy epic battles, intricate plotting, and multi-dimensional characters, The Mystery Knight is a must-read.
It is a book that lingers long after the final page, with its themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice offering a timeless lesson that resonates with readers. We give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
