The Hedge Knight
Start with "The Hedge Knight" to begin the Tales of Dunk and Egg. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.
🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot
This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.
Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the George R. R. Martin's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.
The Sworn Sword
Book #2 of 3 in Series
Complete Series Reading Order
Publication Order
Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Chronological Order
May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.
Order Confidence
Why this order?
These three novellas constitute the entirety of the published series to date and are intended to be read in publication order (The Hedge Knight, followed by The Sworn Sword, followed by The Mystery Knight) as they follow the adventures of Dunk and Egg chronologically.
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Tales of Dunk and Egg conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip reading The Hedge Knight?
This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.
Can I read The Hedge Knight before other books in the series?
Yes. The Hedge Knight is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.
Is The Hedge Knight required reading for the Tales of Dunk and Egg?
No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.
What comes after The Hedge Knight in the reading order?
The next recommended book after The Hedge Knight is The Sworn Sword (Book #2).
