Review The Hedge Knight: The Graphic Novel (A Game of Thrones)Review The Hedge Knight: The Graphic Novel A Game of Thrones by Martin
A game of thrones, a fantasy epic written by George R.R. Martin, the Hedge Knight: The Graphic Novel is the prequel of his bestselling trilogy, AGE OF STYX. Ages of Swords and Throne was first released in October 2021, immediately following the cancellation of the second book in the AGE OF STYX, KNOWLEDGE. The reason for the delay of the third in AGE OF STYX was the complex production process that took several months.
Once again in the tradition of Westeros, the story centers on King Cerwyn's war with the dwindling tribes. After a brief respite, during which his brother died fighting against the killings, King Cerwyn launches an offensive that results in heavy losses for the defenders. Now under the command of his older sister, Cerwyn is forced to take the fight to the enemy while still protecting his father's legacy. Meanwhile, tensions are brewing in the family as Cerwyn's true love, Jeane, also returns from the continent to claim her own inheritance.
Meanwhile, Lordfrey, the Hand of the King, sent by King Cerwyn to control the situation, sends General cryptoverer Joryn Stoneburn to investigate and document the incident. During the investigation, Stoneburn uncovers proof that the Night's Watch has been infiltrated by forces loyal to the House of the Iron Throne. While the camp is taken by the dwindling tribes, Cerwyn arrives just in time to fight off the invading force. The ensuing battle leaves both the wildlings and the Cerwyns victorious, although the general manages to flee and Cerwyn later discovers that her father had secretly dispatched him.
Cerwyn and Jon are then caught in the woods with hostile forces camped out within the forest. With no hope of escape, Jon makes an impulsive decision to flee in order to raise the defenses of the Keep of the Knights. Joanna, sensing her chance for redemption, joins him but both are unsuccessful in their efforts to defend the keep. In the ensuing conflict, Jon loses his right hand, resulting in the loss of his ability to climb.
With the House of the King crumbling around them, Cerwyn leads his people to the nearby forest of Edgecliff, where he plans to ambush King Triton for the final attack on King Aerys. At first, the defenders of the Keep manage to fend off the attackers, but they are defeated when Triton himself shows up. However, despite his defeat, Triton still manages to flee. Cerwyn then takes command of the defenses of the Keep while Jon and Joanna try to rescue the rest of their forces. But the Ironborn are too powerful for the knights to defeat, and only the timely intervention of reinforcements from the Night's Watch comes to their aid.
When it comes to fighting the enemy, Cerwyn and Jon have some excellent exchanges that leave the readers spellbound. This happens when Triton learns that Aerion was not alone during his march towards the capital. He also learns of the identity of the Dreadful Dickens, which adds more to the tension between him and Cerwyn. The book ends with Cerwyn and Jon swearing to work together to defeat the Dreadks. This book is full of action, romance, and good storytelling.
The Hedge Knight is definitely not as good as the Lord of the Rings, but it does have its own distinct charm. I always enjoyed reading about characters that have their own struggles and circumstances. This book has that and much more. If you enjoy fantasy, action, and a great story, this is definitely a must read.