In a recent review published on July 14, 2026, Ilya Somin reflects on the latest developments in the cinematic Game of Thrones (GOT) and Song of Ice and Fire universe, focusing on "House of the Dragon" and "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." After a hiatus from writing science fiction and fantasy reviews due to other commitments, including a tariff case, Somin catches up on two seasons of "House of the Dragon" and the first season of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."

Somin notes that reviewing Game of Thrones content is a high-stakes endeavor, stating, "When you play the game of reviewing Game of Thrones, you win or your connection with your audience dies!" Overall, he expresses a positive view of both series, suggesting that fans of the GOT universe will likely enjoy them.

However, he points out that "House of the Dragon" has several shortcomings stemming partly from its source material, George R.R. Martin's book "Fire and Blood," and partly from the show's own flaws.

In contrast, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," set about 80-90 years after the Targaryen civil war, is described as almost the exact opposite of "House of the Dragon." The story follows Dunk, a commoner who spent years serving as squire to Ser Arlan of Pennytree, a hedge knight who is poor compared to others in his class and must work as a traveling mercenary. Just before dying, Ser Arlan grants knighthood to Dunk, taking advantage of the custom that "any knight can make a knight." Because there are no witnesses to the ceremony besides a few birds, Dunk faces skepticism from wealthier and more aristocratic knights when he tries to advance his fortune by participating in a major tournament.

Somin concludes by noting that by the time the original GOT plot begins, about a century after the events of "Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," Westeros's political and social system remains as flawed as ever.

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