Books

Game of Thrones’ latest spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, hit screens last week, serving up a very different slice of Westeros for audiences to enjoy. The show takes its cue from the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas by Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin, and is set approximately 100 years before the events of the original A Song of Ice and Fire series. Much like Game of Thrones, the show boasts an impressive cast and some stunning locations for fans to enjoy, alongside epic and comedic stories. With fans champing at the bit for the next outing, here’s the lowdown on when you can watch episode two of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode two, titled Hard Salt Beef, will be hitting screens on HBO and HBO Max in America tomorrow (Sunday, Januar...

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms recently hit screens and took fans back to the rich and vibrant medieval world of Westeros, complete with jousts, fair maidens, and devious villains. The six-part series is a breath of fresh air for the HBO fantasy franchise, offering a much-needed change of tone with its humorous yet epic stories and an impressive ensemble cast to match. The show is adapted from Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin’s beloved novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg, following humble hedge knight Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall (played by Peter Claffey) and his young squire ‘Egg’ (Dexter Sol Ansell). Season one follows the meeting between the two leads, who form the unlikeliest of bonds as they face several trials and tribulations together. Here’s a look at the setting of the ...

With the release of Seven Dials, here's five adaptations of Agatha Christie's novels that are better (Image: BBC)To anyone who knows me, I’m an absolute sucker for a thriller, ‘whodunnit’, crime book, film, TV series, you name it, I’ll watch it. For those who know what’s in my book collection, they’ll find it inundated with Agatha Christie novels. I’ve read nearly three-quarters of her Poirot series, as well as a number of her standalone mystery novels. I think that qualifies me as a certified Christie-nut and amateur sleuth. So when Netflix dropped Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials Mystery earlier this week, I knew my expertise was being called to figure out this whodunnit. READ MORE: Detective thriller hailed as 'Netflix's best drama' that's 'very dark and real' READ MORE: Disney Plus ...

The Ice Angels by Caroline Mitchell, Paperback Original, £9.99Detective Elea Baker has not stopped searching for her daughter Liisa since she was taken aged 12 while walking home from school in the depths of the Finnish winter 10 years ago. Now girls are disappearing from the quiet streets of Lincoln and when one is found on its cathedral steps clutching a clue linked to Liisa’s abduction, Elea is brought to the UK to help solve the case. After living a nightmare for the past decade, Elea feels she is close to finding her daughter’s abductor and is determined to make them pay – whatever the cost. The Ice Angels is a dark, compelling read with engaging characters it will be a joy to see develop throughout this intriguing new series. 8/10Nowhere Burning by Catriona Ward, Hardback, £16.99N...

Jeffrey Archer is by no means everyone’s cup of tea. A Duracell Bunny of a man, even at 85 he is a whirling ball of energy in person. Three years ago, in his eighth decade with the clock ticking, he told me that, even though not a believer, he had “a tendency to ask, ‘Can I do another book, please?’”Since then, he’s written two more books and Adam and Eve, which he says will be his last full-length novel, will be his 32nd book by my reckoning. Readers will be devastated that Archer is putting down his pen. The critics, less so.Despite selling more than 300 million copies of his books around the world, and becoming beloved of readers, it’s fair to say the writer has never been universally admired by the literary establishment. Critics have grudgingly (and rightly) accepted his ability to...

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is captivating audiences after recently hitting TV screens on HBO and NOW. The six-part epic, comedy-drama, which serves as the second spin-off series to Game of Thrones, follows the adventure of wandering hedge knight Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall (played by Peter Calffey) and stable boy Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), alongside a large ensemble cast.The show is adapted from George R.R. Martin’s novellas collectively known as the Tales of Dunk and Egg, however, many Game of Thrones fans are curious to know about the connections between A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and its parent series, including a subtle dig in episode one. Many viewers have been questioning the link between Dunk and Game of Thrones favourite Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie). Here’s the lo...

Viewers craving a gripping gangster drama and searching for fresh viewing material need look no further than a title currently available on Netflix, reports the Mirror.This follows recommendations for a "masterpiece" crime period drama, a timeless Hollywood classic and a programme hailed as Netflix's "best" offering.Whilst the genre boasts numerous films and television programmes, one particular title has garnered exceptional acclaim on IMDb from enthusiastic viewers.One reviewer awarded it 9/10, describing it as an "incredible thriller" before elaborating: "It's not a true story so they can do anything they go anywhere they want with the story and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you captivated."This show is so much better than I thought it would be and has only gotten bett...

These five books cover everything from non-fiction to science fiction (Image: Vita Molyneux)Some of my fondest memories as a kid are in the library. My Mum used to take me at least once a week, and I would rush around picking titles at random. While I waited for her, I would sit on a beanbag in the corner and bury my nose in the first book on the pile, often getting half way through before my Mum said it was time to leave.That passion for reading stayed with me all the way through my life, driving me to study English Literature at university. Although during that time I read mostly for work, it didn’t kill the passion and I’m still a voracious reader now. I will read almost anything – but this year five particular books really stood out to me.  READ MORE: I was a barista for 7 years — ...

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials teased in trailer This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials on NetflixNetflix has recently unveiled its three-part adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Seven Dials Mystery, boasting a star-studded cast, gorgeous filming locations, and a tantalising murder mystery at its heart. The drama centres around Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent (portrayed by Mia McKenna-Bruce), who embarks on an investigation into a tragic murder in her own home after the police abandon the case, reports the Manchester Evening News.The Netflix series, set against some stunning backdrops, sees Bundle risking her life to solve the case, despite warn...

The series has been described as enchanting and beautifully made (Image: BBC)Britain has produced many beloved period dramas over the years, and several of them still draw in new viewers long after their original release. Some are famous for their sets, others for storylines, and a few stand out because fans insist they are the best versions ever made. One particular BBC miniseries continues to attract attention, with viewers calling it “incredibly gripping” and praising how closely it follows the classic novel it is based on.The series has been described as enchanting, beautifully made and one that people return to again and again. Many say it captures the tone of the original story while also offering something fresh. It is also based on one of the most famous books in English literat...