The Dragon Age Novels

I've read all 5 of them and although I doubt I'd enjoyed them as stand alone books, I did enjoy them as complements to the Dragon Age world.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. These books are great, helping out a characters 3rd dimension by giving it alot more depth then they had in the game.

I even have some very strong feelings on the Chantry's treatment of mages. Though that's less for the mages, and more for my general belief that nobody should be treated like that. But then again, I'm hardly an impartial judge.



But that's how great these books are. Giving me genuine emotional reactions to whats happening in them (in this case anger), but keeping me invested in the story enough to keep reading despite my emotions.

Agreed on your "The Calling" spoiler. That novel is full of poignant moments.

I had played DAO once or twice, at least, before reading the early novels. (I truly can't recall how much time separated the game and novels release. It's been so long.) At any rate, I already liked Duncan, and hated to see him fall at Ostagar. Getting to know a young Duncan so well in "The Calling" made DAO all the more poignant.

Deeper meaning was likewise added to a number of other characters, their backgrounds and their storylines.

Just a forewarning. There is a (relatively) minor plot spoiler in the 3rd book, for Awakening. I'm only just playing awakenings now, so that was a bit of a shock.

If you've never played it, then know its coming. If you have, then don't worry about it.

do me a favor and label what your spoilers are going to spoil. I opened that second one, thinking it was going to be from book 3, and found it about inquisition instead.

I don't think it was a major spoiler, but even still.  I was looking forward to seeing old characters return, and no know what they would do.  Now I know whats coming, and its a little disappointing.

regarding book 2:

Yea, I'm still playing 1 through to completion. I'm in the Golems of Amgorak right now, then I have witch hunt to go through. After that, I try to import my save into 2, and play that game through. Then try to import that save into DA3.

Thats the current plan at any rate. I might wind up skipping right over 2, and going onto 3. Depending on how much I'm enjoying 2. My first try with it wasn't good, but then I didn't enjoy the brother of the mage (whinny little piss-ant).

Moving back into the books again, just finished book 3. I picked up book 4, but I'm not sure I'm going to continue with it. Mostly because I honestly don't like Orlesian society.  That whole 'game' nonsense.

Was there a country that did something similar?

Have you done done "Awakening" yet?  If nothing else, "The Calling" helps explain a lot with regard to what you encounter there.

Stick with DA2.  Not as good as Origins, but still good.  Carver is annoying.  Play as a rogue or warrior, though, and....
 As far importing world states go, you are using "Dragon Age Keep," right?  I specifically liked the new companions:  Merril (yes, she was in the Dalish origin), Isabela (yes, she was at the Pearl), and Varric.  Sebastian was okay; Fenris was annoying, and Anders?  Anyhow, going to the end here does set you up for the beginning of Inquisition.

I'm somewhat farther ahead in "The Masked Empire."  If you study European History in school, certain parallels will stick out for you.  Ferelden=England and Orlais=France mostly.  "The Game" was sort of part of 18th century French politics, minus the bards and assassinations (although sometimes there were duels).    

So...its mostly a site for keeping your saves, and changing choices? Not a bad idea, but not my go-to either. I have 5 flash drives, and a laptop. I've already backed up the save into my laptop, and am thinking about putting a save copy on the flash drives as well. Not a perfect solution, to be sure. But I doubt I'll loose all 5 flash drives, my laptop, and both desktop hard drives.

And the whole point of playing a character from start to finish, is to know what that characters choices were. To know that character inside and out. Did the same thing with a mass effect character this year. That was very fun. Not sure if I can do it again though.

*few* good. I was worried there, not going to lie.

Belive it or not, I get so into the story that it takes me an hour from the time I stop listening to fall asleep. I haven't had an audio book that does anything but keep me up.

Now a physical book is the exact oposite. They put me to sleep. Not in a bad way mind you, I read them before I go to bed, and I'm out like a light.

I've read first 3 books and got suck in a middle of 4th one. I just. Don't. Like. The. Game. In this quantity at least. Gah.

First 3 books were decent. I wouldn't read them as standalones, but as a way to expand DA games? They're ok.

Just started book 5. And they actually talk about Griffons! Now that is awesome. I'm a little sad that no one can find any more griffons though. It gives the wardens a certain Gen ne Se qua.

If they do make another dragon age game, I'd love them to find some griffons, and introduce them back into the world. Make them very hard to come by, sure. but completely removing them from the universe, sucks.

I only have The Masked Empire.