inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Aug 29, 2016 6:07:18 GMT
I'm curious if anyone else has ever read the dragon age novels. They are really expanding the universe for me, giving me some new insight to the characters, and even showing what happens to the characters after the game itself. I haven't finished the series yet (I'm in book 3 atm), so any spoiler talk put in spoiler tags please. Even better, if you can say which book your spoiling. So if there is a spoiler folks don't want to see, they can avoid them. Anyone else read these novels? In book 3: We just found out you can cure tranquility! That is a bit of a mind-bender. But its freaking awesome too! [/spoilers] At least I think so.
|
|
MarilynRobert
N3
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion, Mass Effect Andromeda
Posts: 986 Likes: 2,148
inherit
33
0
Aug 27, 2016 23:38:20 GMT
2,148
MarilynRobert
986
August 2016
robmar
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion, Mass Effect Andromeda
|
Post by MarilynRobert on Aug 29, 2016 19:35:30 GMT
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.
|
|
inherit
ღ Voice of Reason
169
0
16,028
Element Zero
6,992
August 2016
elementzero
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
|
Post by Element Zero on Aug 29, 2016 19:58:03 GMT
I've read them all, and really enjoyed them. I particularly enjoyed "The Calling". I still find the Wardens, Maric, Loghain and their stories the most compelling, on an emotional level, of all of DA's stories. I'm not a person who's typically moved to much emotion, but that novel really touched me.
Similarly, "Last Flight" was really good. I didn't know what to expect going into it, but it was as good as I could've hoped.
I think I will read "The Masked Throne" again, having completed DAI. It dragged in many places, but I think I may appreciate it differently with our fully realized perspective.
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Aug 29, 2016 22:37:44 GMT
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. I am a total Libertarian! 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.
|
|
Command0rk
N2
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, KOTOR, Mass Effect Andromeda
Posts: 158 Likes: 315
inherit
711
0
315
Command0rk
158
August 2016
command0rk
Mass Effect Trilogy, KOTOR, Mass Effect Andromeda
|
Post by Command0rk on Aug 29, 2016 22:56:01 GMT
I'm reading them now as well! Initially I wasn't going to, buuut.. I read The Masked Empire first and really liked it, so decided to try the others as well. Overall I felt the pacing is a bit all over the place in most of 'em, but the characters are always handled well. Kell and Hafter in the Calling gets me :L
|
|
inherit
ღ Voice of Reason
169
0
16,028
Element Zero
6,992
August 2016
elementzero
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
|
Post by Element Zero on Aug 29, 2016 23:25:18 GMT
I'm reading them now as well! Initially I wasn't going to, buuut.. I read The Masked Empire first and really liked it, so decided to try the others as well. Overall I felt the pacing is a bit all over the place in most of 'em, but the characters are always handled well. Kell and Hafter in the Calling gets me :L 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.
|
|
Command0rk
N2
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, KOTOR, Mass Effect Andromeda
Posts: 158 Likes: 315
inherit
711
0
315
Command0rk
158
August 2016
command0rk
Mass Effect Trilogy, KOTOR, Mass Effect Andromeda
|
Post by Command0rk on Aug 29, 2016 23:39:44 GMT
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. Agreed! It gave me a much better appreciation for his character in general, he's actually become one of my favourites in the series. The writer did a fantastic job with his relationship with Genevieve in particular, I thought. It's a shame we couldn't pry a little more in game. I had played all of the games at least once, so I had no clue who Ffiona was until I read the novel. On that note.. I really liked Ffiona as a character, but damn if her relationship with Maric wasn't forced. Almost uncomfortable to read.
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Aug 30, 2016 9:25:49 GMT
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.
|
|
inherit
861
0
Nov 14, 2019 14:57:04 GMT
2,489
deadlydwarf
1,321
August 2016
deadlydwarf
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion
|
Post by deadlydwarf on Aug 31, 2016 4:01:02 GMT
I've completed the first three books and am working on "The Masked Empire." They do, indeed, help fill out the Dragon Age universe. "Stolen Throne" and "The Calling" give you a better understanding of the world of Thedas as it is during Origins. "The Calling" certainly helps fill any gaps one might regarding the Wardens and how they operate, but I didn't like the last third of the book. I thought the Architect's solution for the strife between the Darkspawn and the various races of Thedas was insane. I could not understand why Bregan, Genevieve, and Utha would find this solution in any way appealing. I liked "Asunder" and so far "The Masked Empire," but they tend to make me disappointed in DA Inquisition. DA2 and Asunder show the mage/Templar conflict coming to a boil. Yet all you get for that in Inquisition is the Hinterlands quests where you fight generic mages and Templars? Really? Also, the only Asunder character to make it to Inquisition is Cole. Rhys and Evangeline are given just a war table mission. "The Masked Empire" is great for the details it gives about Orlais and the conflict there. Sadly, you only get to interact with the characters from this book in only a limited way. Here, too, the Corytheus plot takes over. Arghh!!! Also, what's up with making Celine so old in Inquisiton?
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Aug 31, 2016 6:40:13 GMT
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: I agree with you. Though Utha and Genevive didn't know the full plan till after they were all but darkspawn. I thought the calling had alot to do with why Bregan was ok with it. That and his resentment of the world and his service in the wardens.
|
|
inherit
861
0
Nov 14, 2019 14:57:04 GMT
2,489
deadlydwarf
1,321
August 2016
deadlydwarf
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion
|
Post by deadlydwarf on Sept 1, 2016 6:19:57 GMT
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: I agree with you. Though Utha and Genevive didn't know the full plan till after they were all but darkspawn. I thought the calling had alot to do with why Bregan was ok with it. That and his resentment of the world and his service in the wardens. Sorry about that. I suppose I should've asked which DA games everyone had played up to now or labeled things "book spoiler", "game spoiler," etc. In my case, I actually played DA Inquisition first after reading a good review of it in the newspaper (how retro!) and then backtracked to play Origins and DA2, and then went on to the books and comic books to fill in some blanks. If you're actually doing things in the proper order - more or less - more power to you. Looking back on my first playthroughs of Inquisition, there were so many subjects NPCs would talk about that I was totally clueless on. It'll be interesting to see how the characters you read about in the books compare with what you actually run into in the games.
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 4, 2016 6:57:53 GMT
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?
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 6, 2016 2:11:26 GMT
I have stuck with it so far, mostly for the characters then anything. But then, thats how dragon age has always grabbed me. I don't care much for the world, but the characters are fun. book 4 spoiler: I just got to the part, where the queen burned the alienage down.
|
|
inherit
861
0
Nov 14, 2019 14:57:04 GMT
2,489
deadlydwarf
1,321
August 2016
deadlydwarf
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion
|
Post by deadlydwarf on Sept 6, 2016 20:49:08 GMT
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.... Your surviving sibling will be Bethany, the mage. She's a lot less annoying than Carver, the brother. 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).
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 6, 2016 22:49:02 GMT
What is dragon age keep? DA2 spoiler I thought the brother was only there for the mage. I thought you get the sister if you play a warrior or rouge. I was planning on playing the warrior in 2. But if your stuck with carver again as the warrior, then forget that. I would have never noticed where those characters were, in 1. Thanks for pointing that out! I've stuck with book 4 so far. But after reading for a bit, its always a coin toss if I'll fire up audible to listen more to the book, or vlc, and listen to some music. I don't want to force myself through it, because I did that with game of thrones, and I got so sick of that storyline, I put down book 3, and have no desire to pick it back up again.
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 7, 2016 1:19:31 GMT
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.
|
|
inherit
861
0
Nov 14, 2019 14:57:04 GMT
2,489
deadlydwarf
1,321
August 2016
deadlydwarf
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquistion
|
Post by deadlydwarf on Sept 7, 2016 2:29:07 GMT
What is dragon age keep? DA2 spoiler I thought the brother was only there for the mage. I thought you get the sister if you play a warrior or rouge. I was planning on playing the warrior in 2. But if your stuck with carver again as the warrior, then forget that. I would have never noticed where those characters were, in 1. Thanks for pointing that out! I've stuck with book 4 so far. But after reading for a bit, its always a coin toss if I'll fire up audible to listen more to the book, or vlc, and listen to some music. I don't want to force myself through it, because I did that with game of thrones, and I got so sick of that storyline, I put down book 3, and have no desire to pick it back up again. No, you're right about DA2. So give warrior or rogue Hawke a try. I like the gritty, detailed way you become familiar with the city-state of Kirkwall. (I hate the way they changed the elves though.) So you're doing some of these books via Audible? How's that working out? I have noticed some books work out great in audio books while others will put you to sleep. (Not good if you're playing the audio book while driving a car!)
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 7, 2016 7:20:46 GMT
*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.
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 11, 2016 7:53:36 GMT
So, I just finished book 4. It wasn't as good as the first 3 were. I will say that. But it wasn't bad either. I kinda saw the ending coming. Book 4 Spoilers: the first big twist that I was waiting for the characters to see, was the possessed elf. The second she showed up alive, I knew there was no way she had survived w/out being possessed. Then we saw her staff glowing red, and I was just waiting on everyone else to catch up.
I will say, I was middy surprised by Birana's discovery and betrayal. I wasn't that surprised that Celene had killed her parents, but I was surprised she cached in that favor when she did, and Michelle's admission of his lineage when he upheld his bargain. I figured maybe she'd turn on Celene then, take the ruby from her, or try to kill her with her knives.
I'm also curious what happened to Felacin. I figure he got possessed by that demon. But I don't know for sure. For all of that, it was still a good book. If your interested in orlesean society, then I would highly recommend it. But I don't like medieval society as a whole. And the game of thrones esque story here didn't grab me that much. I'm also into DA2 atm. Imported my save into 2, and am playing it now. I don't like 2 as much as I do 1, the combat system is more action focused instead of strategy focussed, and the story/characters are...meh. But I'd like to have at least 1 complete save for DA2. If I can stomach it, maybe 2. I wouldn't mind having a sneaky bastard of a rogue in 2, that might be more fun (in a sadistic sort of way).
|
|
inherit
168
0
13,864
Rascoth
4,160
August 2016
rascoth
|
Post by Rascoth on Sept 11, 2016 20:29:08 GMT
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.
|
|
melbella
N6
Trouble-shooting Space Diva
Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Origin: melbella
Prime Posts: 2186
Prime Likes: 5778
Posts: 7,899 Likes: 24,172
inherit
214
0
Apr 19, 2024 10:47:34 GMT
24,172
melbella
Trouble-shooting Space Diva
7,899
August 2016
melbella
Bottom
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
melbella
2186
5778
|
Post by melbella on Sept 12, 2016 0:12:15 GMT
I had the same reaction to Masked Empire. Took me months to get through it because it was just.so.boring and I hated everyone in it. The last quarter + though went faster since <things > actually happen. Hang in there!
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 12, 2016 4:50:51 GMT
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.
|
|
inherit
168
0
13,864
Rascoth
4,160
August 2016
rascoth
|
Post by Rascoth on Sept 12, 2016 7:26:51 GMT
I had the same reaction to Masked Empire. Took me months to get through it because it was just.so.boring and I hated everyone in it. The last quarter + though went faster since <things > actually happen. Hang in there! Yeah, I know about <things >. I read summaries of all books. At that time I didn't plan to buy them. But things change
|
|
inherit
1556
0
1,079
Duke Cameron
1,052
Sept 13, 2016 0:28:35 GMT
September 2016
animalboy
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, Mass Effect Andromeda
|
Post by Duke Cameron on Sept 13, 2016 3:18:16 GMT
I only have The Masked Empire.
|
|
inherit
1301
bobgoodheart1st mattig89ch
0
8,824
mattig89ch
5,679
August 2016
mattig89ch
Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Jade Empire
mattig89ch
|
Post by mattig89ch on Sept 13, 2016 3:57:16 GMT
You don't have the first 3?
|
|