Reviews

The Masked Empire, by Patrick Weekes

meme123's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

artemisgt's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm aware of the criticism and comparison to Asunder that this book receives. This book feels less like a Dragon Age book of the past and more of an evolution. For example, you see very little in regards to cameos from party members of the preceding games and/or novels. It aims to stand on it's own and tell you the other side of the turmoil in Orlais leading up to DA:I.

It is important to note that the characters in this book are much more compelling than the characters in Asunder. It's not even close. I began the novel feeling so confident where I stood in regards to the civil war but after I finished I was hard pressed to say who I would side with in the civil war. That is, in my opinion, successful writing in regards to the characters and the situations they are put in.

I would rate this book a solid 4 and despite giving Asunder a 3.5, I'm willing to drop that rating to 3 to more properly reflect my feelings on where this book stands among the two DA:I prequels.

historysoverture's review against another edition

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3.25

That sure was a book I just read. It wasn't a great book, but it was a book. I was hoping that knowing more about Celene and Gaspard would make me have a stake in what goes down during the Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts plot in Inquisition. I've just about made it to that point in my replay, so we'll have to see! But, honestly, I doubt it. They're both terrible, obnoxious people.

I did really dig Briala is this though! 
SpoilerAnd Felassan too, poor guy. I wonder if either of them will come up in Dreadwolf, whenever that finally comes out. Especially since we know that killing someone in the Fade doesn't necessarily kill them in real life, but it does make them tranquil. But considering who did the killing, things might be different. Lots to consider!
 

antivancrowe's review against another edition

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4.0

This is the first Dragon Age novel that was not done by David Gaider. This book was basically your guide to Orlesian society and for a while I hated most of the characters. Weekes really does well showing characters that are highly flawed and showing how the Grand Game works. I enjoyed it very much. The only issue I had was sometimes the book felt drawn out in certain areas, but it was still a fantastic read.

yikeslou's review

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5.0

celene valmont i love u

chemicalpoisons's review against another edition

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DNFed at page 112, Chapter 6. I expected a GoT style of fight for the throne between Gaspard and Celene, and all I got is how elves are suppressed (don't care) and how being a lesbian with the wrong person can threaten an entire empire. Might continue it later, but it's been a chore to read through. Incredibly slow, to boot.

thesupermassive's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

lazyeggo's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

eggbois_gf's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

calluna_vulgar1s's review

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4.0

While it was interesting to get the backstories of the Orlesians I think this just isn’t my favorite of this series. Not a bad book I just am not really one for all the backstabbing and betrayal and whatnot. I know, weird, right?

Again, not a bad book, just not my cup of tea