Scan barcode
snewgoblin's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
mmc_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
OH MY GOD THE FEELS.
Not really a book for newcomers to the Dragon Age universe, long-time fans will love so many aspects of this book, especially those fans who hunger for more insight to Orlais and the elves. The mage/templar conflict, a focus of the previous book, is sidelined in favor of court intrigue (the infamous "Game" of Orlais), a noble conspiracy against the Empress, and a rebellion of the city elves.
The heart of this book, however, lies in the relationship between Empress Celene and her elven handmaiden, Briala. Fans of Bioware-crafted relationships will quickly grow attached to the two of them and I have to stop right there before I spoil all the things with my feelings.
Finally, I'd have to say that for Patrick Weekes, this book surpasses The Palace Job -- and I already adore The Palace Job. But his characterizations, writing style, and the Weekes' brand of endearing tongue-and-cheek dialogue have all been finely honed and perfected (and makes me even more excited for the PJ's sequel).
Also, Felassen, a major side character: He is the best, end of story. So much sass.
Absolutely spectacular and heart-breaking, this book has set the bar high for future entries, and leaves the reader with fascinating possibilities and set-up for the upcoming game, Inquisition.
Not really a book for newcomers to the Dragon Age universe, long-time fans will love so many aspects of this book, especially those fans who hunger for more insight to Orlais and the elves. The mage/templar conflict, a focus of the previous book, is sidelined in favor of court intrigue (the infamous "Game" of Orlais), a noble conspiracy against the Empress, and a rebellion of the city elves.
The heart of this book, however, lies in the relationship between Empress Celene and her elven handmaiden, Briala. Fans of Bioware-crafted relationships will quickly grow attached to the two of them and I have to stop right there before I spoil all the things with my feelings.
Finally, I'd have to say that for Patrick Weekes, this book surpasses The Palace Job -- and I already adore The Palace Job. But his characterizations, writing style, and the Weekes' brand of endearing tongue-and-cheek dialogue have all been finely honed and perfected (and makes me even more excited for the PJ's sequel).
Also, Felassen, a major side character: He is the best, end of story. So much sass.
Absolutely spectacular and heart-breaking, this book has set the bar high for future entries, and leaves the reader with fascinating possibilities and set-up for the upcoming game, Inquisition.
catherine_louise's review against another edition
4.0
friggin’ Orlais, man.
Ser Michel is best Ser.
Also, Gaspard basically lives to troll everyone and I am super here for that
Ser Michel is best Ser.
Also, Gaspard basically lives to troll everyone and I am super here for that
annabethtex's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
First off, I enjoyed Patrick Weeke’s writing style a lot here, way more than David’s. It felt more like a traditional fantasy novel instead of a video game writer trying to write a book.
I really enjoyed the first 100 pages of this book, but like many other reviewers, it went downhill for me after that. Many of the characters were really well crafted but ultimately unlikable (and not even in a fun way) and the only characters i DID care for either died or were betrayed at every turn.
Also, this is a really hard book to read for the elf fans. In the end, i’m glad to have read it to have much more context about Celene, Gaspard, and Briala—but I also had to skim every battle scene and now have more elf characters to cry over before the next game comes out and we MAYBE get some closure on the Solas situation.
First off, I enjoyed Patrick Weeke’s writing style a lot here, way more than David’s. It felt more like a traditional fantasy novel instead of a video game writer trying to write a book.
I really enjoyed the first 100 pages of this book, but like many other reviewers, it went downhill for me after that. Many of the characters were really well crafted but ultimately unlikable (and not even in a fun way) and the only characters i DID care for either died or were betrayed at every turn.
Also, this is a really hard book to read for the elf fans. In the end, i’m glad to have read it to have much more context about Celene, Gaspard, and Briala—but I also had to skim every battle scene and now have more elf characters to cry over before the next game comes out and we MAYBE get some closure on the Solas situation.
pennyflips's review against another edition
3.0
Not the best, not the worst. The story was pretty forgettable and didn't really add much to what was happening within the game.
catsy2022's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
spiraloutward's review against another edition
3.0
I think my score is more towards 3.5 than 3. The story didn't really begin to pick up momentum until around halfway through. The beginning was a little dry, the epilogue felt a little rushed and it ended in a pretty massive cliffhanger. Other than that, it really wasn't bad. I was kind of worried about how Weekes would do, he had a bit of pressure to live up to Gaider's predecessors, but overall it was a good story.
leonidskies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
fastasashark's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.75