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A review by cakesandtea
Asunder by David Gaider
4.0
It must be incredibly difficult (and confining) to write a book set in a universe where the player creates the story. As a result this book had few references to the characters we know and love and instead takes place after the events of Dragon Age 2 where mages are sitting uneasily with the reign of the Templars.
The story itself is about a mage named Rhys who, along with his companions (including a game companion in a risky move of 'canonising' a certain storyline...) set out to seek information on the process of making mages Tranquil. The story also focuses on the aftermath of Anders' actions in Dragon Age 2 which have complicated matters between the mages and Templars. The end certainly sets up the action for the (inevitable but not yet announced) Dragon Age 3.
Pros:
Expanding on the background of a much loved companion from Dragon Age: Origins
Insight into mages, The Circle and the process of making mages tranquil as well as the grey area relationship between the mages and the Templars.
David Gaider is an excellent storyteller and writes dialogue very well.
Fantastic for anyone (like me) who just wants to hoover up every little piece of knowledge about the Dragon Age universe.
Good set up for Dragon Age 3.
Cons:
Unlike the previous two Dragon Age novels it would be very difficult for a newcomer to the series to digest and enjoy.
Few characters you can really feel 'close' to.
First half of the book is frustratingly slow at times.
The relationships between the characters seems somewhat empty.
Overall I can't compare it to the other two novels as I haven't read them but I understand they're slightly more accessible and the characters are expanded more.
I'd read it if you're a hardcore Dragon Age fan but otherwise there's definitely better fantasy fiction out there.
The story itself is about a mage named Rhys who, along with his companions (including a game companion in a risky move of 'canonising' a certain storyline...) set out to seek information on the process of making mages Tranquil. The story also focuses on the aftermath of Anders' actions in Dragon Age 2 which have complicated matters between the mages and Templars. The end certainly sets up the action for the (inevitable but not yet announced) Dragon Age 3.
Pros:
Expanding on the background of a much loved companion from Dragon Age: Origins
Insight into mages, The Circle and the process of making mages tranquil as well as the grey area relationship between the mages and the Templars.
David Gaider is an excellent storyteller and writes dialogue very well.
Fantastic for anyone (like me) who just wants to hoover up every little piece of knowledge about the Dragon Age universe.
Good set up for Dragon Age 3.
Cons:
Unlike the previous two Dragon Age novels it would be very difficult for a newcomer to the series to digest and enjoy.
Few characters you can really feel 'close' to.
First half of the book is frustratingly slow at times.
The relationships between the characters seems somewhat empty.
Overall I can't compare it to the other two novels as I haven't read them but I understand they're slightly more accessible and the characters are expanded more.
I'd read it if you're a hardcore Dragon Age fan but otherwise there's definitely better fantasy fiction out there.