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A review by speculativeshelves
The Masked Empire by Patrick Weekes
adventurous
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
3.75
Absolutely the best DA tie-in novel I've read so far. Weekes' writing is stronger and more engaging than Gaider's (which is ultimately fine).
The first half didn't grab me initially because while I love political intrigue in fantasy I, apparently, do not care about to politics of Orlais. Specifically, I was not super invested in Celene and Gaspard (both as characters or as potential rulers) and so I found their POVs tedious (though I did grow to be a bit more interested in Gaspard and the chevaliers by the end). The second half of the book, which takes on more of a quest element, was much more engaging - especially because it delved more into aspects of Dragon Age lore that I enjoy (dynamics between Dalish/City elves, eluvians, spirits/demons, etc.).
In terms of characters, the true standouts of this book are Briala, Felassan, and Michel de Chevin who were all fascinating and complicated. It makes me wish Briala and Michel both had bigger roles in Inquisition - the game didn't quite do them justice.
The ending was excellent and set the stage for my next DA:I very well. I'm glad I've finally read this before a playthrough as it will be interesting to see how it impacts my perspective on Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts this time around.
The first half didn't grab me initially because while I love political intrigue in fantasy I, apparently, do not care about to politics of Orlais. Specifically, I was not super invested in Celene and Gaspard (both as characters or as potential rulers) and so I found their POVs tedious (though I did grow to be a bit more interested in Gaspard and the chevaliers by the end). The second half of the book, which takes on more of a quest element, was much more engaging - especially because it delved more into aspects of Dragon Age lore that I enjoy (dynamics between Dalish/City elves, eluvians, spirits/demons, etc.).
In terms of characters, the true standouts of this book are Briala, Felassan, and Michel de Chevin who were all fascinating and complicated. It makes me wish Briala and Michel both had bigger roles in Inquisition - the game didn't quite do them justice.
The ending was excellent and set the stage for my next DA:I very well. I'm glad I've finally read this before a playthrough as it will be interesting to see how it impacts my perspective on Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts this time around.