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Dragon Age: Asunder

General Info

Dragon Age: Asunder logo
ISBN978-0-7653-2966-7
AuthorDavid Gaider
GenresFantasy
Book NameDragon Age: Asunder
LanguagesEnglish
PublisherTor Books
Release Date2011-12-20
Number of Pages416
Original TitleDragon Age: Asunder
Country of OriginUnited States
Publisher Website URLhttps://www.tor.com/
Dragon Age: Asunder, the third novel in the latest Dragon Age series, takes us on a dizzying journey into the dark heart of Theda. The story takes place amid discord and strife, following the cataclysmic events of Dragon Age II. Our protagonist Evangeline, a revered Templar, finds herself in the midst of a storm of chaos as she explores the mysterious depths of the Circle's turmoil. We also see the return of the infamous wizard Wynne. This engrossing tale invites the reader into a thrilling tale of deception, secret loyalties and magic set in a world on the brink of catastrophic civil war. Filled with unexpected alliances, betrayals, and a tantalizing connection to the Fade, this is a must-read for any Dragon Age fan, providing essential knowledge to understand the intricacies of the game's fascinating universe.

Overview

Dragon Age: Asunder is set in the imaginative world of Thedas, a land familiar to players of the acclaimed Dragon Age video game series. This story fills the gap between Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition perfectly. The story ventures into unknown realms of political intrigue and forbidden magic as tensions simmer between the magical and non-magical nations of Theda.
The main character is Cole, a mysterious young man who is neither human nor ghost. As she struggles with her fragmented identity, she becomes the flashpoint of an escalating conflict. The plot also centers on Evangeline, a brave Knight Templar, and Rhys, a renegade wizard with an introspective personality and quiet determination. Their journey raises constant and moral questions that make this story wonderful for fans of the richest and most complex fantasy stories.
Dragon Age: Asunder is more than just a book in the video game series. It's a stand-alone epic fantasy full of magical theories, psychological depth, and multi-faceted characters. Vivid environmental descriptions and a fast-paced plot keep readers fully engaged, while detailed stories enrich the complex history of the Dragon Age universe. Expect epic battles, twisted politics and a deeply intertwined story of betrayal and redemption. This is a must-read for any fan of the Dragon Age franchise, or anyone who enjoys an epic, action-packed fantasy story.

Plot

Set in the complex and immersive world of Thedas, Dragon Age: Asunder picks up one year after the cataclysmic events of Dragon Age II. The story revolves around the Mage-Templar war caused by Anders blowing up Kirkwall Church.
The central character, Cole, a ghostly mobile ghost, believes he is human, afflicted with a strange ailment that renders him invisible to others. Cole's unique abilities led him to defend the Tevinter mage Rhys. The main character, Rhys, is an unusually compassionate character, plagued by intrigue as he struggles with his connections and his mother's compelling history within the Wizarding Circle. The plot thickens when seemingly random murders occur, making Cole a suspect. Rhys, Wynne and a few other sympathetic wizards team up to solve the mystery of Cole's existence, which ends in a perilous journey to extinction.
The Fade, a realm of dreams and ghosts, is perfectly depicted as Rhys faces a terrifying truth that challenges his beliefs about the reality of ghosts and demons. The conclusion juggles moral dilemmas about freedom and justice, expertly interwoven with the story of Dragon Age and the wider implications of Thedas.
The book delves into questions of identity, faith, and freedom, enriches the game's universe, and adds intrigue about the inherently fickle nature of magic, as well as the profound impact of past actions not only on individuals, but on the world as a whole. . Author David Gaider brings the reader suspense, political intrigue, charismatic characters and palpable emotional conflicts.

Development

Development of Dragon Age: Asunder began with a solid foundation of a rich fantasy universe. The book, written by David Gaider, is a bridge between the events of Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition. It was a massive undertaking filled with countless hours of research, writing and world building.
Asunder delves into the incredibly detailed history of Dragon Age and explores the conflict between mages and templars. The story is carefully crafted with a balanced mix of action, drama and character development. Gaider's extensive experience as the lead writer for the Dragon Age video game series proved invaluable in creating a vivid picture of Thedas, the core world of Dragon Age.
The development process also involved creating compelling characters with complex motivations and quirks that would resonate with readers. Asundere introduced characters such as Kol, a ghost or demon who plays an important role in the story of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Additionally, characters from previous games such as Rhys were further developed to maintain continuity and deepen readers' connection to the Dragon Age universe.
The writers had to ensure that the events of Asunder fit seamlessly into the story of Dragon Age: Inquisition. As in the games, the book focuses heavily on moral choices and their potential consequences, emphasizing both individual and factional choices that contribute to the overall tension of Thedas.
Alliteratively speaking, the development of Dragon Age: Asunder confirmed Bioware's commitment to storytelling. The book was a masterful continuation of the Dragon Age story and allowed fans to immerse themselves in the intricacies of this dark and beautiful fantasy world.

Publication

As the sequel to Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Dragon Age: Asunder begins a whirlwind of drama, suspense and immersive storytelling. Avid fans of the Dragon Age universe will be hooked from page one; as political conspiracies, forbidden magic and hidden secrets take an exciting turn of events.
9:40 Year of the Dragon. The book transports readers to the Teds at a time when tensions between mages and templars are at their peak, eventually leading to a major civil war. Written by New York Times bestselling author David Gaider, the story follows the journey of master wizard Rhys, who becomes embroiled in a deadly conspiracy that threatens the very essence of his existence.
The book also brings back some beloved characters from the Dragon Age universe, such as Cole and Leliana, making it a must-read for all fans of the franchise. Faced with a terrifying challenge, the characters must navigate a world of betrayal, battling their inner demons while holding onto a ray of hope.
Dragon Age: Asunder offers a dynamic view of the struggle for power in the circles of Magi and acts as a bridge between Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition. Thedas' deep environmental description and vivid visuals are sure to appeal to RPG players and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in a magical landscape where every page has a revelation and every tension makes you cry! A true fantasy masterpiece that leaves readers wanting more.

Release

Dragon Age: Asunder is the thrilling third novel in the Dragon Age series by Bioware writer David Gaider, released in 2011. published by Tor Books in December. Deeply rooted in the rich and complex history of Dragon Age, the story continues after the events of Dragon Age II and introduces key elements that form the basis of Dragon Age: Inquisition. The story explores the tension between the Templars and the Mages, a central theme of the Dragon Age universe. Skillfully written, Gaider brings the characters and their inner turmoil to life, heightening immersion in Theda's world. Fans consider the book a must-read because it not only adds depth to beloved characters like Cole, but also offers a new perspective on the political and social dynamics that play out in the Dragon Age canon.

Reception

Dragon Age: Asunder received critical acclaim upon release. Fans of the established Dragon Age franchise especially enjoyed the intense story and complex connections to the larger story of Thedas. The novel's ability to further explore the intricacies of the mage-templar war has been praised, giving readers a better understanding of the political and social climate of the Dragon Age series. In addition, the characterization of established video game characters was praised, particularly the exploration of Cole, the companion from Dragon Age: Inquisition. His duplicity and struggles with humanity were compelling plot points in the novel and captured the attention of fans. Also greatly appreciated is the book's excellent integration of various aspects of Theda, such as the political structures and the magical system. This attention to detail made Dragon Age: Asunder feel like an integral part of the game's universe rather than a standalone story. However, some critics felt that the novel was a bit overwhelming for those new to the series. The novel's in-depth exploration of Dragon Age history was welcomed by fans, but readers unfamiliar with the franchise may find it overwhelming. However, the overall reception of Dragon Age: Asunder has been overwhelmingly positive, solidifying its status as a favorite entry in the larger Dragon Age series.

Cultural impact

Although officially classified as a stand-alone novel, Dragon Age: Asunder's cultural impact should not be underestimated. As the third novel in the Dragon Age series, written by BioWare lead writer David Gaider, Asunder significantly expands the narrative elements of the Dragon Age universe.
Essentially, the novel is a bridge between the second game, Dragon Age II, and its sequel, Dragon Age: Inquisition. It gave eager fans a broad taste of history, politics, and most importantly, some of the key characters in the upcoming game. This story bridge between the games added yet another involvement of the gaming community to the franchise. In addition, the novel's enhanced portrayal of wizards, the "outcasts" of Dragon Age society, was appreciated by many readers. The core of the story is about building uneasy alliances, challenging social norms, and accepting people who are different. The theme resonated positively with the wider fantasy reading community, leading to a wave of Dragon Age fiction focusing on such social challenges.
Asunder was also a turning point in terms of character development. It reintroduced Cole's character, previously seen in a minor role. The novel made him an important character in shaping his story and personal growth. This character development has been praised for its complexity and emotional depth, encouraging greater fan engagement and discussion of the characters in the franchise.
In addition, Asunder occupies a unique place in the discussion of the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in fantasy literature. This novel is considered to be one of the first mainstream fantasy books to feature a non-binary character, demanding a more diverse representation of the genre.
In conclusion, Dragon Age: Asunder has influenced not only the immediate gaming universe, but also the wider landscape of fantasy literature and popular culture, serving as a catalyst for discussion of various social themes and representations.