Reviews

Oh, Dragon Age. How I love you so. Ever since I first saw that bloody dragon logo. We have been soulmates ever since.

I'm a big gamer, and Dragon Age: Origins has probably become one of my favourite games ever. So, when my sister came home one day with a novel that had the logo smacked onto it, I had to read it, of course.

The Stolen Throne follows an event we learn about in DAO - namely the rebellion the Fereldans lead against the Orlesians to gain their country back. It even has several characters who appear and/or are mentioned in DAO (including Loghain, Shale, King Maric, and my beloved queen, Flemeth).

The story's well-written and fits perfectly into the Dragon Age continuity, which I think is normally a problem when trying to have a novel adaptation to go with an established world, like in a television series or a video game. It benefited greatly in that David Gaider, the lead writer and developer of the Dragon Age game series, was the writer for it.

It's definitely a must read for Dragon Age fans, or video gamers in general. Fantasy fans might enjoy it quite a bit as well. There are parts that might not make as much sense if someone hasn't played the games, but most lore is adequately explained to prevent such confusion. Overall, it's a good and entertaining read.

It also made me love Loghain, and that personally offends me.

kagebrain's review against another edition

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adventurous sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

revolta's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted fast-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

4.0

teyrna's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional 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

3.5

catchingadri's review

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2.0

It is surprising how David Gaider is such a praised writer for video games, and yet this novel is mediocre at best. Much of the story is told directly without the reader experiencing the event or changes within the characters. I think the worst example of this is an entire battle is told not on page, but through someone else describing the outcome. We see the lead up to it and then there is an abrupt cut to after the battle has already ended. The characters grow off page for the most part, and so does Loghain and Maric's friendship. The romance does little to enhance the book and, in fact, far too much focus is spent on the various romantic relationships between the cast. The section with the dwarves in the Deep Roads was probably the highlight of this book. The major antagonists are dealt with off screen or through quick summaries. The conflict resolves in the most unceremonious way possible. Just a big disappointment for what should have been a delight to read.

roocharffer's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

loghain and maric's dynamic was interesting I guess, but every female character in this fell so flat for me. it felt really dated to read, though I wouldn't call it entirely uninteresting?

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