BioWare crams so much story into their games that they need to release some of it in book form, hence Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne, the novel prequel to Dragon Age: Origins.
Due out on March 3rd from Tor Books, Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne tells the tale of the rebel lord Maric, who leads an army to recover his throne following his mother's murder. It's written by David Gaider, the lead writer on the game, so you can be relatively sure it'll closely follow game canon. In case you're still worried, BioWare has the entire first chapter available for download on the book's official page, which is as close to try before you buy as you are likely to get in this situation.
I've always been a big fan of carrying on a game's storyline outside of the actual title, so Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne shall be placed firmly on my list of books that I really want to get, yet forget to pick up upon release, causing me to be pleasantly surprised when I come across it months later.
TOR BOOKS AND BIOWARE ANNOUNCE DRAGON AGE: THE STOLEN THRONE
David Gaider Pens Thrilling Prequel to BioWare's Highly Anticipated Video Game, Dragon Age: Origins
New York, NY and Edmonton, Canada — January 14, 2009 — Tor Books, the largest publisher of science fiction in the world, and BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), are proud to announce the publication of DRAGON AGE™: THE STOLEN THRONE (A Tor Trade Paperback; $14.95; March 3, 2009), the thrilling prequel to Dragon Age™: Origins, the highly anticipated dark, heroic fantasy video game. This gripping novel will introduce the reader to a brand new fantasy universe created by BioWare, the award-winning developer of computer, console, handheld and online video games. Veteran video game developer and writer, David Gaider, brings a fresh and talented voice to the novel based on the hit video game that is set for release in 2009.
Fans of BioWare can preview DRAGON AGE™: THE STOLEN THRONE by visiting the official Dragon Age website at: http://dragonage.bioware.com/noveltst.html, where they can read the entire first chapter and find additional information about the new novel and the forthcoming Dragon Age: Origins video game.
When the beloved rebel queen is murdered, her son Maric sets out on a mission of vengeance against the faithless lords who were responsible for his mother's untimely death. The nation of Ferelden that once prospered under his family's reign now suffers under the cruel hands of the invading Orlesians. His countrymen now live in fear and no one is to be trusted.
Maric soon becomes the leader of a rebel army hell-bent on retaking Ferelden from the control of a foreign tyrant. With only two true allies by his side, the brash outlaw Loghain and the beautiful warrior maiden Rowan, Maric and his trusted band must outwit spies and traitors as they try to reclaim the stolen throne.
The team at BioWare has passionately created a fantasy world like no other—filled with compelling characters, rich landscapes, and hidden terrors. DRAGON AGE: THE STOLEN THRONE is a sweeping epic that will enrapture readers and gamers everywhere.
About the Author
DAVID GAIDER lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and is a Senior Writer at BioWare's Edmonton studio, where he has worked since 1999. He is currently the Lead Writer on Dragon Age: Origins, responsible for story and setting design, and prior to that worked on such titles as Baldur's Gate™ 2, Baldur's Gate™ 2: Throne of Bhaal, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Neverwinter Nights™ and its expansions.
Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne
A Tor Trade Paperback
By David Gaider
ISBN: 0-7653-2408-3
Publication Date: 3/3/09
400 pages/$14.95