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Are the Novels from Bioware worth Reading? NO SPOILERS PLEASE!!!


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#1
BLACK RAVEN21

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  I'm kind of curious about the 2 Mass Effect and the 2 Dragon Age Novels from Bioware. But I don't want to buy them just because their from bioware. So i figure most of you guys have alreay read them and could give me your honest opinions. Thank you

#2
Mystranna Kelteel

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I've enjoyed them, some more than others.



If you really like the settings and want the extra lore, yeah, they're worth it.

#3
eriaa

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I haven't read the Mass Effect ones, so I can't comment. I have read the Stolen Throne and I'm about to finish The Calling tonight. The Dragon Age novels are worth the read imo. They give a lot of background about the world, and a lot of background about the events leading up the game. Plus I think they are just great books in general.

#4
Sornin

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I have not read the Mass Effect novels but I have read the Dragon Age ones (just finished the second on today). If you are expecting a fantasy masterpiece, keep on walking, as they are not at that level. If you are expecting average fantasy fare that is easy to read and takes place in a world you are soon to be playing in, you will find them to be a decent value. Keep in mind you need to be interested mostly due to the IP, because if you just want a good fantasy novel thre are dozens of series that are superior.

#5
Flamin Jesus

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I've read The Stolen Throne, The Calling isn't available round these parts yet, but from that limited experience I'd agree with Sornin.

#6
BLACK RAVEN21

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Thats good to hear, I was hoping the novels were actually worth reading. I was afraid that they might have a lame plot an setting and was only in store just to make a little more money. Unfortunitly I have read crappy books that were base on a game, I was thinking that it would give good read and something to continue the story or to give better insight about the back story of the game and such. But i was saddly mistaken, so that why i'm hesitant about buying the bioware stuff.




#7
BLACK RAVEN21

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No fantasy master piece required i'm just look for some novels that are good reads and give me a little background info about those two IP's. Thanks for the opinions if you guys know of any other interest novels to read please let me know. The requirement is the if has a fairly intrerestinfg story, other than that anything is good. Oh any graphic novels too.

#8
Flamin Jesus

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The best graphic novels I've recently read were Wanted and Neil Gaimans Neverland, I kinda like the Memory, Sorrow & Thorn series by Tad Williams (4 books), even though it's mostly standard-fare, then there's the Song of Ice & Fire series which seems to be all the rage these days, but I won't touch it until the guy finishes it. Currently I'm reading Jonathan Strange & Mister Norrell, which is good, but probably not a book everyone would like... And of course, the Discworld series from 'teh master' always provides a good read.

Modifié par Flamin Jesus, 24 octobre 2009 - 03:08 .


#9
aragfore03

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Short Answer: Yes

#10
AClockworkMelon

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My question is, are the Dragon Age books good enough to stand on their own? Let's say I hate video games (so I have no inherit interest about learning more about the world of Thedas in particular) but love fantasy fiction. Tell me about the DA books from that perspective.

#11
Flamin Jesus

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AClockworkMelon wrote...

My question is, are the Dragon Age books good enough to stand on their own? Let's say I hate video games (so I have no inherit interest about learning more about the world of Thedas in particular) but love fantasy fiction. Tell me about the DA books from that perspective.


The Stolen Throne... No... It's neat enough but little more than a short story, it's basically a journey through Ferelden that introduces things you'll see in the game, but Maric's struggle itself isn't really all that unique or memorable.
The Calling might be different, considering that it probably concerns itself less with establishing the scenery and more with working within it, but that's speculation, coming from me.

#12
Riot Inducer

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I haven't read the Dragon Age books however I have read both the Mass Effect ones and they are quite good reads. The first ME book, Revelation, is a good stand alone story that establishes the Mass Effect universe very well and tells a rather engaging story although the tale does end with something of a cliffhanger as the plot is continued in the game. The second book, Ascension, serves the same "role" as the first book establishing a lot of the elements that will play a role in Mass Effect 2 while still telling a very good story (this one doesn't even seem to end in any sort of cliffhanger that would be concluded in ME2).

#13
Arttis

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Sounds good.

Modifié par Arttis, 24 octobre 2009 - 04:57 .


#14
Darthnemesis2

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I've read both ME books and TST, I liked all three. As previously stated by several others, they're great for introducing the setting, lore, etc.

#15
Staylost

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One spoiler.



I hope you like the detail Gaider put in the same-sex relationships.



Ok, TWO spoilers!



The plot of the calling is about a big lip moisturizer recall.



Last spoiler.



Several characters try to find a way to shoot arrows. One tries using a bowstring, but the other characters get pissed because it is so much work to take care of. From that point of they just shoot arrows with the power of heart (Trademark Captain Planet), and lose the frustrating bowstrings.

#16
Sheylan

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They are quite good, but I have to say, I have yet to meet a truly excellent book based on a video game. On that note... Has anyone read anything by Brandon Sanderson or Brent Weeks? Now those are some truly incredible new writers.

#17
StephenCharles

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I'm reading the calling right now and it's better than I expected. It definitely doesn't compare to the fantasy greats such as Jordan, Martin, or Goodkind. But it does a fantastic job of describing the setting and really making the world come alive. It will for sure add to the gaming experience :)

#18
Sheylan

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StephenCharles wrote...

I'm reading the calling right now and it's better than I expected. It definitely doesn't compare to the fantasy greats such as Jordan, Martin, or Goodkind. But it does a fantastic job of describing the setting and really making the world come alive. It will for sure add to the gaming experience :)



I realy wish people would stop comparing Jordan to writers like this.

Yes Robert Jordan Was a "decent" writer. Calling him a "great" however, is more than he is due. Frankly I was ecstatic when I heard that Brandon Sanderson would be finishing the Wheel of Time. He is a faaaaar better writer than any book I've read from Jordan. (admitadly less prolific... but he hasn't had as much time).

#19
SirGladiator

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Ive read all of the first ME and DAO books, and most of the second DAO book, overall the writer seems pretty good, but he likes to slip things in there that I personally don't like or approve of at all. An earlier comment referenced his fascination with Larry Craig bathroom-type stuff that ruins part of the second DAO book, I didn't like his brazenly anti-religion comments in his first ME book either, plus also the second DAO book has some thinly veiled attacks on the Bush administration (which while Im not a fan of them either, I find it rather inappropriate to slip things like that in there). However, aside from those elements, theres a lot of entertainment to be had in the other parts of those books, and if you don't mind stuff like that then you'd probably enjoy reading all of them. If you don't like those types of things though, then you might want to stick to the first DAO book, its a fun read that doesn't push an agenda, good stuff.

#20
hexaligned

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Jordan is a better fantasy writer than most imo, His writing style at first glance I admit is long winded and overly descriptive about the stupidest things. The complexity of his main plot points, when you step back and view them as a whole is simply staggering though. Great writer? Ok maybe not, Great story crafter? One of the best. I haven't read Martin. Goodkind imo is about as simple and 2 dimensional as fantasy gets.

#21
Sheylan

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relhart wrote...

Jordan is a better fantasy writer than most imo, His writing style at first glance I admit is long winded and overly descriptive about the stupidest things. The complexity of his main plot points, when you step back and view them as a whole is simply staggering though. Great writer? Ok maybe not, Great story crafter? One of the best. I haven't read Martin. Goodkind imo is about as simple and 2 dimensional as fantasy gets.


I agree with you, but I think his poor style cripples his books.

*runs too the shelf*

Check out the Hythrun Chronicles by Jennifer Fallon if you want someone who is both an incredible world builder, AND has good style. (The first book is Medalon.)

#22
BLACK RAVEN21

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After reading everyones opinions i've definitly decide to buy the novel Thanks

#23
Taritu

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Calling is better, you can see the author learning.

#24
StephenCharles

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Sheylan wrote...

StephenCharles wrote...

I'm reading the calling right now and it's better than I expected. It definitely doesn't compare to the fantasy greats such as Jordan, Martin, or Goodkind. But it does a fantastic job of describing the setting and really making the world come alive. It will for sure add to the gaming experience :)



I realy wish people would stop comparing Jordan to writers like this.

Yes Robert Jordan Was a "decent" writer. Calling him a "great" however, is more than he is due. Frankly I was ecstatic when I heard that Brandon Sanderson would be finishing the Wheel of Time. He is a faaaaar better writer than any book I've read from Jordan. (admitadly less prolific... but he hasn't had as much time).


Ha, are we really arguing about this? It's all a matter of opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed his books. The world he created was utter genius and he really made it come alive. He's probably one of the most popular fantasy writers and will continue to be. I think the amount of success and praise he has received for his works earns him the title, "A Great Writer". Again all a matter of opinion ahah There definitely are MANY other great writers out there, and I'm not saying those three are the only great fantasy writers.  

#25
lviklander

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Well, i´ve only read the first Mass Effect novel and I gotta say, there are thousands upon thousands of better sci fi book out there. And thats why im on the fence about buying the Dragon Age one since im currently reading the First Law trilogy and its probably the best fantasy story I have ever read.