338 réponses à ce sujet

[Landozelig]

I haven't read any of this thread yet because I haven't read the book, but this is a heads up for Kindle owners.



I read the first book on my Kindle and liked it a lot. I've been upset because The Calling is not available for the Kindle. I keep checking amazon.com daily to see if/when it will be available. So yesterday, just for kicks, I put in 'david gaider' in the amazon store search on my Kindle, and The Calling popped right up! So it IS available to those who want to read it on the Kindle, you just have to buy it through the amazon store on your Kindle instead of the amazon.com web site. It's $9.99 and I'll start reading it today!



As I said, I've read none of this thread, so if this has been covered already, just ignore it.

[fanman72]

Read both books this past week, both were great. I like the Stolen Throne a bit better. A few questions:



-In the Stolen Throne, Maric spends 3 hours in the hut with the witch. Did that they do the nasty and did the witch have a child (Maybe Morrigan, maybe the current Flemeth?) The way I read it there was nothing sexual going on between Maric and the witch, but this forum has me thinking otherwise



-I though dwarves can't enter the fade? What was Utha doing in there during the dream sequence



-Does this mean Allistar and Goldanna are not related, because the mother Allistar thought they shared was not actually his mother?



-Duncan mentioned he's be second in command of the Fereldan Grey Wardens. Who was in charge? Rioridan?



-So it looks like the Architect was a lying ******? There was a blight after all. I'm correct to assume it isn't the last time we've seen him or Utha?

[Maconbar]

Dwarves can't independently go to the fade. They can be pulled into the fade per D. Gaider.

Modifié par Maconbar, 18 décembre 2009 - 03:37 .

[TastyLaksa]

<Cut + Paste>



Even Gaider’s writing is leaden and expository, frequently juvenile in the worst places and in the worst ways. Among the more embarrassing aspects of the prose is Gaider’s commitment to adverbs, particularly in certain paragraphs where every sentence contains at least one. For example:



“Maric dug into his stew ravenously. Katriel picked at hers gingerly, sipping on some of the broth. The dwarf all but gulped his down greedily, finishing it long before the others were even half done, and then belching loudly. He wiped his beard with the back of his hand.



‘Not as Hungry as you thought?’ he asked, watching their progress.



‘No it’s fine,’ Maric quickly commented…”



That whole passage is just infuriating. It’s like filling out a list: this person does this, this way. This person does this, this way. This person does this, this way, then does this, this way. That’s not to even mention the context of this scene, in which Maric and Katriel have just walked for miles, injured and without much food or water, and Katriel is picking at her food rather than just eating it. It’s terribly lazy writing, acceptable in a first draft but damning in published work from somebody who claims writing as his profession.



</end Cut + Paste>

[Freckles04]

There is the word "Spoilers" in the thread title, but just in case...
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I'm absolutely convinced that Alistair is Fiona's son. There are so many hints, it wouldn't make sense for him not to be.

- He excels at a magical-type ability (templar training), stating he was "quite good at it".

- Magical items fascinate him; just look at most of the gifts you can give him.

(These two hints confirm it for me. As a templar, you wouldn't expect him to have a love for magical things...as the son of a mage, however...)

- The Grand Cleric didn't want to let him go. That's explained in the game as her just not wanting to give the Grey Wardens anything, but I think it's more than that. What, I'm not sure. Maybe some instruction from Maric once his son was sent to the Chantry? Or from Fiona?

- At the end of The Calling, Fiona tells Maric what to tell his son: that his mother was a commoner, and dead. Which is exactly what Alistair believes.

- After reading both books, I don't have the impression that Maric was one to sleep around. I think he had the three partners, all of whom he loved very much. I can't see him having a casual fling. (I also agree with the above poster who stated that if Maric had another bastard heir that he would probably think of him at the end.)

I think the arguments against Alistair being Fiona's son can be mitigated. For example, if Duncan was to watch over Alistair and protect him, why recruit him into the Wardens, against Fiona's wishes? Well...I don't think Duncan wanted to sit back and do nothing when 1) it was obvious Alistair was unhappy and 2) he would end up addicted to lyrium and a puppet of the Chantry. That was never the intention when Alistair was sent to live with Arl Eamon, after all. I think this was Duncan being his independent self and making a decision that goes against what Fiona and Maric wanted, because he was there, he had the chance to make a difference, and he thought it was right.

And about Goldanna...well, it would be easy enough for a young girl to fancy that her mother was carrying the king's baby, even if it wasn't true. Of course, Maric would take advantage of that in order to ensure Alistair's cover story.

As for Loghain and his thoughts on the matter... I don't think Maric ever told Loghain the truth. At the end of The Calling, it's obvious that Maric and Loghain are not the same best buds they used to be. Loghain has hard views on the Orlesians, which Maric mostly agrees with, but Loghain is much more fierce about his misgivings than Maric is. Kind of hints at the events to transpire later, doesn't it? So, it would make sense to not tell Loghain that Alistair is not only half-Orlesian, but also half-elf. The scandal!

For future books/content, I would love to see Alistair meet his real mother. The Calling left it open that Fiona could still be alive, since her taint is gone. And that might be a large part of a game sequel, where Alistair has to seek out her help in order to figure out how to produce an heir despite the taint in him and/or his Queen...not as the main storyline, of course, but as a personal quest. Oh, and I'd love to see Ferelden's reaction to its king being an elf's son. Maybe that would be the cataclyst to finally change the elves' lot in life.

Man, I could talk about this world for hours.

Modifié par Freckles04, 21 décembre 2009 - 04:14 .

[Akinra]

- After reading both books, I don't have the impression that Maric was one to sleep around. I think he had the three partners, all of whom he loved very much. I can't see him having a casual fling. (I also agree with the above poster who stated that if Maric had another bastard heir that he would probably think of him at the end.)

I was thinking the same. From the books, Maric doesn't seem like someone who would sleep with any random girl to come along. Even if Rowan was dead and no longer around. But I suppose future books/content may prove me wrong.

Also, I don't believe that Maric is Morrigan's father. Just because they spent 3 hours in the tent doesn't mean anything intimate went on. One possibility is that Flemeth took Maric into the Fade. Just a thought.

On a sidenote, did anyone else get a lump in the throat when Kell tries to send Hafter away? Really well written.

[Sigilbeckons]

All I know is the codex says that Maric was "presumed dead" after being lost out to sea. Maric didn't want to be king, and my guess is he found a way to follow Fiona, and maybe we will hear about those later adventures. He was badass between the ages of 18-21 and even more so at 35, so I can't see that changing, nor him being "lost at sea".



I would love to see Maric show up in the game's sequel or prequel. Whichever we get...

[Freckles04]

Sigilbeckons wrote...

All I know is the codex says that Maric was "presumed dead" after being lost out to sea. Maric didn't want to be king, and my guess is he found a way to follow Fiona, and maybe we will hear about those later adventures. He was badass between the ages of 18-21 and even more so at 35, so I can't see that changing, nor him being "lost at sea".

Oh, that would be very cool. And it would make sense, given Maric's personality. When he felt that Cailen was able enough to rule, I could totally see him giving up the throne to go find Fiona.

What an awesome personal quest that would be for Alistair. Here's the mom and dad you thought were dead...now what?

[Zcorck]

Freckles04 wrote...

Sigilbeckons wrote...

All I know is the codex says that Maric was "presumed dead" after being lost out to sea. Maric didn't want to be king, and my guess is he found a way to follow Fiona, and maybe we will hear about those later adventures. He was badass between the ages of 18-21 and even more so at 35, so I can't see that changing, nor him being "lost at sea".

Oh, that would be very cool. And it would make sense, given Maric's personality. When he felt that Cailen was able enough to rule, I could totally see him giving up the throne to go find Fiona.

What an awesome personal quest that would be for Alistair. Here's the mom and dad you thought were dead...now what?

Then think about what Loghain would say to Maric if he was in your party. Killing your best friend's son, trying to kill his other, dealing with slavers, starting a civil war, and usurping the throne.
Wonder how he'd explain that one.

[Xaila]

I get the feeling that Maric is truly dead, and not just comic book dead. Fiona has gotta still be kicking though. Was it ever established how long elves actually live? I was under the impression they're no longer immortal, but they still outlive humans. I'm sure the PC or Alistair has to run into her at some point if they go to Weisshaupt.



Even if Maric is dead I really want to see him in-game somehow. As a ghost, hallucination, flashback, whatever. I got rather attached to him over the course of the books.

[Admiralce]

just order it from amazon together with the first book. It gotta take for a week.. sigh.

[Raven-sb]

I picked up both books at the start of the week and finished reading them yesterday. I have to say that I enjoyed them both very much. Hopefully more books will be written in the DA:O setting.

[Rodro Lliv]

Kudos for the good work, Gaider. I enjoyed this one more than the first, perhaps because there aren't big jumps in time between chapters, and it's more focused on the characters' development: Duncan's evolution from inmature burglar to Grey Wardens' future leader is certainly my fav.



Lookin forward to the next (with more Loghain this time, I hope).

[Solatika]

Freckles04 wrote...

I'm absolutely convinced that Alistair is Fiona's son. There are so many hints, it wouldn't make sense for him not to be.

- He excels at a magical-type ability (templar training), stating he was "quite good at it".

- Magical items fascinate him; just look at most of the gifts you can give him.

(These two hints confirm it for me. As a templar, you wouldn't expect him to have a love for magical things...as the son of a mage, however...)

- The Grand Cleric didn't want to let him go. That's explained in the game as her just not wanting to give the Grey Wardens anything, but I think it's more than that. What, I'm not sure. Maybe some instruction from Maric once his son was sent to the Chantry? Or from Fiona?

- At the end of The Calling, Fiona tells Maric what to tell his son: that his mother was a commoner, and dead. Which is exactly what Alistair believes.

- After reading both books, I don't have the impression that Maric was one to sleep around. I think he had the three partners, all of whom he loved very much. I can't see him having a casual fling. (I also agree with the above poster who stated that if Maric had another bastard heir that he would probably think of him at the end.)

I think the arguments against Alistair being Fiona's son can be mitigated. For example, if Duncan was to watch over Alistair and protect him, why recruit him into the Wardens, against Fiona's wishes? Well...I don't think Duncan wanted to sit back and do nothing when 1) it was obvious Alistair was unhappy and 2) he would end up addicted to lyrium and a puppet of the Chantry. That was never the intention when Alistair was sent to live with Arl Eamon, after all. I think this was Duncan being his independent self and making a decision that goes against what Fiona and Maric wanted, because he was there, he had the chance to make a difference, and he thought it was right.

And about Goldanna...well, it would be easy enough for a young girl to fancy that her mother was carrying the king's baby, even if it wasn't true. Of course, Maric would take advantage of that in order to ensure Alistair's cover story.

As for Loghain and his thoughts on the matter... I don't think Maric ever told Loghain the truth. At the end of The Calling, it's obvious that Maric and Loghain are not the same best buds they used to be. Loghain has hard views on the Orlesians, which Maric mostly agrees with, but Loghain is much more fierce about his misgivings than Maric is. Kind of hints at the events to transpire later, doesn't it? So, it would make sense to not tell Loghain that Alistair is not only half-Orlesian, but also half-elf. The scandal!

For future books/content, I would love to see Alistair meet his real mother. The Calling left it open that Fiona could still be alive, since her taint is gone. And that might be a large part of a game sequel, where Alistair has to seek out her help in order to figure out how to produce an heir despite the taint in him and/or his Queen...not as the main storyline, of course, but as a personal quest. Oh, and I'd love to see Ferelden's reaction to its king being an elf's son. Maybe that would be the cataclyst to finally change the elves' lot in life.

Man, I could talk about this world for hours.

I find myself agreeing with you.

I just finished the book, I thought it was quite good. It was an easy read, but not so easy that it frustrated me. I recognized some of the humor from the game (I played the game first, then read The Calling, and now I'm going to pick up at copy of the Stolen Throne... I'm going backwards)

You're very right... I am convinced Fiona is Alistair's real mother. It makes perfect sense, but, it also makes me wonder... if you meet Goldanna, and let him, Alistar promises when he is King to do whatever he can... and then he's king and you never hear anything about that... I think that would be an interesting bit to follow up on.

[fanman72]

Xaila wrote...

I get the feeling that Maric is truly dead, and not just comic book dead. Fiona has gotta still be kicking though. Was it ever established how long elves actually live? I was under the impression they're no longer immortal, but they still outlive humans. I'm sure the PC or Alistair has to run into her at some point if they go to Weisshaupt.

Even if Maric is dead I really want to see him in-game somehow. As a ghost, hallucination, flashback, whatever. I got rather attached to him over the course of the books.

I get the opposite impression.  I don't believe he's truly dead, but that he simply disappeared on his own accord.  I think we will see him in the next game

[Colrad]

So... The Calling is out and avaliable on the Canadian Kindle store - But The Stolen Throne is unavaliable for Canadians? What?

[Bunzan Cardinal]

"First book Spoilers"



I have a question for Gaider if hes still watching the thread.



Why did Maric do little for the elves and their plight? It was obvious he didnt hold any ill-will towards any of the other races (or species?). He even loved 2 elves, Fiona and Katriel. I tried thinking to myself to figure out the cause of it was, and all i could think of was maybe it was Loghain who pressured him not to. But wouldnt that give Loghain more power then just a simple Teyrn?



I read both books this week, and i havent read any books outside of what i was supposed to read in school since .... grade school. Great books, i couldnt put them down. Still a shame though that Maric has terrible luck with women, the only woman he lived with and married was the woman his best friend loved. It's really depressing to think back on the first book and what happened, atleast this book had a happier ending then the first one. I cant wait for the next book.

[damirko]

So... now with all the rumors about the new possible retail expansion for the game, any news regarding a possible new book? David?

[LordBerman]

Read it and enjoyed it, but Gaider's writing sort of shows that he's far more experienced writing dialogue than everything else involved in a book. Not that other parts of the book were bad, they just weren't as polished.



I also swear that Fiona's child is Allistair.

[fanman72]

Theory: The Architect is one of the original mages from the Teventir Imperium who went into the black city. Thoughts?

[FrostWolfe]

i loved these books, and i hope there are more. The dragon age universe is awesome. As for the fellow obsessed with grammar, there are exciting books out there for you called glossaries and dictionaries to help reinforce your intellectual superiority. If you want to join the rest of us in a conversation about a couple of enjoyable reads, feel free!

[TeleProd]

Looks like were going to find out more about the Architect in March:  www.gamespot.com/news/6244898.html

Modifié par TeleProd, 05 janvier 2010 - 11:56 .

[Amagoi]

Architect is probably one of the more exciting parts of Awakening for me personally. I hope we fight him and the silent sister. Maybe it will reveal that he was behind the Blight after all?

[Rubbish Hero]

Amagoi wrote...

Architect is probably one of the more exciting parts of Awakening for me personally. I hope we fight him and the silent sister. Maybe it will reveal that he was behind the Blight after all?

Yes that's one of the things I didn't like about Dragon Age a person seems more interesting than "a force" or "a big monter". I almost wish they concentrated on Loghain more or didn't bring him in so late in the game, he was a very interesting character.

[fanman72]

Rubbish Hero wrote...

Amagoi wrote...

Architect is probably one of the more exciting parts of Awakening for me personally. I hope we fight him and the silent sister. Maybe it will reveal that he was behind the Blight after all?

Yes that's one of the things I didn't like about Dragon Age a person seems more interesting than "a force" or "a big monter". I almost wish they concentrated on Loghain more or didn't bring him in so late in the game, he was a very interesting character.

In my opinion they did put a great deal amount of effort into Loghain and he was, in a sense, the main villain.  The Archdemon was just an afterthought