Publisher: Tor Books

Author: David Gaider

Release Date: 12/20/2011

Pages: 416

Recommended Audience: Young Adult

The past two Dragon Age novels were exceptional tales in the universe. The third novel is all about the mages in the White Spire in Val Royeaux. In particular, you follow a mage named Rhys who can see a boy named Cole. No one else can, but is he a demon? Rhys believes he’s just a spirit who can’t find his way to the Fade. Everyone else knows him as the Ghost of the Spire, who is killing people kept in the dungeons. The tale is about Rhys and his friends, who go on a mission to find evidence that the Rite of Tranquility can be reversed. Why he is on this mission, I can’t say, but if you read this book, you will find out.

The book is full of action and suspense, but most of all is the character development that unfolds. David makes you question who you want to side with, and that is very hard to do. You will like a character, and then action will make you question that within yourself. Each major character in the book feels like it could be ripped from the game. They have strong personalities, and the constant ebb and flow of this makes you keep turning the pages.

If you are a huge fan of the game, then you will be pleased that Asunder explores areas that are in the game, such as the Fade, and even areas that are just mentioned or hinted at in the game. David uses the books as opportunities to tell stories that couldn’t go into the game. The book is evenly paced, and everything just flows so well together. The climax is very satisfying, with some plot twists and a great ending that leaves you satisfied when you close that back cover. I can’t really think of anything bad about the book except that it can be a bit slow in spots, but other than that, this is a great novel to add to the other equally wonderful books.