Dragon Age: Asunder

Dragon Age, Book 3

By: David Gaider

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

A mystical killer stalks the halls of the White Spire, the heart of templar power in the mighty Orlesian Empire. To prove his innocence, Rhys reluctantly embarks on a journey into the western wastelands that will not only reveal much more than he bargained for but change the fate of his fellow mages forever.

©2011 Electronic Arts, Inc. (P)2016 Tantor

A Story of Dehumanization

I came into the Dragon Age series with DA2, and was generally lost as to what was going on. I then played Inquisition, and was blown away by the quality of it's story, gameplay, soundtrack, and graphics. There was, however, one character who I easily found the most compelling, and that was Cole. Having read online that Asunder was the novel which canonically introduced Cole, I began listening to it on my morning walks to work. Suddenly, all of the ethical controversies and dilemmas discussed in DA2 were put into context. And I was horrified. I was horrified by the sanctioned, systemic cruelty depicted in the story against those born with magic, and particularly vulnerable to demonic predators. I was more horrified by the neutral position on this cruelty from the story's supposed heroes, and their condemnation of any characters willing to actively oppose that cruelty. The fascinating thing about this premise is that it engages readers and players with a wide span of real world views. Interpretations of the symbolism vary, and reactions are intensely polarized. Those who read the story through to its end will know that Cole was the most obviously dehumanized character, but he was far from alone.

Excellent Story about the struggles Mages face

What made the experience of listening to Dragon Age: Asunder the most enjoyable?

The experience is where this story fits in with the rest of the Dragon Age series (game/book). This is the first chance we get to see Orlais and what it has to offer Thedas.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dragon Age: Asunder?

THE most memorable moment is when Rhys has his squabble with the Lord Seeker in the catacombs and finally realizes that Cole's existence is in fact a Spirit. I wanted so bad for the mystery of Cole to be some new type of magic or item and was excited to finally find out his fate in all of this.

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

It took a while to get used to Gildart Jacksons voice and tones over Stephen Hoye who voiced the first two books. I still couldn't get over the way Gildart pronounces 'mana'. It just comes off strange to me. Other than that I think Gildart did an excellent job distinguishing key characters and played there roles well. Was certainly delightful to listen to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Conclave political battle between the mages was particularly moving. A lot of very difficult decisions were made there and the way it worked it's way out was incredible.

Any additional comments?

Excellent Story. I feel as though they could have elaborated just a little more on the epilogue. it would have been nice to know more about what happens to the Circle after the Conclave.

If you love Cole in Dragon Age Inquisition, you'll love this book!

This book has some of my favorite characters from Origins and Inquisition and the story is fantastic

different narrator

the change in narrator from previous books in the series was slightly jarring, but this one does a good job with differentiating voices throughout the book.

Great bridge between the games

Great way to bridge the gap between dragon age 2 and dragon age inquisition nice back story to Cole one of the coolest characters in the franchise

Interesting story and a must for Inquisition fans

A great story about oppression and rebellion involving a well rounded cast of deep characters, both original to the novel and from the Dragon Age games. The story takes a bit longer than the previous entries to really get rolling but it is well worth it. Some very thought provoking revelations that gives fans of the game a lot to chew on, and are well expanded upon in the book itself that newcomers can appreciate the depth of the issues brought up. Fans of Inquisition and the previous installments alike will find much to learn and enjoy in this novel. Highly recommended!

The Best Yet In the Series

Asunder follows the most interesting characters we've had yet in a Dragon Age novel. Cole is an enigmatic mystery that does not seem to fit any mould we've seen before. Rhys is a mage with a temper, but also a sensibility that keeps it in check. Evangeline is a templar who shows compassion and duty to a morality beyond simply following orders and keeping order. Asunder is perhaps the most compelling Dragon Age novel yet, while simultaneously being the novel most independent of its world. This isn't just a great Dragon Age book - it's a great fantasy book.

I am a Lore Junkie Now

Dragon Age games are my favorite of all time. Now, I am an addict of the lore. So well written and performed. This was recommended to me, and now I will continue the series.

My first completed audio book

I have started many audio books, but have always found the experience unsatisfying compared to actually reading. Consequently, I had never finished one until now. This book, however, was exceptionally captivating for me. It is very well narrated and the story so engaging that I found myself drawn in profoundly. So much so that it has been the highlight of many of my days since I started listening. I only regret that I may not find another, though I suspect I will try.

Dragon Age: Asunder

Where does Dragon Age: Asunder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to more than 150 audiobooks and this is definitely in the top 5 ever. The reader is pretty good and the story is very intriguing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dragon Age: Asunder?

I think I enjoyed the most when they went into the Fade to face the demon.

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think that the reader really gives life to a story, literally giving it a voice and life. The different voices for every character is one of the reason I like audiobooks so much.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Will they reach the freedom they strive for or die in the attempt?