The Calling (Dragon Age) [Paperback]

David Gaider (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2009 | Series: Dragon Age

Another thrilling prequel to Dragon Age: Origins, the hit role-playing video game from award-winning developer BioWare.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Gaider has worked for video game developer Bioware since 1999. He is the lead writer on the Dragon Age: Origins role-playing game and has previously worked on such titles as Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Neverwinter Nights.

Product Details

• Paperback: 444 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books (October 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765324091
• ISBN-13: 978-0765324092
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Gaider lives in Edmonton, Alberta, and has worked for video game developer BioWare since 1999. He is the lead writer on the upcoming Dragon Age: Origins role-playing game and has previously worked on such titles as Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of AmnTM, Star Wars ®: Knights of the Old Republic TM, and Neverwinter Nights TM.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From man's worst enemy to man's best friend, October 7, 2009

By 

imported beer "henotheist" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Calling (Dragon Age) (Paperback)

Full disclaimer: As someone obsessed with the DAO universe, my review is biased because I already have an attachment to this world and its characters. I devoured the first book and loved it, but this book just had me fluttering about like an excited if demented pigeon.

On the surface, the story seems simple. A King guides a motley crew of Grey Wardens through the treacherous Deep Roads to help them find a missing Grey Warden. But what it is, is so much more. It is about loss and regret, it is about trust and friendships. It is about how far a person will go to do the right thing, and how far a person will go to correct his or her mistakes. It leaves you with a feeling of uncomfortable uncertainty about the nature of evil and of good. And if you are a dog lover, it has a scene that will leave you misty eyed if not a complete emotional wreck.

In the end, it leaves you with a satisfying sense of closure, but you will see the Thedas universe with new eyes. No longer will you see the darkspawn as pure evil. No longer will you see those who defend humans against them as pure good, and suddenly, everything in the Dragon Age universe just acquired a patina of nuance that was until now not quite obvious.

And even if you are not into the Dragon Age universe, it is still an entertaining, action packed fantasy romp. Mr. Gaider's style is very confident and assertive in this book, his story is very expansive and lore filled, and yet he never loses his strengths- great interactions, a very intimate sense of story telling and characters that you will feel for strongly whether you want to hug them, or slap them silly.

I really enjoyed this book.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous success, November 2, 2009

By 

M. Adams "Mike" (Jackson, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Calling (Dragon Age) (Paperback)

David Gaider did a tremendous job on this story, surpassing The Stolen Throne in all respects. The storyline will engross you and make you want to keep reading, and you find yourself truly wondering about what you really know about this world, the darkspawn, and the Grey Wardens. It should be required reading before playing Dragon Age, and also stands on its own as a worthy novel for those who enjoy adventure. Highly recommended.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for a Fantasy Game Novel, January 27, 2010

By 

Matthew ""Mad Matt"" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Calling (Dragon Age) (Paperback)

If you're looking for a fantasy novel and have not played and enjoyed Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins game, avoid this novel. If you fit this category, I give this novel two stars. Without the game's support, the novel cannot stand on its own. The characters are flat, the setting is not well fleshed out, and the story itself is uninspiring.

On the other hand, if you a Dragon Age fan, and are looking for more back story about the world of Thedas, then this is a pretty good read. If you're looking to expand your Dragon Age experience, then I give this novel 4 stars.

Averaging out the two ratings, I give this one a 3 overall.