The Dragon Age novels are a captivating extension of the beloved Dragon Age video game series by BioWare. These novels dive deep into the rich lore, complex characters, and political intrigue of Thedas—the world where the series takes place. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the games or just a lover of epic fantasy, the Dragon Age novels offer an immersive experience that complements and expands the stories you know and love.
In this guide, we’ll explore all the Dragon Age novels, their reading order, key themes, and why they’re a must-read for fantasy fans.
What Are the Dragon Age Novels?
The Dragon Age novels are a collection of officially licensed books that take place in the same universe as the Dragon Age games. Written by award-winning fantasy authors, these novels delve into untold stories, backstories of major characters, and events that shape the world of Thedas.
Who Writes the Dragon Age Novels?
Several talented authors have contributed to the Dragon Age novel series, including:
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David Gaider – Lead writer of the Dragon Age video games and author of the first few novels.
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Liane Merciel – Known for writing darker, grittier tales within Thedas.
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Patrick Weekes – A BioWare writer who explores deeper character development and political drama.
These authors are not just novelists—they were directly involved with the game development, ensuring that the books remain true to the canon and tone of the series.
Dragon Age Novels in Order
If you’re new to the series, here’s a list of the Dragon Age novels in chronological reading order:
1. Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne (2009)
Author: David Gaider
This prequel to Dragon Age: Origins tells the story of Maric Theirin, father of King Cailan, and his rebellion against the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden.
2. Dragon Age: The Calling (2009)
Author: David Gaider
Set shortly after The Stolen Throne, this book follows King Maric as he journeys into the Deep Roads with the Grey Wardens and encounters dark secrets.
3. Dragon Age: Asunder (2011)
Author: David Gaider
A bridge between Dragon Age II and Inquisition, this novel explores the rising tensions between mages and templars, focusing on the character Wynne’s son, Rhys.
4. Dragon Age: The Masked Empire (2014)
Author: Patrick Weekes
This novel provides backstory for the political chaos in Orlais and features Empress Celene, Briala, and Gaspard—key figures in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
5. Dragon Age: Last Flight (2014)
Author: Liane Merciel
Split between two timelines, this book explores the history of the Grey Wardens and the mysterious disappearance of the griffons.
6. Dragon Age: Hard in Hightown (2018)
Author: Varric Tethras (aka Mary Kirby)
A unique novel written “in-universe” by Varric, a fan-favorite dwarf from the games. It’s a noir-style detective story set in Kirkwall.
7. Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights (2020)
Author: Various (edited by Patrick Weekes)
An anthology of short stories from across Thedas, focusing on the rising threat in Tevinter, which sets the stage for the upcoming Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.
8. Dragon Age: The Missing (Graphic Novel)
This is a comic prequel to Dreadwolf, providing key insight into the events happening post-Inquisition.
Why You Should Read the Dragon Age Novels
Deepen Your Understanding of Thedas
The novels flesh out the history, cultures, and politics of Thedas in ways that the games only hint at. They explore parts of the world like Orlais, Tevinter, and the Deep Roads in greater detail.
Discover New and Familiar Characters
Many novels feature game characters, such as King Maric, Loghain, Wynne, Cassandra Pentaghast, and Varric. Some also introduce new characters that expand the narrative universe.
Bridge the Gap Between Games
If you’re eagerly awaiting Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, reading the novels—especially Tevinter Nights and The Masked Empire—will give you a major lore advantage.
Which Dragon Age Novel Is the Best?
Choosing the “best” Dragon Age novel depends on what kind of story you enjoy:
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For action and rebellion: The Stolen Throne
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For magical mystery and Grey Warden lore: The Calling and Last Flight
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For political intrigue: The Masked Empire
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For deep character drama: Asunder
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For fans of Varric’s humor: Hard in Hightown
Tevinter Nights is often praised for its diversity in storytelling and rich world-building, making it a great read for lore lovers.
Where to Buy Dragon Age Novels
The Dragon Age novels are widely available in both physical and digital formats:
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Amazon – Offers paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions.
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Bookstores – Major retailers like Barnes & Noble carry them.
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Digital Platforms – Google Books, Apple Books, and Audible.
For collectors, there are special editions and omnibus versions available as well.
Are the Dragon Age Novels Canon?
Yes, all officially published Dragon Age novels are considered canon unless explicitly stated otherwise. They are often written by or with input from BioWare’s narrative team, ensuring consistency with the game universe.
That said, some details may be open to interpretation or later expanded upon in new games.
Upcoming Dragon Age Books and Future of the Series
With the release of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf on the horizon, interest in the novels has surged. BioWare and its publishing partners have hinted at more books and comics to tie in with future game events.
To stay updated, fans should follow:
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BioWare’s official blog
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Dark Horse Comics (for graphic novels)
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EA’s press releases
Final Thoughts
ccccime with beloved characters like Varric and Cassandra, these books offer something for every Dragon Age fan.
If you’re preparing for the next chapter in Thedas, now is the perfect time to dive into the novels and experience the world in a whole new way.