Like many people, I got the newest Dragon Age game the moment it came out. And then immediately played through the entire thing. I loved getting to know the new companions, seeing the Easter Eggs from the previous games, and most importantly, getting closure on the Solas plotline that was started in Dragon Age: Inquisition. However, now that I have finished the adventure for the first time, but definitely not the last, I got to thinking about what book best represented each of the companions. And here are my results.
Please be aware, there are some character arc spoilers below, but no spoilers about the main plot itself!
1. Neve Gallus - Snowglobe by Soyoung Park
In a bleak snow-covered world, everyone looks to the town of Snowglobe for entertainment - including Chobahm who has always looked like the main character in her favorite show. However, after a tragic suicide, she's recruited to take Haeri's place on the show - only to realize everything in Snowglobe is not what it seems. There are mysterious portals, a city everyone loves, and a mystery only Chobahm can solve. The premise of this book is exactly the kind of case that Neve Gallus would find herself in the middle of. Chobahm's persistence, even when it causes her trouble, reminds me a lot of Neve as well, which only makes the mystery that much more intriguing.
Snowglobe is available through Penguin Random House
2. Lace Harding - Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf
Synali and Harding have quite a bit in common: both are on a crusade the world seems to think will fail, both of them have connections to a mostly dissolved organization, and both of them have a long-forgotten being talking to them in their heads. Each of them has to research into forbidden knowledge the world forgot, knowing that learning it will change everything they know. And while Synali primarily acts out of anger and Harding primarily acts out of compassion, they both need answers - even if others want to keep those answers from them. The ending of Heavenbreaker especially reminded me of the last big quest in Harding's arc, and I feel like others will see it the same way.
Heavenbreaker is available through Entangled Publishing
3. Bellara Lutare - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
One of the happiest surprises of the game was when I discovered Bellara writing fanfiction about the team. It was so perfect for her character, and yet, I truly did not see it coming. However, her love of writing fanfiction is one reason Bellara and Cath are very similar. The other? Well, they both are working through some major feelings about their siblings and aren't entirely sure how to do it. Despite being in completely different genres, there are many similar emotional beats - and both require tissues to get through.
Fangirl is available through Macmillan Publishers
4. Lucanis Dellamorte - Pledge by Eleanor Rose, August Oliver, and Chase St. Clare
I am convinced the person who wrote Lucanis' plotline is a romantasy person. Because how else did we end up with the perfect charismatic morally-gray Shadow Daddy assassin with a coffee addiction? However, there's a bigger thing Lucanis and Olympio have in common: learning how to properly navigate their first serious relationship. In addition, both of these men would both die and kill for their partners - even if they have to tear down the world to do so.
Pledge is available through Amazon
5. Davrin (and Assan!) - Assistant to the Villan by Hannah Nichole Maehrer
One of the hardest parts of figuring out what book to choose for Davrin was there had to be an animal companion. Davrin and Assan's relationship is so important to his character, I knew I needed something to compare it to. And luckily The Villain and Kingsley fit the bill perfectly. The two go everywhere together, with Kingsley constantly getting into trouble. However, The Villain's fight for what is right, even though it puts him at odds with the people in his life fits Davrin's attitude towards the Dalish elves and the Grey Wardens.
Assistant to the Villain is available through Entangled Publishing
6. Emmrich Volkarin - Bell's Hells: What Doesn't Break by Cassandra Khaw
From the moment Emmrich was introduced in the game, he immediately gave me the exact same "fun spooky" vibes as Laudna from Critical Role. They not only are spooky, but they both embrace the aesthetic - even if others find it weird. However, hidden behind their happy exteriors both of them have very real fears about what it means to die and what it means to be alone. Therefore, Laudna's prequel book feels so similar to Emmrich, that I absolutely had to put it down. And while I am definitely a giant Critical Role fan, you don't need to be fully caught up with season 3 to understand this book. There may be some Easter Eggs you miss, but this story is an excellent jumping point into the world.
Bell's Hells: What Doesn't Break is available through Penguin Random House
7. Taash - Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Sometimes people just need to rage. And Taash is one of those people. Their entire life has been defined by the boxes people have put them into, and they want to break out and be their own person. And it reminded me a lot of Zetian in Iron Widow. Both characters go on a journey of self-discovery, figuring out exactly who they are along the way. One of Taash's first quotes in the game is "You don't get to tell me who I am" and it applies just as much to Zetian - and both are willing to be incredibly violent to prove this point.
Iron Widow is available through Penguin Random House