Baldur's Gate 3 took the video game world by storm last year, getting multiple well-deserved awards in the process. And to be honest, I've already finished six runs of this game, and I am working on my seventh. While many people seemed to move on after multiple playthroughs, I noticed that many of my friends recently picked this game back up so they could rediscover it with fresh eyes. For me, this playthrough really brought to light how amazing this story is, and that line of thinking made me start to compare these story arcs to ones I have seen in books. So, I've put my ideas down and created a list of books you should read based on who your favorite companion is - and I even included some of the less recruited companions such as Minsc and Minthara to show these characters need love too.
1. Astarion: The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Astarion is sexy and loves the finer things in life, making him a perfect match for the La Cour des Lions in New Orleans. This group of vampires is a coven he wishes he had been born into. With supernatural politics, balls, and a murder mystery to solve, this book fits Astarion's personality so well you could easily read it in his voice - all while the supernatural stakes in the plot rise as tall as Cazador's looming shadow.
2. Gale: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Gale and Mystra's relationship provides the backbone of his character arc, and it reminds me of the relationship between Luzia and Santangel. She's got more magic than she knows what to do with, and he's an immortal familiar who can teach her in an attempt to help the man he's sworn to. Not only does it match the vibes, but the book itself is written very academically - which reminds me exactly of how verbose Gale is, especially at the beginning of the game.
3. Karlach: Legends & Lattes by by Travis Baldree
If they were in the same universe, I am convinced Karlach and Viv would be besties. Both of them are incredible warriors, but the two of them also have their soft sides on full display. Karlach's arc is about her trying to get the chance to retire from being a warrior and choose to have the life she wants, whereas Viv's story starts with her finally breaking out of the sword-for-hire life. I could see Karlach hanging out at Viv's coffee shop, enjoying one of their amazing cinnamon rolls.
4. Lae'zel: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
At first glance, it may seem like I chose this book because the Githyanki are dragon riders. And let me be clear, Lae'zel would rock it in the kill-or-be-killed environment of Basgiath War College. However, if we look at the plot of Fourth Wing there are so many similarities to how the governments use lies and misinformation to keep themselves in power and keep others in line. There are so many parallels between the two, and as The Empyrean series continues, I wonder how many more parallels there will be.
5. Shadowheart: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Bree Matthews and Shadowheart have a few things in common: magic messing with their memories, induction into a controversial secret society, and parent issues. And that is why Legendborn is such a good book for fans of Shadowheart - there are a lot of ways these characters mirror each other. Plus both of these girls are in the middle of their emo phase - and are equal parts depression and rage.
6. Wyll: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Wyll Ravengard signed a contract that bound him to Mizora, and in Starling House Opal signed a contract that binds her to the titular house. And that is just where their similarities start. Both Wyll and Opal care about protecting their families and those who are important to them, even if their reputations take a hit along the way. Even though these characters come from very different backgrounds, it is easy to see how being thrust into a magical world changes a person - and it's a lesson we get from both Wyll and Opal.
7. Halsin: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Halsin is a character who feels like a warm hug, so it's only fitting to choose a book with the same vibe. The Spellshop is about building community and healing nature - the two biggest priorities in Halsin's life. Between the jam-making business, the saving of orchards, and the cute animals this is a world Halsin would thrive in. And there are magical bears in this book, so I am certain he would feel right at home.
8. Jaheira: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Jaheria is entirely too old for the nonsense she endures - which is the exact same vibe we get from Hester. Their exasperated attitudes will make them besties, however, I think it's their found families that will cement their bond. Jaheria's children and Hester's adoption of Cordelia show how caring these two are underneath their prickly exteriors. Not to mention Jaheria's animal whisper network needs some geese, and I am sure Hester would be happy to provide them.
9. Minsc: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maeher
Minsc is the epitome of chaotic good, with an extra emphasis on chaotic. And Evie from Assistant to the Villain is the same kind of chaos. They want to do the right thing, but they take some questionable steps to try and achieve it. In addition, each of them has a cute animal sidekick: Boo and Kingsley. And while maybe Kinglsey actually is the Villain's sidekick, he has enough sass about Evie that we know he's got her back.
10. Minthara: Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Our absolute favorite power-hungry Drow would fit in perfectly with Victor Vale - or try to kill him. And this tale of ambition has Minthara written all over it. Victor and Minthara are both betrayed by those they trusted the most and in return, they're going to burn the world down to get their revenge. I feel like these two have such similar vibes and motivations that even though this is the only non-fantasy book on the list, it's a forgivable offense.