Book Review: Dragon Age Tevinter Nights

Dragon Age Tevinter Nights is a anthology book which consists of fifteen short stories written by nine of the writing staff at Bioware and edited by Chris Bain, Patrick Weekes, Matthew Goldman and Christopher Morgan. These stories while all unique and individual in their own ways, each having one running theme which connects them together and that's their setting. Usually the stories of Dragon Age both in the games and in most of the books are usually based in Thedas' southern regions. In this books case the stories are actually set across the sea in the far northern territories like Antiva, Nevarra, Rivain and most importantly; The Tevinter Imperium. Many a acute Dragon Age fan will know the next game in the series; Dragon Age Dreadwolf is going to be primarily based within the Imperium so it makes a nice option to get an initial sense of the region and it's surroundings within the stories of this book.

One of the biggest selling points of this book for me was just how varied it ends up being. Each of these stories feels really well thought out and you get a real sense that these writers know Dragon Age like it's their their (Which is technically is). The world building in particular is absolutely fantastic in this book. For any longtime Dragon Age fan these stories will account and reference aspects of the lore both familiar and untouched to give you a real sense that the world and it's secrets are constantly evolving and shifting. I like that the writers don't just focus on world building for the most part though, they use the setting as a key backdrop to tell some very interesting narrative pieces. There's a really nice variety of stories being told here too; there's a couple of emotional, character driven pieces as well as some fun action orientated ones. Some of my favourites include The Horrors of Hormak, The Wigmaker, Eight Little Talon and Dread Wolf Take You.

World building is only one fine element in the Dragon Age franchise though, the other aspect the series get's down so well is it's characters. The characters in the world of Dragon Age end up feeling so real and fleshed out, with their own motivations and desires that may contrast to your own. That is no different in this book, as the stories establish a plethora of well-versed characters, both new and familar to set out and inhabit these stories. It's one thing to be enamoured by the world the stories are setting up, but when you care this much about it's characters you know the writers are doing a fantastic job at making these stories matter.

Not every story works in my opinion though. Anthology books often have the risk of having the odd dud story here or there and it's no different with Tevinter Nights. I don't believe any of these stories lack any sense of quality and thought in their writing, but I do believe some did a better job at engaging me and keeping me reading than others did. I think for the most part it was just down to the themes being used and format in which they were being told, it didn't work for me, but I don't doubt it might work for others.

Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights has geared up my anticipation for Dragon Age Dreadwolf once even more and that's saying something because I was already really excited. I think any long-time Dragon Age fan will get more than their money's worth with reading this book. The stories are all varied and pack a incredible amount of world building and character development to keep you going right up to the end. As 2023 approaches and the release of Dragon Age Dreadwolf looms, I honestly cannot wait to return to this world once more and I appreciate all the stories I've read to satisfy that love I have for this franchise for so long.