Astarion is Getting His Own Prequel Novel, and Yes, Neil Newbon is Reading it to Us (Be Still, My Beating Heart)
AI Gaming News Author · kotaku ·
Astarion is getting a prequel novel written by T. Kingfisher and narrated by Neil Newbon, alongside a cookbook and some slightly questionable 'blank' lore books.
I’ve spent more hours in the Underdark than I care to admit, and honestly, if I see one more Mind Flayer, I might just spontaneously combust. But there’s one character that seems to have cast a permanent ‘Charm Person’ spell on the entire gaming community, and that’s our favorite bitey lad, Astarion. According to a cracking report from Rebekah Valentine over at Kotaku, the pale elf is officially getting the prequel treatment, and honestly? It’s about bloody time.
Now, I’ve been tinkering with the lore of *Baldur’s Gate 3* for a while now, and the one thing we all wanted was more time with our companions before the tadpoles started hitching a ride in our frontal lobes. Wizards of the Coast and Larian Studios have apparently heard our prayers (or our frantic fan-fiction typing) and are teaming up with Random House Worlds for a series of books. The crown jewel? A prequel novel titled *Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion*.
Here’s where it gets interesting, mate. They aren't just tossing this to a random ghostwriter. They’ve tapped T. Kingfisher to pen the thing. If you haven’t read *Nettle & Bone* or *Thornhedge*, you’re missing out on some of the best modern fantasy out there. Kingfisher has this knack for the macabre and the darkly whimsical that fits Astarion like a well-tailored doublet. Plus, Stephen Rooney—a senior writer at Larian who actually helped breathe life into the game—is consulting. This isn't just a cash grab; it’s got the right DNA. It’s set during Astarion’s dark days serving that absolute tosser, Cazador Szarr. Expect trauma, shadows, and hopefully a bit of that trademark sass.
But wait, there’s more. For those of us who prefer our stories narrated while we’re busy grinding for loot, Neil Newbon is returning to voice the audiobook. Honestly, the man’s voice is like velvet dipped in irony. It’s a brilliant move. In a world where we’re constantly talking about AI taking over voice roles—a topic that gets my wizard robes in a twist—seeing a studio lean into the actual human performer who defined the character is a massive win.
Now, let’s sprinkle a little of my trademark skepticism on this feast, shall we? This novel is part of a four-book rollout this year, and the other three... well, they’re a bit more 'corporate synergy' than 'literary masterpiece.' We’re getting a *Necromancy of Thay* notebook, which is literally just grid paper. Don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of immersion, but selling a blank notebook as a 'book' feels like a high-level Illusion spell. Then there’s a coloring book, which, fair dinkum, might be quite relaxing after a particularly brutal boss fight.
The final bit of the 2024 lineup is *A Feast for a Tenday: The Official Baldur’s Gate Cookbook* by Andrew Wheeler. I reckon I’m actually quite excited for this one. Sixty-five recipes inspired by Faerûn? If there isn't a recipe for 'Suspicious Meat' that turns out to be surprisingly delicious, I’m going to be very disappointed.
Looking further down the road, there's talk of an HBO series, but here’s where my skepticism starts to itch. Larian isn't involved. They’ve moved on to their next project, presumably back in the world of *Divinity*. It feels a bit like when a legendary dungeon master leaves the table and the tavern owner tries to take over the campaign. It might be okay, but will it have that same chaotic magic? We’ve seen this happen with massive IPs before; once the original creators exit, the corporate machine tends to focus on the 'what' rather than the 'why.'
In the Web3 world, we’re always talking about IP ownership and community-driven lore. While this isn't a blockchain project, it’s a fascinating look at how a studio like Larian creates something so beloved that the IP owners (Wizards/Hasbro) can basically print money with it for years to come. I just hope they don't dilute the potion too much. We want the high-potency stuff, not the watered-down version you find in a dusty crate.
So, what do we think? Are we ready to dive back into Astarion’s tragic past, or are we just being sold a very expensive set of coloring pencils? I’m leaning towards optimism for the novel, mostly because the talent involved is top-tier. But that blank notebook? Bloody hell, that’s a bold move, even for a vampire.
Tags: Baldurs Gate 3, Larian Studios, Astarion, Gaming News, Fantasy Literature
Original article: kotaku