**Baldur’s Gate 3: Prequel Novel Featuring Astarion Announced**
Enthusiasts of _Baldur’s Gate 3_ will be excited to find out that the charismatic vampire spawn Astarion is set to have his own prequel novel. This thrilling revelation was made by _Polygon_, shining a light on the partnership between Larian Studios, Wizards of the Coast, and Random House Worlds, aimed at enhancing the game’s elaborate lore and unforgettable characters through a collection of books.
The forthcoming novel, named _Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion_, is penned by T. Kingfisher, a celebrated author recognized for her work in the science fiction and fantasy fields, including distinguished titles like _Nettle & Bone_ and _Thornhedge_. Senior writer Stephen Rooney from _Baldur’s Gate 3_ provided insight into the storyline to guarantee authenticity and richness. This narrative will delve into Astarion’s existence prior to the game’s events, concentrating on his experiences under the domination of the malevolent vampire lord, Cazador Szarr. Enhancing the experience, Neil Newbon, who lends his voice to Astarion in the game, will narrate the audiobook, offering fans a familiar and captivating listening journey.
In addition to Astarion’s narrative, three other books are expected to debut this year. However, these supplementary titles do not center around character-focused stories. One of these is a blank journal mirroring _The Necromancy of Thay_, an item featured in the game, while another is a coloring book with 40 illustrations for fans to fill in. Particularly significant is _A Feast for a Tenday: The Official Baldur’s Gate Cookbook_ by Andrew Wheeler, which promises to deliver a culinary experience with 65 recipes inspired by the game, enabling fans to incorporate the tastes of Faerûn into their cooking.
While enthusiasts express optimism for more novels centered on cherished characters like Shadowheart and Karlach, these projects seem to be on a far-off horizon, possibly not arriving until 2027. At the same time, an HBO series based on _Baldur’s Gate 3_ is in the works, set to continue the storyline introduced by the game, even though Larian Studios is currently busy with their ongoing projects related to the _Divinity_ series and is not directly involved with the series.
With Astarion’s novel on the way, fans have a lot to anticipate in uncovering the deeper narratives behind the characters of _Baldur’s Gate 3_, enhancing the immersive journey of this cherished franchise.
