Anders

Dragon Age II Prequels

by Jennifer Hepler

Prequel short story to Dragon Age II, introducing one of the characters. Anders was originally in Dragon Age: Awakening, so this is a bit of a transition story.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Video Games, Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

my Dragon Age 2 love always and forever.

[This Is Not The Michael You're Looking For · Rating 1 out of 5]

Essentially an attempt to explain how certain events in Dragon Age II link to those from the previous game, the story lacks any depth. It serves more as the denouement of a better story we're not told than a story in-and-of itself.

[Defira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glorious introduction to my (two) favourite character(s), and a hauntingly brutal look at the depths the two of them will go to in order to achieve their goals.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could have happened to turn the seemingly carefree and sarcastic mage Anders of Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening into the solemn, tortured soul we meet in Dragon Age 2? This short story from Jen Hepler is a haunting and unsettling look into the events leading up to Anders' departure from the Wardens and ably sets the stage for the world-changing events to come.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting look into his head, and great backstory for what we found out in the game. I do wish it was longer, though! Both because there is so much I want to know more about, and because I really enjoy Jennifer Hepler's writing style.

[Cherie Brandseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant to be read as an addition to the Dragon Age universe. A fantastic look into the mind of a tormented, complex, and intriguing character.

[Rdjohnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look into what happened to Anders before the game and teases you with insight into his character, and past.

[Lexine Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I'm reading this several years too late but I had no idea this existed until I accidentally stumbled upon it. I've just finished playing the Dragon Age Origins Awakening DLC and absolutely loved Anders the sarcastic mage. I've always wondered how he gets from DAO:A where he's funny and carefree to DA2 with the spirit of Justice inside him, driven by a passion for mages' freedom.

It was a short but really good read. It's a nice transition between the games. You see why he accepted Justice inside of him, the effect that it has on him in DA2 (blacking out and attacking, Justice taking over, his and Justice's thoughts being separate but at the same time being one and the same) and why he acts certain ways and does certain things in DA2.

Check it out if you're a big Dragon Age fan like I am! 😁

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a little bit more depth to it than Fenris' short story but was still too short and insubstantial to be very satisfying. It was interesting to get a glimpse of Anders' disoriented thoughts when he first wakes up after merging with Justice (those were well done) but his reaction at the ending felt a bit flat. Instead of rehashing his background history that you learned in the game I would have liked more focus on his emotions and turmoil over the change he just committed to and its unexpected consequences.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about how Justice is not even a thing anymore in Dragon Age II. From the very beginning, there was only Vengeance.

[Re • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so i never liked Anders much but THIS STORY holy hell did i EVER LOVE THIS!!!!!!
it was so good!!

[Julieta Silveti Segovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anders es de mis personajes favoritos de DA2.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love Anders as a character, his writer isn't particularly good and this short story feels like reading one of those mediocre creepypastas that scared me when I was 10

[Zona · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIS BLOOD SPLASHES INTO MY MOUTH AND IT TASTES LIKE HONEYED WINE OHHHH MY SWEET CANNIBAL HUSBAND

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fairly shallow read that most often leaves the reader asking "why would they do that?" against the characters personalities and the plots own direction. Heplers ability to confuse a reader rather than engross them and her abundant use of convenient plot devices without the common adage of (hanging a lantern on it) leaves you feeling dissatisfied overall. This particular story meant to explain the drama and hardship that helped shape an already well fleshed out character of yet another story ends up as little more than a side note of little interest. In this case personally i believe leaving the questions unanswered would have done more for the character than she actually achieved.

[Miriam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Those of us who are in the fandom know well of the hatred and vitriolic sexism that has been spewed at Jennifer Hepler since she took over Anders. Let it be known that I believe she destroyed him- ruined him, deeply violated his character, and made his character a point of futile sadness for me forever. But I think it's a sin to use that huge and horrible debacle to slander her skill as a writer or a weaver of character. Hepler gave us some complex and beautiful characters, just as surely as she spoiled Anders.

[DeCarabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way Anders/Justice's merger works can be vague in the game, so I appreciate getting a look from his POV in this story and seeing the way his perspective slides from one to the other. Essential reading for fans of Anders in DA2.

[Cetskx · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the positive reviews are her little fan base spamming false reviews, this text was terrible and I dislike her and her works entirely. She cannot write and doesn't deserve her job either.