News T. Kingfisher T. Kingfisher + Baldur’s Gate 3 = The Prequel Novel Astarion A book that will likely show that the only thing darker than the world vampires must live in is Astarion’s origin story By Molly Templeton | Published on April 27, 2026 Image: Random House Worlds / Cover art by Eleonor Piteira Comment 0 Share New Share Image: Random House Worlds / Cover art by Eleonor Piteira Penguin Random House is adding a new gem to its lineup of tie-in novels: a line of books connected to the hugely popular game Baldur’s Gate 3. And while some of the books are the expected, kinda funny tie-ins (cookbooks! coloring books!), one is of particular interest to SFF readers: T. Kingfisher’s Astarion, a prequel novel that “follows the beloved character Astarion during his time in servitude to the vampire lord Cazador Szarr in the years leading up to the events of the video game,” according to a press release. The book’s cover copy is somewhat more forthcoming: Astarion Ancunin was supposed to be a magistrate, not a vampire spawn. He was supposed to serve the law, not the vicious vampire lord Cazador Szarr. And he was supposed to drink fine wine, not rat blood. Alas—the city of Baldur’s Gate cares little for what’s supposed to happen.Though he has been powerless to resist his master’s bidding, haunting the nighttime streets to fetch warm blood, Astarion has never surrendered his hope. One day, this nightmare must end. He just has to find out how.When the vampire lord announces a twisted competition for his favor, an opportunity presents itself in the form of a rare prize… and an unlikely alliance. The blood of a dead god is buried deep beneath Baldur’s Gate, and, to get it, Astarion will need the help of a handsome Aasimar paladin named Hahn den Suriel.There are just a few problems. Astarion is not supposed to trust his fellow spawn. He’s not supposed to go out into the city for his own ends rather than the vampire lord’s. And he’s certainly not supposed to strike a deal with a stranger whose golden eyes can snare even a blackened, undead heart.But the city of Baldur’s Gate cares little for what’s supposed to happen. The press release notes that one of the game’s senior writers, Stephen Rooney, “was consulted to ensure the novel’s authenticity within the game’s world and lore.” The audiobook will be narrated by Neil Newbon, the actor who plays Astarion in the game. Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion arrives on September 29. This is the last of three T. Kingfisher novels currently scheduled to come out this year; the others are Wolf Worm (out now) and Daggerbound (August 26). [end-mark] The post T. Kingfisher + <i>Baldur’s Gate 3</i> = The Prequel Novel <i>Astarion</i> appeared first on Reactor.