Are you ready for the most fabulous review of the year, darling?

I bet this would be Astarion’s way of introducing an ARC review if he ever wrote one. Unfortunately, he’s far too busy being fabulous, fighting for his freedom, and navigating yet another dangerous adventure with all the sass we’ve come to expect from him.

So, naturally, when I received an ARC of Baldur’s Gate: Astarion by T. Kingfisher, I had a mini heart attack. And, as it turns out, I was absolutely right to be that excited.

About the book

Astarion has survived centuries of cruelty under the control of his master, Cazador, luring unsuspecting victims into his lair, and now he finally has something he has always wanted: freedom that comes with the pain of becoming a complete vampire. But this freedom comes with a price, and when Cazador forces a twisted challenge upon his spawns, Astarion has no choice but to venture into the unknown and confront threats that force him to reckon with both his present and his painful past.

Set in the world of Baldur’s Gate, the story follows the infamous and undisputably fabulous vampire spawn on a new adventure filled with danger, dark magic, unexpected companions, and plenty of the wit and theatrical flair that make Astarion such an unforgettable character.

Whether you know him from Baldur’s Gate 3 or are meeting him for the first time, this is a chance to step into Astarion’s world and discover what happens when a vampire spawn who has spent centuries fighting for survival is given a new challenge and the opportunity to prove that he is finally in control of his own fate.

COMING ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2026! CLICK ON THE BOOK TO GET YOUR COPY!

A treat for Baldur’s Gate and d&D fans

If you’re a fan or player of Baldur’s Gate 3, or you already have a soft spot for Dungeons & Dragons, this book is practically irresistible. It feels like being handed another adventure in the world you already love, complete with familiar elements, dangerous encounters, fantastical settings, and, of course, one particularly gorgeous vampire spawn.

But here’s the wonderful thing: you don’t have to be familiar with the game to enjoy this story.

At its heart, Baldur’s Gate: Astarion is a fantasy adventure with a wonderfully eccentric cast of characters, plenty of danger, and a protagonist who is impossible to ignore. Whether you know Astarion from the game or are meeting him for the first time, he makes for an endlessly entertaining companion.

And yes, darling, he is every bit as fabulous as you’d hope.

t. Kingfisher gets Astarion right

We already know how exquisite T. Kingfisher’s prose can be, but what left me completely stunned was how accurately and wonderfully she captured Astarion’s personality. His wit, cynicism, vanity, theatricality, and deliciously sharp sense of humor all feel perfectly at home on the page.

Yet this isn’t simply a story about a dashingly handsome vampire spawn being fabulous while taking on another dangerous challenge.

Kingfisher also gives us glimpses of the person underneath all that charm.

A vivid world-building that feels like being in the Game

Kingfisher’s world-building was another highlight for me. The vivid descriptions of the settings gave me such a strong sense of being inside the game itself. I could practically picture the locations, feel the atmosphere, and imagine the characters moving through each encounter and around the alleys and underground of Baldur’s Gate.

The adventure has that wonderful D&D quality of never quite knowing what danger or ridiculous situation might be waiting around the corner. And let’s face it, Astarion always has the ability to turn a deadly situation into his own show. That’s what it means to be the star, my dear!

A much more accessible Astarion

Any Baldur’s Gate 3 player would know that Astarion’s past is extremely dark, haunting, and sinister. In the book, we see flashbacks portraying a much younger Astarion back when he was a noble elf. Those little windows into Astarion’s past made the story feel much more personal and emotionally layered. However, I did notice that Astarion’s darker and more haunting history felt somewhat softened compared with what players of Baldur’s Gate 3 know about his story.

While I would have happily explored more of that familiar darkness, I can understand the choice. For readers who have never played the game, a slightly more accessible portrayal of his past probably makes it easier to enjoy the story without being overwhelmed by everything that came before.

And that, ultimately, is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

You don’t need to know Astarion’s entire history. You don’t need hundreds of hours of gameplay behind you. You don’t even need to know what a saving throw is. 🙂

What is the verdict?

If you’re already a Baldur’s Gate 3 player, you’ll have the added pleasure of recognizing the character you’ve spent so many hours with and seeing him embark on another adventure.

If you’re a D&D fan, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in the fantasy setting and adventurous spirit.

And if you’re completely new to both?

You’re still in for a treat.

Because at its core, this is a fun, atmospheric fantasy adventure featuring a memorable cast of characters and one wonderfully cynical, complicated, and devilishly handsome vampire spawn.

So, darling, whether you’ve romanced Astarion, fought alongside him, yelled at him for his questionable decisions, or have never encountered him before, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.

You may come for the fabulous vampire.

You’ll stay for the adventure.

Or… Ridiculous moments very similar to my personal favorite scene from the game:

Well, apparently there’s a limit. Somewhere between a nice summer’s day and the full, concentrated power OF THE SUN!!!!

Jojo’s Verdict: Shelf it!

From Jojo’s bookshelves to yours, with love!