Hello, Seekers! You may recall that Jonathan and Kristina are avid gamers. Jonathan, like many, got swept up by the juggernaut of a video game that is Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3). This role-playing game (RPG) set in the Dungeons & Dragons world of Faerûn boasts an elaborate storyline, complex characters, and a plethora of romance options. If, like Jonathan, you have completed several playthroughs and find yourself pining for more content that gives you the same feeling as this beloved game, we are here to help. Check out this list of book recs based on your BG3 romance.
Astarion
Silver-tongued, sly, and handsome, it’s little wonder the Internet exploded over Astarion, the vampire spawn. Yet behind Astarion’s nonchalant demeanor lurks a tragic past he cannot run from forever. Cue the “I can fix him” memes. We suggest J.R. Ward’s paranormal romance series the Black Dagger Brotherhood to quench your thirst for this companion. The first book, Dark Lover, introduces a smoldering vampire warrior who will leave you breathless. Be warned: this series is just as smutty as Astarion and BG3.
Gale
The wizard of Waterdeep falls fast and hard but remains eminently polite throughout his courtship of the player’s character. Yet when his big romance scene arrives, it’s pure magic. Jane Austen’s seminal classic Pride and Prejudice would no doubt find a home on the shelves in Gale’s tower, for it shares his penchant for drama and high society. And like Mr. Darcy, no one would ever accuse Gale of lacking looks or ambition.
Halsin
Jonathan’s personal favorite romance—because who wouldn’t fall for this sweet, nature-loving himbo—was originally not on the menu, but a last-minute patch made the muscle-bound druid a romanceable companion. The game is better for it because Halsin’s message of respect and care for the environment bears repeating in our world. Want to see what happens when a society depends entirely on plant magic for survival? Check out Kritika H. Rao’s science fantasy novel The Surviving Sky.
Karachi
Everyone’s favorite tiefling was a smash hit among the sapphic crowd for her cocky attitude, strength, and big heart. Yet as everyone who romanced Karlach knows, it’s doomed from the start. C. L. Polk’s noir fantasy novella Even Though I Knew the End serves up a scintillating sapphic romance against a backdrop of magic and murder in early 1900s Chicago. It’s also a poignant look into life for women who loved women during that era.
Lae’zel
If you romanced Lae’zel, you don’t mind a prickly exterior and probably live for the enemies-to-lovers trope. Allow us to introduce A Song of Silver and Gold by our fellow Midnight Meadow author, Melissa Karibian. This young adult, sapphic retelling of The Little Mermaid features a princess in disguise who falls for a siren warrior. What the princess doesn’t know is that her siren lover has to kill her or remain banished forever.
Minthara
We have questions if you romanced Minthara, but suffice it to say she exemplifies her people, the drow. Cold, haughty, and utterly ruthless, be taken by Minthara’s beauty at your own risk. If you want to explore the hierarchical, brutal society she came from, check out R.A. Salvatore’s The Legend of Drizzt series. We recommend starting with Homeland, as it introduces the titular character and his origin story. If you haven’t already figured it out, he’s also a drow. Bonus: this is one of J&K’s mutual favorite fantasy series.
Shadowheart
Arguably the best romance of all the companions, Shadowheart’s tale takes numerous twists and turns throughout BG3. Hers is a gripping story made even more fascinating by its various possible outcomes. Shadowheart’s determination in the face of impossible odds and family tragedy immediately brings to mind Violet Sorrengail from Fourth Wing. It’s not much of a stretch to imagine Shadowheart riding a dragon, like Violet. Both heroines possess great magical power. And for each of them, the truth is not what they have been led to believe.
Well
The Blade of the Frontiers is a traditionalist when it comes to romance, but his background is anything but conventional. If you like brooding swordsmen with infernal connections, you’ll love Jace from City of Bones, the first book in Cassandra Clare’s popular urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments. Like Wyll, dark secrets from Jace’s past catch up to him in unexpected ways. The main character, Clary, must navigate her complicated relationship with Jace as she learns the truth about her past and steps into her new life as a Shadowhunter: a protector of humanity from supernatural evils.
Thanks for Reading
Loved this post? Check out more book recommendations from J & K in the Book Lists archives, including Spooky Fall Reads and Jonathan’s Favorite Sci-Fi Reads. And make sure to enter our giveaway for our debut novel, Trials of the Innermost!