EXCLUSIVE: Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion Excerpt, Narrated by Neil Newbon Himself

Prepare to delve deeper into the shadowy past of one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s most captivating characters. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion, a new prequel novel by the acclaimed author T. Kingfisher. Adding an unparalleled layer of immersion, the audiobook version features narration by none other than Neil Newbon, the award-winning actor who brought Astarion to life in the game. We’re thrilled to share an exclusive look at a compelling excerpt from this highly anticipated novel, allowing listeners to experience Astarion’s world directly through Newbon’s distinctive voice. This unique combination promises an authentic and chilling journey into the vampire spawn’s life before the harrowing events of the game.

The Prequel Novel: A Glimpse into Astarion’s Servitude

Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion transports readers to the time before Astarion’s fateful encounter with the Mind Flayer parasite. The narrative explores his centuries-long existence under the cruel thumb of the vampire lord Cazador Szarr. Author T. Kingfisher meticulously crafts a world that is both true to Baldur’s Gate lore and rich with her unique narrative style. To ensure seamless integration with the beloved game, Stephen Rooney, a senior writer for Baldur’s Gate 3, served as a consultant for the novel. This collaboration guarantees that Astarion’s backstory and the intricate details of his servitude remain faithful to the established universe. Readers can mark their calendars for September 29, 2026, when Random House Worlds will officially publish this thrilling prequel.

Neil Newbon’s Voice: Bringing the Vampire Spawn to Life Anew

The decision to have Neil Newbon narrate the audiobook for Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion is a stroke of genius, offering fans an extraordinary connection to the character. Newbon’s performance as Astarion earned widespread acclaim, making his voice instantly recognizable and deeply intertwined with the elven rogue’s persona. Hearing him narrate Astarion’s inner thoughts, struggles, and sardonic observations promises an authentic and emotionally resonant experience. This isn’t just an audiobook; it’s an extension of the character, delivered by the very actor who understands his nuances best. The narration will undoubtedly enhance the suspense and dark charm that define Astarion, drawing listeners even deeper into his plight.

Excerpt from BALDUR’S GATE 3: ASTARION by T. Kingfisher:

A Hunt in the Lower City Fog

The excerpt plunges us into a typical evening for Astarion in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate. A thick fog has descended, providing a natural cloak for his nocturnal activities. He moves with a specific, fluid grace – “slinking,” as he carefully distinguishes from “skulking” – indicating a predator rather than a brute. His objective is clear: find fresh blood for Cazador. We follow Astarion through the cobbled streets, past inns and taverns, each location evaluated for its suitability as a hunting ground. His internal monologue reveals a keen observational mind, a dry wit, and a constant calculation of risk, all while under the oppressive shadow of his master’s demands. The atmospheric description of the city sets a chilling backdrop for his grim task.

Astarion’s Prudent Predator Nature

Astarion’s experience as a vampire spawn hunter is evident in his meticulous approach. He quickly dismisses locations like busy inns or Flaming Fist haunts, understanding the dangers of drawing unwanted attention. His thoughts reveal a cautious pragmatism, recognizing that stirring up trouble would be counterproductive to his survival under Cazador’s rule. He contemplates the “Toad’s Ghost” and its poetry night, noting its potential for desperate attendees, but ultimately decides to defer it. A memorable detail includes his use of charmed glasses, designed to mask his tell-tale red eyes in well-lit areas, a small act of vanity interwoven with practical necessity. This section showcases his intelligence and the intricate, often frustrating, requirements of his existence.

The Docks and Unforeseen Complications

As the fog thickens further, Astarion makes his way toward the docks, a place where shadows and anonymity are more abundant. He navigates the treacherous waterfront, wary of the cold, polluted bay – a significant hazard for a vampire spawn. His disdain for nautical terminology provides a moment of characteristic dark humor, calling dock equipment “larboard mizzenpoop or something like that.” He avoids hunting prostitutes, not from virtue, but from a pragmatic understanding of their communal vigilance and the severe consequences of being caught. This brief insight into the informal “rules” of his predatory life underscores his precarious position, constrained by both his vampiric nature and the harsh realities of the city.

An Unlikely Proposition from a Streetwalker

Just as Astarion contemplates his next move, a figure emerges from the fog, a prostitute holding a small red lantern. To Astarion’s surprise, she approaches him directly, revealing she’s been looking for him. She knows about his “red eyes” and his habit of making clients “disappear.” Her sharp observations immediately put Astarion on edge, highlighting his vulnerability despite his powers. He attempts to deflect with his usual charm and a fabricated backstory about a drow grandmother, but she sees through it instantly. The tension escalates as she reveals her purpose: she needs his help. Specifically, she wants him to make a violent, abusive merchant’s son named Boris “disappear too,” a proposal that radically alters Astarion’s immediate hunting plans.

Anticipating Astarion’s Full Journey

This exclusive excerpt provides a tantalizing taste of what awaits readers in Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion. From T. Kingfisher’s vivid descriptions of Baldur’s Gate to Neil Newbon’s immersive narration, the novel promises to be an essential piece of lore for fans of the game. It’s a chance to witness Astarion’s inner world, his struggles, and his dark wit firsthand, years before he was tadpoled and forced into an unlikely companionship. The blend of a beloved character, a talented author, and the original voice actor creates an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our understanding of this complex vampire spawn. Prepare to be captivated by Astarion’s past when the novel and audiobook arrive.

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Reprinted from Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion by T. Kingfisher. © 2026 Wizards of the Coast LLC. Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.