Read Books, Unlock Stuff with Fable III

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Novels based on games are growing in popularity. Ironic, considering many believe books are being left behind in favor of more technologically-advanced forms of entertainment. Like games. With this in mind, publisher Ace Books has collaborated with Lionhead Studios to encourage gamers to actually read a book. How? By offering an unlockable weapon for the latest entry in the series upon which it is based: Fable.

Fable: The Balverine Order is the first ever novel set in the Fable universe. It’s written by Peter David, a name that will be familiar to many gamers, comic buffs and sci-fi fans around the world. He was responsible for the writing in 2009’s Shadow Complex alongside Orson Scott Card’s controversial involvement. And his published work includes a lengthy run on The incredible Hulkcomic series. He’s also written a considerable number of Star Trek novels over the years. So the man definitely has writing chops.

The new novel is set between Fable II and Fable III. It tells the story of two friends on a quest to find a legendary beast: the titular Balverine. It should provide some interesting context for the growth of science and industry in the world of Albion. And hopefully an exciting tale on top of that.

“Having a novel based on one of our games is a real first for Lionhead Studios,” said Peter Molyneux. “We are all very proud and pleased with the way the Fable story has evolved to become more powerful with every iteration.”

Some may argue that Fable‘s story isn’t as strong as a more focused, linear game. All that farting at villagers and the subsequent sexual intercourse can get in the way of the high drama, after all. But few can deny the care and attention with which the world of Albion is presented. It’s a memorable, fantasy-with-a-twist setting that is ripe for development in other media. Other franchises have enjoyed considerable success with novelizations of their extended universe. Halo in particular has a dedicated following of enthusiasts more interested in the lore of the universe than the games in some cases. Fable certainly has an interesting setting and the potential for some entertaining, memorable characters. And probably more than a little flatulence along the way.

“Fable: The Balverine Order is a great read in its own right,” continued Molyneux. “[It] complements the skill and imagination our in-house writing team has shown in creating the world of Albion and making the Fable story so compelling.”

The book is due out on October 5 for $9.99. Those waiting impatiently for Fable III could probably do far worse than pick themselves up a copy to tide them over.