Electronic Arts and BioWare have announced that they will be releasing a prequel novel to Dragon Age: Origins this March, just as the developer and publisher did for previous title Mass Effect.

The novel, which will function as a prequel to BioWare's upcoming RPG epic, will be penned by David Gaider, the lead writer behind the game.

Dubbed as Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne, the plot will centre around a rebelious lord named Maric who is attempting to reclaim his kingship after how mother's murder. The entire first chapter is currently available for preview over at BioWare's official site. The final novel will be published by Tor Books and is due out at the start of March.

The move to print isn't especially new for BioWare, who also released two prequel novels to Mass Effect last year, Ascension and Revelation. Penned by Mass Effect writer Dean Karpyhyn, both Mass Effect tie-ins went down a storm with fans, even getting a bit-tech.net thumbs up in our mini-review.

Dragon Age: Origins itself is launching in Q2 this year for the PC, with a console release following later on. Billed as a spiritual successor to Baldur's Gate II, Dragon Age sees players trying to stop the spread of a mysterious and deadly plague. We've had a good look at it recently - so look out for our hands-on preview in the coming weeks, but check out our overview until then.

Are you planning to pick up a copy of the book or the game? Let us know in the forums.