I asked a similar question in the IWD forum. But I'm looking for novels which might "set the stage" for the BG/IWD series. Basically something that gives the world some context during the time/setting of the games. Is there anything like that out there?

There was an event in Forgotten Realms called the Time of Troubles, where the Gods walked the land as mortals and some were killed off. Baldur's Gate deals with the legacy of Bhaal, who left behind a lot of mortal children during this time. The Time of Troubles event takes place in the Avatar series, starting with Shadowdale.

There are also minor appearances by prolific FR characters: Elminster the wizard who was created (along with FR itself) by Ed Greenwood. Also appearing is the dark elf Drizzt Do'Urden and his friends, created by R.A. Salvatore. You may be interested in reading books with these characters to see why they are so popular.

There are many books but these are the ones that I have read.


The Dark Elf Trilogy
1.Homeland (1990)
2.Exile (1990)
3.Sojourn (1991)


The Icewind Dale Trilogy
1.The Crystal Shard (1988)
2.Streams of Silver (1989)
3.The Halfling's Gem (1990)

Thanks for the recommendations. I think I'm going to start with the Icewind Dale Trilogy, mainly because I love the setting of Icewind Dale.

All these 6 books are adventures of Drizz. Even tho Icewind Dale Trilogy was published before, chronologically Homeland is the first book and tells Drizz's life in Menzoberranzan - the drow world underneath earth.

I think so. All the people at that year read it like that :))

Ha, good call. I think I'll start there. Thanks for the recommendation!

Whatever you do, don't read the Baldur's Gate novels.

https://www.gog.com/forum/baldurs_gate_series/the_baldurs_gate_novels

Pretty bad, eh? If if they weren't I think I'd avoid - I want to create my own canon where the game is concerned. But I WOULD like some context on the world and current setting (as of game time)

Steer clear of the Baldur's Gate novelizations. They are infamously ... not good. They take liberties that fans of the games just can't appreciate.

The Icewind Dale trilogy is FAN-TAS-TIC and introduced popular Forgotten Realms legendary hero Drizzit who makes cameo appearances in Baldur's Gate. The Icewind Dale games take place long before Drizzit arrived on the surface though I think, but the novels still feature the setting and the ten towns prominently. Well, the latter two books leave Icewind Dale for the Sword Coast, but they're essential Forgotten Realms reading material regardless.

There are whole series featuring Drizzit and his companions that take place all over the Forgotten Realms.