just finished the Masked Empire book... anyone who hasn't read the novels I'd recommend reading Asunder and Masked Empire before DA:I's release as they set things up nicely and are both very well written
Asunder focuses on the growing tensions between the mages and templars/seekers and essentially does what DA2s story tried to do but much, much better. includes a few familiar characters (Wynne, Shale, Fiona, Leliana) and some interesting new ones
Masked Empire is about the start of the Orlesian civil war and the suffering of the elves. also includes brief appearances from Leliana and Teagan
obviously we'll be meeting at least some of the characters from the novels in Inquisition and will be able to pick sides in several of the conflicts
I'd expect a side quest to help Michel track Ishmael, options to side with the Elven Rebellion, Gaspard or Celene and either mages or templars. wouldn't surprise me if Felassan's mysterious 'boss' (my guess is Fen'Harel himself) turns out to be the main big bad