Mass Effect: Revelation

by Drew Karpyshyn

Book Overview

The thrilling prequel to the award-winning video game from BioWare Every advanced society in the galaxy relies on the technology of the Protheans, an ancient species that vanished fifty thousand years ago. After discovering a cache of Prothean technology on Mars in 2148, humanity is spreading to the stars; the newest interstellar species, struggling to carve out its place in the greater galactic community. On the edge of colonized space, ship commander...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034549816X
• ISBN13: 9780345498168
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Random House Worlds
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.0" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Awesome prequel!

Okay I will admit, I played and beat the game before I read this book. I know that's not what it's intended for but the damage is done. In some ways I'm kind of glad that I did because it gave me a much better understanding of the imagery. This book is pretty well written in that regard, but having the image in your head of what it actually looks like adds so much more weight to it! Normally I wouldn't go for that kind of thing, but this is a video game based novel, so I prefer seeing the created world. Also I should point out that Shepherd isn't in here at all, remember the game develops that character FOR you, because it is you. Just in case someone wanted to know for whatever reason... I thought it was obvious. If you've played the game then everyone will know what I mean when I say that this is really the story of Anderson and Saren. I think the author left out the development of Anderson's character quite a bit because you get to see him and interact with him a lot more in the video game, so the author didn't feel the need to be overly redundant, probably realizing most readers will play the game first anyway. Overall this book is a pretty quick read and I didn't find it overly technical in its explanations, rather it focuses a lot more on the adventure and intrigue. It does go into detail about some of the specific weapon systems, but it's by far not a majority of the book. I don't think it's any secret that this game's world is pretty obviously influenced by the world of Star Trek, and I would dare say it's more like "The Next Generation" with its political intrigue between species etc. Maybe a touch of Deep Space Nine with the story based around a space station, but that could easily be Babylon 5 influence as well. There is a heavy layer of warlike concepts in here, but that usually comes with any Science Fiction world so I really couldn't pin down an example very well for that. I'll be honest; I wasn't truly engaged in this book till around page one hundred. This is when the story really came together. Unfortunately it was slightly predictable the way the characters met, but frankly, I loved it. I read that part with sheer anticipation and then when my wishes were granted I actually smiled. It's not often I actually enjoy this in writing, but Drew Karpyshyn did it beautiful in my opinion. From that point on I was absolutely hooked and couldn't put the book down. I have to give Mass Effect praise for creating one of the best bad guy characters I've come across. He has this ruthless duality where he rationalizes all of his actions down to the smallest detail and really blurs good and evil concepts. I know this kind of character may have been done before, but the way it's culminated in Saren is just perfect and I really identified with him in a very odd way. I really don't want to go into anymore detail and ruin his character for everyone, but he is brilliantly methodical in his actions and that's something that reall

Easy to read and fun sci-fi

I got this book so I could learn a bit about the Mass Effect universe before playing the game and it is a good dci-fi tale.

Excellent prequel to set the stage for the game's universe.

Drew Karpyshyn is known for his work with Baldur's Gate as well as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Anyone familiar with the character development of these works and their reputation for being outstanding will knows they will be well rewarded with this book and the upcoming game. Sure, the book is primarily a quick read and has flaws an english major might be able to gripe. But for those who are waiting for the upcoming release of Mass Effect and want to become further versed with the races, history of humans spanning out into the galaxy and the antagonist of Mass Effect this book is for you.

Whets the appetite for the game

An engaging and action packed prequel, it provides a fun read, setting up a lot of interesting plot points for the game that follows (hopefully soon.) Definately pick it up if you're interested in Mass Effect.

GREAT BOOK

I dont ever write reviews but i had to let everyone know how great this book is, now im afraid the game will not live up to the book. But even if you know nothing about the game the book is a standalone story, hopefully with many more to follow.