Mass Effect: Revelation by Drew Karpyshyn Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Mass Effect: Revelation
Book Review: A Great Introduction to the ME Universe
Summary: 4 Stars
It was very well written, especially considering that it is a prologue story based on an Xbox video game. I would recommend it to anyone who likes science fiction, a gamer or not. The years that these video game developers spend on games usually result in a ridiculously fleshed out universe, and "Mass Effect" is better than most. The novel does a good job of setting up the game for new players, giving you a feeling of having some insider information.Book Review: A better read for Mass Effect fans. Otherwise, average.
Summary: 3 Stars
I've played Mass Effect on the Xbox 360 twice through now and I'm a huge fan of the game, I enjoyed reading this a lot more than I think someone who was not familiar with the ME storyline would. The writing (and I agree with reviewers like MAW who claim this is very mediocre sci-fi writing) is very average (think junior high school), not very substantial (it doesn't have "teeth") and indeed does read like a cheap sci-fi novel that was written in a few days (very ordinary prose). Having trashed the book in this manner, I do have to say it was a fun and fast read. Don't read it for literary purposes, it was obviously not written with that intent. This is not Bradbury or Asimov. This is, however, a nice introduction to the ME storyline as we so far understand it to be based on the game itself and only the game. We are introduced to the characters Anderson and Saren (among others) and we learn about how it is that they arrived at the status they have by the time we've played ME (if you opted not to go through most of the extra questions in the game you'll miss a lot of background information).
Again, a fun and fast read, recommended for fans of the game. I don't think anyone else would really enjoy this as much or find that reading it was time well spent. Fans will likely find a few flaws/inconsistencies in the details of how certain characters were eliminated but this is not a perfect book.
Book Review: A little disappointing...
Summary: 3 Stars
Bioware's Mass Effect is easily my most anticipated game for any console. When I heard that there was a prequel novel that would provide some additional background on the universe and characters, I was excited.
I was particularly interested in some character development for Saren, seeing as though he's slated as the main villain of the game. The best villains in all stories, all mediums, are those who show some depth, some three-dimensionality, a solid motive, and best of all, some vulnerability.
Saren, at least as he is portrayed in this book has none of these things. Perhaps the author was afraid of revealing too much about the game, but this book casts Saren as a rather generic villain with generic motives. I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say that he has the depth of a B-movie.
I give it 3 stars in that it does provide some solid background on David Anderson, and on the inter-species dynamic that I hope to see play a major role in the video game. It was a mostly entertaining read as a standalone book, but if you are reading this to bolster your interest in Mass Effect, you may be disappointed.
Book Review: A must read if you plan on playing Mass Effect!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was incredible!. The story was interesting and gripping. I found myself reading through almost the whole book in one night cus I couldn't put the book down. It provides very helpful information about the charactors that will be in the game and gives a real solid picture of the world the game will take place in. I can't wait to play .. I thought i was overly anticipating the game before i read this book .. now im salivating. I honestly believe the world created for mass effect rivals the world of starwars... only difference is that mass effects world is more realistic and believable. Its a very throught provoing book as well.
Book Review: A perfect setup for the game but a good read nontheless
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought Karpyshyn did a stellar job in his descriptive writing abilities. He lays out a perfect image of each alien race and immerses you so deeply into the story and characters you feel like you're running side by side with Anderson and Sanders. The book is alive with mystery, action, adventure, and just enough gore to satisfy any sci-fi fan looking for a good read. If anyone is planning on playing the ground-breaking epic game Mass Effect, this is a MUST read. This gives you vital information from the story that will be crucial in how you design your characters and play them throughout the game. But again, this book is entertaining from the from the beginning all the way to the cliff hanger ending. We'll all have to wait for the game to see how this spans out. Can't wait!