Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade (Assassin's Creed, #3) by Oliver Bowden

Feb 04, 2012 Archer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, game-novelisations, books-for-people-who-don-t-like-goo, books-that-make-your-eyes-bleed, books-that-should-be-better, books-that-need-to-be-burned, thriller, i-d-rather-have-my-testicles-fed-th, fantasy, piece-of-shit, should-be-better

What did I think of Bowden's telling of the Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines games. Well Like so many others I know I have major fault with his writing style. It is sloppy and amateurish. He frequently uses words and terms outside of context that make little or no sense BUT that can be forgiven. As a fan of the AC franchise I recommend these books to most other fans. Sure there are a couple canon issues that can be explained away by this book being a springboard for the revelati...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Sara rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: novels-2012, 2012-books

This was especially trash. I've read better fanfiction.

I was expecting more than just a written walk through of the first two games: more about the people in the areas; more regarding Altair's youth, his mother, the land in general, etc. The games are still works of art in their own right though - AC builds its own universe that subverts historical fact as much as it takes inspiration from them.

Nevertheless this book did nothing really for me. However, as I'm interested in the hashashin, I thin...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Fuglsang rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. If 'The Secret Crusade' had stopped when the first game had ended, this would probably have been a five. If it had stopped when 'Bloodlines' ended, it would have been a four. As it is now, I'm balancing between three and two, but because of the good times we had together at first, it's a three. And that's me being friggin' generous.

This book made me realise one thing: Oliver Bowden (or, more accurately, the man hiding behind this pseudonym) is not a great writer. What charms this book has, we ow...more If 'The Secret Crusade' had stopped when the first game had ended, this would probably have been a five. If it had stopped when 'Bloodlines' ended, it would have been a four. As it is now, I'm balancing between three and two, but because of the good times we had together at first, it's a three. And that's me being friggin' generous.

This book made me realise one thing: Oliver Bowden (or, more accurately, the man hiding behind this pseudonym) is not a great writer. What charms this book has, we owe entirely to the people who wrote for the games. All the dialogue from the game is brilliant and strong. The parts of the characters that we know and love - Altaïr, Malik, Maria - we owe them to the developers of the GAMES. Not, and I will repeat that, NOT Oliver Bowden.

It's so blatantly obvious in how the first two parts of the story turn out: The first part, which contains Altaïr's original mission, is exciting and engaging. The story was entirely in the hands of the game makers. The great story is their doing, same with the characters. The dialogue they wrote is nice and thought provoking. They did a really great job on the first game, however lacking it may seem - game play wise - to the second game and brotherhood. Kudos to them and thanks to them for providing Bowden with a great story for the first to sections.

I can only feel heartily annoyed by the last part of the book. Whatever the hell was going on in Bowden's head, I don't know. He kills off almost every. Single. Effing. Character. At least the awesome characters. Obviously, he didn't know what happened to Altaïr after the events of Bloodlines, but decided to write on anyway. This has resulted in a story that I hope is only his fabrications and not entirely canon. The Assassin's Creed Wikia does treat it as canon but if the games do to with Revelations coming out this fall, I think I'll just cry my eyes out. (I'm still hopeful - the Codex pages suggest it's not entirely as Bowden describes).

What a friggin' downer...

EDIT: As of Revelations, the downer ending is canon. F*ck you, Ubisoft.

EDIT-EDIT: I like the downer ending better in the games for some reason. Maybe because their writers can actually, you know, write. I'd never accuse Bowden of something like that. The story in the games is told elegantly. I now know I'll NEVER read Bowden's version of 'Revelations'. Some day I'll have to get my heart broken again but I sure don't want it done by Oliver Bowden... damn you.(less)

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Feb 22, 2013 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think it was a really interesting companion to the game. As someone who has never played but has looked up a decent amount of somewhat confusing information on it, this really helped explain a lot of the details of the AC world. I liked reading about it and I was rewarded by actually knowing what people were talking about when I watched a friend play "AC 2: Revelations".

This is Al'tair's story, pretty much from the beginning (when his father is an assassin and he has not yet been inducted into...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Alex rated it 1 of 5 stars

I just didn't feel like it contributed anything. It felt like the author played the game and transcribed what happened on the screen. But with less depth. It felt so much emptier than the game, and... it shouldn't have. It should have added so much more. There's such a unique opportunity to add so much depth to Altaïr, to really throw the reader into a fantastic historical portrayal, to use so many literary references and allusions to Alamut, to have these striking descriptions of Damascus, Acre...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Victoria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Неразказаната история на Алтаир – Върховния учител асасин.
Това мото краси корицата на книгата. Ще започна с това, че съм силно впечатлена от факта, че както на английски, така и на български кориците са едни и същи. А още повече ме впечатли това, че за самата направа на кориците са използвали реални снимки, картинки и кадри от играта.

Всички знаем, че Орденът на Асасините е популярна компютърна игра създадена от Ubisoft, която бързо набра популярност у нас. Дори аз съм запленена от играта, а то...more Неразказаната история на Алтаир – Върховния учител асасин.
Това мото краси корицата на книгата. Ще започна с това, че съм силно впечатлена от факта, че както на английски, така и на български кориците са едни и същи. А още повече ме впечатли това, че за самата направа на кориците са използвали реални снимки, картинки и кадри от играта.

Всички знаем, че Орденът на Асасините е популярна компютърна игра създадена от Ubisoft, която бързо набра популярност у нас. Дори аз съм запленена от играта, а това е много, имайки предвид, че много малко игри могат да ме впечатлят толкова силно. Но нека се върна към книгата.
Неразказаната история на Алтаир – Върховния учител асасин

Бащата на Марко Поло – Николо, най – накрая разкрива тайната, която е пазил цял живот – историята на Алртаир, един от най – впечатляващите членове на Братството на Асасините.
Той винаги се е подчинявал на правилата на Братството. Но един ден нарушава трите най – важни сред тях и статутът му на Върховен учител е отнет. За да го заслужи отново, Алтаир се отправя на непосилна мисия. Тя го отвежда в Светите земи и го изправя срещу деветима свирепи врагове. Най коварният от тях е Робер дьо Сабле – водачът на тамплиерите. Докато опитва да докаже всеотдайността си, Алтаир разбира истинската същност на Ордена на асасините.
В „Тайният кръстоносен поход” историята на Алтаир е разказана за пръв път. История, белязана от дългата борба срещу заговора на тамплиерите, трагедията на едно семейство и жестокото предателство на стар приятел.
Разказ за едно пътуване, което ще промени хода на историята...

Няма как написаното на корицата да не те привлече. Мен ме привлече не само корицата но и това, което беше написано на нея. Казах си, че би било интересно да прочета нещо за Николо Поло, бащата на Марко. Като фен на игрите исках да прочета историята на Алтаир и да разбера има ли нещо, което съм изпуснала в играта. А и винаги съм имала засилен интерес към историята от преди 19ти век. Харесвам истории с рицари, крале, интриги… затова и когато прочетох, че става дума за Светите земи, тамплиери… казах си, че това ще е книга, която задължително ще прочета.

Добре е, че тази книга може да бъде прочетена отделно от другите три книги в поредицата. Донякъде, разбира се. Разбрах, че е добре да ги чета подред на издаване едва когато приключих с четенето на книгата.

В началото се запознаваме с историята на бащата на Алтаир и обстоятелствата довели до присъединяването на Алтаир, по – късно Върховният учител, към Братството на асасините. Стана ми мъчно, че Алтаир трябваше да загуби баща си за да се присъедини и то на такава млада възраст. Действието продължава когато Алтаир е вече млад мъж. Тръгваме по стъпките му, само за да открием, че той се проваля в поставената му мисия, да възстанови съкровището на Тамплиерите. Но той не само се проваля – той нарушава трите най – важни закона на Братсвтото.
- Не убивай невинни.
- Не се разкривай.
- Никога не разкривай Братството
Или както е казано в книгата:
- Не вади меча, за да поразиш невинни.
- Крий се на открито. Потъни сред хората, слей се с тълпата.
- Никога не компрометирай Братството.
Нарушавайки тези три основни правила Алтаир бива понижен в ранг и за да си върне статуса трябва да изпълни няколко задачи. Да убие деветима свирепи врагове. През цялата книга проследяваме, как Алтаир убива всеки един от тях. Трябва да призная, че действието ми се развиваше много бързо. Някак си, отиди, виж, убий, но това е нормално след като е книга по игра. Но някой хора могат да намерят бързо развиващото се действие за неприятно и да се откажат да четат. Сигурно биха си казали „Защо да я чета, като мога да я изиграя“. Истината е, че всъщност като изиграят играта ще разберат историята на Алтаир, но да я прочетеш на черно и бяло също може да достави голямо удоволствие на човек. За мен беше така.

Оценявам тази книга 4/5 и я препоръчвам на всеки, който обича да чете книги засягащи тамплиери, рицари, крале, тн. Също така това би било добро четиво и за феновете на играта.
(less)

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Feb 16, 2012 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tv-game-movie-tie-in, historical-fiction-alternatehistory, speculative-fiction

This novel isn't the best written work in the history of literature, but I found it fun to read a novelisation of the games, and one which teased out more of Altaïr's past. If you're interested in the Assassin's Creed games for their plot, this might interest you, even if you don't want to or can't play the games. It doesn't include the Desmond frame story, but it brings together all the threads about Altaïr in one book, which makes it a smoother learning experience than playing the games.

Stuff...more

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Sep 14, 2011 Cj W rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Based on the popular video game from UBISOFT

Back Cover Description:
" Altair Embarks on a fromidable mission - One that takes him throughout the Holy Land and shows him the true meanind of the Assassins's Creed. To demonstrate his commitment Altair must defeat nine deadly enemies, including Templar leader Robert de Sable.

Altair's life story is told here for the first time: a journey that will change the course of history; his ongoing battle with the Templar Conspiracy; and the ultimate betrayal...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Sori rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

“Assassin’s Creed – La hermandad secreta” es un libro muy entretenido. Es el primero que he leído de la saga Assassin’s Creed, y su ambientación e historia son muy buenos. La Tierra Santa del siglo XII es sin duda alguna un lugar exótico y atractivo, y la historia, la historia de un Asesino, es cautivadora.

Tengo sin embargo unas decepciones que compartiré aquí:
La primera es en la poca profundidad en cuanto a los personajes. El carácter de los diferentes personajes, incluso el del mismísimo Altaï...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Merm rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After the surprisingly good Assassin's Creed Renaissance and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood novelizations, I was severely disappointed by this latest installment of the Assassin's Creed Books.

As it was centered on Altair, I was looking forwards to reading about him. But this book was dire.

With Oliver Bowden's previous adaptations, I sometimes forgot I was reading a game novel, as it felt almost like a historical novel. This was achieved mostly because he did. His. Research.

However, with this bo...more After the surprisingly good Assassin's Creed Renaissance and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood novelizations, I was severely disappointed by this latest installment of the Assassin's Creed Books.

As it was centered on Altair, I was looking forwards to reading about him. But this book was dire.

With Oliver Bowden's previous adaptations, I sometimes forgot I was reading a game novel, as it felt almost like a historical novel. This was achieved mostly because he did. His. Research.

However, with this book it's as if he couldn't care less. He clearly did not research the crusades, or the middle east at that time, or the middle east in general. In fact, I sometimes wonder if he even played the game, or if he just took a copy of the script and wrote around it. My main gripe in this issue is that he completely disregards the Codex pages from the Game. For instance, in the codex, Altair explicitly states that he never knew or cared about his father, and that when his parents died it "was like the passing of two strangers". However, Bowden decides to take some "Artistic Lisence" and make it that his father - whose name is also a big problem, but I'll get to that in a minute - died when he was 11, and that Altair was devastated and in mourning for ages. He used it to set up a completely random sub plot about Altair as a novice, and another young novice, which was wholly unneeded and detracted more than it added - especially since that whole section completely undermined what it was like to be trained as an assassin and once again highlighted his complete lack of knowledge of what life was like then (for example he says that Altair and his friend had a governess... no... they couldn't possibly have had. Crusades age arabia would NOT Have had that, especially not the assassin's.)

Another major indication that he didn't know anything about Crusades Arabia when he wrote it is Altair's Name. As all Assassin's Creed fans know Altair's full name is "Altair Ibn La Ahad"

In arab/middle eastern culture, one is given a name, then one's father's name. So if I were called John, and my father was David, I would be John ibn David (as I'm a girl, this wouldn't be the case :P). Ibn = son of.

As an Arab myself I can tell you that this means "Altair, son of La Ahad" or translates roughly as "Altair, son of no one." This. Is. A. Title. And even if it weren't a title, it would mean his father would be called "La Ahad" i.e. "No one" The poor bloke...

However, Oliver "does no research" Bowden clearly has no grasp of the arab naming system. He has Altair's Father as being called Umar.... ibn La Ahad. Even worse, Altair's children also have "ibn La Ahad" as their surname. Even his wife - which assassin's wouldn't have - has it. Arabs do not have surnames like us westerners: Like I have explained previously, arabs do not retain last names. This is such a fundamental fact which anyone with the least bit of knowledge of the middle east would be aware of.

All in all, I was severely disappointed by this latest installment of the Assassin Creed books, but only because it is so far departed from the quality previous books. So if it seems like I am judging him harshly, it's only because he has set the bar so high before. (less)

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Jul 17, 2012 Ben rated it 2 of 5 stars

I fount this book to be a huge disappointment as I am a fan of the Assassins creed games and the book claimed to scratch beneath the surface of said games and for a part it did however, it did so with shoddy uninteresting writing and for the most part mundane descriptions. The most frustrating aspect of this book is that it had excellent potential to be unveiling, interesting and full of suspense but never have a read a book so dull, you would also think as the book covers the same parts of the...more I fount this book to be a huge disappointment as I am a fan of the Assassins creed games and the book claimed to scratch beneath the surface of said games and for a part it did however, it did so with shoddy uninteresting writing and for the most part mundane descriptions. The most frustrating aspect of this book is that it had excellent potential to be unveiling, interesting and full of suspense but never have a read a book so dull, you would also think as the book covers the same parts of the narrative structure of the first game, that from the onset, the writing would immerse you into a world experienced by most through a different form of media.If i had not played the game's i most certainly would not have been able to get through the first half of the book, not that it was terrible but the pages certainly lacked the ability to grip me. Thinking i realise that the first part of my review may be a little harsh as once you are halfway through the book the writing does seem to pick up dramatically, however this does not do the book or author any favours as it just makes me wonder why they were so slack and seemingly lazy with the first half of the book? especially when it is competing with the story-telling done through an alternative media that uses sound and sight and shows the user exactly what should be seen, as I struggled to form an image of the areas supposedly described in the first half of the book without drawing on my memory's of playing the game.

There are some good parts however to the writing and the book for instance, the characters included did come across as three dimensional and interesting, and the dialogue was well written, I say that but I can not be sure as perhaps the book was so poorly written that the dialogue itself seemed to be written to a decent standard as it was that of a truly average writer and not a poor one who appears to have been lucky enough to stumble upon a way to write without himself having to think up all that much of a story.

To conclude, what should of been a review but what has ended up as a rant, I would advise only people who have played through the game to read these books, as they appear to do the franchise little if at all any justice.(less)

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May 19, 2012 Eleonora rated it 3 of 5 stars

Devo essere sincera, all'inizio non l'avrei detto, ma più si andava avanti con la storia più questo libro mi è piaciuto!
Parte con la storia del primo capitolo del videogioco, e si evolve al capitolo esclusivo per PSP, fino ad arrivare agli ultimi ricordi di Altair, usciti nel recente Revelation.
La prima parte - lo ammetto - forse è quella che mi è piaciuta di meno, probabilmente conoscendo la storia, ma le altre due mi hanno tenuta letteralmente incollata alle pagine per ore e ore, facendomi per...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Mateusz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this game, I love this story, I love this book. I've been a fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise since playing the first game.

This is the third Assassin's Creed novel by Oliver Bowden but chronologically, timeline and game release wise, it comes first. Readers are not disadvantaged at all if they have not read the first two novels.

This novel is extremely faithful to the source material, it is clear Bowden worked closely with Ubisoft Montreal as most of the dialog is word perfect when com...more I love this game, I love this story, I love this book. I've been a fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise since playing the first game.

This is the third Assassin's Creed novel by Oliver Bowden but chronologically, timeline and game release wise, it comes first. Readers are not disadvantaged at all if they have not read the first two novels.

This novel is extremely faithful to the source material, it is clear Bowden worked closely with Ubisoft Montreal as most of the dialog is word perfect when compared to the game script, events and assassinations also play out almost exactly the same (albeit probably more skilled and professional than some of us gamers did it back in the day).

The story for those unfamiliar follows Altaïr ibn La-Ahad, an Assassin from Masyaf who is stripped of his `Master Assassin' rank very early in the story due to his arrogant attitude and lack of respect for the assassin way of life - the Assassin's Creed. He is offered a chance of redemption by his master, the assassin leader Al Mualim, the agreement: Altaïr's rank and status restored in return for the lives of nine corrupt men.

What starts as a righteous vengeance mission, quickly unfolds into a deeper, darker conspiracy that leads Altaïr to question his own way of life, his skills, and his beliefs. The story is quick paced and effectively told, the chapters are short but have the right structure; Altaïr will often track a target over one chapter, assassinate them in the next, and escape in the third.

As with the previous Assassin's Creed Novels by Bowden, it does add some extra details into the tale. Primarily it adds a sub story that covers Altaïr's childhood and upbringing, these additions are very welcome and really help to develop Altaïr and gain a better understanding of his character. More importantly, this novel also covers events after the "main story". Specifically, Altaïr's voyage to Cyprus that was the present in the Bloodlines PSP game, as well as his later family life that was touched upon within the Codex pieces of Assassin's Creed 2 - These additions make up the latter half of the book and detail the closing years of Altaïr's life subtly setting up the Revelations story arc.

Simply put, this novel is very faithful to the source material. It is the most complete and in depth account of the life of Altaïr. I would recommend this book to any fan of the franchise and it is certainly a great way to recap (and expand) upon the life and times of Altaïr ibn La-Ahad in preparation for Assassin's Creed Revelations. I can't wait to read next Assassin's Creed novel by Oliver Bowden.(less)

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Aug 17, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: miscellaneous

This was fun, plain and simple. A good chunk of the story just retells the events that occurred in the first Assassin's Creed game, but there were just as many parts that were new to me. It's obvious they wrote this to fill in gaps for people who haven't played the first game but perhaps did play the later ones, and it saves the reader/wannabe-player the trouble of slogging through a mostly tedious game (also Altair's kinda horrible voice actor). I still liked the game a lot but only played it f...more This was fun, plain and simple. A good chunk of the story just retells the events that occurred in the first Assassin's Creed game, but there were just as many parts that were new to me. It's obvious they wrote this to fill in gaps for people who haven't played the first game but perhaps did play the later ones, and it saves the reader/wannabe-player the trouble of slogging through a mostly tedious game (also Altair's kinda horrible voice actor). I still liked the game a lot but only played it for the story. This book has the story without the game (although it does not address the present time aspects), and a better resolution.

I was kinda surprised to realize there were other books based on the games before this one, but they all focused on Ezio, the current protagonist of the games (or I think they do, judging by the covers). I don't have any strong desire to read those, not because the writing is terrible or the story is boring, but just because I have a much better grasp of Ezio's personality from playing the games. Altair was always much more distant and disconnected from the player/audience, not just because of the flat voice acting, but because his hood is never down, his face is never shown. Ezio becomes a friend of the player, Altair is always a stranger.

Which is why I was curious to read this book. It delves into Altair's past as well as what happens to him over the years after the first game ended. Altair will probably always have a bit of a mythical aspect to him because he was the first Assassin from the games and still has mysteries about him, but after reading this he's less a standoffish recluse and more an old friend.

Okay that was incredibly sappy. SORRY.

Edit: After looking at some other reviews and remembering stuff from the game, a lot of the latter stuff in the book might not be canon to the series. It's hard to say, I don't know how much freedom Bowden was given with the characters toward the end. There might be conflicts, and the writing is clunky at times, but I still enjoyed it overall.(less)

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Apr 19, 2013 Frizt Auditore scream rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Judul : Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade
Penulis : Oliver Bowden
Penerbit : Ufuk Fiction
Terbit : 2011 (Versi asli)
Cetakan I, Juni 2012 (Versi bahasa Indonesia)
Tebal : 511 halaman

Sebuah Novel yang diangkat dari Seri game Assassin’s Creed yang dirilis pada tahun 2008. Dimulai saat Niccolò Polo, ayah Marco Polo, akhirnya mengungkap kisah yang telah dirahasiakannya seumur hidup—kisah tentang Altaïr, salah seorang Assassin paling luar biasa di Persaudaraan.

Altaïr berangkat melaksanakan misi...more

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Sep 12, 2012 Breton rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's very difficult to review this book because it's like three books in one, separated only by 'parts'. To be fair, I will review each part individually.

Part 1: The first part follows the events of the first Assassin's Creed game, and much like 'Halo: The Flood', it doesn't work. Bowden is forced to adhere too closely to what happens in the game that he has virtually no freedom here.

Part 2: The second part was a bit better. I didn't play the game that it was written for, so I can't vouch for...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Andrew rated it 2 of 5 stars

Was very interested to read this, as the original novelisation was cancelled after the Aga Khan expressed displeasure at the depiction of his Ismaili order:
http://darkush.blogspot.com.au/2007/1...
Still tempted to get Barnes' collection of short stories, which I think includes a rewritten version of his Invisible Imam.

For a videogame adaptation, it started out really well. The retelling of the first game was surprisingly well-written, which made the rest of the novel, from the novelisation of the...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Aina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: awesome-books, favourites, owned-and-read, touching-and-loving

No words can describe my feelings for this book. Mainly because it is Assassin's Creed for goodness sake. I love the game so much. And I really, honestly, doubt on reading it due to recent reviews on this book which I still don't understand. This book is good. The story is amazing. Altair is amazing. He is such a good role model.

I have to admit that, yes, it was followed exactly from the video game. And partly that's what makes it so nice too. Because I fangirl a lot to the video game and I lik...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of the AC series

Shelves: historical-fiction, reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 13, 2013 Aka rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Por fin terminé de mortificarme con esto.

No, simplemente no. Si bien agregó algunos detalles que podrían hacer algo de falta en la historia del Assa, otras cosas medio esenciales o útiles para quienes tienen dudas, esta novela es taaaaan aburrida. Oh dios, el 51% contiene lo que sucede en el primer juego, y quienes lo jugaron, saben lo repetitivo y tedioso que es, y en formato libro es PEOR.
La narración no es buena, no es una basura, pero no es ligera ni entretenida ni nada, una buena parte par...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Benji rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Assassin's Creed

Here we go then. This was, as I thought from the start, a preface, shall we say, to the new game and book coming out in November: Assassins Creed Revelations. It reads as the recounting of Altair's story by Niccolo Polo told to Maffeo Polo, his brother. It goes from Altair's experiences as a young child born into the order, his missions against the Templars (and the betrayal he faces in the wake of this), his return to the Order and his ascent as the Assassin Master. It also brings to light how...more Here we go then. This was, as I thought from the start, a preface, shall we say, to the new game and book coming out in November: Assassins Creed Revelations. It reads as the recounting of Altair's story by Niccolo Polo told to Maffeo Polo, his brother. It goes from Altair's experiences as a young child born into the order, his missions against the Templars (and the betrayal he faces in the wake of this), his return to the Order and his ascent as the Assassin Master. It also brings to light how the Piece of Eden, The Apple, was brought to the knowledge of the Assassins, how Altair learned its secrets and wrote the Assassin Codex, how the Codex was lost and how the Creed was brought to the east.

Another Assassin's Creed book knocked back and I am left feel at once satisfied and hungry for more. This books was a brilliant insight into the life of the greatest of Master Assassins. Released as a bit of a pre-buffer to Revelations, hinting at items called "keys" that, I can only assume, with feature as the main quest driver for the new game. The body of the book is, as I said, Niccolo Polo recording telling Altair's story to his brother Maffeo in his journals. In the prologue and the epilogue the reader is shown that these journals are being read by a Master assassin, (view spoiler)

It was exciting; each chapter left me wanting to turn to the next and learn more. Altair's story was woven so well, throwing up new twists when you felt sure that the bulk of his story was drawing to a close. As the final climax of the story built up I could not put it down: I had to finish it.
And not only was the storytelling engrossing, but the quality was much improved on Bowden's previous work. As always, some klunky writing was present, however the story felt like a whole. It felt like it had a solid beginning, a solid middle and a solid end, whereas Renaissance and Brotherhood did feel kind of like the end was rushed and tacked on as an after-thought. Not with Crusade; it was solid, steady, exciting, engrossing and satisfying while teasing you with enough information and tips about what might come, enticing you as to what the next instalment of AC might bring. I can't wait for Revelations now.

Very good read, if you're willing to overlook some slightly less-polished moments. (less)

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Jul 23, 2011 David Kerr rated it 3 of 5 stars

Having written two commercially successful novelisations of Assassin's Creed titles, Oliver Bowden now brings us Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade; the life story of Altaïr, the iconic protagonist from the first of the Assassin's Creed games.
The book itself is split into four main parts. The first two concern themselves mostly with the events as featured in the first game, part three with the story of Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (a Playstation Portable title) and the final part focuses on th...more Having written two commercially successful novelisations of Assassin's Creed titles, Oliver Bowden now brings us Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade; the life story of Altaïr, the iconic protagonist from the first of the Assassin's Creed games.
The book itself is split into four main parts. The first two concern themselves mostly with the events as featured in the first game, part three with the story of Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (a Playstation Portable title) and the final part focuses on the later life of Altaïr.
Bowden is effective at generating a sense of immersion, his use of language is lively, he is able to avoid repetitive use of language and his use of dialogue is well-balanced against more action-driven elements of the story. However, there is a fundamental issue that the author must have struggled with that we, the readers, might find problematic as well. This problem being that for the first two parts in particular, the book is a very rigid re-telling of the events of the first game. It feels stiff, often rushed and fails to engage the reader. Whilst clearly important in telling the tale of Altaïr and his quest for redemption in the eyes of the Brotherhood, these earlier sections will seem all too familiar to fans, with little periphery exploration to make them seem worthwhile. It also feels as though Bowden himself felt overly restricted by the structure and wanted this phase of the story told as quickly as possible, so he might begin to use his talent far more freely.
Thankfully, Part Three starts to show signs of improvement. Whilst it also follows the story of another game, with our hero doing battle against the Templars in Cyprus, the writing is more relaxed and confident, the character of Altaïr is more fleshed out and it does not seem as repetitive in structure as earlier sections. The pacing is far more energetic and fluid and you start to get more of a sense of a writer who's enjoying himself. This evident enthusiasm continues into the fourth part. This final section (excluding the epilogue) is undoubtedly the strongest of the entire novel. It has emotional gravity, peril, tragedy and even a small moment of joy. It is here that we are finally granted an insight into who Altaïr was, as we follow him in the later years of his extraordinary life. For followers of the games, this part makes the novel a worthwhile endeavour, for laymen it brings the tale to a fitting conclusion.
Whilst, initially, this is a book that retreads a lot of ground, the second half adequately compensates for this. Its easy and accessible style make it an effortless read that, eventually, begins to bear fruit and should suitably entertain both fan and casual reader alike. (less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Melanie rated it 2 of 5 stars

No two ways about it: the writing in this book was awful. The prologue was so badly written it actually made me laugh, and whilst most of it wasn't that bad it was bad enough. Clarifications were offered unnecessarily, and sentences often didn't make sense. A nick pouring blood? That's one hell of a nick! This was obviously something thrown together very quickly to capitalise on a successful franchise.

The story, whilst having a good pace, was undermined by plot holes, and was very video game-ish...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Michael rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: bitter

The rich and impressive world of the Assassin's Creed franchise is let down by The Secret Crusade. While the novel uses the first game in the series as a source material, the retelling overlooks important and memorable scenes and simply doesn't get the details right.

This book is clearly directed at people interested in the franchise, and who have probably played the first game among others. However anyone dedicated enough to buy a book based on a video game expect an equal level of dedication to...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was frustrated with Ubisoft for splitting up Altair's life in so many games that I couldn't buy due to not owning the system they came out on. This book combines all the games I missed out on, and follows Altair's life. I loved it. Altair is my favorite Assassin so far, and I really enjoyed learning what I missed out on.

For someone who hasn't played the game, the decriptions might be a little confusing, and I would reccomend creating/keeping a character chart to keep track of all the character...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This isn't a bad book, but I don't think I could seriously recommend it. I decided to read this book first, as as a fan of the games, I knew this to be the first in chronological order. Its' alright for a lazy Sunday afternoon if you want a book with cheap thrills and no real sustenance, but if you were expecting an all new Assassin's Creed story which captures the feel of the games, then this isn't the book.

I agree with some of what the other reviewers said. Sometimes words are not used in the...more This isn't a bad book, but I don't think I could seriously recommend it. I decided to read this book first, as as a fan of the games, I knew this to be the first in chronological order. Its' alright for a lazy Sunday afternoon if you want a book with cheap thrills and no real sustenance, but if you were expecting an all new Assassin's Creed story which captures the feel of the games, then this isn't the book.

I agree with some of what the other reviewers said. Sometimes words are not used in the right context and I was disappointed that this was just really a book of the games. However, I don't think it was amateurish in it's style. Read Christopher Golden's Uncharted book and you will see what an amateurish attempt at a novelisation of a game is and what an amateurs writing is like.

I think what frustrated me the most, is that the Altair in the book, is not really the Altair from the game. In the original Assassin's Creed game, Altair is hard, brutal, and unforgiving. He is an assassin, not for revenge, but just because he can do it. Which I think makes him a more fascinating and dangerous character. Yet here in the book, he seems to have a completely different personality. He often smiles to himself when watching over a target before assassinating them. The Altair from the games wouldn't do that.

But the thing that annoyed me the most, was the word 'Snick'. The author has used this word to describe the sound of the hidden blade appearing from beneath the robes. This is the most absurd word he could have used. For starters, in ALL the games, it's a metallic sound that we hear. 'Snick' seems to give the impression of the sound of a twig snapping. Not of a blade being released. I could not abide by it. But I fear that this word will be engrained in all the books. But it was a serious mistake and almost ruins the whole book.

I shall give Renaissance a go, as that is the next in the timeline, and I will go from there and decide if I shall read any further books in the series.(less)

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Apr 12, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, favorites

I couldn't wait to read this, but at the same time I was steeling myself against disappointment. So many reviews here and on Amazon were negative ones. I was afraid this would just be a nearly word-for-word re-telling of the first games with maybe a few details that weren't anywhere else. It was these few details (and whatever flair Bowden might bring) that motivated me to not just borrow this book but to buy it before I'd read it. I rarely buy books, and I absolutely never buy them before I kn...more I couldn't wait to read this, but at the same time I was steeling myself against disappointment. So many reviews here and on Amazon were negative ones. I was afraid this would just be a nearly word-for-word re-telling of the first games with maybe a few details that weren't anywhere else. It was these few details (and whatever flair Bowden might bring) that motivated me to not just borrow this book but to buy it before I'd read it. I rarely buy books, and I absolutely never buy them before I know if I'm going to like them. And it was so worth it. I actually let out a tiny squeal when I finished it.

The first few parts are basically Assassin's Creed and Bloodlines nearly word-for-word. Fortunately, he took a few liberties and didn't include all of the dialogue. Part IV is where it seems really different, probably because this was published before Revelations came out. Who knows? Maybe the writers were the ones who actually changed their minds and depicted it differently in the game. Most don't like this last part, but I actually found it the most enjoyable to read, partly because it was almost wholly new to me and partly because I rather like Altair as an wise old man, whose fighting skills naturally would be depleted. You couldn't hope to fight 1/16 as well at 80-something. I think whether you like this part is a matter or personal preference. I love stories that are not all about the happy times, but also how characters change and how they apply the lessons they've learned and the heartaches they are forced to endure. (view spoiler).

What I loved most--(and what I really ultimately hoped to read)--was how much he fleshed out Altair's character throughout the book. He displays (or at least feels) passion, sorrow, humor, joy, etc., the stuff that makes up human beings, but which was somewhat absent from the games' portrayals of him. He is so stoic that he seems almost alien--robotic--and for a long time I wondered if they would ever give him a real personality. Thankfully, Bowden did. I actually found myself having a significantly greater amount of respect and affection for the character than I did before.

(view spoiler)

This one seems to lead directly into Revelations. There is no official numbering it seems, so it's easy to just pick one up but it seems it was written for Revelations to follow it. I guess it's kind of like Narnia: there really is no right or wrong way to read them. (less)

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May 06, 2013 Bookworm Amir rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ok, first things first. Yes, the first half of the book is basically a copy/paste of the screenplay of the game Assassin's Creed I. Every single part of it. I strongly felt like giving up on the book - why read it when I have played the game? Somehow, I just thought to give it a read as I enjoyed the story, and thankfully, the fight and travel scenes were cut short and to the point (and there was no mention of Desmond Miles, so it does not go to the present time).

I saw some reviews here which s...more Ok, first things first. Yes, the first half of the book is basically a copy/paste of the screenplay of the game Assassin's Creed I. Every single part of it. I strongly felt like giving up on the book - why read it when I have played the game? Somehow, I just thought to give it a read as I enjoyed the story, and thankfully, the fight and travel scenes were cut short and to the point (and there was no mention of Desmond Miles, so it does not go to the present time).

I saw some reviews here which said that this books is the retelling of the game's story. I am not sure if they had had continued with the journey as I have.

Roughly halfway through the book, where in the game it concludes with Altair getting the Piece of Eden - the Apple - from Al-M'ualim, the book continues of him tracking down the Templars, who have moved to Cyprus. There is a backstory here by the way, of a young Altair of how he came to be an Assassin, and his best friend Abbas. Note this name, because it will be a big part of the story later. The story is narrated by a Polo, an assassin who recounts the time of Altair.

The storyline is huge, it forms the other half of the book. I dislike giving away spoilers but from what I can say is that Altair meets Maria, who would become his wife, and the fortress at Masyaf will prosper under his reign. The Apple is kept in check. Coming back from his escapades in Cyprus, Maria and him travel to the East to stop Genghis Khan's invasion (they also believe he has another Piece of Eden - The Sword) for 10 years. When he comes back, he sees his archenemy - his former best friend, betray him to the fullest. Lies and murder rampage and turn Altair's world upside down. In the end the Apple is used in anger, Maria dies whilst telling Altair to stay strong and not use the Apple (at all) and most certainly not in anger). And Altair escapes with one of his son. In 20 years time, he comes back, to lead back a most wise, welcoming, and peaceful revolution by example against Abbas. The Apple is kept safe. After 2 years the Mongols attack the citadel and the Assassins are disbanded - Altair gives mysterious previous stones, the Apple, and the Codex to guide them (the one being narrated to) when they leave safely to Constantinople and Venice. It ends, with us knowing it is Ezio who reads this narration of a story by Polo.

I felt a bit sad when I read of Altair's tragedy - especially of how he found love and lost her (Maria) - unbelievable. As well as one of his sons - the world certainly is treacherous. We see an extremely developed and mature Altair at the end of the book, a Master of the Assassin, who leads by wisdom and peace, who has gone through a lot of trials in life and learnt far more than any man would. This book has certainly made me want to play the second and other Assassin games, if I am able to play them. If not, I will be reading the books.

In conclusion, for those who have played the game, just start halfway through. Would the second part of the story add to the Assassin's Creed storyline? I cannot say for sure because I have yet to play or read the other ones (which I really want to now!). At best, I think it is a sort of prequel to the other series, and in so far it is a prequel with a heck of a lot of extra scenes of the first Assassin's Game. Was it worth a read (for an Assassin fan?) Definitely.
(less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Chrissy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-in-my-library

I wish I could say I appreciated this book more than I do. Bowden's writing is great and it really fleshed out the character of Altair who it's fair to say is not quite as charismatic as his decendants.

By merit of his work I could score it higher, but so much of it focused on events not covered in the first game, and I honestly had to look up one of the main antagonists of the book. It was a bit of a disconnect.

Still It was a good read (ha ha), and though it isn't a match to Renaissance it certa...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Arizel紫 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: about-religion, assassins, fiction-for-everyone, historical-twist, try-to-get

It was ok….

Why?

Characters

Altair. I don't really like him. Bad personality. Real assassin but with a lot of unecessary deeds. He's cold, heartless, rude, arrogant and disobedient. Well, almost all of those changed while doing his nine assassination quests. I really don't know why he became so. He has not experienced some nightmarish past (Ezio's past was more terrible) such as slavery and brutal treatment although he lost his father. He has brothers and father like master Al Mualin (view spoiler)...more

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Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade (Assassin's Creed #3)

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