I just finised reading Mass Effect: Revelation by Drew Karpyshyn, the lead writer of the upcoming Mass Effect video game by BioWare. I heard about it when reading E3 2007 coverage, as the book was given out free to some attendees. I think Mass Effect is one of this Fall's most exciting game releases, so I figured I'd pick the novel up while I had some reading time and give it a shot.

The story is a prequel to the video game, taking place mostly in the year 2156, about 27 years before when the video game starts. It involves an Alliance soldier named David Anderson and his involvement in an investigation of what happened to a top secret military base. His involvement leads him into political intrigue, a "will they or won't they" relationship, and several encounters with the major baddie of the video game, an alien agent named Saren, who is conducting a parallel investigation, with an entirely separate motive.

Overall I think it was a good read. I think the characters could have maybe been fleshed out a bit more, as there were a few familiar clichés, but I think it does a good job of setting up the video game without giving away too much of what is to come. The major races of the game are all represented, and the backdrop for what is to come is nicely set up. From what I have seen and read of the upcoming game, I wouldn't call the novel a "must read" before getting the game, but if you are excited about the upcoming game and want some background/context to it beforehand, give this book a read. You will definately have a better grasp of the Mass Effect universe, as well as what appears to be its major villian, Saren.