This novel is set some years before the action of the first Mass Effect game, and touches on several areas of interesting backstory. Most importantly, it shows some of the pivotal factors which led to Saren's involvement with Sovereign. It also follows Anderson during the earlier parts of his career, as well as covering some events relating to the Alliance's early role in the galactic society.

It's a fairly easy novel to read, and I enjoyed it, although it's not a very sophisticated piece of literature. The character development is not as strong as it could have been, but there is a good mix of action and diplomacy in the plot.

I recommend it to fans of the Mass Effect games. It probably won't have any appeal to anybody else.