Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Der offizielle Roman zum Game

Assassin's Creed #10

by Gordon Doherty, Robert Montainbeau (Translator)

Get ready for Odyssey: journey deeper in the world of Assassin's Creed in the official novel of the highly anticipated new game, coming October 2018.

Greece, 5th century BCE. Kassandra is a mercenary of Spartan blood, sentenced to death by her family, cast out into exile. Now she will embark on an epic journey to become a legendary hero—and uncover the truth about her mysterious lineage.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Video Games, Adventure, Historical, Gaming

347 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2018

About the author

I'm a Scottish writer, addicted to reading and writing historical fiction.

My love of history was first kindled by visits to the misty Roman ruins of Britain and the sun-baked antiquities of Turkey and Greece. My expeditions since have taken me all over the world and back and forth through time (metaphorically, at least), allowing me to write tales of the later Roman Empire, Byzantium, Classical Greece and even the distant Bronze Age.

All of my novels are available from good online stores in paperback and eBook format.

Happy reading!

My website: www.gordondoherty.co.uk
My Twitter: @GordonDoherty
My Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonDohert...
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybC...

Reviews

[Elril Moonweaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - 47%

May contain spoilers! Read at your own risk!

I've always wanted to write a review in limerick form particularly for a book I didn't enjoy at all, so what better pick for this experiment than Assassin's Creed Odyssey: The Official Novelization!

There once was a book that I wanted
So I went out of my way and bought it
But it was to my surprise
That this book had the guise
Of something that left me quite daunted.

Kassandra showed promise enough
By being all charming and tough
Here she acts like a teen
A complete drama queen,
Twenty years since she was thrown off a bluff.

It'll surely surprise none when I say
Most of the book read like a bad replay
The writing is terrible
Characters unbearable
And so the game did them better, okay?



You might not know this about me but I am currently an employee at Ubisoft, an Assassin's Creed junior game tester and I HAVE experienced the game and its story before. Once at my own leisure and multiple other times in tests.

From an objective point of view I can say that the game is fun - even ridiculous at times, but it does have issues with padding and other things. I'm not here to praise the company or the game or review IT over the book, but I will make a reference to it, as I find it a much more enjoyable experience than reading its novel-adaptation. I don't think Gordon Doherty was the go-to author to write Kassandra's story as it appears in the game. If you've played the game you probably have experienced the better version of the story.

My major complaints about this book stem from the execution and the main character.

The execution

This book is probably the most badly written book I read this year and that's saying a lot seeing as I read 3 Sarah J. Maas books and I always complain about her writing in my reviews of her books. At least those books didn't take themselves too seriously and are pretty fun to read, sometimes. Assassin's Creed Odyssey: The Official Novelization! is just dismally written.

A lot of info-dump we don't need is thrown at us, there is a COMPLETE lack of atmosphere - I don't FEEL like I'm in Ancient Greece - and the author chooses the wrong scenes in the story to focus on - look, I don't need a 3 page description of the Cyclop's house, but I did need more than one paragraph detailing what the main character DID when she faced Nikolaos. You do not create tension by simply refusing to not tell the reader what happened!

ALSO! there are too many POV characters. I don't need POVs from Stentor that shows he's a proud Spartan, I don't need Cultist POV to see what their next move is - and show them as just being cartoon villains - I don't need POV from Elpenor to further show me how evil he is. We could have guessed this from Kassandra's POV alone!

Speaking of!
Kassandra



I like playing Kassandra and I am often bummed out when I am obligated to switch to Alexios instead for my tests at work. That said, this book has managed to make me HATE Kassandra so much.

The Kassandra we get in the book is the complete opposite to the character we get in the game. Instead of being charismatic, sarcastic, both selfish and selfless at the same time, opportunistic, kind and displaying a strong moral compass - as she is in the game - Kassandra in the books is spiteful, humorless, melodramatic, annoying in her arrogance, holds grudges for things she should have gotten over by her twenties and is unsympathetic as fuck. Also did I mention that she reads like a teen?

I dunno if this book should have been an adaptation detailing the exact events from the game. It falls flat on its face. I would have much preferred a book detailing her life in Kephallonia, what she experienced while there, how she came to meet Markos and Phoibe and other stuff like that. You know, a book based on her developing as a person, before sailing to Megaris. I would have probably eaten it up, as it would have all been new content to me :/ But alas, we get this adaptation instead.

FANART TIME!


Let's rate this - 4.6/10
Setting and Atmosphere - 5
Plot - 5
Characters - 4
Secondary characters - 5
Antagonists - 3
Writing - 5
Adaptation Quality - 5
Enjoyability - 5

I'll probably donate this book to my company (Ubisoft's) library. I have a lot of spartnotes written in there but aside from specific stuff, I don't have much to add about this book, than what I already said.
-------------
This is the first book that surpasses the reading challenge for this year and I am really looking forward to reading more books like Norse Mythology (almost done with that one) and Scythe. :D

My reviews :) | My Blog | Twitter

[WayneM0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

A very hard one because it was actually very good but because of it's plot I just can't score it higher.

Basically it follows the storyline of the game it is based on. So where the others are prequels, or take a different view of the story this was a straight retelling. For me that was a big let down.

The scenery and worldbuilding are excellent and really do evoke the strong feelings of the game. It is very detailed and really does evoke an excellent portrayal of the ancient Greek world. It's very well written.

The characters are strong and well represented.

The plot is very good and has lots of twists and turns.

If I hadn't played the game this would have been five stars but as it so closely copied the game plot I just can't go higher than three.
I loved how the other books based on AC games added to the game play but this just didn't and is why I was disappointed with it.

For those that haven't played the game it's an excellent historical type novel that brilliantly captures the world and figures of ancient Greece and it well worth the read.
For me though as I have played AC Odyssey then it just wasn't what I expected based on the previous novels.

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 431-422 BC

I liked it malaka!

A decent story, with good dialogue and with an ok character development throughout the story until the end.

"Spartan children must never be afraid of the dark, of the cold or of the unknown." - Nikolaos

Here's the thing, if you played the game, you won't be surprised by a lot in here, simply because this is the story of the game, or better yet, a story of the game, it's basically more or less a specific timeline of events that you can follow as Kassandra (No Alexios you're not canon) in the game. So the novel is the game, but if the game was super linear and was strictly following specific choices.

"I will never get off this damned island. Here I live and here I will die." - Kassandra

We're in ancient Greece, in the time of the Peloponnesian war between Athens and Sparta, and Kassandra is a descendant of Leonidas of Sparta who just lost all too much and is now all grown up and pretty much a mercenary trying to mind her own business.. and then the adventure begins. Of searching of her father, mother and her long lost and thought to be dead little brother.

"Zeus roars for me" - Kassandra

If you haven't played the game yet, I'd suggest that you first read the novel, and then play the game, because the game lasts longer and if you've played the game, then you're in a really familiar territory and you won't care as much and it may become a chore to read when there's things happening in the story that you already know the outcome and the ending. Almost gave it 2 stars because of it.

"I walked through the darkness and I was not afraid." - Kassandra

“Great walls bring mighty destroyers.”

[Laney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I think I would've liked it more had I read it before I played the game. It took me over 100 hours to complete the game, and Gordon Doherty managed to hit every major plot point in 381 pages. While it's an impressive feat, it left the story feeling extremely rushed. One of the three main arcs of the game was introduced and resolved in the epilogue. I have no doubt that he did the best he could to transform the massive game into a single novel, but I can't help but feel like spreading it out across multiple books would've given the story more room to breathe. The only reason that I felt any emotion when characters died, is because I was already attached to them from the game.

Spoiler:Brasidas's death killed me both times I had to experience it. He is bae and I don't understand why I couldn't romance him. Brasidas + Kassandra 4 lyfe!

All in all, it was pretty enjoyable but felt really cramped, since the author had to cram all that story into one book.

Also, I think the author is an expert on Greek and Roman military tactics, so the conquest battles in the book were much more authentic than how they were portrayed in the game. I thought that was super interesting and one of the better parts of the book.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Sparta.....
Well it's the Assassin's Creed Odyssey book, and what a book. It's takes place on the Greek islands around 400BCE.
I really enjoyed this outing of assassin's creed. The story grabs hold of you from start to finish. The people who you meet, on your quests are brilliant. This isn't a children's book, but a dark book about murder, betrayal and lost love. The main character is a female who you make a connection with from the start. This is definitely a book for any Assassin's Creed fan or Greek adventurers.
Defo worth reading hence the 5 awesome stars.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The middle dragged a bit for me, and Kassandra was a somewhat flat character, but this was a fun novelization of the most recent game in the AC franchise.

[Kiki Dal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars. This was unexpectedly good!

[Xime García · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
I'll be brief because honestly I don't have much to say.
I haven't played the game yet, because I was wary of its length, structure and more RPG-oriented gameplay, but as I'm currently playing Origins and I'm ejoying the changes thus far, I thought maybe I should give Odyssey a try in the near future. Now, after reading this book, I might not give anything a try any time soon. Not soon, at least.
It is indeed better written in my eyes in comparison with Bowden's books; but the fact remains that it still poorly written. Doherty has a good eye for descriptions of places and scenes, but fails miserably at dialogues, descriptions of people and pacing. Many important things happen "off-screen" and he tries to instill some suspense by cutting the scene and transitioning to a different point of view to give us more crescendo - only to fall on nothing because the build ups are not well paid off. I've read somewhere this book is a DIRECT adaptation of the game, like, it leaves nothing out of it, but it also adds nothing. It's not like in previous books where sometimes we would get some after game/before game events or a different perspective (Unity through Élise's eyes, AC3 through Haytham's eyes). This book is the game and nothing but it, so it doesn't compel me so to play it afterwards, since I already know everything.
I did find Deimos/Alexios' motivations lacking, I hope that's not the same in the game - he does come across as a brat who's only evil for the sake of it. Boring as an antagonist.
I didn't learn anything new for the AC lore of the precursors or neither of the conquesting orders.
It started out strong and with a nice pace, but halfway through it I checked out from the story hard and during the last chapters I just didn't pay attention at all, which is a sin for any reader.
That ending was anticlimatic, huh. Though I don't know of which "climate" i'm talking about since half of the book lacked any kind of emotion or connection with the reader.
When you just describe events instead of living them - and in turn, making the reader live them as well - you know you're just not a good writer, or you're not enjoying what you're writing. I think the latter is what normally ocurrs when an author is hired to write videogame adaptations. And sadly we, fans, pay the price.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I played the game before reading, the book follows the story of Kassandra very well and goes more in depth as I had hoped. Unlike the game it describes the passage of time being a big factor for her journey during the war in ancient Greece. There were parts of the story is liked more than how the game handled it, but I felt that the book failed in showing the kind and loving and awkward person Kassandra truly is. I wish Gordon Doherty spent more time on some of the characters and their quirks, instead of zipping through a lot of the plot. Other than that, I love reading stories in this place in history, especially with a badass female lead like Kassandra.

[Tiwa Adelaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot more enjoyable than I expected. Gave a bit more details to certain events in the game and it was really well written.

[Sumit · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every soul in Lakonia venerated our family because Leonidas’s blood ran in our veins. Mother was of his line and thus so was I, and Alexios too. We were the descendants of the great man, the hero of the Hot Gates. Yet it was Father who was my true hero: teaching me to be strong and spry—as hardy as any Spartan boy. For all that, he never taught me the strength of mind that I would need for what lay ahead. In all Hellas, was there any tutor who could?"

“Leonidas had great courage, and he made a great sacrifice at Thermopylae. You share in his blood, and the strength he possessed. We are able to feel certain things happening around us. We are quick as lions to react to danger. That is our family’s gift. But not everyone understands that. Some recognize the power we bear and want it only for themselves. They will try to take it from us.”






Greece, 5th century BCE. Kassandra is a mercenary of Spartan blood, who inherited the legendary Spear of Leonidas from her mother, is sentenced to death by her family, cast out into exile. When the Peloponnesian War begins and someone hired her to kill her own father, the Spartan general, she will realize her past is entwined with the Spartas's and one she can’t avoid. Her odd job will lead her on an epic journey to become a legendary hero in which she uncovers the truth about her mysterious lineage and also saves the world.

“Battle is my trade, and the fields of war my estate. I live only to take the heads of my enemies. This is my home . . . and your grave.”



Review:

🔱The book is a novelization of the famous Assassin’s Creed Odyssey game, which is sets on the background of the Second Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. I haven't played the game, so I won't comment on the accuracy of the adaptation.

🔱The writing felt fast pacing and descriptive. The constant switching of POVs between Kassandra and the cultist and some other characters felt sometimes annoying but understandable for moving the plot. Further, the gradual building up of suspense and the numerous twist and turns hooks the readers' attention.

🔱Kassandra's character felt flat. There was no character development. She gives the impression of a young teenage girl, but in reality, she must be in her late 30s. I can't connect with other characters since they are just constantly appearing and disappearing for a few pages throughout the book.

🔱Mr. Gorden had brilliantly portrayed the scenery and worldbuilding of ancient Greece which is vivid and visually stunning and his expert knowledge on Greek and Roman military tactics makes the battles scenes much more authentic. The map at the beginning of the book is quite helpful to locate the numerous historical places of the story and the glossary at the end was useful to familiarise with the ancient terms used during that period.

🔱I don't know whether the book's ending is as per the game or not, but nevertheless I loved it. It was totally unexpected, hadn't seen it coming and it opens up chances for a sequel. I don't know whether there going to be any sequel or not but if the answer is yes then I’ll surely read it too.



Overall it was a fun and quick read for me, but I felt a little disappointed. Maybe I have raised my hopes too high. I would recommend everyone to read it at least once and wanted to say if you have already played the game, you might have already known all the spoilers ahead and have your own perspective about the whole story, so read it as a historical fiction book, not as an adaptation. You will definitely enjoy it.

My Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordon Doherty fast became a favourite author of mine while reading his Legionary series. When I heard he was on board with an Assassin’s Creed book I felt two emotions, firstly happiness that Gordon’s work would reach a wider audience and also apprehension… I’m not really a gamer..would I still enjoy the book?

Well I needn’t have worried..Gordon smashed it again!

This tale follows Kassandra who as a child was cast out by her family.. she went against the gods and for that there is no forgiveness…all she cared about was saving little Alexios..her sibling..only for her parents to abandon her.

Years have passed and we find Kassandra using her Spartan skills to get by..she’s a mercenary and for the right price she will sort your problems out for you.

From the off you can tell that while Kassandra needs money..she still has a few morals left. This is confirmed as soon as we meet Phoibe..A little girl Kassandra has decided to take care off..if she doesn’t no one else will. The relationship between these two was a joy to follow.

The plot is well-developed and we have a nice build-up for the character as we see her skills put to use. Tasked with using her talents to obtain a treasure little does she know it’s really just a test and the past won’t stay hidden for long.. it’s going to hit hard.

From one lead to another Kassandra sets out on a path to learn about herself and the fateful night she was lost to her parents.. little does she know that all is not as she first thought.

Gordon Doherty gives us twist after twist and effortlessly paints a picture of Kassandra’s life and the places she visits. This might be an adaptation of a game but Doherty manages to give the written word depth and emotion that no game has been able to give me in the past. It’s written in such a way that young adults and old alike will love it with the perfect amount of detail to keep his diehard fans happy but also suck in new readers without overwhelming them.

I really think Gordon managed to put his own style of writing into an established series which is no mean feat.

Overall Assassin’s Creed Odyssey earns it’s place on my bookshelf..fast paced, exciting and vivid.

I’m always impressed when I read Gordon’s work and he didn’t let me down with Odyssey.. I loved it!

[Lara Huszti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I don’t think much of this book. At least I try not to think anything about this.
I DNFed the book somewhere in middle as I just could not force myself to continue. Sorry.

I loved the game. Spent more than 200 hours playing with it, all the DLCs and stuff. Loved Kassandra, she was perky, strong and very much a real protagonist who has her highs and deep. But this is only goes for the game.

This Kassandra? This was nothing. I felt I reading about a dramaqueen teenage pricess. But let’s get a bit more structured with the review even though the book wasn’t.

Firstly, the writing style. It was awful. Long long sentances about nothing which could help the story progress. The narrator focus was non existen; like a little puppy who gets instant distraction from basically anything. It did not lead you in any way. Jumping from one POV to another which was irrelevant regarding the plot. It would be more than enough to see Kassandra’s thoughts.

Secondly, structure: as the narrator did not lead the storry at all basically there was no structure. Whatever came cultist POV, Alexsios POV it just didn’t make any sense. Story building errors on every page. Infodumpings on things which should not be involved and way too less information on necessary things which made the book incomprehensible. There was no purpose to the changing POVs. I was prepared that I won’t get the same experience as from the game however without the knowladge of the game I would give up much much sooner.

I never read anything from this writer, I doubt I will any soon. Not sure how much his hands were tied what has to be in the book and how the execution should look like.
It was a torture to read and I guess it was the same to write.

[Amanda Bartoszek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first Assassin's Creed novel I read. I've only watched the game being played but I felt the novel did it justice. Because the book spans a few years a lot of the information was condensed, but I felt it did work out okay. There is a lot of graphic detail in the battle scenes with much talk of entrails and innards, which wasn't my thing but was in theme with the storyline (and let's face it, battles are not glory and honour but blood and guts).

I liked that Kassandra was chosen as the heroin over Alexios. She was written as a very strong and independent woman, but showed enough compassion when it counted to make her human. A lot of this is down to the way 'Spartans' are portrayed in the story, where emotion seems to be a negative thing. Seeing Kassandra develop through her journey with this always in mind was interesting.

As the game has multiple possible endings I was curious which one we would get in this. Alas I did not get the one I hoped for but I accepted the outcome.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a few reviews and finishing the book myself, I fully understand why readers were dissatisfied with this book. After playing the game, this book is no more than a summary of the game's events with quite a few significant discoveries all within the last twenty or so pages. There were a few scenes that I never experienced when I played through the story, but this could be due on the choices I made within the game myself.

However, this is a great book for someone who wants to know the story of Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and does not have the desire or ability to play the game themselves. Despite some of the issues I have with the book, such as Kassandra's lack of personality, the characters and story that make the game so good are present within the pages.

(Although I do highly recommend the game, especially if you're disappointed with the ending here.)

[Kinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a thoroughly action-packed book! There was no rest amongst these pages.

Kassandra was an interesting lead character, with her ownly downside being that she was invincible and I never feared for her. Even when she spent months and months in a prison cell, she left it strong and was able to beat anyone who challenged her, which felt unfair.

I got some video game vibes from the story with how many side quests Kassandra did to advance on her main quest, but it was all tied together nicely and nothing felt forced or out of place. The ending was very satisfying and surprising too.

Also, I need to mention that Testikles is the funniest name I’ve read in a while.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful throughout and would have been a 5 star if it weren’t for the ending. It felt very rushed towards the end whereas i feel it should have been a lot slower with the final battle, Diemos, Myrinne and Kassandra on the mountain, discovering her father and discovering Aspasia. It really needed to be slowed down a lot more, not just all thrown into 1 chapter and an epilogue. Otherwise, this was a beautiful companion to the game i loved so much and a wonderful read to those who do not play videogame’s and wish to experience the assassins creed stories!

[Guus Hartemink · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a amazing story, but why 3 then? Well the story is exactly the same as the game his story, but a bit shorter. I really liked the game so I liked book also, even when the scenery is not always discripted.

If you find yourself between the choice of reading the book or play the game (both first time) go for the game and comeback to the book. Props for havin a glossary and characters list, really helpfull of your knowledge about history isnt great or get confused with the names.

[Alberto Grandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonostante non sia un appassionato della saga di Assasin's Creed, ho trovato questo romanzo di piacevole lettura. Sicuramente la mia passione per il periodo storico ha influenzato enormemente il mio giudizio... Ma mi sento di consigliarlo a tutti gli amanti di avventura e azione, indifferentemente dalla vostra conoscenza sulla Saga di AC

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. Podobnie jak z poprzednimi książkami, czytałam po raz pierwszy i w żadną grę nie grałam więc nie mam porównania. Odyseja przypominała mi momentami Renesans, tu również przewija się sporo historycznych postaci i jest fajny, grecki klimat.

[Die lesende Annabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich muss erstmal alles sacken lassen.
Ich mir fällt es manchmal echt schwer eine Rezension zu schreiben, da ich meistens so viele Sachen im Kopf hab, über das Buch die unbedingt da rein müssen das ich nicht weiß was genau ich jetzt wirklich rein schreiben soll. Kennt irgendwer von euch das vielleicht?? Und wenn wir schon gleich bei fragen Stellungen sind, wer von euch kennt die Assasins Creed spiele? Wahrscheinlich viele. Gibt ja viele hater und viele die es abgöttisch lieben.
Ich für meinen Teil mag es zum Beispiel. ( Ich habe aber noch keines der Spiele richtig gespielt ich habe nur bei meiner besten Freundin zu geschaut)
Und eben diese beste Freundin hat assasins creed odyseee gespielt, und davon so geschwärmt das ich mir gedacht hab als ich das Buch gesehen hatte „ok du weißt was du kannst und das ist lesen also lies dieses buch einfach.“ also habe ich mir dieses Buch gekauft. Nur leider wurde ich enttäuscht, es gab zwar phasenweise gute schöne stellen, aber bei dem Rest hat der Autor wohl wirklich nicht richtig geguckt was er geschrieben hat. So wurde das einfach ein zusammen „gewurschtel“ aus vielen griechischen Namen, die ich mir nicht merken konnte mit einem schrecklichen schreibstil gepaart wo sogar Worte falsch geschrieben waren oder abschnitte mit wertvollen Informationen und wichtigen charakteristischen Entwicklungen einfach weg gelassen worden.
Meiner Meinung nach, hätten sich die Entwickler entweder einen andere/ anderen autor/ Autorin und Lektor/ Lektorin aus suchen sollen, denn das was dieses Buch verkörpert ist eine Schande für die schöne Welt mit durchaus richtig guten durchdachten Geschichten von Assasins Creed.
( Trotz alledem hat es mich aber auch unterhalten zwischendurch mit den schönen stellen und oder ich hab gelacht weil es so unsagbar witzig geschrieben war sowohl bewusst als auch unbewusst also in dem Kontext drei Sterne. Für Fans dieses Spiels bietet das hier aber nur Stoff zum aufregen meiner Meinung nach.)

[Roland Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review 4.4 stars

As a fan of historical fiction and a gamer, this was an enjoyable book throughout. I admit that I finished the main questline of the game, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey before reading this novelisation. And I played Kassandra preferring the performance of the voice actress, Melissanthi Mahut.

Kassandra is a mercenary who is caught up in a conspiracy that threatens her life – and the future of Greece. Here past is entwined with Sparta’s past and one she can’t avoid.

This novel was as immersive as the game but building on what I already knew of the ancient Greek world and from the game world. Not surprising from Gordon Doherty, a writer of ancient historical fiction who clearly knows how to make a historical period come alive – in this case, the Second Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta at the head of their respective Leagues.

Once finished, I was interested to see how far the historical detail departed from reality, knowing that some have called the Assassin’s Creed universe ‘alternative history’. In this storyline, there are elements and a few characters that are fictional and perhaps ‘alternative’. But the background, the world and many of the principal players are historical – like my favourite, Brasidas. The characters come alive – helped I admit by meeting them in game – although they may not have the complexities that some readers might expect.

The game is visually stunning – as Greece is – but this novel adds the smells of the world from the flowers and sea breezes to the unwashed bodies and corpses. There are moments that are darker, more visceral and realistic. That’s the power of crafted words.

I’ve idolised Sparta – sometimes – but I’m convinced now that Sparta is not the place for me. Athens is more suited to my artistic and democratic temperament – but under Perikles.

This novelisation adds more to the plot - even alternative motives and actions that embellish a storyline that must work in a game setting where it’s hard to have multiple endings. For me, there were few surprises, but I enjoyed the development of characters and situations that fleshed out events and structure. Time was more akin to what one would expect – journeys take days and weeks; scouting out a target can take weeks, if not months; events occur over months, even years. We mustn’t forget that the Second Peloponnesian War lasted almost thirty years, from 431 to 404 BCE.

This novelisation ended with a clever scene that worked for the Assassin’s Creed universe and was perhaps better although different from my ending. A fun and recommended read if you enjoy this genre of book.

Story – four stars
Setting/World-building – five stars
Authenticity – five stars
Characters – four stars
Structure – five stars
Readability – four stars
Editing – four stars

**

Originall posted at: https://rolandclarke.com/2019/01/12/a...

[Cristina Urdiales · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem with narrative based on RPG videogames (even if you have the least amount of freedom like in AC Odyssey) is basically that it's hard to relate with a character on paper when you've spend dozens of hours "acting" it at your whim. Plus writers have to avoid interactions with almost any secondary character you meet in the game in case they contradict whatever decision you made while playing. All in all, AC Odyssey is not bad, but it works much better as a videogame. Kassandra is way more alive when you play here than in the frankly flat portrait they offer here (on purpose, so it still loosely fits most player's campaign). The worst part would be the loss of almost every character except Kassandra, Alexios, Myrrine, Barnabas and Herodotus and Nikolaus -on the side-. The rest are barely mentioned (like Perikles or Alkibiades) or ignored at all (every character you have any meaningul decision-based interaction with). If one is going to dismiss everything but the main plot, at least the story should be more surprising. In brief, don't read if you've played or plan to play the game. Major spoilers or major disappointment.

[Maisie Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the popular game of the same name this follows Kassandra a descendant of Leonidas, last hero of Sparta.

I admit that I haven't played the game myself but have enjoyed watching playthroughs of it. this hindered my enjoyment of the novel somewhat as not only introductions, actions and dialogue were changed. Especially the scenes with Akibidies. Another thing that hindered my enjoyment was that entire sections of the novel where certain events are to occur are skipped over despite in the Glossary stating their names and purpose, especially the Cultist Diona.

Although I did thoroughly enjoy the descriptions and fight scenes. Kassandra was a great character to be in the head - badass, brave and wields her spear with a deadly accuracy.

[poesielos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3,5/5* | One of the better AC novels and a great addition to the game. Due to the main story being spread thin across so many hours of grinding, I just never really connected to the characters and I can now appreciate them and their relationship with Kassandra a lot more. Kristin Atherton brings Kassandra wonderfully to life with a great accent and I just flew through the audiobook . Still Doherty has to make a lot of time jumps or have side characters do things and tell Kassandra about them to fit everything into under 400 pages - and I really don't understand why he had to add the Isu element right at the end? The last two chapters were just so weird and unsatisfactory that they dragged the rating down for me.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Assassin's Creed game series, so I was excited to read this book.

The book follows Kassandra, a Spartan who has a very traumatic start to life. The repercussions of this are what shape the rest of the book. If you are a fan of the games the way the book is shaped feels very reminiscent of the storylines in the games.

I really enjoyed this book and I am definitely tempted to check out the other book based on Assassin's Creed Odyssey. It was a little slow at the beginning, but by the end I couldn't put it down. I would definitely reccomend this book if you're a fan of the game series.

Note - If you are not a fan of descriptive gore there are large amounts in this book.

[Chris Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I must say that I’m a big fan of the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a whole, but this game was one of my least favorites.

With that being said, this book completely turned the hatred around for me. This books takes the main story of the game and makes it feel so much better. They didn’t talk about any super powers the spear gives you (thank god), the copy and paste side missions the game threw at you weren’t mentioned (thank god), and it was an all around smooth story all the way through. THANK GOD!

I love Kassandra as the main canon character and I think the character development in the book was so much better than the game.

Thank you, Gordon Doherty for making me care for this story.

[nox_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. This book was amazing!!!! I love Kassandra, she is truly a Misthios: powerful, brave, resourceful, relentless. A Spartan: proud and honourable. And a lone wolf, understanding that what must be done must be done and often those are tasks that must be performed solo even if with the help of great allies. Ikaros, I love you too 💕

[Avani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might be forever scarred by the phrases 'waist scarf' and 'groin scarf', but otherwise this was a great addition to the AC novel series.

[Mohamed Shoaib · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading it more than playing the actual game