Mass Effect: Revelation Reviews

• Good set-up for the game,but mediocre sci-fi

  
  By A3RXEC0IF3NFHI on 2007-05-15
  I was interested in reading this novel since I planned on getting the game(whenever it finally gets released) as I'm sure most people are who are reading this review.It's good reading as far as getting a feel for the setting of the game and the universe it describes..Obviously,the main storyline is going to lead into the game but it's really pretty generic sc-fi when it comes right down to it...Lots of standard sci-fi cliches abound..The author knows his stuff but it reads a lot like a cheap Star Trek novel from the 90's with bare bones descriptions and thin characters.The only exception is Saren,who I assume is going to be the main antagonist in the game..He is an interesting character who you want to learn more about but really never do.Also,I would have liked a little more background on the alien races of the Citadel and their history...One weak point is that the aliens never seem like they are ALIENS.They are written the same as the human characters and you never get any hint of alien viewpoints, cultures or history in their dialog.Overall this is a good read to get prepared for the game,but it may not be something that's going to stick with you if you are a serious sci-fi reader.Also be aware that this novel ends on a cliffhanger and from what I've heard from the author there will be a sequel at some point.
  
  

• A well written sci - fi adventure

  
  By A23Q3V6HQLWX22 on 2007-05-08
  Let me start by saying that I rarely read free reading books, ever. I had been following some of the development of the Mass Effect game online, and became very interested in the fiction and background of the main story, and the universe that was created around it (and I don't even own an Xbox 360!). After reading an article that Mass Effect Revelation book was about to be released, I decided I would give it a chance.
  
  Although it was a short read (over the course of a weekend), this book not only delivers a great storyline and lead-in to a what looks to be an amazing Xbox 360 game, but reveals a whole history of the Human race joining the ranks of other space-faring species in a not-so-distant future (about 150 years). Future technologies are well detailed, interesting and fun to read about, and are slid into the story at just the right time - this occurring throughout the entire course of the book. Not to mention the witty references made to our own world's current state of affairs.
  
  If you are looking for a quick, but great read, you have found it here. The background of this universe is wonderfully detailed, and Karpyshyn's writing style (not to intentionally sound cliché) kept me turning page after page. I really hope we could get some sort of follow-up novel from Karpyshyn, as it would be a horrible waste to not continue the wonderful depth, scope and insight of the Mass Effect universe. Any other story about the shadowy, deadly efficient, and not always lawful Spectre special unit would prove to be another great novel. As best described online, the Mass Effect universe and story is truly like Jack Bauer in space...this absolutely includes Revelations.
  
  A great book, a great read - I highly recommend picking this one up!
  
  
  

• ALIEN TECHNOLOGY

  
  By A1B9VX6MZ0MZ1T on 2007-06-21
  The year is 2165 and it has been around 20 years since mankind has been an interstellar travelling species. They were not able to achieve this on their own. In 2148, an ancient alien research lab was found under the surface of Mars. It's mysterious makers, an alien race called the Protheans, vanished 50,000 years ago without a trace except for their technology they left behind. Not long after that, "mass relays" are found, a series of warp gates which allow spaceships to pass through and cover vast distances across the universe almost instantaneously. Humanity begins to spread out across space, using Prothean terraforming tecnology to make planets habitable. But they find they are not alone out there as other alien races have also stumbled across the Prothean technology over the centuries and have carved out their own territories unbeknownst to Earth. After a short war with one of these alien races, the Turian Empire, we find out that the main alien species in the universe are led by a United Nations-like "Citadel Council" that tries to keep the peace between all the different factions. Humans are the littlest and youngest kid on the block so we'll have to struggle for some sort of edge when it comes to our interests, forming "The Systems Alliance" to represent all humanity both politically and militarily. It is within this tense atmosphere that a secret Alliance military research facility is attacked and destroyed on the outlying border of human controlled space. David Anderson, an Alliance war hero, is sent to investigate the facility and also to track down the only known survivor of the attack, Kahlee Sanders. The Alliance wants to find out if she was the traitor that let the attackers get through the almost impregnable defenses of the base. Other parties would like to talk to her as well about what kind of research was going on at the facility. Some would even like kill her!
  
  If you're reading this review, you probably already know that this novel is actually a prequel or lead-in to the upcoming Xbox 360 videogame Mass Effect which is made by Bioware, the creators of the superb Knights of the Old Republic and Baldur's Gate series. Even though it is set in a videogame universe, the writer Drew Karpyshyn does a good job in writing efficently and without bringing in a lot of clutter. It got me even more interested in the upcoming videogame than I was before, and I'm kinda excited to see which characters will appear in it. For what it is, Revelation succeeds very well. I was not expecting the work to be written very well and was pleasantly surprised. This is pretty much Star Wars Pulp fiction where all the aliens are basically anthropomorphized humans. The author explains this by stating that maybe all intelligent species were evolved by the Protheans a la 2001:A Space Odyssey so we have more in common that not. If you want to be entertained and get a leg-up on the Mass Effect world, give this book a try.
  
  

• GREAT BOOK

  
  By A16M14B59W4DEI on 2007-05-06
  I dont ever write reviews but i had to let everyone know how great this book is, now im afraid the game will not live up to the book. But even if you know nothing about the game the book is a standalone story, hopefully with many more to follow.
  
  

• Fiction That Reads Like A Text Book

  
  By A3W3LP0RSWLJCS on 2009-02-03
  I'm not quite sure who this book was being marketed to. On the one hand, you have the people who haven't played the game, and those who have on the other. But the novel never really pans out to completely cater to either one, which leaves it in a limbo of sorts that makes it just plain unsatisfying.
  
  As a general rule, I give all novels until page 100 to hook me. If it hasn't done that by then (in any form), it isn't worth the time, for me at least. I gave this book till page 150 (which is half the novel) and the antagonist is just now being introduced.
  
  Now, I played the game twice over, and this doesn't do it justice. For those who decided not to read the codex in-game, this novel is more of an interactive way of learning about the universe and races of Mass Effect. But for those who haven't played the game, the descriptions and characterizations don't do the lore justice. Everything including the Citadel, which was probably the most awe-inspiring locations in the game, manages to come off as boring. Nothing is ever described well, and little aspects of the technological advancements manage to claim pages of detail to themselves. After a while, it starts to read like a text book, like "Mass Effect 101", with too much description that has no bearing on the plot, and isn't all that fascinating to begin with.
  
  I have faith in the writer, Drew Karpyshyn, and this novel definitely seems like it was the product of a harsh deadline (what with him being the lead writer of the actual game. How he managed to write this in between is beyond me). I had also picked up the first book in his Darth Bane series at the same time, and it hooked me on page 1. "Mass Effect: Revelation" has done nothing to impress me in the way that the game it's based on did, and offered nothing particularly new to the main storyline that wasn't already covered.
  
  Pick it up if you're a hardcore fan of the series, but to everyone else there's hardly a reason spend the money.
  
  
• Excellent prequel to set the stage for the game's universe.
  By A2Z8F63S3WZZB8 on 2007-11-18
  Drew Karpyshyn is known for his work with Baldur's Gate as well as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Anyone familiar with the character development of these works and their reputation for being outstanding will knows they will be well rewarded with this book and the upcoming game.
  
  Sure, the book is primarily a quick read and has flaws an english major might be able to gripe. But for those who are waiting for the upcoming release of Mass Effect and want to become further versed with the races, history of humans spanning out into the galaxy and the antagonist of Mass Effect this book is for you.
  
  
• Awesome prequel!
  By A3E68QNSCABRVW on 2008-04-13
  Okay I will admit, I played and beat the game before I read this book. I know that's not what it's intended for but the damage is done. In some ways I'm kind of glad that I did because it gave me a much better understanding of the imagery. This book is pretty well written in that regard, but having the image in your head of what it actually looks like adds so much more weight to it! Normally I wouldn't go for that kind of thing, but this is a video game based novel, so I prefer seeing the created world. Also I should point out that Shepherd isn't in here at all, remember the game develops that character FOR you, because it is you. Just in case someone wanted to know for whatever reason... I thought it was obvious.
  
  If you've played the game then everyone will know what I mean when I say that this is really the story of Anderson and Saren. I think the author left out the development of Anderson's character quite a bit because you get to see him and interact with him a lot more in the video game, so the author didn't feel the need to be overly redundant, probably realizing most readers will play the game first anyway. Overall this book is a pretty quick read and I didn't find it overly technical in its explanations, rather it focuses a lot more on the adventure and intrigue. It does go into detail about some of the specific weapon systems, but it's by far not a majority of the book. I don't think it's any secret that this game's world is pretty obviously influenced by the world of Star Trek, and I would dare say it's more like "The Next Generation" with its political intrigue between species etc. Maybe a touch of Deep Space Nine with the story based around a space station, but that could easily be Babylon 5 influence as well. There is a heavy layer of warlike concepts in here, but that usually comes with any Science Fiction world so I really couldn't pin down an example very well for that.
  
  I'll be honest; I wasn't truly engaged in this book till around page one hundred. This is when the story really came together. Unfortunately it was slightly predictable the way the characters met, but frankly, I loved it. I read that part with sheer anticipation and then when my wishes were granted I actually smiled. It's not often I actually enjoy this in writing, but Drew Karpyshyn did it beautiful in my opinion. From that point on I was absolutely hooked and couldn't put the book down.
  
  I have to give Mass Effect praise for creating one of the best bad guy characters I've come across. He has this ruthless duality where he rationalizes all of his actions down to the smallest detail and really blurs good and evil concepts. I know this kind of character may have been done before, but the way it's culminated in Saren is just perfect and I really identified with him in a very odd way. I really don't want to go into anymore detail and ruin his character for everyone, but he is brilliantly methodical in his actions and that's something that really makes him interesting to read about.
  
  Mass Effect deserves further praise for really tying in a novel correctly! It was a breath of fresh air for me after I had just finished reading the Star Trek: The Next Generation book debacle. The lead writer on the Mass Effect video game also wrote this book, so all the characters are presented correctly. Saren clearly being the most interesting one. It's pretty clear to me that the author is purposefully leaving the series very wide open, maybe to spawn more writers to write in this world, kind of like we have with Diablo and the other Blizzard releases or Halo. Mass Effect gives us a very specific time and it's a very small piece of a larger universe, so maybe another author will be commissioned to write the story of the Protheans for example. I get the feeling this author is specifically leaving that detail out to give us a more in depth tale much later. Again, if you enjoyed this video game you definitely have to read this book, especially since you'll want to know much more about Saren and Anderson by the time you finish the game!
  
  
• Whets the appetite for the game
  By A2P209O2LGUVWC on 2007-05-12
  An engaging and action packed prequel, it provides a fun read, setting up a lot of interesting plot points for the game that follows (hopefully soon.)
  
  Definately pick it up if you're interested in Mass Effect.
  
  
• Interesting enough for fans of the game.
  By A3C2A3D2KG1F1A on 2010-01-22
  As a fan of the Mass Effect video game I had somewhat high expectations going into this book. Afterall, Karpyshyn is known for his work in a couple Star Wars books and he did write the story and lore for the Mass Effect video game, which is quite good in my opinion. Unfortunately this book is a little bit of a let-down for me.
  
  Revelation is a prequel to the video game that surrounds Anderson and later on Saren. Anderson is tasked with aiding a distress call from an alliance base. As it turns out there is more going on with this base then what first meets the eye (go figure!). Corruption and illegal activity end up being the sorce of the bases destruction and it seems as though a traitor has made it out alive. It is Andersons job to find the traitor before anything happens to them. There are some twists and turns that await, of course Saren, a Spectre who is above the law comes into the picture about halfway in.
  
  The idea behind this book isn't too bad, though it does seem cliched. If you have played the video game then you will likely know exactly how this story pans out (it is summarized in the game, afterall). Cliches don't really bother me, what put me off a bit is the writing style. The game seems more adult-themed while the book seems geared towards the younger crowd. There were a number of times where my eyes rolled while reading. Some of the writing is just - lacking. I guess the book just never really gripped me and the character development seemed a bit forced and shallow. It's not a terrible book. There are a few interesting bits such as the very destructive mission Anderson and Saren were both involved in (which is touched on in the game).
  
  In the end it was interesting enough to keep me reading through to the end. Had I not played the game first I would have probably found this book less interesting. If you have played Mass Effect then this is a worthy read. If you have never played the game but plan on doing so then this is still a worthy read, just keep in mind that the game is quite a bit more engaging (don't let this book keep you from playing the excellent game!). If you haven't played the game and never plan on doing so then I would skip this book.
  
  I give this book 3 stars if you love the Mass Effect universe, 2 stars if you don't plan on playing Mass Effect and were just planning on checking this book out.
  
  
• Fun read, but meant for the younger audience
  By A19F2J8EDRKPXM on 2009-09-12
  Certainly helps with the Mass Effect story, explains alot. At times I felt alittle silly reading this, certainly seems to be written for the 10-15 year old crowd. Would have been a awesome book if it was just alittle more mature.
  
  If your a fan of the Mass Effect series, like myself, by the book. If you've never heard of the game Mass Effect, then don't bother, doesn't end to well inless you pick up the video game
  
  
• Must read for fans of the Mass Effect story
  By AF90JOKE66M2A on 2009-06-30
  This is a wonderful book. It sets up the back story incredibly well for the villain from the Mass Effect Game (Saren). Also it really fills out the David Anderson character who we didn't get to find out much about in the game. Just as in every Bioware game, the dialogue is a strong point. The author is able to show the underlying thoughts and logic of the characters while maintaining the conversation simultaneously. Another Bioware staple shown in this book is story. Everything lines up perfectly in this book without any inexplicable or illogical coincidences. The book really goes to show that this is a great new IP with a lot of depth to it.
  
  
• Great for the existing Mass Effect fan.
  By A2Y8ZHWZEIV51G on 2009-01-17
  To preface, I played the game Mass Effect about a year ago and absolutely loved it. For me, it is easily one of the best games I have ever played.
  
  I was looking for some audio books and noticed that they finally had both ME books over at audible, so I picked them up for something to listen to while doing stuff around the house.
  
  I didn't expect too much, but I must say I am fairly pleased with the first book. Yes, it is average sci-fi, but if you are already intrigued by the Mass Effect storyline from playing the videogame, I imagine you will really like this book.
  
  While I don't think I would spend the time to sit down and read the paperback version of this book,it has been a great companion as I perform boring tasks around the home like doing yard work.
  
  To summarize, if you are just looking for some good sci-fi, I am sure you will find better options. But if you are like me and an existing fan of ME, I would pick it up.
  
  
• Introduction to a new world...
  By A2NEILT05YW8N9 on 2008-07-23
  Mass Effect: Revelation by Drew Karpyshyn was really well written! I could not believe I was in a whole new universe! I was so excited for the video game and once I found out there was a book that takes place prior to the game, I told myself I would not play, until I read. So I did, and it made my love and totally engrossed me even further! I can not wait for more Mass Effect sci-fi to hit the shelves! Either in book format or gaming!
  
  This book is about a young lady... actually just read the back cover and maybe an excerpt and you will get the idea.. I suggest that you read it! Thanks D. Karpyshyn!
  
  
• great backstory
  By A3N92M1A17QP2U on 2008-03-15
  These three books provide a really interesting back-story to Mass Effect. It really helps you appreciate the game all the more. Capitan Anderson was cool before because of the game now you see how cool he really is. I can't wait for mass effect games/books.
  
  
• Great Prequel to the Game
  By A3552IQ074L0HT on 2008-02-27
  I ordered this book after playing the Mass Effect game and loving it. The story was so involving in the game, I just had to know more about the universe and the history of the characters. What particularly interested me was Sarin's behavior in this book...because it shows he wasn't just made cruel and barbaric by his indoctrination, but he was a brutal character. I also enjoyed the introductions of the different species, and the general history of the universe (even though most of the information was available in the game's codex entries) So if you loved the game, you should really pick this up and fill out some details on the characters.
  
  
• Good book
  By ATE7WE6KY8KS5 on 2008-02-13
  Probably not best-seller material, but it's a good read if you're curious about the backstory of Mass Effect. It fills in a lot of holes that the game doesn't really address. Worth the buy.
  
  
• Decent read, but only for Mass Effect fans
  By A3KC7R8Z0D3IE on 2008-01-24
  A more than decent read with several interesting elements flushed out throughout, but really this book only serves to set up some of the characters and back story to the video game Mass Effect. When viewed in that light, it does exactly that, and does it well. The universe is incredibly detailed and well thought out, and it is a treat to see more of that universe. However, as a stand alone novel, the author is crippled by the book's supplementary status, and it pales. The characters are interesting though don't have any real growth, and the end of the book (which foreshadows the beginning of the game) has no real satisfying climax. All in all, a must read for Mass Effect fans, but not much else.
  
  
• Great set up for the Xbox title
  By AI1XIBUMYV7UN on 2007-12-31
  I really enjoyed reading this title. Although the harvesting of ancient alien technology has been used before in novels, the author does a great job of differentiating the story enough to make it refreshingly original. However, although the characters as well as the universe were well developed, I felt the story to be a bit bland. It was a good read, but not spectacular science fiction.
  
  The main purpose for this book however was to set up the story for the Xbox game Mass Effect. I haven't had a chance to play the game yet, however I've done a good bit of reading about it and I saw many parts of the game that were explained quite well in the book. The game makes use of the various races and characters that were developed so well in the book. I really can't wait to get the game, because I know that I will be much more invested in the story after reading this book.
  
  If you plan on buying the game then I would definitely recommend reading this book. Even if you're not a video game fan it's a pretty good read. However I read that the next book in the series is going to take place after the events in the game, so if you don't play the game you may miss out on some of the action.
  
  
• Uneven but Enjoyable
  By A7AWMS9EAL7XS on 2007-12-08
  This is an enjoyable if somewhat uneven novel. At times, the plot seems a bit forced. In other parts, things move along nicely. Overall, it is a worthwhile read for fans of the Mass Effect videogame
  
  
• Easy to read and fun sci-fi
  By A2T1U1QJ4CLFHO on 2007-11-26
  I got this book so I could learn a bit about the Mass Effect universe before playing the game and it is a good dci-fi tale.
  
  
• Great lil paperback
  By A1PBL1NFGWNYL4 on 2007-11-14
  For a guy who's been doing writing for video games, albeit very good ones, this book came out quite nicely and really set up a good deep back story for the upcoming xbox 360 game Mass Effect. Now if I only had a 360 I could continue the story which is rumored to be turning into a video game trilogy! I'm giving Mass Effect: Revelation a 3 out of 5 though for leaving a cliff hanger that can only be solved in a video game. Shame on you marketing department!
  
  
• A little disappointing...
  By A2MUACY8VTQV31 on 2007-09-02
  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.
  
  
• Good introduction to a highly anticipated game.
  By A3TB2C8ORE7E75 on 2007-08-23
  Provides a great picture of how the galaxy of Mass Effect functions and paints an excellent picture of the enemies and races that you will interact with in the upcoming game. Highly recommended if you want to understand everything and know some of the characters' backgrounds when you first play Mass Effect.
  
  
• good introduction to the Mass Effect world
  By A237OH7DVCVE3H on 2007-07-18
  Since this book is a lead-in to the Mass Effect videogame, it's understandably not very strong as a standalone science fiction novel. The story has very few surprises or revelations (as the title might suggest), and the end is easily guessable. However, it serves its purpose by introducing characters, settings, politics, and events that will play some sort of role in the upcoming game.
  
  I did enjoy reading this book, though it has almost none of the depth the Halo novels had. It makes me excited to play the game and continue the story. If you're considering playing the Mass Effect game, I would recommend reading this for backstory, since the events from the book will most likely be referred to sometime in the game.
  
  
• Suffices as Gravy for Game
  By A29SLASNE357W7 on 2007-12-12
  The book is merely a point-blank play-by-play of detective work, shoot outs, and allusion. It's not that it is poorly written, but rather that it is written without any flare or audacity. If you are a gamer, play the game first and then read the novel as bonus material for an IP with heaps of potential. As a stand alone sci-fi novel, I don't think it holds up.
  
  I have two major criticisms with the work: (i) the characterization is thin. We meet some exceptional candidates for being great characters, but they are never explored, and (ii) Karpyshyn fails to take advantage of the fact that he's writing about humanity's discovery of ancient alien technology, first contact with extraterrestrial intelligent life, and interstellar travel. It's often flat and lacks the thrilling crackle you'd get from, say, Arthur C. Clarke. (A hard comparison to live up to, I know.)
  
  Only recommended to gamers after they have played through the game itself.
  
  
• Rather Enjoyable for a Video Game Book
  By AK1QWKFBMXWG5 on 2010-09-07
  This book was a good sci-fi genre novel that really shines if you have actually played the Mass Effect video games. The details of the world, although somewhat explained during the course of the novel, would have been lacking had I not had had the fortune to play the video game first. The story definitely makes more sense after a playthrough. Great read overall.
  
  
• Mass Effect: Revelation... Review
  By A1SY6UR1VC65GY on 2010-09-05
  I think i should review this from two different perspectives: those who have play the game and those who are just seeking to read a futuristic scifi book. Let's start with the ones who like the game:
  
  For those looking to read a story about commander Shepard, let me tell you that he does not appear in this book. This is a story about Anderson (who appear in the Mass Effect games as a general or something like that, i forget his rank). The events on the story are happening years before Shepard defeats the geth's and Saren in the first Mass Effect game. It is not about the Contact War, events occur some years after that, although it mention some things about it that clarifies how it happens. The story is full of action and some drama. Lt. Anderson is investigating a mysterious attack on a Alliance secret research facility at Sidon, he was sent there by the Alliance ambassador in a solo mission -due to some sensitive research that humans are hiding from the Council-. He will not be totally alone in the investigation, because the Citadel Council has also send one of his Spectre's to investigate the blody attack on the facility.
  
  There are some mayor twists in the story, and if your a gamer to happens to enjoy Mass Effect and just want to immerse yourself in a spin off story in the Mass Effect universe then you should enjoy this book.
  
  Now my review for people just searching for a sci-fi book to enjoy:
  
  This book is based on the scifi universe of the Xbox 360 and PC game Mass Effect, which is a action-RPG game. But you don't need to know almost nothing of the game to understand this book. The environment is similar to the Star Wars universe. The protagonist are humans if you are wondering about that. Although you may find some not so convincing explications that attempt to explain how humanity is almost everywhere in the galaxy in a few years (for me was just too fast, even with the unlocking of some secrets of alien technology), the reader will be immersed in a futuristic world full of spaceships, futuristic weapons, faster than light travels, aliens communities, culture and politics, action and some ancient mysteries. If you enjoy those topics, which are mixed with a good -human heroic- story, then you should read it.
  
  
• Creative story and very well told
  By A1SXGAXWJ5UJ10 on 2010-08-30
  A must-read for Mass Effect fans. As you read, you can see the pieces falling into place for the plot of Mass Effect the video game. The characters, the politics, and the Mass Effect environment is alive in so much depth and detail that I found myself learning more and more about the series.
  The plot of the story is well-detailed and the writing is very descriptive, from the flying bullets to the wisps of air as a Biotic power is about to be released.
  
  Highly recommended book for a highly recommended game.
  
  
• Wow
  By AV80TCG4Y6Q0K on 2010-06-16
  I am not a book person at all. However I am obsessed with Mass Effect and the universe. I got this book because I was curious about Captain Anderson's Back Story. This book gave clear descriptions and gave a look into the universe we all came to love through the games. I was glued to this book from the time I started to the time I finished, I just couldn't stop. If your a fan or the game series and want to know some back story then this book is perfect for you. I can't wait to read the others.
  
  
• A Good Book
  By A29BGEFBUKIEWW on 2010-05-03
  For all you MASS EFFECT fans out there, this book is gonna tell you how it all started, how did Saren get his hands on sovereign? what happened in that joined operation he had with Anderson, this is going to make a few un-answered questions a bit clearer!
  recommended for both before and after playing mass effect 1!
  
  

• Mass Effect: Ascension
• Mass Effect: Retribution
• Mass Effect Volume 1: Redemption
• The Calling (Dragon Age)
• Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne