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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Revelation is a really good read

  
  By A22FKV6CJWQECN on 2007-05-30
  I really enjoyed the book and thought that Drew did a good job with chareter development. The book gives you a much better understanding of the mass effect world, while mantaining a exciting plot all its own. My only complaint is that it was kind of short and seemed rushed at parts. However overall I liked it and look forward to reading other works by Drew and to playing the game if it ever comes out.
  
  

• 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!
  
  
  

• 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.
  
  
• Why did I finish reading?
  By A39CIEEF89QF3I on 2007-06-08
  I did not realize when I purchased this book, that it was written to provide background for a video game. Be warned. I doubt if even players of the game will like this book.
  
  The charactors in the so-called story are cardboard cutouts. You end up with mental pictures of them that are right out of comic books - bad comic books.
  
  There is nothing new or interesting in the story. At points the author seems to be trying to make us think there is some kind of mystery involved. He fails to create any kind of suspense what so ever.
  
  Save your money and spend a few quarters on a pinball game.
  
  
• 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 2007-05-13
  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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Great
  By A30WK2XELHE1NB on 2007-05-12
  First off, I'm not much of a reader. I'm a gamer, and I've been a fan of all of Bioware's games. I've been following Mass Effect's development for a couple years now and figured I'd give this prequel book a gander.
  
  I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a short read, with interesting characters and lots of grit and action. I'd recommend this book to any gamers/ sci-fi fans.
  
  
• wish i didn't buy it
  By A1CHNYITDUKJQ4 on 2007-05-13
  My husband wanted me to buy this book, now I regret it because he can't put it down. It must be really good because he never ever reads.
  
  
• Excellent prequel to set the stage for the game's universe.
  By A2Z8F63S3WZZB8 on 2007-11-19
  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.
  
  
• Great!
  By A2UPVDWWV135A0 on 2007-05-14
  I never really read, but I have been following the game and decided to pick up the book. It is amazing! Now i can't wait for the game to come out. The book is a great way to start to get a visual for the Mass Effect world!
  
  
• A perfect setup for the game but a good read nontheless
  By A17B7WTV8FNPZW on 2007-06-01
  I thought Karpyshyn did a stellar job in his descriptive writing abilities. He lays out a perfect image of each alien race and immerses you so deeply into the story and characters you feel like you're running side by side with Anderson and Sanders. The book is alive with mystery, action, adventure, and just enough gore to satisfy any sci-fi fan looking for a good read. If anyone is planning on playing the ground-breaking epic game Mass Effect, this is a MUST read. This gives you vital information from the story that will be crucial in how you design your characters and play them throughout the game. But again, this book is entertaining from the from the beginning all the way to the cliff hanger ending. We'll all have to wait for the game to see how this spans out. Can't wait!
  
  
• Amazing Perspective
  By A1CFIJP54WL289 on 2007-06-02
  Whether it's the incredibly detailed characters, or the realism of world events, this is a GREAT sci-fi for anyone interested or even not interested in the Mass Effect universe! Recommend!
  
  
• Surprisingly good!
  By A2CFH7ZEE1AMRO on 2007-07-11
  This book is amazing! I really enjoyed it. It's a short read (I've read it in a single day) with very well developed characters and a good mix of action. The book could have been boring with too much babbling about universe, races, technologies and wars but it is not! The background of this great universe is detailed with style and teasing. I would have taken easily 100 more pages but the author focus around few characters and it works.
  
  If you like pop sci-fi like Star Wars, Star Trek or Starship Troopers; this is a must read! The characters are at the core of this believable world and I'm starving for the next book and... the game on xbox360!
  
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Drew Karpyshyn Is AWESOME
  By A30BN88II93K4N on 2007-08-13
  After playing KOTOR and reading the Darth Bane novel I was very excited to see that Drew Karpyshyn was attached to the new XBOX360 game. I was a little bit worried when I first bought this book since I was such a fan of his other works I didn't want to be let down. My fear was that this was really just going to be a setup for the game and not really something that could stand on its own.
  
  I have to say that Drew has really done it again. He has a talent for being able to write science fiction in such a way that the technical/science stuff doesn't interfere with the story. It's easy to read yet it still has an involved and engaging story.
  
  When it comes down to it that's really the core of any type of entertainment whether it be a novel, a video game, or even a movie. It's all about the story for me and Drew really delivers with this one as he has in the past. I'm really looking forward to possibly reading the next book and playing the game when it comes out in April... erm... I mean June... oh wait... September???
  
  I would highly reccomend this book to any sci-fi fan out there.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Aliens being TOO humans, though provide good enough details for the up coming game
  By A3Q0G2M6GSN4IT on 2007-09-13
  Prior reading this novel of Mass Effect, I was deeply hooked by BioWare's Star Wars: The Knights of the Old Republic's background setting, storyline and gameplay. It's a RPG that I have not experienced from playing any Japanese RPG including FINAL FANTASY nor Star Ocean series. Given the reputation of BioWare, Mass Effect got my attention. I even bought the XBOX 360 mainly for this particular game!
  
  When I heard the novel just come out, I quickly bought it and read it. I am able to tolerate the lack of detail descriptions about different alien cultures and technologies as NOT TO SPOIL the video game experience I'm going to get in Novmber 2007, hopefully. I also really enjoy the Mass Effect universe regarding to the Prothean civilization which providing a mysterious hint on the common features among the alien races of our galaxy. However, maybe because of this setting, I figured that Aliens are way too Humans! They spoke perfect English! Since English wasn't my first language, I figured the author should put a lot more varieties on alien languages or at least create a different English language structure such as broken English translated from Babel Fish for example! Even in US, different regions have different English accents. UK speaks different English than US! Come on BioWare, if you want to create a Sci Fi masterpiece, please don't disappoint us with aliens being too human espeically speak perfect English unless I see a very good explaination from the game in November 2007!
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Good Sci-Fi Prequel to the XBOX 360 Game
  By A318YMWV6R5DNT on 2007-11-30
  I enjoyed this quick read tie in. It was a little better and more enjoyable then I expected. A book version of an 80s action movie (which is a good thing). Makes the XBOX game more enjoyable and deep. Great for what it is. I enjoyed it.
  
  
• Uneven but Enjoyable
  By A7AWMS9EAL7XS on 2007-12-09
  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
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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!
  
  

• Mass Effect: Ascension
• Contact Harvest (Halo)
• Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)
• Mass Effect Original Game Soundtrack
• Mass Effect Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide