Book Review #82: Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance by Oliver Bowden

Hello Dear Reader!

If you’re familiar with the Assassin’s Creed franchise, yes, there are books out there that are basically the novel versions of the games. I bought this book at 2nd & Charles back when I was in high school, I think, so I thought now would be a good time to read it, and boy did it bring a TON of nostalgia, because I played the entirety of Ezio’s trilogy: Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations. Those games are what got me into the franchise.

But before I get into the review, here’s the back-cover summary: (from Goodreads)

I WILL SEEK VENGEANCE UPON THOSE WHO BETRAYED MY FAMILY. I AM EZIO AUDITORE DA FIRENZE. I AM AN ASSASSIN. . .

Betrayed by the ruling families of Italy, a young man embarks upon an epic quest for vengeance. To eradicate corruption and restore his family’s honor, he will learn the art of the Assassins.

Along the way, Ezio will call upon the wisdom of such great minds as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavello—knowing that survival is bound to the skills by which he must live.

To his allies, he will become a force for change—fighting for freedom and justice. To his enemies, he will become a threat dedicated to the destruction of the tyrants abusing the people of Italy.

So begins an epic story of power, revenge and conspiracy.

TRUTH WILL BE WRITTEN IN BLOOD

Now, on to the review!

If you have played Assassin’s Creed, specifically AC 2 and Brotherhood, this book is basically a culmination of those two games, specifically the entire story of AC 2 and the flashbacks of Cristina featured in Brotherhood. It took me on a HUGE nostalgia trip, as Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance follows the events of the games chronologically to a T!

At the center of Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance, you have, of course, your main character and most beloved assassin, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who starts off as a young man freely enjoying the streets of his home city and, through a series of tragic events, matures into one of the greatest assassins history has ever known. It’s a great character journey, with Ezio’s goals shifting from revenge to the preservation of free will for humanity from the oppression of the opposing Templars.

Of course, surrounding Ezio are a plethora of characters from different backgrounds, some of which are actual figures in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI), and Niccolo Machiavelli. These figures and more are either dedicated to the Assassin or Templar cause, and seeing which historical figures are placed in either faction is always super interesting to see!

This is an odd book to write a review about, mainly because it is based on video games that I’ve played. I personally enjoyed it, especially because of the nostalgia it brought since it’s been years since the last time I’ve played the Ezio Trilogy. It condenses what’s about a 20-hour game into several hours of reading, but I will say I prefer the games. As a book, to me personally, the imagery doesn’t do the settings of the game justice, and I have the same opinion on the action. It did drag a bit in certain places, and moments of high tension didn’t really make me feel said tension. Still, it was a fun read, and it was interesting to consume a story I already knew in a novel format.

So, Assassin’s Creed rating:

3.5/5 and recommend if you’re interested in reading a novel heavily based off of a video game.

Thanks for reading!