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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
This book is good, the story is engaging and thr main character is compelling and charming, but it has 3 main problems: the repeated use of repetitions, the use of anachronism and contrivances/things just happening without much buildup.
It's not a bad read, I've seen way worse, but it could have been fleshed out better with less instances that felt like necessary story beats.
It's not a bad read, I've seen way worse, but it could have been fleshed out better with less instances that felt like necessary story beats.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Black Flag is one of the best games in the franchise. Aside from the obvious joy of being a pirate, it also has a rather heartbreaking story, and it was interesting to play an AC game where the protagonist initially adopts the Creed as a means of pursuing their own goals only to later join the Brotherhood and appreciate the true meaning of the Creed.
So the book is a fun way to explore the story with more insight into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, as well as more on the motivations and his backstory.
Because we don't get much about why Edward is in the Caribbean in the game; we don't find out how he became a fearsome pirate, or at least a skilled seafarer before the events of the game.
This book explores that a little more, including adding some extra reasons for why he despises the Templars almost immediately.
It translates the story from game to page quite effectively, though a shortcoming of these novelisations is that the pacing of the game sections often feels a little off. In some ways, this book was strongest in the sections that weren't retelling the game. I wonder if that's because the author was writing on the assumption that people reading the books would have played the games first.
Still, if you are a fan and want some extra insight into Edward's thoughts and feelings, as well as who he was before encountering Duncan Walpole, this is a good book to read.
Some inconsistencies from the games, though.
So the book is a fun way to explore the story with more insight into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, as well as more on the motivations and his backstory.
Because we don't get much about why Edward is in the Caribbean in the game; we don't find out how he became a fearsome pirate, or at least a skilled seafarer before the events of the game.
This book explores that a little more, including adding some extra reasons for why he despises the Templars almost immediately.
It translates the story from game to page quite effectively, though a shortcoming of these novelisations is that the pacing of the game sections often feels a little off. In some ways, this book was strongest in the sections that weren't retelling the game. I wonder if that's because the author was writing on the assumption that people reading the books would have played the games first.
Still, if you are a fan and want some extra insight into Edward's thoughts and feelings, as well as who he was before encountering Duncan Walpole, this is a good book to read.
Some inconsistencies from the games, though.
The good part is all the curse words in italian xDD
And for me that, in fact, played the game this is nice :)
And for me that, in fact, played the game this is nice :)
I'm always a slut for pirates and this one was an amazingly well crafted, non-romanticized adventure <3
Loved it. Honestly, it was better than the game. All the books are. Oliver Bowden converts the admittedly enjoyable yet occasionally dull or repetitive games into a truly fantastic story. While some people love Assassin's Creed for the gameplay and stunning visuals and mechanics, I personally love it for the story it tells. In fact, I would be fine if there were no games and it was just the book series only.
Black Flag tells the story of Edward Kenway, a brash, arrogant merchant's son from Bristol with a taste for women and beer. His pugilistic tendencies have led him to many a tavern brawl, but he soon gets on the wrong side of a very powerful organization: the Templars. The night before he departs to become a privateer in the West Indies, the Templars launch an attack on his home, burning it to the ground and leaving his family in ruins. Little does he know that their control reaches across oceans, and he is pulled into the age-old battle between the Templars and an even more mysterious group known only as the Assassins. Along his journey full of twists and turns he meets famous pirates such as Calico Jack, Mary Read, and even Blackbeard.
Black Flag tells the story of Edward Kenway, a brash, arrogant merchant's son from Bristol with a taste for women and beer. His pugilistic tendencies have led him to many a tavern brawl, but he soon gets on the wrong side of a very powerful organization: the Templars. The night before he departs to become a privateer in the West Indies, the Templars launch an attack on his home, burning it to the ground and leaving his family in ruins. Little does he know that their control reaches across oceans, and he is pulled into the age-old battle between the Templars and an even more mysterious group known only as the Assassins. Along his journey full of twists and turns he meets famous pirates such as Calico Jack, Mary Read, and even Blackbeard.
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone who has not played the assassins creed games, I found that while this book lacked world development and had much more potential, it was still an enjoyable read with a good story. I think it would be a perfect companion to the game.
I’m always wary of attempting a novel based on a video game, especially a game I thoroughly enjoyed playing and with which I spent a lot of hours. This one does a reasonably good job of capturing the story of Edward Kenway, accidental pirate and eventual assassin. Lots of swashbuckling adventure, as expected, but the author doesn’t shy away from the introspective nature of Kenway and the path that he finds himself on.
It’s important to note that this is only the story of Kenway and not the rest that involves the “modern day” aspects of the game. There is no Desmond Miles, or Abstergo Industries mentioned; just the raw historical story of Kenway and his adventures. Because of this, all of the Assassin’s Creed novels can be read independently from one another. But the lore is there, the Caribbean settings, the Observatory, the “sage” etc.
I thought it followed the game pretty well and it was great fun to revisit those times and see once again his old friends and enemies, (many of them historical figures) such as James Kidd, Edward “Blackbeard” Thatch, Charles Vane, Adewale, Anne Bonny, Calico Jack Rackham, Benjamin Hornigold, Woodes Rodgers, and Bartholomew Rogers.
I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the novel as much if I had not played the game. While I could easily visualize the people, places, etc., I can imagine some readers not getting a clear picture of so many characters and how they fit together. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this and am glad I took a chance on it.
It’s important to note that this is only the story of Kenway and not the rest that involves the “modern day” aspects of the game. There is no Desmond Miles, or Abstergo Industries mentioned; just the raw historical story of Kenway and his adventures. Because of this, all of the Assassin’s Creed novels can be read independently from one another. But the lore is there, the Caribbean settings, the Observatory, the “sage” etc.
I thought it followed the game pretty well and it was great fun to revisit those times and see once again his old friends and enemies, (many of them historical figures) such as James Kidd, Edward “Blackbeard” Thatch, Charles Vane, Adewale, Anne Bonny, Calico Jack Rackham, Benjamin Hornigold, Woodes Rodgers, and Bartholomew Rogers.
I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the novel as much if I had not played the game. While I could easily visualize the people, places, etc., I can imagine some readers not getting a clear picture of so many characters and how they fit together. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this and am glad I took a chance on it.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes