Mass Effect

Revelation

By: Drew Karpyshyn

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Every advanced society in the galaxy relies on the technology of the Protheans, an ancient species that vanished 50,000 years ago. After discovering a cache of Prothean technology on Mars in 2148, humanity is spreading to the stars---the newest interstellar species, struggling to carve out its place in the greater galactic community.

On the edge of colonized space, ship commander and Alliance war hero David Anderson investigates the remains of a top secret military research station---smoking ruins littered with bodies and unanswered questions. Who attacked this post, and for what purpose? And where is Kahlee Sanders, the young scientist who mysteriously vanished from the base hours before her colleagues were slaughtered?

Sanders is now the prime suspect, but finding her creates more problems for Anderson than it solves. Partnered with a rogue alien agent he can't trust, and pursued by an assassin he can't escape, Anderson battles impossible odds on uncharted worlds to uncover a sinister conspiracy...one he won't live to tell about. Or so the enemy thinks.

©2007 BioWare Corp. (P)2008 Tantor

I so wanted to enjoy this audio book.

As the title of this review suggests. I really wanted to enjoy this audio book. I am a fan of the games and the back story intrigued me.

What I couldn't get past was the droning voice of the narrator. While technically a decent job in voiceover work. Ultimately was draining and emotionless. It was like listening to a professor drone on about ancient history. Interesting, but put you right to sleep.

In the end, that's exactly what I used this audio book to do. Fall asleep when I was restless.

Mass Effect?

I love the game, it's rich with world building. This book isn't even close, just average. Had the writer went in and delved more into the codex the game has to offer maybe he could have do a better job.

Not A Book for Relaxation

What did you love best about Mass Effect?

The Story

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He yells for emphasis. I get why he did it, but when he did it almost made me eject out of bed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

If the Narrator calmed down a bit and not redline his mic, this could really be a great experience. Absolutely great story.

Wasn't to shabby

I love the narrator of this book, he did an amazing job with all of the Gears of War books and he really brings the story alive. Compared to Gears of War the story of Mass Effect is a little harder to follow but it was still a good listen!

A brilliant story from a brilliant franchise

What did you like best about this story?

This story was an illuminating edition to the franchise. Anderson's backstory is hinted at in the games, but never given any time beyond a curt few lines of dialogue. For fans who want to know exactly what it is that went down between Anderson and Saren, this book does that story justice.

Any additional comments?

Having played the games more often that I would want to admit, I'm used to the voices of Keith David, Fred Tatasciore and Grey Delisle voicing Anderson, Saren and Kahlee Sanders respectively. David Colacci does a good job substituting for them, but it takes some getting used to.

Not great but not bad either

I’ve played all of the mass effect games and I’m a big fan of the story and universe, I’m also a fan of Drew Karpyshyn’s work particularly his work of Darth Bane trilogy. The story wasn’t bad, for me what killed it was the narrators performance. He didn’t seem to change his voice very much between characters. There’s also a lack of background and environmental sounds to add to the immersion of the story which makes it really bland. So if you’re a big fan of the mass effect universe and want some more back story to the games get the book, if you’re not that interested I’d advise to just pass on this one.

before you play the game read this

listening to these audiobooks in the correct order will help your understanding of the game to a much higher degree and you'll enjoy it a lot more I hope this gets made into a movie or film which one

No game knowledge need

Great starting point for those looking to get into the Mass Effect universe. Having only played Mass Effect Andromeda, I can safely it has me looking me looking forward to the release of legendary edition even more. Just be aware that the performance is not the best, but by no means does it ruin the book.

Great Start to an awesome Epic

Great to hear the back story to Anderson's part interaction with Saren mentioned in ME1.

GREAT STUFF! GREAT NARRATION!

Good Backstory for the Games

If you're a fan of the games and want more, then this book is for you. If you are unfamiliar with the games or have no interest then I would give this book a pass. There's really nothing here for someone not into the lore.