Assassin’s Creed has been a popular franchise since the days of the Xbox 360. Now found stretching to the big screen, crossing genres, and more, many fans aren’t aware of the books that the franchise has spawned! Many of these stories are novelizations of the games, while others are standalone stories in the universe.
If you’re curious about the Assassin’s Creed novels and where to start, this list is for you. We’ve compiled some of ourfavorite novelsthroughout the franchise for you to pick where you’d like to start. Don’t worry about chronological order - these novels are all free as starting points depending on your interests.
Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance
Machiavelli, da Vinci, and Ezio
The Ezio saga of Assassin’s Creed is arguably the most popular in the franchise’s long run. Following Ezio Auditore after a betrayal by Italy’s ruling families, Renaissance kicks off a story of revenge and political intrigue.
In all the games that have entered the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the storyline that follows Ezio Auditore has remained one of the most popular eras. That storyline comes to full fruition here with Renaissance, focusing on the story of the games that include the famed assassin.
Through the story, Ezio interacts with some of history’s most well-known figures. From da Vinci to Machiavelli, Ezio gets inspiration for his quest for revenge.
Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken
What makes a Templar?
For fans of Connor Kenway, Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken will be one of the best novels to pick up. The novel focuses on the events that led to Connor’s father, Haytham, and what led to his role as a Templar.
The Kenway family is one of the most legendary lines of assassins in the franchise. Spanning from pirates to citizens of the New World, the Kenway line is present in several games and spoken of in many others.
Forsaken follows a Kenway that isn’t as crucial to the Assassins: Haytham Kenway. The father of Connor Kenway is the main character of this storyline, focusing on what led to his life as a Templar.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (The Official Novelization)
Heading back to your favorite Spartan
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a novelization of the game by the same name, focusing on Kassandra as the protagonist. If you’re a fan of the story but don’t want to replay the game, this is a great substitute!
If you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, there’s a high chance this will be your favorite novel. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is a novelization of the video game by the same name. Here, you’ll focus on Kassandra as the main protagonist.
From there, the story is virtually identical, albeit with a focuspurely on the story. Since there’s no gameplay, the book works to flesh out the story much deeper than you’re used to from the game. It’s a wonderful way to dive deeper into the story without needing a sequel or DLC.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag
Haul away your anchor
Continuing to grow on the Kenway line, this story set in the world of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag highlights Edward Kenway. Whether it was your favorite game or you just love pirates, this is an excellent novel to dive into.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag focuses on the Kenway line yet again, looking at an ancestor of Connor’s. Taking place about thirty years before Connor’s birth, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag focuses on the Golden Age of Piracy.
Following Edward Kenway shortly after the destruction of his home, he dives into life fully as a privateer. Quickly becoming one of the greatest privateers on the sea, he finds himself sucked into the ancient battle between Templars and Assassins.
Assassin’s Creed: Unity
No cake to be found
Taking place during the French Revolution, Unity focuses on Paris at one of history’s most crucial moments. The novel focuses on de la Serre’s perspective of the game’s events, as well as Dorian’s post-game events.
If you’re a fan of the Assassin’s Creed franchise because of how heavily it features historical events, then Assassin’s Creed: Unity is one of the best novels you’ll find in the franchise. Unity focuses on the French Revolution and the uprising of the French against the ruling aristocracy.
Taking place in Paris, the game gives Élise de la Serre’s perspective on the events of the game through journal entries. Arno Dorian’s experiences after the game’s closing also come into play.
Assassin’s Creed: The Golden City
Back to Constantinople
Assassin’s Creed: The Golden City is one of the newest books to enter the universe. This story focuses on the acolyte Hytham and his training beneath Basim Ibn Ishaq.
Assassin’s Creed: The Golden City takes the story back to themes similar to the start of the franchise. Focusing on Hytham and his training beneath Basim Ibn Ishaq, the acolyte is given the task of helping Basim with a covert mission.
Hytham’s true task from the Brotherhood is to gauge Basim Ibn Ishaq’s true loyalties. As his master and mentor’s loyalties arecalled into question, Hytham is forced to navigate through a deadly mission while his view of his order is questioned time and time again.
FAQ
Do The Assassin’s Creed Novels Follow The Games?
In part, yes. Some of the novels are novelizations of the game they’re based on. Others only take place in the game.
No! The novels rarely contain information that isn’t already explained in the game. However, they can expand on the settings and add more to the characters, such as Forsaken highlighting Haytham.
Where Can I Find The Assassin’s Creed Novels?
You should always check your local bookstore or library first. If you may’t find them, check Amazon or Walmart’s online platforms.
