Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Genre: Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Historical Fiction, Media Tie-in

Book Review:
Oliver Bowden's ''Underworld'' is another solid entry in his series of Assassin's Creed novelizations. This time, he takes readers to Victorian London, exploring the backstory of Henry Green, the mentor to Jacob and Evie Frye in the game ''Assassin's Creed: Syndicate.''

The novel is set in 1862, a time of immense change in London. The Industrial Revolution is in full swing, and the world's first underground railway is under construction. It's a city of contrasts: progress and poverty, wealth and squalor, order and chaos.

When a body is discovered at the railway dig, it sets in motion a chain of events that will draw the Assassins and Templars into their latest conflict. Working deep undercover is an Assassin known only as The Ghost. He has dark secrets, a dangerous mission, and a determination to break the Templar stranglehold on London.

Bowden's prose is fast-paced and accessible, perfect for the action-adventure genre. He captures the atmosphere of Victorian London—the fog, the filth, the grandeur—with skill. The historical details are well-researched, and the integration of real events and figures into the Assassin's Creed mythology is seamless.

The character of Henry Green is compelling. He's a man with a past, a man carrying secrets, a man dedicated to a cause. His journey from solitary operative to mentor of the Frye twins is engaging, and his struggles—both internal and external—add depth to the story.

For fans of the Assassin's Creed games, this novel is essential reading. It fills in gaps, explains backstory, and deepens appreciation for the characters and world. For newcomers, it's a solid historical adventure that stands on its own.

''Underworld'' is a worthy addition to the Assassin's Creed literary universe. It delivers action, intrigue, and a glimpse into the making of one of the Brotherhood's key figures. Recommended for fans of the franchise and anyone who enjoys historical action fiction.