There are so many of us that are trying to find things to do to occupy our free time during this strange time in history. One can only play so many games before getting burnt our or bored of the games in your library, especially if you are like me and have burned through your entire library two times over. As I sat at my desk wondering what I could do to save myself from boredom, I had an epiphany. I used to love reading books on my way to school, so why not try and find some books based in video game lore? Below is just a few books that I have read and loved and I thought I’d share them with you to help give you some variety in our stale lives under lockdown.
Bioshock: Rapture Author: John Shirley Illustrator: Craig Mullins Publisher: Tor Books Price: $9.99
Have you ever wondered how Rapture came to be? How about why people loved Andrew Ryan before everything went to hell? This book will cover everything you ever wanted to know about the history of Rapture and its creators. Bioshock: The Collection was free for PS+ users in the month of February and ever since I finished all three games I was desperate to know more. I bought the book from Barns & Noble and I finished it in about a month. I was so engrossed in this book that I could hardly keep my nose out of it.
The lore was so rich and John Shirley covered so many awesome themes in his work. If you are looking for a story that covers subjects like ethics and morality, loyalty, and Altruism vs Egoism, then this book is perfect for you.
Warcraft: of Blood and Honor Author: Chris Metzen Illustrator: Chris Metzen Publisher: Pocket Books Price: $3.99
There is no more recognizable name in human vs orc lore than Warcraft. With a game that has over 5 million subscribers how could I not suggest a story from the world of Azeroth. Warcraft’s lore runs so deep and there are so many rich characters to learn about and explore. Warcraft: of Blood and Honor tells the story of Tirion Fordring, a paladin who hated orcs and regarded them as blood lusting monsters, and Eitrigg, an denouncer of the horde.
This novella had rich themes of honor, forgiveness, mercy, friendship. It is truly a fantastic read and the story is only 128 pages long, so you could finish this book in just a few days. I highly recommend this novella to fantasy lovers and anyone who loves World of Warcraft.
Deus Ex: Icarus Effect Author: James Swallow Illustrator: Jim Murray Publisher: Del Ray Books Price: $17.00
If you ever want to hear a good conspiracy story, then pick up EVERYTHING Deus Ex. This series, starting with Deus Ex GotY, has some of the best conspiracy story telling that I have ever experienced. This story set in the sci-fi future of 2027 focuses on two characters who are destined to meet and team up against one of the most powerful secret organizations in the whole world. I am not joking when I say that you need to read this.
This fast-paced action thriller will keep you on your toes as you learn more about the tangled web of secrets and the fates of Kelso and Saxon, the main characters. I guarantee you’ll be saying ‘just one more page.’
Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance Author: Oliver Bowden Publisher: Penguin Books Price: $9.99
If sci-fi isn’t your favorite drama, and you happen to love history, then I think that Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance is the perfect book for you. The story follows Ezio Auditore in his quest for vengeance against the knights in order to restore his family’s honor.
Assasin’s Creed has always been one of my favorite games because I love the conspiracy and the honor of the elite guild of assassins. When I got the chance to learn in more detail about Ezio, who happens to be my favorite assassin, I jumped at the chance and I was completely satisfied by what author Oliver Bowden wrote.
I hope this article has sparked an interest in some of these stories, because the books are all fantastic reads. I know I only mentioned a few game novels, but there are so many out there like Borderlands: The Fallen by John Shirley, Diablo: Legacy of Blood by Richard A. Knaak, and Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear.
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We at Stack Up hope that everyone out there is staying safe and healthy. We hope that you all can find ways to stay active and spirited. Stay tuned for more articles headed your way and stay strong.