Reviews Literature / AssassinsCreedIVBlackFlag

Literature An unnecessary novelization which adds nothing

I recently read (and reviewed) Assassin's Creed : Forsaken and enjoyed the novel tremendously. While I was hoping for a review of Connor Kenway's adventures, what I got was even better with the complete history of Assassin-child turned Templar Haytham Kenway. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag is my favorite of the multi-part saga and it was my hope that its novelization would expand upon Edward Kenway's life in the same way that Forsaken expanded on his son's.

Sadly, this is not the case.

I wouldn't say Black Flag's's novelization is bad, but it's certainly underwhelming. Edward Kenway is a multi-faceted character who undergoes a large number of changes both morally as well as spiritually throughout the titular game. Unfortunately, the novelization simplifies these changes and introduces a number of unnecessary subplots and justifications which muddy an already excellent story. In short, Oliver Bowden's story does not add to the story of Edward Kenway but takes from it.

Which is terrible.

The novelization begins with Edward Kenway's origins in the town of Bristol. Immediately, the novelization takes pains to establish Edward Kenway is "technically" English as opposed to Welsh—something I automatically reduced the book's score for. Edward's status as a Welshman not only has historical resonance for his role as a pirate but is a major part of his characterization. Later, it adds a completely unnecessary revenge element to his early story. Finally, I felt the unromanticized and surprisingly real relationship between him and Caroline Scott was made needlessly sentimental.

Really, the book comes at Edward Kenway's life with an apologetic tone. It treats the protagonist of the game, which is unflinching about the fact he's a complete bastard, with a series of excuses and half-measures. Edward Kenway, who practically jumped at the chance to become a privateer, is forced into it at literal swordpoint within the book. Given Edward Kenway is on a road to redemption, it undermines his story arc by making it so there's very little for him to actually atone for.

I won't spoil the novelization's ending but I actually had to stop myself from throwing the book against a wall. Save your money.

Literature Could be better...

It seems Forsaken will be a one-off. It was the only book of the series that tried something other than retell events in the game though it covered that eventually. Black Flag expands on Edward's pre-Assassin days and his courtship with his wife and some parts of his post-game life and this new material is not without interest and poignancy, indeed Edward's relationship with his parents is really sad and nice, but it does make his story pretty banal.

The resolution of the book on how Edward acquired his fortune is really disappointing as well, though its written well nor does it connect well with Jenny's equation to Edward in Forsaken. I wonder if the fact that material is being held back implies there is more to the Kenways.