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Overwatch 2: Heroes Ascendant: An Overwatch Story Collection
Experience the story of Overwatch 2 from a multiple points of view in this star-studded short story collection, featuring eight tales from award-winning and bestselling authors.
As Null Sector’s global assault brings the world to its knees, millions of voices
cry out amid the devastation . . . and heroes around the world are answering
the call.
o Lyndsay Ely brings heartrending clarity to Ashe and B.O.B.’s pre-Crisis history.
o As Null Sector drop pods rain down on Tokyo, Hanzo hears the ghost of his father—and meets with a familiar
face—in an electrifying tale by E.C. Myers.
o Corinne Duyvis and Sangu Mandanna trace Symmetra’s travels abroad to retrieve a Vishkar asset . . . and an old friend.
o Mohale Mashigo lends fresh perspective to Ana and Jack’s relationship as they weave through a broken Istanbul to meet with an informant, one who claims to have knowledge of what brought down Overwatch all those years ago.
These stories and more illuminate the darkest corners of the Null Sector chaos, in the crucible where choices are made and heroes are forged. From the streets of Numbani to the alleys of Junkertown, the highest floors of Lijiang Tower to the stars themselves, don’t miss this exploration of the battles fought all around the globe. This perfect companion read to Overwatch 2’s main story includes tales from award-winning, bestselling science fiction and fantasy authors as well as Blizzard’s stellar narrative designers and cinematic writers. Complete with illustration by Kevin Hong, Hannah Templer, and more, this incredible anthology brings new focus to Overwatch’s universe, and shows that—even in its most uncertain times—the future is still worth fighting for.
As Null Sector’s global assault brings the world to its knees, millions of voices
cry out amid the devastation . . . and heroes around the world are answering
the call.
o Lyndsay Ely brings heartrending clarity to Ashe and B.O.B.’s pre-Crisis history.
o As Null Sector drop pods rain down on Tokyo, Hanzo hears the ghost of his father—and meets with a familiar
face—in an electrifying tale by E.C. Myers.
o Corinne Duyvis and Sangu Mandanna trace Symmetra’s travels abroad to retrieve a Vishkar asset . . . and an old friend.
o Mohale Mashigo lends fresh perspective to Ana and Jack’s relationship as they weave through a broken Istanbul to meet with an informant, one who claims to have knowledge of what brought down Overwatch all those years ago.
These stories and more illuminate the darkest corners of the Null Sector chaos, in the crucible where choices are made and heroes are forged. From the streets of Numbani to the alleys of Junkertown, the highest floors of Lijiang Tower to the stars themselves, don’t miss this exploration of the battles fought all around the globe. This perfect companion read to Overwatch 2’s main story includes tales from award-winning, bestselling science fiction and fantasy authors as well as Blizzard’s stellar narrative designers and cinematic writers. Complete with illustration by Kevin Hong, Hannah Templer, and more, this incredible anthology brings new focus to Overwatch’s universe, and shows that—even in its most uncertain times—the future is still worth fighting for.
277 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2024
12 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Corinne Duyvis
17 books736 followersTo prevent my Goodreads friends list from becoming unwieldy, I only accept friend requests from people I know.
* * *
Corinne Duyvis is the critically acclaimed author of the YA sci-fi/fantasy novels Otherbound, which Kirkus called “a stunning debut;” On the Edge of Gone, which Publishers Weekly called “a riveting apocalyptic thriller with substantial depth;” and The Art of Saving the World, which Kirkus called “impossible to put down.” She is also the author of the original Marvel prose novel Guardians of the Galaxy: Collect Them All. Corinne hails from the Netherlands.
She’s a co-founder and editor of Disability in Kidlit as well as the originator of the #ownvoices hashtag.
* * *
Corinne Duyvis is the critically acclaimed author of the YA sci-fi/fantasy novels Otherbound, which Kirkus called “a stunning debut;” On the Edge of Gone, which Publishers Weekly called “a riveting apocalyptic thriller with substantial depth;” and The Art of Saving the World, which Kirkus called “impossible to put down.” She is also the author of the original Marvel prose novel Guardians of the Galaxy: Collect Them All. Corinne hails from the Netherlands.
She’s a co-founder and editor of Disability in Kidlit as well as the originator of the #ownvoices hashtag.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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March 6, 2024I was thrilled to contribute a Hanzo story to this anthology, "Where Honor Lives." Like the game, writing it was a team effort with the talented editorial and narrative folks at Blizzard. I love how it turned out and I hope you do too.
March 2, 2025
it took me so long to read this because I didn't want it to end. I can't believe I have emotional attachments to a genetically modified hamster now
February 28, 2024
I am going to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible as I am pretty sure I received this early in error, but if you have any interest or are curious about OW2 lore then read this!
There are several bombshells in each story, all of which take place during the first day of the Null Sector Invasion as seen in Overwatch 2's story. While each story gives an account of where the hero or heroes are at the time of the invasion, several of the stories implement flashbacks that run parallel to the current timeline.
Rebuilding Ruins is the first story, from Satya's point of view and focuses on her long friendship with Niran "Lifeweaver"/"Bua." Loved the representation of friendship from the point of view of a person with autism. We learn a bit more of the nature of Vishkar and quite a bit more lore about the Atlantic Archology setting which surely will be a map at some point in the future. At the end, Satya and Niran simultaneously reunite yet go their separate ways in the story.
Unity is Efi and Orisa's story of how they protect their home of Numbani. Orisa definitely seems to have grown "older" and more experienced as a character from how she was in Hero of Numbani - she feels more like a stubborn, intelligent yet impulsive spitfire preteen, an evolution in character which I had sort of noticed in the game, but is definitely highlighted here. I won't ruin the ending here but it is easy to guess which choice Efi and Orisa make. Light spoiler:
Luck of the Draw broke my heart. Several times. Ashe and B.O.B are in Vegas during the invasion. Lyndsay Ely writes Ashe and B.O.B flawlessly, which is saying something since B.O.B is a non-speaking omnic character. We see some minor yet deeper characterization of background characters seen in the Reunion short as well as some interesting new characters, potentially a new faction in the story (which of course brings up the tantalizing will-they-won't-they dance of "future new hero?" questions.) Ely really has a talent for making the reader feel like they were shot in the heart!
A Friendly Rivalry is more of a comic relief beat in the story, which makes sense with the Junker society so separated from the rest of the world. The Junker characters all share a braincell as an execution is shelved in favor of a treasure hunt, which turns into a plan that is not a plan at all, a comical chase scene, a few mentions of a hilarious "biscuit incident" which everyone except the reader is privy to, and (light spoiler) . This story is an offbeat "prequel" to the next story in the anthology, which picks up where the Queen and "Wrecking Ball" Hammond left off at the end of this story.
Thoughtless Gods, from Hammond/Wrecking Ball/The Champ/Specimen 8's perspective, is kind of a whiplash after the last story. Not going to lie, it was the story I was least looking forward to yet the one that surprised me the most. The story, which is a heist mission liberally peppered with flashback, is sad. Very sad, actually and kind of triggering to be honest. There's a lot of Lucheng Interstellar and Horizon Lunar Colony lore, which includes some very surprising revelations and story implications. We learn more about the character of the already-mentioned-in-passing "Doctorchao," which is yet another surprise for those who are invested in the game lore. The story ends with Junkerqueen and WB making very interesting plans which tantalizingly lets the reader know what they intend to do. Poor world, you are so not ready if this plan comes to fruition!
Where Honor Lives is the first time we hear from Hanzo since he learned that Genji is still alive after the (attempted) assassination at his own hands. Hanzo fans especially will love his in-character "angst monkey" story, which features much stewing in his own misery and musings of honor lost and a past long gone as he encounters the ruthless Hashimoto while Null Sector ships drop over Tokyo. There are a couple revelations about the Shimada family, deeper insight into the Yamagami family dynamics, both with and without the framework of the Shimada clan, and a glimpse at who is likely pulling the strings of the Hashimoto. There is a very in-character appearance by Kiriko and of course, while we leave the two at an expected ending, it is "expected" in a good, satisfying way.
Lost Ghosts is yet another prequel story which sets up events for the final piece in this anthology. Many flashbacks on Ana's past, especially with her daughter Fareeha, and a lot of introspection as well as flashbacks to the hell the world was during the original Omnic Crisis. Jack is his typical stubborn yet aging self. He's Not A Hero Anymore as he sets out to thwart an assassination attempt with Ana's help, of course giving her as little information as possible much to the infuriation of both Ana and the reader. I love the little flashes of memory we get to the golden days of Overwatch which juxtapose heartbreakingly with the present reality of the world. An old friend of Ana and Jack's makes an appearance and we get an update on that previously-mentioned character's story, which is unexpected but nice! Are they yet another "will-they-won't-they future new hero?" (tm)
Lucky Man picks up where Lost Ghosts left off with Not A Hero Jack pulling off an impossible heist into the heavily-guarded U.N. evidence storage of the former OW HQ wreckage. Not only is the heist impossible, but neither he nor his informant (you-know-who) know what it is they are looking for. I loved this story. It's tantalizing in true Overwatch lore fashion and provides yet another huge piece of what is going on in the overarching story without (of course!) revealing what the big picture is. But the piece definitely matches other pieces we have been given, that's for certain!
Anyway, that sums it up. This anthology was well worth the wait and definitely delivered! Now go read it!
and a Carlos Robert to you, too
(iykyk)
There are several bombshells in each story, all of which take place during the first day of the Null Sector Invasion as seen in Overwatch 2's story. While each story gives an account of where the hero or heroes are at the time of the invasion, several of the stories implement flashbacks that run parallel to the current timeline.
Rebuilding Ruins is the first story, from Satya's point of view and focuses on her long friendship with Niran "Lifeweaver"/"Bua." Loved the representation of friendship from the point of view of a person with autism. We learn a bit more of the nature of Vishkar and quite a bit more lore about the Atlantic Archology setting which surely will be a map at some point in the future. At the end, Satya and Niran simultaneously reunite yet go their separate ways in the story.
Unity is Efi and Orisa's story of how they protect their home of Numbani. Orisa definitely seems to have grown "older" and more experienced as a character from how she was in Hero of Numbani - she feels more like a stubborn, intelligent yet impulsive spitfire preteen, an evolution in character which I had sort of noticed in the game, but is definitely highlighted here. I won't ruin the ending here but it is easy to guess which choice Efi and Orisa make. Light spoiler:
Luck of the Draw broke my heart. Several times. Ashe and B.O.B are in Vegas during the invasion. Lyndsay Ely writes Ashe and B.O.B flawlessly, which is saying something since B.O.B is a non-speaking omnic character. We see some minor yet deeper characterization of background characters seen in the Reunion short as well as some interesting new characters, potentially a new faction in the story (which of course brings up the tantalizing will-they-won't-they dance of "future new hero?" questions.) Ely really has a talent for making the reader feel like they were shot in the heart!
A Friendly Rivalry is more of a comic relief beat in the story, which makes sense with the Junker society so separated from the rest of the world. The Junker characters all share a braincell as an execution is shelved in favor of a treasure hunt, which turns into a plan that is not a plan at all, a comical chase scene, a few mentions of a hilarious "biscuit incident" which everyone except the reader is privy to, and (light spoiler) . This story is an offbeat "prequel" to the next story in the anthology, which picks up where the Queen and "Wrecking Ball" Hammond left off at the end of this story.
Thoughtless Gods, from Hammond/Wrecking Ball/The Champ/Specimen 8's perspective, is kind of a whiplash after the last story. Not going to lie, it was the story I was least looking forward to yet the one that surprised me the most. The story, which is a heist mission liberally peppered with flashback, is sad. Very sad, actually and kind of triggering to be honest. There's a lot of Lucheng Interstellar and Horizon Lunar Colony lore, which includes some very surprising revelations and story implications. We learn more about the character of the already-mentioned-in-passing "Doctorchao," which is yet another surprise for those who are invested in the game lore. The story ends with Junkerqueen and WB making very interesting plans which tantalizingly lets the reader know what they intend to do. Poor world, you are so not ready if this plan comes to fruition!
Where Honor Lives is the first time we hear from Hanzo since he learned that Genji is still alive after the (attempted) assassination at his own hands. Hanzo fans especially will love his in-character "angst monkey" story, which features much stewing in his own misery and musings of honor lost and a past long gone as he encounters the ruthless Hashimoto while Null Sector ships drop over Tokyo. There are a couple revelations about the Shimada family, deeper insight into the Yamagami family dynamics, both with and without the framework of the Shimada clan, and a glimpse at who is likely pulling the strings of the Hashimoto. There is a very in-character appearance by Kiriko and of course, while we leave the two at an expected ending, it is "expected" in a good, satisfying way.
Lost Ghosts is yet another prequel story which sets up events for the final piece in this anthology. Many flashbacks on Ana's past, especially with her daughter Fareeha, and a lot of introspection as well as flashbacks to the hell the world was during the original Omnic Crisis. Jack is his typical stubborn yet aging self. He's Not A Hero Anymore as he sets out to thwart an assassination attempt with Ana's help, of course giving her as little information as possible much to the infuriation of both Ana and the reader. I love the little flashes of memory we get to the golden days of Overwatch which juxtapose heartbreakingly with the present reality of the world. An old friend of Ana and Jack's makes an appearance and we get an update on that previously-mentioned character's story, which is unexpected but nice! Are they yet another "will-they-won't-they future new hero?" (tm)
Lucky Man picks up where Lost Ghosts left off with Not A Hero Jack pulling off an impossible heist into the heavily-guarded U.N. evidence storage of the former OW HQ wreckage. Not only is the heist impossible, but neither he nor his informant (you-know-who) know what it is they are looking for. I loved this story. It's tantalizing in true Overwatch lore fashion and provides yet another huge piece of what is going on in the overarching story without (of course!) revealing what the big picture is. But the piece definitely matches other pieces we have been given, that's for certain!
Anyway, that sums it up. This anthology was well worth the wait and definitely delivered! Now go read it!
and a Carlos Robert to you, too
(iykyk)
May 8, 2024
“Overwatch 2: Hero's Ascendant Short Story Collection" is a must-read for fans of the Overwatch franchise. This captivating anthology, inspired by the highly popular game, offers a collection of short stories that delve deeper into the lives and experiences of the game's beloved heroes.
One of the highlights of this collection is the way it expands upon the lore and mythology of the Overwatch universe. Each story provides a unique perspective, shedding light on the backgrounds and motivations of the diverse cast of characters. From the daring adventures of Ashe and the Deadlock Rebel Gang to the troubled past of Soldier 76, these stories breathe life into the heroes, making them even more relatable and compelling.
The writing in the "Hero's Ascendant Short Story Collection" is exceptional, with each author bringing their own style and voice to their respective tales. The stories are well-paced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The authors skillfully capture the essence of each character, immersing readers in their world and allowing them to experience their triumphs and struggles firsthand.
What sets this collection apart is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Some stories are filled with heartwarming moments of friendship and camaraderie, while others delve into the darker aspects of the Overwatch universe, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and sacrifice. The emotional depth of these stories adds an extra layer of complexity to the already rich narrative of the game.
In addition to the compelling storytelling, the "Hero's Ascendant Short Story Collection" is visually stunning. The book features breathtaking illustrations that bring the heroes and their adventures to life. The artwork perfectly captures the unique art style of the Overwatch franchise, immersing readers in a visually captivating experience.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of Overwatch or a newcomer to the franchise, the "Overwatch 2: Hero's Ascendant Short Story Collection" offers a rewarding reading experience. It provides a deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys, enhancing the overall appreciation of the game. This anthology is a fantastic companion to the Overwatch universe, delivering an immersive and captivating literary experience.
April 3, 2024
Okay, I have a bunch of questions besides I'm giving this book/Lore 5 starts. Some things aren't making sense anyway.
For example wirh Efi and Orisa. Efi eventually says or more thinking in hear head. That it was a year ago that she build Orisa met Lucio and defeated Doomfist out of Numbani. Even in that year met Sojourn in Canada. Thing is that it in my head doesn't make sense. Did they meet Sojourn after or before Cassidy tracked her down and Overwatch regrouped? Like the Overwatch timeline doesn't make sense if you also read Hero of Numbani. Blizzard or someone else explain this to me.
Besides that I almost cried when reading Hanzo and Ana and soldier 76 their stories. I can't wait for more.
For example wirh Efi and Orisa. Efi eventually says or more thinking in hear head. That it was a year ago that she build Orisa met Lucio and defeated Doomfist out of Numbani. Even in that year met Sojourn in Canada. Thing is that it in my head doesn't make sense. Did they meet Sojourn after or before Cassidy tracked her down and Overwatch regrouped? Like the Overwatch timeline doesn't make sense if you also read Hero of Numbani. Blizzard or someone else explain this to me.
Besides that I almost cried when reading Hanzo and Ana and soldier 76 their stories. I can't wait for more.
January 23, 2025
Overall, a great collection of short stories! There was maybe one or two I had a particularly difficult time finding the motivation to continue, but that was mostly because I didn’t really like the characters from previous experiences LMAO. All authors had excellent storytelling, and had great ways to connect each story to each other in some way, shape, or form.
4.5/5 (Rounded) ⭐️
4.5/5 (Rounded) ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews