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Batman: The Arkham Saga
Batman: Arkham Knight - The Riddler's Gambit
The Joker's death has left a void in the Gotham City underworld--a void the Riddler seeks to fill in the deadliest way possible. Creating a path of death and destruction, the criminal mastermind places Batman and Robin in an unwinnable scenario, with the clock ticking down the moments to disaster.
317 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 23, 2015
71 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Alexander C. Irvine
189 books197 followersAlexander C. Irvine is an American fantasist and science fiction writer. He also writes under the pseudonym Alex Irvine. He first gained attention with his novel A Scattering of Jades and the stories that would form the collection Unintended Consequences. He has also published the Grail quest novel One King, One Soldier, and the World War II-era historical fantasy The Narrows.
In addition to his original works, Irvine has published Have Robot, Will Travel, a novel set in Isaac Asimov's positronic robot milieu; and Batman: Inferno, about the DC Comics superhero.
His academic background includes an M.A. in English from the University of Maine and a PhD from the University of Denver. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Maine. He also worked for a time as a reporter at the Portland Phoenix.
In addition to his original works, Irvine has published Have Robot, Will Travel, a novel set in Isaac Asimov's positronic robot milieu; and Batman: Inferno, about the DC Comics superhero.
His academic background includes an M.A. in English from the University of Maine and a PhD from the University of Denver. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Maine. He also worked for a time as a reporter at the Portland Phoenix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 4, 2020
This is the first time I've read a Batman novel. This one, involving the Riddler, takes place months after Batman and Robin have vanquished the Joker. It's not easy lately finding books or graphic novels featuring the Riddler --- most fans, these days, seem more enamored of the Joker or Harley Quinn --- and, as is the case with the Penguin, I wish there were more with Riddler. Unlike the flash and brashness of these, however, he is a more cerebral foe --- which lends itself better probably for a written novel like this one than a graphic novel
Unlike the campy, clownish character in the 1960s TV show or the movie version played by Jim Carrie, the Riddler in this story emerges as cold, calculating, obsessive, somewhat isolated sociopath ---- with the meticulousness and mendacity of the Unabomber. Every bit a peer adversary for the Dynamic Duo, requiring them to use their minds as much as their martial arts skills.
I think it made for an enjoyable story to read --- and it leaves things wide open for a sequel!
Unlike the campy, clownish character in the 1960s TV show or the movie version played by Jim Carrie, the Riddler in this story emerges as cold, calculating, obsessive, somewhat isolated sociopath ---- with the meticulousness and mendacity of the Unabomber. Every bit a peer adversary for the Dynamic Duo, requiring them to use their minds as much as their martial arts skills.
I think it made for an enjoyable story to read --- and it leaves things wide open for a sequel!
July 6, 2023
Is he stupid?
August 6, 2015
The Full Review Can Be Found Here: http://thefictionalhangout.blogspot.c...
The Joker's death has left a void in the Gotham City underworld--a void the Riddler seeks to fill in the deadliest way possible. Creating a path of death and destruction, the criminal mastermind places Batman and Robin in an unwinnable scenario, with the clock ticking down the moments to disaster.
The Riddler is one of my favourite Batman villains, and he recently gained some notable exposure in the Zero Year arc of the main Batman comic from Scott Snyder. I don’t know how much he’ll focus in Arkham Knight itself as I haven’t been paying very much attention to Xbox One/PS4 exclusive games, but considering that I should be getting one of these two consoles in the next couple of weeks or so, I certainly hope that Edward Nygma will feature prominently. I’d prefer him to play a more direct role in the plot then be limited to side missions this time around, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. But even if we don’t get that in Arkham Knight (no spoilers, please, I haven’t yet played the game), The Riddler’s Gambit serves as a fun way to put the Riddler in the spotlight, because if you remember in Arkham City, the Joker died, right? No more arch nemesis for Batman and a criminal underworld without a figurehead. And Batman hasn’t been seen in a while, either. It’s where we jump in to Riddler’s Gambit, which feels very much like part of the game itself, as any good tie-in novel should, drawing readers in and having them hooked right from the start, and if you want to read more about the Arkham world in prose format, you can’t go far wrong with The Riddler’s Gambit.
The Riddler’s Gambit serves as a welcoming treat for all fans of Batman and his rogues gallery. We have multiple villains but also multiple protagonists, for example, Robin (Tim Drake), who only cameoed in the main Arkham City game (and was playable in his own expansion) gets a significant part of the story here as the book spends time between Batman and Robin chapters, with the dynamic duo getting plenty to do and working together well. The book also serves as an example as to how the media view Batman, and we get a look into how he’s viewed both positively and negatively by articles on blogs and newspapers that separate chapters, told from the likes of Jack Ryder, Vicki Vale and more, as Irvine manages to utilise the rich cast to the most of his ability without feeling they’re shoehorned in. This book doesn’t suffer from the problems that can come with a lot of villains, as the Arkham games have handled this in a way that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 failed to accomplish. It reads well and does about everything you’d expect from a tie-in.
However, The Riddler’s Gambit suffers from a few problems. There are a couple of continuinty errors that I noticed and it will probably annoy fans of the Arkham games as well, and sometimes, the villain’s voices sound a little too similar, and not really as distinctive as I would have hoped, even if the characters themselves are still mostly handled well and given plenty of page-time. But those are really the only two minor problems that I had with this book because The Riddler’s Gambit otherwise allows for an action packed read with a lightning fast pace that as a result makes this novel feel very similar to a summer blockbuster, you’ll get through it pretty quickly and you’ll enjoy it, but it won’t exactly be anything that will blow you away.
The book also handles the relationship between Batman and Robin well, and it’s something that is great to see for fans wanting more Tim Drake (it’s worth pointing out that Tim Drake is my favourite Robin – Dick Grayson would be, but he works far better as Nightwing). The amount of stuff that Robin gets to do in this book should keep readers content, and I hope he gets more than just a mention in the game itself. Barbara Gordon fans should be happy with Oracle’s inclusion, so there’s plenty there that makes this book something that fans will enjoy, even if The Riddler’s Gambit may not be perfect.
It’s also worth noting that I’m probably going to hold off reviewing the Arkham Knight novelization until I’ve played the game (which should hopefully be before the year’s end), as I don’t want to be spoiled by any major plot twists as I’ve remained spoiler free so far. So you’re going to have to wait for that review to crop up, but it will make an appearance once I’ve finished the novel. But for now, The Riddler’s Gambit is something that you should check out if you’re an Arkham fan looking to get some more adventures focused on Gotham’s dynamic duo.
VERDICT: 7/10
The Joker's death has left a void in the Gotham City underworld--a void the Riddler seeks to fill in the deadliest way possible. Creating a path of death and destruction, the criminal mastermind places Batman and Robin in an unwinnable scenario, with the clock ticking down the moments to disaster.
The Riddler is one of my favourite Batman villains, and he recently gained some notable exposure in the Zero Year arc of the main Batman comic from Scott Snyder. I don’t know how much he’ll focus in Arkham Knight itself as I haven’t been paying very much attention to Xbox One/PS4 exclusive games, but considering that I should be getting one of these two consoles in the next couple of weeks or so, I certainly hope that Edward Nygma will feature prominently. I’d prefer him to play a more direct role in the plot then be limited to side missions this time around, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. But even if we don’t get that in Arkham Knight (no spoilers, please, I haven’t yet played the game), The Riddler’s Gambit serves as a fun way to put the Riddler in the spotlight, because if you remember in Arkham City, the Joker died, right? No more arch nemesis for Batman and a criminal underworld without a figurehead. And Batman hasn’t been seen in a while, either. It’s where we jump in to Riddler’s Gambit, which feels very much like part of the game itself, as any good tie-in novel should, drawing readers in and having them hooked right from the start, and if you want to read more about the Arkham world in prose format, you can’t go far wrong with The Riddler’s Gambit.
The Riddler’s Gambit serves as a welcoming treat for all fans of Batman and his rogues gallery. We have multiple villains but also multiple protagonists, for example, Robin (Tim Drake), who only cameoed in the main Arkham City game (and was playable in his own expansion) gets a significant part of the story here as the book spends time between Batman and Robin chapters, with the dynamic duo getting plenty to do and working together well. The book also serves as an example as to how the media view Batman, and we get a look into how he’s viewed both positively and negatively by articles on blogs and newspapers that separate chapters, told from the likes of Jack Ryder, Vicki Vale and more, as Irvine manages to utilise the rich cast to the most of his ability without feeling they’re shoehorned in. This book doesn’t suffer from the problems that can come with a lot of villains, as the Arkham games have handled this in a way that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 failed to accomplish. It reads well and does about everything you’d expect from a tie-in.
However, The Riddler’s Gambit suffers from a few problems. There are a couple of continuinty errors that I noticed and it will probably annoy fans of the Arkham games as well, and sometimes, the villain’s voices sound a little too similar, and not really as distinctive as I would have hoped, even if the characters themselves are still mostly handled well and given plenty of page-time. But those are really the only two minor problems that I had with this book because The Riddler’s Gambit otherwise allows for an action packed read with a lightning fast pace that as a result makes this novel feel very similar to a summer blockbuster, you’ll get through it pretty quickly and you’ll enjoy it, but it won’t exactly be anything that will blow you away.
The book also handles the relationship between Batman and Robin well, and it’s something that is great to see for fans wanting more Tim Drake (it’s worth pointing out that Tim Drake is my favourite Robin – Dick Grayson would be, but he works far better as Nightwing). The amount of stuff that Robin gets to do in this book should keep readers content, and I hope he gets more than just a mention in the game itself. Barbara Gordon fans should be happy with Oracle’s inclusion, so there’s plenty there that makes this book something that fans will enjoy, even if The Riddler’s Gambit may not be perfect.
It’s also worth noting that I’m probably going to hold off reviewing the Arkham Knight novelization until I’ve played the game (which should hopefully be before the year’s end), as I don’t want to be spoiled by any major plot twists as I’ve remained spoiler free so far. So you’re going to have to wait for that review to crop up, but it will make an appearance once I’ve finished the novel. But for now, The Riddler’s Gambit is something that you should check out if you’re an Arkham fan looking to get some more adventures focused on Gotham’s dynamic duo.
VERDICT: 7/10
July 23, 2015
I was surprised that I enjoyed "Batman: Arkham Knight--The Riddler's Gambit" by Alex Irvine as much as I did. It's a video game tie-in novel, after all. That's not usually where one looks for top-quality stories.
I'm currently playing the Batman: Arkham Knight game, so I know the writing in the game is top-notch. It's nice that they found someone good to write the prequel tie-in novel as well.
To be clear, "The Riddler's Gambit" happens before the events of the video game, it's not a novelization of the game itself.
The Riddler has an agenda--to replace the Joker as Gotham City's top criminal. And he seems to have the will and the resources and the nefarious allies to do so. Batman and all of his usual cohorts--Robin, Oracle, Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, etc.--are all involved. And all of them are worried that Batman is coming unglued without the Joker.
Both Batman and Robin, working in tandem, yet not in the same location, are pushed to their limits by the Riddler's devious plans and traps.
I have no complaints about "The Riddler's Gambit." The characterizations are all sharp and interesting. Even Robin didn't annoy me, like various versions of the character usually do. And the author didn't fall victim to what I call the "Star Wars syndrome."
In the Star Wars tie-in novels, some lazy authors let the reader do most of the heavy lifting in regards to the characters that are very well-defined already. Those lazy authors give a brief character sketch and assume you can fill in the (many, many) blanks on your own. While this author doesn't go into great detail about Batman's origins, he does manage to give a clear and current portrait of the hero in existential crisis as well as physical danger.
There isn't a "real" sense of danger--even though they do kill off Robin on occasion--very often in the Batman universe. The bad guys will live. Batman will live. Everyone suffers, but they all live to fight another day. Yet it's a good author who makes you forget all that for a while.
If you enjoy the "Arkham" series of Batman video games or just like Batman stories in general, check out "The Riddler's Gambit."
I'm currently playing the Batman: Arkham Knight game, so I know the writing in the game is top-notch. It's nice that they found someone good to write the prequel tie-in novel as well.
To be clear, "The Riddler's Gambit" happens before the events of the video game, it's not a novelization of the game itself.
The Riddler has an agenda--to replace the Joker as Gotham City's top criminal. And he seems to have the will and the resources and the nefarious allies to do so. Batman and all of his usual cohorts--Robin, Oracle, Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, etc.--are all involved. And all of them are worried that Batman is coming unglued without the Joker.
Both Batman and Robin, working in tandem, yet not in the same location, are pushed to their limits by the Riddler's devious plans and traps.
I have no complaints about "The Riddler's Gambit." The characterizations are all sharp and interesting. Even Robin didn't annoy me, like various versions of the character usually do. And the author didn't fall victim to what I call the "Star Wars syndrome."
In the Star Wars tie-in novels, some lazy authors let the reader do most of the heavy lifting in regards to the characters that are very well-defined already. Those lazy authors give a brief character sketch and assume you can fill in the (many, many) blanks on your own. While this author doesn't go into great detail about Batman's origins, he does manage to give a clear and current portrait of the hero in existential crisis as well as physical danger.
There isn't a "real" sense of danger--even though they do kill off Robin on occasion--very often in the Batman universe. The bad guys will live. Batman will live. Everyone suffers, but they all live to fight another day. Yet it's a good author who makes you forget all that for a while.
If you enjoy the "Arkham" series of Batman video games or just like Batman stories in general, check out "The Riddler's Gambit."
November 5, 2022
"This Gambit Has Mixed Results"
"Batman: Arkham Knight - The Riddler's Gambit" is a 2015 videogame tie-in novel by Alex Irvine. The novel is set in between the games Batman: Arkham City (2011) and Batman: Arkham Knight (2015). I would certainly recommend playing these excellent games; the entire series is a blast and is still available from such retailers as Steam. While it's helpful to have played Arkham City before reading "The Riddler's Gambit," it's certainly not necessary. The novel works well as a standalone tale that is not closely connected to the games.
Taking place in a single day, "The Riddler's Gambit" details the aftermath of Batman: Arkham City and the criminal power vacuum that is filled by the novel's titular character.
While I can appreciate that "Riddler's Gambit" works as a self-contained story, I found it lacking in any real insight or information that bolsters the intrigue of the games. Indeed, I would even go a step farther and argue that the book is sometimes at odds with the happenings of the games and is unfaithful to the characterizations therein. The Riddler's puzzles have a certain creativity to them, but I had trouble following the author's descriptions of them, as well as the logic behind solving them. So basically, the novel became Batman and Robin running from point A to point B and solving puzzles that I found confusing. Needless to say, the reading experience quickly became a slog.
I have to be fair, though. "The Riddler's Gambit" does shed some light on its title character and his motivations. The games reduce the Riddler to someone who just drops trophies around town for Batman to find. The novel pays Riddler his due respect and attempts to give him a substantive role within the happenings of the game series. Some other notable villains pop up throughout the story, and it was nice to have them along for the ride. I also enjoyed the dynamics between Batman and Robin and how they worked together as a team.
While I wish "The Riddler's Gambit" had more connection to the game series, I respect the attempt to create an entertaining standalone story that contributes to Batman lore. If you're a Batman fan, you'll probably enjoy this quick story, but for casual fans just looking for some added intrigue to the games, "The Riddler's Gambit" isn't it.
"Batman: Arkham Knight - The Riddler's Gambit" is a 2015 videogame tie-in novel by Alex Irvine. The novel is set in between the games Batman: Arkham City (2011) and Batman: Arkham Knight (2015). I would certainly recommend playing these excellent games; the entire series is a blast and is still available from such retailers as Steam. While it's helpful to have played Arkham City before reading "The Riddler's Gambit," it's certainly not necessary. The novel works well as a standalone tale that is not closely connected to the games.
Taking place in a single day, "The Riddler's Gambit" details the aftermath of Batman: Arkham City and the criminal power vacuum that is filled by the novel's titular character.
While I can appreciate that "Riddler's Gambit" works as a self-contained story, I found it lacking in any real insight or information that bolsters the intrigue of the games. Indeed, I would even go a step farther and argue that the book is sometimes at odds with the happenings of the games and is unfaithful to the characterizations therein. The Riddler's puzzles have a certain creativity to them, but I had trouble following the author's descriptions of them, as well as the logic behind solving them. So basically, the novel became Batman and Robin running from point A to point B and solving puzzles that I found confusing. Needless to say, the reading experience quickly became a slog.
I have to be fair, though. "The Riddler's Gambit" does shed some light on its title character and his motivations. The games reduce the Riddler to someone who just drops trophies around town for Batman to find. The novel pays Riddler his due respect and attempts to give him a substantive role within the happenings of the game series. Some other notable villains pop up throughout the story, and it was nice to have them along for the ride. I also enjoyed the dynamics between Batman and Robin and how they worked together as a team.
While I wish "The Riddler's Gambit" had more connection to the game series, I respect the attempt to create an entertaining standalone story that contributes to Batman lore. If you're a Batman fan, you'll probably enjoy this quick story, but for casual fans just looking for some added intrigue to the games, "The Riddler's Gambit" isn't it.
May 31, 2017
Plot was interesting enough, but some of the characterizations were off. The one that really stuck out was Oracle. At the beginning of the novel, it's established that she doesn't know Batman's identity. However, in the first Arkham video game (which is partly what this book is based on), Oracle DOES know who Batman is. On top of that, I'm not sure there is an incarnation of Oracle who doesn't know Batman's identity. So that seemed weird.
The other one was Robin, more at the beginning of the novel than at the end. With the exception of the mention of his bo weapon, I would have guessed this Robin was Dick, not Tim. From other Batman comics, novels and watching Young Justice, Tim is the most serious of the Robins and not inclined to crack bad jokes. This Robin has a lot of cheesy lines and talks a lot.
I also found some of the puzzle explanations confusing. I didn't really want to stop and work out for myself so I'll admit, I glossed over those parts.
Despite all that, I understand writing a Batman book that doesn't make Batman look silly or stupid is hard, and this Irvine does pull off rather well.
The other one was Robin, more at the beginning of the novel than at the end. With the exception of the mention of his bo weapon, I would have guessed this Robin was Dick, not Tim. From other Batman comics, novels and watching Young Justice, Tim is the most serious of the Robins and not inclined to crack bad jokes. This Robin has a lot of cheesy lines and talks a lot.
I also found some of the puzzle explanations confusing. I didn't really want to stop and work out for myself so I'll admit, I glossed over those parts.
Despite all that, I understand writing a Batman book that doesn't make Batman look silly or stupid is hard, and this Irvine does pull off rather well.
September 27, 2015
This book was poorly researched - both in regards of the games that proceeded it and the game that would follow it. Now maybe the author couldn't have known all the ins-and-outs of the latter because of the track of game development, but watching a couple of Let's Plays would have provided plenty to know about the world of the Arkahm games.
The puzzles and traps, at least, were imaginative and clever, and the Riddler's ego and Batman's conflict well represented. However, the glaring flaws of 'author obviously has no idea what came before in the game' showed on most pages and if he'd done his research he'd realize the plot simply wasn't feasible without some changes.
So, not a great book - but the lack of research for the source material shows and brings it down significantly to anyone familiar with the arcs he's working within.
The puzzles and traps, at least, were imaginative and clever, and the Riddler's ego and Batman's conflict well represented. However, the glaring flaws of 'author obviously has no idea what came before in the game' showed on most pages and if he'd done his research he'd realize the plot simply wasn't feasible without some changes.
So, not a great book - but the lack of research for the source material shows and brings it down significantly to anyone familiar with the arcs he's working within.
August 10, 2015
It's been a while since I've read a video game tie-in novel; I think the last time was the Dragon Age books (which I still need to finish, whoops). This story is set prior to Arkham Knight and focuses on the Riddler's rise to power now that the Joker has died.
It's a decent set-up, and the puzzles are well thought out in that they all link together in the end, but because this is a prequel, nothing major can really happen. In fact, the victory that the Riddler manages to attain is basically forgotten come Arkham Knight itself, because there are more pressing problems to deal with.
As a little Batman story though, it's a fun read. Nothing too special, but it's inoffensive, and decent enough if you're a Bat-Fan or a fan of the Arkham Series.
It's a decent set-up, and the puzzles are well thought out in that they all link together in the end, but because this is a prequel, nothing major can really happen. In fact, the victory that the Riddler manages to attain is basically forgotten come Arkham Knight itself, because there are more pressing problems to deal with.
As a little Batman story though, it's a fun read. Nothing too special, but it's inoffensive, and decent enough if you're a Bat-Fan or a fan of the Arkham Series.
October 26, 2017
Decent tie-in. It sadly doesn't really acknowledge the events of the tie-in comic series which leads it to contradict it by way of not at least dropping a mention to events that followed the end of the Arkham City game as shown in the comics. But besides that, it does pretty well to showcase Riddler's intellect. Although sadly, none of his antics in this book are even remotely mentioned in the Arkham Knight game. Still, it is overall decent and feels like another extended DLC of Arkham City or even a prequel DLC for Arkham Knight. Which isn't a bad thing. Just predictable.
August 18, 2017
I give it 3.5 stars.
Also, "Nigma" does appear to be ONE of the accepted spellings of the name--just not the most popular or well-established. So figuring that out made the rest of the read more enjoyable.
As to the plot, characterizations, and what-have-you, I for the most part found The Riddler's Gambit quite engaging. I've heard tell the bits referencing the games isn't entirely true to the source material, but as someone who hasn't yet completed one of the games, I found the novel fairly solid on its own merits.
All in all? A good read.
Also, "Nigma" does appear to be ONE of the accepted spellings of the name--just not the most popular or well-established. So figuring that out made the rest of the read more enjoyable.
As to the plot, characterizations, and what-have-you, I for the most part found The Riddler's Gambit quite engaging. I've heard tell the bits referencing the games isn't entirely true to the source material, but as someone who hasn't yet completed one of the games, I found the novel fairly solid on its own merits.
All in all? A good read.
September 8, 2017
A tie-in novel to the Arkham Games and sort of a bridge between City and Knight. As such, it should be judged on two criteria, the first being the quality of the novel itself.
And it's pretty good. The dialogue between Batman and Robin is very on point, Jack Ryder is super-annoying and the plot is entertaining in a people-go-from-one-point-to-another-solving-riddles-and-almost-dying way (think Dan Brown's books). The literary equivalent of a quick snack.
Second criteria is of course, how well this tie-in novel actually ties in with the main series. Annnnnd it doesn't. I'm not just talking about the obvious like how Riddler in Arkham Knight constantly refers to the events of Arkham City and never mentions the not inconsequential events of this book. But they're two different persons. Riddler in the Arkham series is a overly dramatic manchild, who mocks Batman for getting things wrong and accuses him of cheating when her gets it right. He makes death-traps and names them things like "Crushonator" for Pete's sake! He's not a kingpin or a mastermind, it simply doesn't fit. His personality here is much more liek his New 52 incarnation. And I for one missed Eddie and his ramblings and tantrums.
Best read as an AU of the series or maybe as an entirely unrelated novel.
And it's pretty good. The dialogue between Batman and Robin is very on point, Jack Ryder is super-annoying and the plot is entertaining in a people-go-from-one-point-to-another-solving-riddles-and-almost-dying way (think Dan Brown's books). The literary equivalent of a quick snack.
Second criteria is of course, how well this tie-in novel actually ties in with the main series. Annnnnd it doesn't. I'm not just talking about the obvious like how Riddler in Arkham Knight constantly refers to the events of Arkham City and never mentions the not inconsequential events of this book. But they're two different persons. Riddler in the Arkham series is a overly dramatic manchild, who mocks Batman for getting things wrong and accuses him of cheating when her gets it right. He makes death-traps and names them things like "Crushonator" for Pete's sake! He's not a kingpin or a mastermind, it simply doesn't fit. His personality here is much more liek his New 52 incarnation. And I for one missed Eddie and his ramblings and tantrums.
Best read as an AU of the series or maybe as an entirely unrelated novel.
October 11, 2022
Every once in a while, a story emerges that shows the real cability of The Riddler. He's not just some dude who is a walking book of riddles. There is real intelligence there and when he uses it, it can turn deadly. This book was one of those stories. After the demise of the Joker, the Riddler uses his vast intelligence to play not only the good guys but the bad guys too. He made Batman, Robin, and Commissioner Gordon dance to his tune and then turned around and did the same thing with the remaining Rogues Gallery members. Masterfully, the Riddler shows himself as the heir apparent to the criminal throne that was vacated by the Joker.
This novel acts as both a prequel to the video game Arkham Knight and a sequel to Arkham City. If you aren't familiar with the events of Arkham City or need a brush up, just google it and you will be all set. My biggest complaint of this book was that it was EXTREMELY descriptive. To the point of the reader getting lost in the descriptions. While I understand the need for such thoroughness, it can also be very distracting from the story.
Overall it was a good read. Batman fans will love it and appreciate the way the Riddler worked his magic.
This novel acts as both a prequel to the video game Arkham Knight and a sequel to Arkham City. If you aren't familiar with the events of Arkham City or need a brush up, just google it and you will be all set. My biggest complaint of this book was that it was EXTREMELY descriptive. To the point of the reader getting lost in the descriptions. While I understand the need for such thoroughness, it can also be very distracting from the story.
Overall it was a good read. Batman fans will love it and appreciate the way the Riddler worked his magic.
January 17, 2024
A very fun read to anyone who has played Batman: Arkham City Video Game, (which I have) and a little bit disappointing on how this was never mentioned or even referenced in the third installment Arkham Knight, considering that there are readable in-betweens of written story that can be unlocked and earned and none of it even mentions this book. The Riddler was well written, particularly in the beginning, where we really get a good look at his thought process as well as his puzzles and riddles which were harder to decipher in this book than the ones in-game. Batman and Robin carry on with the rest of the story as they both separate to reveal the mystery and the motives of The Riddler and his schemes. While Robin gives his technological know-how's and some humor, Batman gives us everything else that we want from him; his deductive reasoning, his prowess, precise action and the way he solved the Riddlers' deadly puzzle. It seems like something an avid Batman fan would mostly understand even if the reader didn't play the game, but this book is mainly for the Gamers out there.
June 23, 2024
Not a bad little Batman & Robin caper where they have to match wits against The Riddler. It's also a fair prequel to the Arkham Knight game setting up some of the players and assets that gamers will encounter over the course of that game.
Of particular note is how Irvine really made this feel like Arkham DLC. From the puzzles to the boss fights with Gotham Rogues to Batman performing at the story's climax the way one would in the final challenge of a video game with QuickTime events and timed actions. I actually thought this may have been an abandoned side story from Rocksteady that was earmarked for novelization for whatever reason.
This was simultaneously a weak point and a strength for me. Like, conflict in a book shouldn't be structured so much like a game level but then, seeing as this is a game tie-in, it's also 1000% on-brand for what it should be.
In the end, I enjoyed this. Could have been stronger but it was still a good time and I legitimately would have loved to have played this story as DLC attached to the game.
Of particular note is how Irvine really made this feel like Arkham DLC. From the puzzles to the boss fights with Gotham Rogues to Batman performing at the story's climax the way one would in the final challenge of a video game with QuickTime events and timed actions. I actually thought this may have been an abandoned side story from Rocksteady that was earmarked for novelization for whatever reason.
This was simultaneously a weak point and a strength for me. Like, conflict in a book shouldn't be structured so much like a game level but then, seeing as this is a game tie-in, it's also 1000% on-brand for what it should be.
In the end, I enjoyed this. Could have been stronger but it was still a good time and I legitimately would have loved to have played this story as DLC attached to the game.
November 2, 2021
It's nice to see The Riddler center stage, especially within the Arkham Game series, of which The Riddler was a side quest doing nothing but collect trophies and the odd puzzle here and there.
The Riddler I've always found to be one of my favorite villains, so to read as he causes pure Joker like mayhem across Gotham, it felt like he was finally getting the criminal status he deserves.
You don't necessarily have had to play the games to understand what happens within this book, it's explained about Jokers death, but if you've played the game it's interesting to watch as "Joker" starts taking hold of Batman at certain points throughout, instances where he is much more brutal than usual or has thoughts Batman would never normally have.
Overall, an enjoyable Batman adventure set within one of the best gaming franchise series i have ever played.
The Riddler I've always found to be one of my favorite villains, so to read as he causes pure Joker like mayhem across Gotham, it felt like he was finally getting the criminal status he deserves.
You don't necessarily have had to play the games to understand what happens within this book, it's explained about Jokers death, but if you've played the game it's interesting to watch as "Joker" starts taking hold of Batman at certain points throughout, instances where he is much more brutal than usual or has thoughts Batman would never normally have.
Overall, an enjoyable Batman adventure set within one of the best gaming franchise series i have ever played.
July 25, 2022
It’s… okay?
While the concept is interesting it seems to deviate quite a bit from the Arkham series canon? In that series Riddler is seen as humiliated by his last encounter with the Batman but this ends on a different note. Alongside, in this iteration Batman and Gordon’s relationship is quite strained whereas in the games it’s very chummy.
The reporter excerpts were interesting at first but ultimately did not push the story forward and often felt like a repetition of information we already had.
I did like how it looked into the relationship between Batman and the Joker.
Overall, the book is a little bit silly but fun if you enjoy the mechanics of the Riddler puzzles in the Arkham games.
While the concept is interesting it seems to deviate quite a bit from the Arkham series canon? In that series Riddler is seen as humiliated by his last encounter with the Batman but this ends on a different note. Alongside, in this iteration Batman and Gordon’s relationship is quite strained whereas in the games it’s very chummy.
The reporter excerpts were interesting at first but ultimately did not push the story forward and often felt like a repetition of information we already had.
I did like how it looked into the relationship between Batman and the Joker.
Overall, the book is a little bit silly but fun if you enjoy the mechanics of the Riddler puzzles in the Arkham games.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2023
En resumen, ya se sabe que es una "precuela", pero una historia "original" pero una historia que no puede existir si alterara un 1% del juego original, que por lo tanto no afecta ni agrega ni importa para nada.
A lo mucho te dice algo que pasò entre el año de tiempo entre Arkham City y Arkham Knight. Algo medio obvio pero que en su tiempo no le di mucha importancia: Robin trabajando con Batman y Riddler usando la tecnologìa del pozo de Làzaro y los robots de Wonder City para sus robots y acertijos en el final de la trilogìa.
Por lo demàs, ninguno de los personajes se comportan como los personajes (ni de los juegos ni de los còmics). Gordon es una mierda con Batman, Batman es una mierda con Tim, y por alguna razòn Oracle no sabe que Bruce es Batman????
A lo mucho te dice algo que pasò entre el año de tiempo entre Arkham City y Arkham Knight. Algo medio obvio pero que en su tiempo no le di mucha importancia: Robin trabajando con Batman y Riddler usando la tecnologìa del pozo de Làzaro y los robots de Wonder City para sus robots y acertijos en el final de la trilogìa.
Por lo demàs, ninguno de los personajes se comportan como los personajes (ni de los juegos ni de los còmics). Gordon es una mierda con Batman, Batman es una mierda con Tim, y por alguna razòn Oracle no sabe que Bruce es Batman????
November 28, 2023
Placeholder for: The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark
Currently waiting for Goodreads to add the Spotify podcast on here so using this in the meantime so I can count it on my reading challenge.
I quite enjoyed the Riddler in this series, the voice actor is pretty good and he comes across smart. It’s always cool to see the perspective of the villains; even more so when this time he’s having to team up with the Batman.
Booo that they changed the Batman voice actor though!
Overall was cool to see more of the Riddler but the story was pretty forgettable.
Currently waiting for Goodreads to add the Spotify podcast on here so using this in the meantime so I can count it on my reading challenge.
I quite enjoyed the Riddler in this series, the voice actor is pretty good and he comes across smart. It’s always cool to see the perspective of the villains; even more so when this time he’s having to team up with the Batman.
Booo that they changed the Batman voice actor though!
Overall was cool to see more of the Riddler but the story was pretty forgettable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
Played all of the Arkham games 10x over each and loved the tie in comics so obviously had to read this book. The small puzzles leading into the grand puzzles are cool and unique but quite hard to follow. It’s one of those “oh yes I remember that” thoughts instead of the “no way that’s how it ties in” thought when it all comes together at the end. Worth a read to know what happens before Arkham Knight but probably not picking the book up again.
January 2, 2018
A good precursor to the Arkham Knight video game and a good insight into the mindset of the characters of the Arkham verse. I was really impressed with this and am a little saddened that they don't have a novelization/precursor to the first two games. Still very good for those who are fans of the Arkham verse games!
July 9, 2022
A really good book for a batman fan, even more if you have played the arkham games. Nigma is a perfect villain for the story, envolving all of the old villains in a huge plan to test batman.
There were times that i was totally inside the book, drowning with robin in some point and hoping all would be OK.
A really good storytelling and batman story.
There were times that i was totally inside the book, drowning with robin in some point and hoping all would be OK.
A really good storytelling and batman story.
August 27, 2024
A quick and fun read, but in no way key to the overall Arkhamverse story. It seems the author was required to use as many villains as possible, even using the phrase "rogues gallery" a few times. While interesting how these characters all play a part in Riddler's gambit, it felt odd that they would all cooperate with Riddler given his almost "sideline" status in the games.
June 25, 2023
3.5
A clever set up and some good character angles can’t lift it out it’s tie-in genre. It’s just missing something, it’s not compelling, even though the finale was pretty good. Still worth a read though.
A clever set up and some good character angles can’t lift it out it’s tie-in genre. It’s just missing something, it’s not compelling, even though the finale was pretty good. Still worth a read though.
November 12, 2023
A história é muito boa, bem intrigante. Parece muito com uma história que daria um bom jogo, mas seria muito complicado pra trazer a sensação de se estar resolvendo um enigma. Daí o porque essa história é um filler entre os jogos da franquia.
February 17, 2024
I liked the book overall, although I didn’t believe that this version of Batman was the Arkhamverse Batman through various dialogue and commentary throughout the book. Overall it was a good book, but not quite was I was looking for.
April 3, 2019
As a game prequel, it was all right. However, and this might just be me, the Riddler's puzzles were very hard to decipher in written words and would have been much easier to see in pictures.
February 23, 2020
Really enjoyed the transition from one chapter to another with the various news bits recapping what has happened, and what the citizens of Gotham City are witnessing.
August 3, 2021
2.5 stars
May 1, 2022
Fantastic, really enjoyed this proper Batman, the news reports amongst the chapters really gave this book life. Off to play Arkham Knight again now!
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