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Mass Effect: Andromeda Novels #2
Initiation
An original novel written by Hugo Award-winning author N. K. Jemisin and Mass Effect creative director Mac WaltersLieutenant Cora Harper joined the Systems Alliance to develop and enhance her powerful biotic talents. She was assigned to the asari commando unit Talein’s Daughters, where she honed her abilities to become a skilled and deadly huntress.Returning to Earth, Cora finds herself a stranger among other humans, and joins the Andromeda Initiative as Alec Ryder’s second-in-command. The mission will send 100,000 colonists on a one-way, 600-year-long journey into the unknown. When essential—and dangerous—tech is stolen, Cora is assigned to recover it before it can be used against the Initiative, and end the mission before it can begin.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
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September 30, 2017Woah.
A Mass Effect book with N.K. Jemisin as the author???
A Mass Effect book with N.K. Jemisin as the author???
January 14, 2018
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/01/14/...
I’ve been on a tie-in kick lately, with Mass Effect: Initiation being my latest foray into the world of one of my favorite video game series. The fact that they also got Hugo Award winning author N.K. Jemisin to lend her writing chops to this project certainly didn’t hurt. Co-written by Bioware creative director Mac Walters, Initiation is the second prequel novel to Mass Effect: Andromeda, focusing on the events that take place in the months before the game starts. However, no knowledge or experience with the games (or any of the previous books) in the Mass Effect series is required to enjoy this story.
It is 2185, approximately half a year before the start of Mass Effect: Andromeda. Lieutenant Cora Harper, formerly of the Systems Alliance military, is returning to human territory after four years spent with Talein’s Daughters, an elite Asari commando squad, as part of an interspecies training program. Now one of humanity’s most powerful biotics, Cora is recommended for Alec Ryder’s Andromeda Initiative, a civilian-backed multi-species project to settle colonists in the Andromeda Galaxy. Called the Pathfinder, Alec is initially skeptical of Cora’s motivations (or rather, the lack of them) but nevertheless agrees to take her on, giving her what was supposed to be a straightforward assignment to recover some stolen data.
However, the mission ends in spectacular failure, with Cora barely escaping with her life. Clearly, there is more to the stolen property that Alec Ryder had tasked her to retrieve, and Cora intends to find some answers. But the more she digs, the more she discovers too many secrets, and Alec’s tight-lipped refusal to let her in on the truth means that it is up to Cora to protect the Andromeda Initiative against the incoming threat.
For a sci-fi action novel, Initiation is well-written and solid. For a media tie-in, I found it exceptional. Either way, you can’t lose. Jemisin and Walters have written a fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled adventure that packs all the entertainment and thrills expected from a Mass Effect story. If you’ve played the Andromeda, Cora Harper is one of your game-controlled squad mates, but her role as lead protagonist here gives us a lot more insight into the history and personality of the character. She comes across as genuine and real. A tough and seasoned soldier, Cora is nonetheless in a vulnerable position when we first meet her upon her return from Asari space, feeling like the odd woman out in a world that no longer feels familiar to her. She also has no idea how to deal with pushy reporters getting into her face, or the toxic, xenophobic attitudes directed at her for “betraying” humanity just because she worked with aliens. We get this sense of a lost and confused woman, cast adrift now that she feels she is no longer needed.
Fortunately, the Andromeda Initiative gives Cora the new motivational drive she’s been looking for—that, and trying to find out who’s trying to kill her. As her professionalism and tactical skills begin to shine though, we are treated to the “real” Cora—the one who possesses a fierce and unbending loyalty, impeccable discipline, and a wry sense of humor (which frequently reveals itself when she interacts with SAM-E, the experimental “virtual intelligence” she was implanted with when she first joined the Initiative). Cora is also a goals-oriented individual who is in her element when given something to fight for, and I liked that the authors took the time to highlight her bravery and tenacity.
The story was fun, very different from what I’ve seen from Jemisin so far with her work in the fantasy genre—but I sure hope she’ll continue writing more like this. I loved the exciting and intense action, which kept the book’s pacing rapid and engaging. At the same time, we got a level of character exploration not typically seen in a lot of media tie-in novels, and here, I have no doubt we have Jemisin’s influence to thank. When it comes to developing character personalities and backgrounds, she’s one of the best.
I must admit though, despite Jemisin’s name attached to this novel, I wasn’t expecting much from Mass Effect: Initiation when I first picked it up. Needless to say, I was quickly disabused of that notion within the first few pages. This was a great book, with lots of fun and lots of thrills. It just goes to show the bias against media tie-ins still runs deep, even for someone like me, who reads almost one a month. However, as more books like Initiation prove that books based on video games can be just as engaging, well-written, and worth reading, hopefully those perceptions won’t linger for long.
I’ve been on a tie-in kick lately, with Mass Effect: Initiation being my latest foray into the world of one of my favorite video game series. The fact that they also got Hugo Award winning author N.K. Jemisin to lend her writing chops to this project certainly didn’t hurt. Co-written by Bioware creative director Mac Walters, Initiation is the second prequel novel to Mass Effect: Andromeda, focusing on the events that take place in the months before the game starts. However, no knowledge or experience with the games (or any of the previous books) in the Mass Effect series is required to enjoy this story.
It is 2185, approximately half a year before the start of Mass Effect: Andromeda. Lieutenant Cora Harper, formerly of the Systems Alliance military, is returning to human territory after four years spent with Talein’s Daughters, an elite Asari commando squad, as part of an interspecies training program. Now one of humanity’s most powerful biotics, Cora is recommended for Alec Ryder’s Andromeda Initiative, a civilian-backed multi-species project to settle colonists in the Andromeda Galaxy. Called the Pathfinder, Alec is initially skeptical of Cora’s motivations (or rather, the lack of them) but nevertheless agrees to take her on, giving her what was supposed to be a straightforward assignment to recover some stolen data.
However, the mission ends in spectacular failure, with Cora barely escaping with her life. Clearly, there is more to the stolen property that Alec Ryder had tasked her to retrieve, and Cora intends to find some answers. But the more she digs, the more she discovers too many secrets, and Alec’s tight-lipped refusal to let her in on the truth means that it is up to Cora to protect the Andromeda Initiative against the incoming threat.
For a sci-fi action novel, Initiation is well-written and solid. For a media tie-in, I found it exceptional. Either way, you can’t lose. Jemisin and Walters have written a fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled adventure that packs all the entertainment and thrills expected from a Mass Effect story. If you’ve played the Andromeda, Cora Harper is one of your game-controlled squad mates, but her role as lead protagonist here gives us a lot more insight into the history and personality of the character. She comes across as genuine and real. A tough and seasoned soldier, Cora is nonetheless in a vulnerable position when we first meet her upon her return from Asari space, feeling like the odd woman out in a world that no longer feels familiar to her. She also has no idea how to deal with pushy reporters getting into her face, or the toxic, xenophobic attitudes directed at her for “betraying” humanity just because she worked with aliens. We get this sense of a lost and confused woman, cast adrift now that she feels she is no longer needed.
Fortunately, the Andromeda Initiative gives Cora the new motivational drive she’s been looking for—that, and trying to find out who’s trying to kill her. As her professionalism and tactical skills begin to shine though, we are treated to the “real” Cora—the one who possesses a fierce and unbending loyalty, impeccable discipline, and a wry sense of humor (which frequently reveals itself when she interacts with SAM-E, the experimental “virtual intelligence” she was implanted with when she first joined the Initiative). Cora is also a goals-oriented individual who is in her element when given something to fight for, and I liked that the authors took the time to highlight her bravery and tenacity.
The story was fun, very different from what I’ve seen from Jemisin so far with her work in the fantasy genre—but I sure hope she’ll continue writing more like this. I loved the exciting and intense action, which kept the book’s pacing rapid and engaging. At the same time, we got a level of character exploration not typically seen in a lot of media tie-in novels, and here, I have no doubt we have Jemisin’s influence to thank. When it comes to developing character personalities and backgrounds, she’s one of the best.
I must admit though, despite Jemisin’s name attached to this novel, I wasn’t expecting much from Mass Effect: Initiation when I first picked it up. Needless to say, I was quickly disabused of that notion within the first few pages. This was a great book, with lots of fun and lots of thrills. It just goes to show the bias against media tie-ins still runs deep, even for someone like me, who reads almost one a month. However, as more books like Initiation prove that books based on video games can be just as engaging, well-written, and worth reading, hopefully those perceptions won’t linger for long.
April 11, 2019
A very fun and superior novel to the other Mass Effect: Andromeda game tie-in. :)
And it's not just because I'm a fan of the author they brought in to do it justice.
It can even be read on its own without knowledge of the games, which is a definite plus, but if you've already played ME Andromeda and enjoyed Cora as a character and you loved Sam as much as I did, this is going to be a real treat.
The events here take place in the Milky Way before they get going and focuses mostly on Cora meeting and eventually gaining papa Ryder's full trust, going about it in a very cool Noir-mystery kind of storytelling.
You know, a human trained my Asari warriors hiring on as a merc, getting shafted by much more powerful forces, getting a little revenge with the completion of the mission and eventually uncovering all the cool little secrets (AI RESEARCH, YO,) that make this universe something special to me. :)
And now we get the FULL story about Cora's little jealousy in the game. :)
I'm quite happy. :) Totally satisfied with the characterizations and plot and I had a great time reading it.
So why only 4 stars? I might be a bit biased against media tie-ins.
But maybe I shouldn't be.
And it's not just because I'm a fan of the author they brought in to do it justice.
It can even be read on its own without knowledge of the games, which is a definite plus, but if you've already played ME Andromeda and enjoyed Cora as a character and you loved Sam as much as I did, this is going to be a real treat.
The events here take place in the Milky Way before they get going and focuses mostly on Cora meeting and eventually gaining papa Ryder's full trust, going about it in a very cool Noir-mystery kind of storytelling.
You know, a human trained my Asari warriors hiring on as a merc, getting shafted by much more powerful forces, getting a little revenge with the completion of the mission and eventually uncovering all the cool little secrets (AI RESEARCH, YO,) that make this universe something special to me. :)
And now we get the FULL story about Cora's little jealousy in the game. :)
I'm quite happy. :) Totally satisfied with the characterizations and plot and I had a great time reading it.
So why only 4 stars? I might be a bit biased against media tie-ins.
But maybe I shouldn't be.
March 24, 2021
I'm having a blast playing Mass Effect: Andromeda these days, and decided to explore a bit more of the surrounding storylines while exploring the galaxy. Having previously read most if not all of the Mass Effect tie-in material for the original trilogy of games, I already knew it has a tendency to be surprisingly decent, and Initiation did not disappoint.
For those who have played the game, this is essentially the backstory of Cora Harper, with a little bit of Alec Ryder added in for good measure. Overall, expect a solid but not groundbreaking book that you can browse through if you want some more background for the game. Do not expect an N. K. Jemisin book however, whether you like the author or not. I couldn't tell she had written it if I hadn't known.
For those who have played the game, this is essentially the backstory of Cora Harper, with a little bit of Alec Ryder added in for good measure. Overall, expect a solid but not groundbreaking book that you can browse through if you want some more background for the game. Do not expect an N. K. Jemisin book however, whether you like the author or not. I couldn't tell she had written it if I hadn't known.
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October 26, 2016Imagining Jemisin writing Mass Effect fic is some serious cognitive dissonance. I hope this is as much fun as The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms and less heart-wrenching than The Fifth Season! :-D
January 6, 2018
I don't know anything about Mass Effect and I only found out about this book because I saw a review of it on Tor.com. That review along with the fact that N K Jemisin is the co-author made me want to read it. It was a fun read and it makes me hope Jemisin will write her own space opera.
December 21, 2017
I'm addicted to the Mass Effect games and had hoped for some cool DLCs for Mass Effect Andromeda. Now that it's clear that's not going to happen, I decided to feed my addiction with this prequel. I really didn't like Cora in the game, but I thought maybe this book could change my mind.
Well, I will confess I did enjoy the story for the action and the intrigue, but it lacked in emotion, making it hard to see Cora in a new light. There were some attempts to show what Cora is feeling, but it never went too deep. And the one scene that could have been really emotional and could have been used to make haters change their minds about Cora, was told from the perspective of Alec Ryder! Talk about a missed opportunity. It's as if they want me to keep disliking Cora.
I really enjoyed revisiting places and even a minor character from the original Mass Effect trilogy and I'll confess I took a break from this book to replay Mass Effect 3. So in worldbuilding and creating atmosphere this book did a great job.
All in all this is a nice read if you love the Mass Effect Universe and action-packed and intrigue-filled SF. Nexus Uprising is the better book in this particular series though. Still I'll keep this book even though I don't think I'll reread it.
And I'll keep an eye out for the next book, which is set in Andromeda and won't have Cora in it.
Well, I will confess I did enjoy the story for the action and the intrigue, but it lacked in emotion, making it hard to see Cora in a new light. There were some attempts to show what Cora is feeling, but it never went too deep. And the one scene that could have been really emotional and could have been used to make haters change their minds about Cora, was told from the perspective of Alec Ryder! Talk about a missed opportunity. It's as if they want me to keep disliking Cora.
I really enjoyed revisiting places and even a minor character from the original Mass Effect trilogy and I'll confess I took a break from this book to replay Mass Effect 3. So in worldbuilding and creating atmosphere this book did a great job.
All in all this is a nice read if you love the Mass Effect Universe and action-packed and intrigue-filled SF. Nexus Uprising is the better book in this particular series though. Still I'll keep this book even though I don't think I'll reread it.
And I'll keep an eye out for the next book, which is set in Andromeda and won't have Cora in it.
January 22, 2018
It was so nice to get to know Cora a bit better.. but let's start from the beginning.
Mass Effect: Initiation is a perfect example of a tie-in novel and it's no surpise - N.K. Jemisin is a fantastic sci-fi author who just has a gift with descriptions and making characters feel three-dimensional. Together with Bioware creative director Mac Walters, she created a fast-paced and engaging story that sheds a bit more light on the Andromeda Initiative and the reason it was founded. This book actually got me into playing Mass Effect: Andromeda again - I had paused the game for a few months due to time and work reasons (the usual blah) but as soon as I put the book down, I got right back on the computer to continue the journey. I rarely took Cora along on my exploration party - I had various reasons for that: I usually play a biotic (sentinel) myself, she struck me as a bit stand-offish (and too much into my bb Jaal, omg get your own lover, lady :< ) plus I kinda suspected she was a Cerberus plant (she reminded me a lot of Miranda) but now I want to get to know her better. So yeah. Loved it. And now I need more. And maybe another novel on Asari commandos because biotics ladies ROCK.
(Check out Mogsy's review if you are after something slightly more coherent - she make so many good points and I totally agree with her statement: "For a sci-fi action novel, Initiation is well-written and solid. For a media tie-in, I found it exceptional. Either way, you can’t lose.")
December 6, 2017
4.5/5
I found this on my library's Overdrive collection and read it only because it was by N K Jemisin. I'll read anything by her (but haven't read all by her....). While one could think that a novel/prequel based on a video game I know nothing about would lack in substance, I didn't find my enjoyment of Initiation at all hampered by my ignorance of the game. There is more than enough story here in its own right, and I was sad to see the story end. The main character was dynamic enough, had interesting backstory, and had a good arc of development from start to end. She's a badass, which of course makes me love her. Badass without the nasty "I'm a goddess" kind of attitude mimics classic boy-heroes. Indeed, I'm long since tired of novels where women are to be saved rather than doing the saving. And Cora does some serious saving. Sweet bits.
Other characters are interesting as well, and enough motivation and backstory is here to make it feel real (in a sci-fi setting, of course).
Sometimes I didn't get a good idea of what races looked like, though that could have been a function of audio consumption. The brain (mine, at least) just isn't as good at listening as seeing.
I found this on my library's Overdrive collection and read it only because it was by N K Jemisin. I'll read anything by her (but haven't read all by her....). While one could think that a novel/prequel based on a video game I know nothing about would lack in substance, I didn't find my enjoyment of Initiation at all hampered by my ignorance of the game. There is more than enough story here in its own right, and I was sad to see the story end. The main character was dynamic enough, had interesting backstory, and had a good arc of development from start to end. She's a badass, which of course makes me love her. Badass without the nasty "I'm a goddess" kind of attitude mimics classic boy-heroes. Indeed, I'm long since tired of novels where women are to be saved rather than doing the saving. And Cora does some serious saving. Sweet bits.
Other characters are interesting as well, and enough motivation and backstory is here to make it feel real (in a sci-fi setting, of course).
Sometimes I didn't get a good idea of what races looked like, though that could have been a function of audio consumption. The brain (mine, at least) just isn't as good at listening as seeing.
January 24, 2018
As someone who didn’t like Cora at all the first time I played Andromeda, this book had me complete my total 180 on her character. Cora is a great protagonist, she’s almost endearingly awkward and there are a lot of moments that make her extremely like-able. While Alec continues to be infuriating, you get to see why everyone thinks he’s so goddamn charming and I actually enjoyed getting to see more of his character. SAM continues to be a delight, as always, and it was fun to see him as a full fledged companion. I had a few criticisms, but stuck with five stars instead of four for the fun little media blips between chapters and throwbacks to the original trilogy that felt natural and were often humorous. If you liked the game, the end reveals will probably make you frustrated that there’s no sequel in sight, but it was still a highly enjoyable read nonetheless.
May 21, 2020
I liked this book a lot, but I suspect at least some of that has to do with me loving the Mass Effect games. It was good to get some more insight into a character in Mass Effect: Andromeda. It also answered a few questions that the game didn't go into much detail about.
Unlike a normal book, I already knew everything about the world and background. I did find it interesting to read descriptions of things I already knew about, and I thought that was pretty well done. There was also some things that don't get described in the games that were easier to show in book form. So we got a few things on how people actually live in normal society that I enjoyed learning about.
The characters were done pretty well, although I will say one character seemed a little off from how they were portrayed in the games. That wasn't too big of a deal though, and I enjoyed getting a more in depth view of Cora and her motivations.
Overall, a good read if you love Mass Effect and want more of it. I think the author did a great job of making it accessible to people who haven't played the games. I doubt many people who haven't played the games will read it, but they could if they wanted to. It does leave lots of things unresolved if you haven't played Andromeda, and there's lots of hints of things that happened in the first two games, so it really is better to read this if you've played the games. If you don't care about that and just want a space adventure, then it's not bad at all and has some good action scenes.
Unlike a normal book, I already knew everything about the world and background. I did find it interesting to read descriptions of things I already knew about, and I thought that was pretty well done. There was also some things that don't get described in the games that were easier to show in book form. So we got a few things on how people actually live in normal society that I enjoyed learning about.
The characters were done pretty well, although I will say one character seemed a little off from how they were portrayed in the games. That wasn't too big of a deal though, and I enjoyed getting a more in depth view of Cora and her motivations.
Overall, a good read if you love Mass Effect and want more of it. I think the author did a great job of making it accessible to people who haven't played the games. I doubt many people who haven't played the games will read it, but they could if they wanted to. It does leave lots of things unresolved if you haven't played Andromeda, and there's lots of hints of things that happened in the first two games, so it really is better to read this if you've played the games. If you don't care about that and just want a space adventure, then it's not bad at all and has some good action scenes.
May 30, 2022
3.5 Stars~
April 8, 2025
Good insight into Cora's character, Alec Ryder, and SAM. I wasn't a fan of her in the game, but now I get it more. Loved all the cameos from the original trilogy. A good Mass Effect book in general!
January 11, 2018
"Mass Effect: Andromeda--Initiation," by N.K. Jemisin and Mac Walters, despite the bland, dull title, is a pretty awesome book. Something like "Initiation" is what Mass Effect fans have been hoping for all along. In fact, I'd go as far to say that this novel would have made a great DLC playable adventure, that is if EA hadn't done everything possible to screw up and/or sabotage the Mass Effect: Andromeda video game and the Mass Effect franchise in general by cutting corners and shoving loot boxes into the multiplayer...and so on.
The central character of "Initiation" is Cora Harper, the Asari-trained, former Earth Alliance Human biotic soldier. She is a valuable supporting character and possible love interest during the Mass Effect: Andromeda video game. The secondary character is Alec Ryder, the Human Pathfinder. He plays a small, but pivotal role in the Mass Effect: Andromeda video game.
Lieutenant Cora Harper is coming home after years in Asari space as a biotic soldier or "huntress." She was part of an interspecies military exchange program. Her mentor steered her towards the Andromeda Initiative--a venture to colonize the next galaxy. But Cora isn't so sure the Andromeda Initiative is where she wants to be, since it involves 600 years of being frozen to reach the Andromeda Galaxy. And there are no guarantees about what they will find when they arrive.
That's where Alec Ryder, the Human Pathfinder, comes in. He's Cora's direct superior in the Initiative. But the two of them don't develop a rapport right off the bat. Ryder needs to know if Cora has the right mettle to be his successor in the job as Pathfinder--both a military leader and a diplomat (with ambitions to explore the next galaxy). Hid first assignment for her is a dangerous one--to recover stolen Andromeda Initiative technology from a shadowy cabal. To do this, she reunites with an Asari mercenary she knows very well. And she agrees to have an "almost" artificial intelligence wired into her head. In the Mass Effect universe, any artificial intelligence usually becomes some kind of untethered evil force determined to wipe out all the "flawed" organic species.
But the theft of the proprietary tech is only the beginning of a much larger conspiracy. There are forces in our galaxy who don't want the Andromeda Initiative to succeed. Not only do they want to control Ryder's innovative tech, they want to destroy it if they can't possess it. And Cora finds herself with no one to trust except the computer voice in her head, which may be too close to a true artificial intelligence to really rely on.
"Initiation" is the best Mass Effect novel in a long, long while. If you're a fan of the Mass Effect universe, this is going to be a fun read for you.
The central character of "Initiation" is Cora Harper, the Asari-trained, former Earth Alliance Human biotic soldier. She is a valuable supporting character and possible love interest during the Mass Effect: Andromeda video game. The secondary character is Alec Ryder, the Human Pathfinder. He plays a small, but pivotal role in the Mass Effect: Andromeda video game.
Lieutenant Cora Harper is coming home after years in Asari space as a biotic soldier or "huntress." She was part of an interspecies military exchange program. Her mentor steered her towards the Andromeda Initiative--a venture to colonize the next galaxy. But Cora isn't so sure the Andromeda Initiative is where she wants to be, since it involves 600 years of being frozen to reach the Andromeda Galaxy. And there are no guarantees about what they will find when they arrive.
That's where Alec Ryder, the Human Pathfinder, comes in. He's Cora's direct superior in the Initiative. But the two of them don't develop a rapport right off the bat. Ryder needs to know if Cora has the right mettle to be his successor in the job as Pathfinder--both a military leader and a diplomat (with ambitions to explore the next galaxy). Hid first assignment for her is a dangerous one--to recover stolen Andromeda Initiative technology from a shadowy cabal. To do this, she reunites with an Asari mercenary she knows very well. And she agrees to have an "almost" artificial intelligence wired into her head. In the Mass Effect universe, any artificial intelligence usually becomes some kind of untethered evil force determined to wipe out all the "flawed" organic species.
But the theft of the proprietary tech is only the beginning of a much larger conspiracy. There are forces in our galaxy who don't want the Andromeda Initiative to succeed. Not only do they want to control Ryder's innovative tech, they want to destroy it if they can't possess it. And Cora finds herself with no one to trust except the computer voice in her head, which may be too close to a true artificial intelligence to really rely on.
"Initiation" is the best Mass Effect novel in a long, long while. If you're a fan of the Mass Effect universe, this is going to be a fun read for you.
March 13, 2020
I know nothing about the game Mass Effect. That is not an issue,apparently this series is the preview before the start of the game. N. K . Jemisin takes a more lighthearted tone in this action packed science fantasy novel. And I seem to be in a military science fiction/fantasy mode. For those nerds out there, there are some credible science facts but that is mixed with some fantastical elements. I did have to do reading on the mass effect on Wikipedia and it definitely helped me appreciate certain elements better. But note, this is a series that does not end in a cliff hanger but the identity of the villain remains unknown.
In this installment we follow Lieutenant Cora Harper who has been in military training with an alien race but feels unfulfilled. She is yet to find her purpose but this new job with the Andromeda Initiative may provide the purpose she requires. And needlessly to say Cora starts off on a very bad foot.
This book examines how the technology developed by a former military officer, predominately artificial intelligence could be exploited, both positively and negatively. Though some of the jargon escaped some of my comprehension, the relationship between Cora and her AI helped tremendously in understanding the intent of the authors. I was impressed at the balance between action and story being crafted. I am convinced that Jemisin is responsible for the crafting of Cora and possibly the inclusion of Nigeria into a corporation which is most likely dominated by the usual dominant nations. Regardless to this veracity of my theory, by the end of the book, you can easily picture this young woman who is socially awkward but fierce about justice. A trait that most of Jemisin's characters exemplify. And I enjoyed reading about the diverse alien races, especially when not humanoid. This already sets it apart from the usual world building in science fiction space opera.
Overall, this is a well written book based on a video game. Now I may need to start the series from the beginning to get a better comprehension of this series.
Rating this as 3.5 rounded up. But this has graphic violence in certain portions.
In this installment we follow Lieutenant Cora Harper who has been in military training with an alien race but feels unfulfilled. She is yet to find her purpose but this new job with the Andromeda Initiative may provide the purpose she requires. And needlessly to say Cora starts off on a very bad foot.
This book examines how the technology developed by a former military officer, predominately artificial intelligence could be exploited, both positively and negatively. Though some of the jargon escaped some of my comprehension, the relationship between Cora and her AI helped tremendously in understanding the intent of the authors. I was impressed at the balance between action and story being crafted. I am convinced that Jemisin is responsible for the crafting of Cora and possibly the inclusion of Nigeria into a corporation which is most likely dominated by the usual dominant nations. Regardless to this veracity of my theory, by the end of the book, you can easily picture this young woman who is socially awkward but fierce about justice. A trait that most of Jemisin's characters exemplify. And I enjoyed reading about the diverse alien races, especially when not humanoid. This already sets it apart from the usual world building in science fiction space opera.
Overall, this is a well written book based on a video game. Now I may need to start the series from the beginning to get a better comprehension of this series.
Rating this as 3.5 rounded up. But this has graphic violence in certain portions.
May 2, 2021
Mass Effect: Andromeda: Initiation by authors N.K Jemisin and Mac Walters is a Media Tie-in novel based on EA/BioWare 2017 Sci-fi RPG game Mass Effect: Andromeda. ME: Andromeda: Initiation, focuses on Lieutenant Cora Harper who joins the Andromeda Initiative, a mission to send a fleet of colonization ark ships to the Andromeda Galaxy, each carrying a different council race. When key data is stolen by unknown parties, Alec Ryder personally recruits Cora Harper to retrieve it before it can be used against the Initiative. If she fails, the Andromeda mission may be crippled before it begins. Harper is a human who has trained with the asari squad known as Talein's Daughters, under the direction of Nisira T'Kosh herself. Yet her training may not be enough when she discovers that she can trust no one-perhaps not even Ryder himself.
I'm addicted to the Mass Effect games and had hoped for some cool DLCs for Mass Effect Andromeda. Now that it's clear that's not going to happen, I decided to feed my addiction with this prequel. I really didn't like Cora in the game, but I thought maybe this book could change my mind.
Well, I will confess I did enjoy the story for the action and the intrigue, but it lacked in emotion, making it hard to see Cora in a new light. There were some attempts to show what Cora is feeling, but it never went too deep. And the one scene that could have been really emotional and could have been used to make haters change their minds about Cora, was told from the perspective of Alec Ryder! Talk about a missed opportunity. It's as if they want me to keep disliking Cora.
I really enjoyed revisiting places and even a minor character from the original Mass Effect trilogy and I'll confess I took a break from this book to replay Mass Effect: Andromeda. So in worldbuilding and creating atmosphere this book did a great job.
Overall, this is a nice read if you love the Mass Effect Universe and action-packed and intrigue-filled SF. Nexus Uprising is the better book in this particular series though. Still I'll keep this book even though I don't think I'll reread it.
I'm addicted to the Mass Effect games and had hoped for some cool DLCs for Mass Effect Andromeda. Now that it's clear that's not going to happen, I decided to feed my addiction with this prequel. I really didn't like Cora in the game, but I thought maybe this book could change my mind.
Well, I will confess I did enjoy the story for the action and the intrigue, but it lacked in emotion, making it hard to see Cora in a new light. There were some attempts to show what Cora is feeling, but it never went too deep. And the one scene that could have been really emotional and could have been used to make haters change their minds about Cora, was told from the perspective of Alec Ryder! Talk about a missed opportunity. It's as if they want me to keep disliking Cora.
I really enjoyed revisiting places and even a minor character from the original Mass Effect trilogy and I'll confess I took a break from this book to replay Mass Effect: Andromeda. So in worldbuilding and creating atmosphere this book did a great job.
Overall, this is a nice read if you love the Mass Effect Universe and action-packed and intrigue-filled SF. Nexus Uprising is the better book in this particular series though. Still I'll keep this book even though I don't think I'll reread it.
October 29, 2025
Mass Effect Andromeda: Initiation is a prequel to MEA game, with some nods to the original Mass Effect trilogy. It dives into the early days of the Andromeda Initiative & gives more context to how it all began.
This book fleshes out Cora Harper’s backstory, from her growth & asari commando training to her complex relationships with SAM-E & Alec Ryder. Together, they were involved in high-stake missions before leading up to humanity’s first leap into the Andromeda galaxy.
Another VERY underrated book that turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable read for me! Reading this book also made me appreciate Cora, Alec & SAM more during revisit of MEA playthrough.
My MEA Chronological Revisit List:
I read the books alongside playing the game.
1. MEA: Initiation book
2. ME: Discovery comic collection (my thoughts here)
3. MEA game + MEA: Nexus Uprising book (thoughts here)
4. MEA: Annihilation book
Side note: I just learned that Jemisin is an award-winning author, made me want to explore more of her work.
This book fleshes out Cora Harper’s backstory, from her growth & asari commando training to her complex relationships with SAM-E & Alec Ryder. Together, they were involved in high-stake missions before leading up to humanity’s first leap into the Andromeda galaxy.
Another VERY underrated book that turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable read for me! Reading this book also made me appreciate Cora, Alec & SAM more during revisit of MEA playthrough.
My MEA Chronological Revisit List:
I read the books alongside playing the game.
1. MEA: Initiation book
2. ME: Discovery comic collection (my thoughts here)
3. MEA game + MEA: Nexus Uprising book (thoughts here)
4. MEA: Annihilation book
Side note: I just learned that Jemisin is an award-winning author, made me want to explore more of her work.
January 21, 2018
Absoloutely LOVED this book - it was well written, emotional, and gave an amazing backstory to Cora and SAM. I enjoyed the glimpse into what makes her tick, her relationship with Ryder and why Cora didn't become the Pathfinder. Honestly, this is a must read if you're a fan of the game.
July 28, 2018
Fun story. It's cool to see Jemisin's version of a licensed work. My favorite part was the relationship between Cora and SAM-E.
Now to go searching for interviews.
Now to go searching for interviews.
December 27, 2017
MASS EFFECT!!1!1!
Need I say more? No?
5*!
Cue the music!
On a more serious note, this is really Mass Effect.
I pre-ordered it.
It was a no-brainer.
No idea why it took me a month to write a review :'(
Initiation is the second book in the Mass Effect: Andromeda series. However, it's a prequel to Mass Effect: Nexus Uprising .
It gives more insight into how and why was project Andromeda started, and how it came to be. Told from another point of view, the story, naturally, includes some people we already know from the first part. The main protagonist is a new person, though, but is also a badass female specialist.
Perhaps a common theme now, but I've always played my Mass Effect games like this so it worked for me.
The sequel was written by a new duo - N.K. Jemisin and Mac Walters. The narrator is, to my great satisfaction, again the amazing Fryda Wolff!
We're following the Lieutenant Cora Harper. She was "borrowed" to the asari commando unit to work with them and develop and enhance her biotic talents.
After four years, she honed her abilities and became a skilled and deadly huntress. Unusual for a human, she became a powerful biotic. Naturally, she caught an eye of our Pathfinder, Alec Ryder, who set things in motion for her initiation as his second-in-command. Hyperion Ark is about to be launched, and preparations are being finalized.
And... action!
Need I say more? No?
5*!
Cue the music!
On a more serious note, this is really Mass Effect.
I pre-ordered it.
It was a no-brainer.
No idea why it took me a month to write a review :'(
Initiation is the second book in the Mass Effect: Andromeda series. However, it's a prequel to Mass Effect: Nexus Uprising .
It gives more insight into how and why was project Andromeda started, and how it came to be. Told from another point of view, the story, naturally, includes some people we already know from the first part. The main protagonist is a new person, though, but is also a badass female specialist.
Perhaps a common theme now, but I've always played my Mass Effect games like this so it worked for me.
The sequel was written by a new duo - N.K. Jemisin and Mac Walters. The narrator is, to my great satisfaction, again the amazing Fryda Wolff!
We're following the Lieutenant Cora Harper. She was "borrowed" to the asari commando unit to work with them and develop and enhance her biotic talents.
After four years, she honed her abilities and became a skilled and deadly huntress. Unusual for a human, she became a powerful biotic. Naturally, she caught an eye of our Pathfinder, Alec Ryder, who set things in motion for her initiation as his second-in-command. Hyperion Ark is about to be launched, and preparations are being finalized.
And... action!
Read
August 8, 2018La saga de videojuegos Mass Effect, creada por BioWare, no es primeriza en esto de tener su propio universo expandido. Ya cuenta con varias novelas en su haber, así como diferentes cómics. Al mismo tiempo que se anunció la última entrega, Mass Effect: Andromeda, supimos también que tendría varias novelas nuevas que nos hablarían de diferentes personajes o eventos. De momento se han lanzado dos de las tres planeadas; y estas dos son, además, las que actúan a modo de precuela del título.
Lo primero que llama la atención de Iniciación es que viene firmado por N. K. Jemisin, una autora de renombre dentro de la literatura de género. Le acompaña Mac Walters, que es el guionista jefe del juego y de parte de la trilogía original. Pero ¿de qué trata exactamente este libro? En Iniciación nos ponemos en la piel de Cora Harper, una de las compañeras que viajan en nuestra aventura por Andrómeda; pero que aquí acaba de unirse al proyecto de la Iniciativa Andrómeda.
Continúa en... https://lanaveinvisible.com/2018/03/0...
Lo primero que llama la atención de Iniciación es que viene firmado por N. K. Jemisin, una autora de renombre dentro de la literatura de género. Le acompaña Mac Walters, que es el guionista jefe del juego y de parte de la trilogía original. Pero ¿de qué trata exactamente este libro? En Iniciación nos ponemos en la piel de Cora Harper, una de las compañeras que viajan en nuestra aventura por Andrómeda; pero que aquí acaba de unirse al proyecto de la Iniciativa Andrómeda.
Continúa en... https://lanaveinvisible.com/2018/03/0...
September 26, 2019
Authors N.K. Jemisin & Mac Walters bring us the tale of Cora Harper as she joins the Andromeda Initiative. The Andromeda Initiative is set to set sail for the Andromeda galaxy in six months but before any of that can happen the base code to the systems main AI has been stolen and it's up to Cora Harper a former Alliance marine to steal it back. As she dose this on her first assignment she is spaced by the mercenary whom she hired to help get the base code back from a rival company called Home Away. But it's thanks to the help of her integrated AI Sam-E that she can survive that. But after she is recused she tracks down where the base code has been and who is selling it only to find out that they had been killed and that the base code was taken to a hidden Alliance facility. At that facility she runs into a rampant AI that uses augmented humans to destroy the base and all the personnel that live and work there. This is a great science fiction AI mystery book and I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in this series.
July 26, 2022
Pretty Good Overall
I think most people, whether they've played the game or not, would enjoy this story. This is a separate story from Nexus Uprising, but it also involves the Andromeda initiative. I liked the more focused, streamlined storyline compared to Nexus Uprising. This book also blends more of the game elements from all the Mass Effect games. So, if you're a fan of the game, you may find this story fun.
I think most people, whether they've played the game or not, would enjoy this story. This is a separate story from Nexus Uprising, but it also involves the Andromeda initiative. I liked the more focused, streamlined storyline compared to Nexus Uprising. This book also blends more of the game elements from all the Mass Effect games. So, if you're a fan of the game, you may find this story fun.
October 14, 2020
Should I play ME: Andromeda one more time, Cora Harper will have a lot more screen time in my team.
The book is all action, many twists and 100% Mass Effect. It’s good to see how Mac as the ME expert has ensured the world feels homely while working eith NK Jemisin.
The story ties together some plot holes in the game too so there’s that as well.
The book is all action, many twists and 100% Mass Effect. It’s good to see how Mac as the ME expert has ensured the world feels homely while working eith NK Jemisin.
The story ties together some plot holes in the game too so there’s that as well.
December 6, 2017
Jemisin does no wrong, I swear.
She took one of my least favorite characters and made her interesting and way more fleshed out. It seemed like it was written in a way that those who haven't played the game could very easily follow, and as a fan who was a bit disappointed with the game, this really picked up slack.
She took one of my least favorite characters and made her interesting and way more fleshed out. It seemed like it was written in a way that those who haven't played the game could very easily follow, and as a fan who was a bit disappointed with the game, this really picked up slack.
December 7, 2017
I do love a good Mass Effect novel, and this is a particularly good one. Personally, I love the Andromeda stuff and am hungry to get more of it, and with the next game a long way off I'm really glad that the comics and novels are still giving me what I need. A real must-read for ME fans.
December 11, 2024
While exploring the perils and virtues of AI, we find a true hero pair in Cora and her AI SAM-E. Cora is an inspiration and one of my favorites in this universe.
What a bounce back this book was in the series. If you survived the last one, get ready for awesome with this one.
What a bounce back this book was in the series. If you survived the last one, get ready for awesome with this one.
November 23, 2021
Solid little sci-fi book in the Andromeda prequel trilogy. Of the three books, this one probably works best as a stand-alone for non-Andromeda fans.
February 22, 2023
Mostly good, but the pronunciation of some of the big name lore people, places, etc. was atrocious.
January 1, 2018
I've enjoyed the other ME tie-in media, but this book is the first one that evoked the feeling of playing ME 1-3. I particularly enjoyed the way Jemisin & Walters' telling of Cora's story. The book also gave the context and emotional weight I was looking for in my first playthrough of ME: Andromeda. Time to pick up ME:A again. :)
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