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Assassin's Creed Dynasty #1

Assassin's Creed Dynasty, Volume 1

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In the 14th year of the Tianbao Era (CE 755) An Lushan, a military governor with ties to the Knights Templar, leads his elite corps to rebel against the Tang Dynasty, and the ill-prepared Tang empire falters under the threat. The two capitals Luoyang and Chang’an fall and China falls under the oppression of the cruel An Lushan.

As the Tang dynasty starts to crumble, Li E, a shady Assassin trained by the Hidden Ones in the far West, teams up with Tang loyalists to turn the tide and save both the dynasty and the country from this crisis.

215 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 2022

23 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

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Xu Xianzhe

25 books3 followers

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5 stars
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112 (39%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,362 reviews6,690 followers
September 21, 2024
I saw the cover of this book and just wanted it. I am so glad it lived up to my high expectations. The artwork is awesome. The story is a bit deeper, and I am glad they added a chapter/issues worth of text at the end. The fights are great.

This book reminds me of simply putting a good old-fashioned ninja story (even though it is in China, not Japan), complete with a spiritual drunk with a past.

An assassin has infiltrated the Royal Palace seeking retribution, but politically, a lot more is going on. I love the "work in the darkness, for the light" or the "hide in plain sight." The artwork really compliments these themes. Especially as the Assassin blends into the background or a crowd.

It is a great book of which I can't wait for the next volume, I hope I have not set my expectations too high now. Even though I did not learn much about this particular Assassin (this usually annoys me), this gives him an even more enigmatic appeal. I am guessing more of the past will be covered in the next book. As again, he was not covered in the bonus text at the end.
Profile Image for Kiara.
241 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2025
the art was sick but the story was mid
Profile Image for Adam M .
660 reviews21 followers
June 8, 2023
This is really more like a 3.5 review for me as the story isn't the most inventive, but certainly compelling enough and the art is good enough to keep you engaged. For an Assassin's Creed story it had most of the hallmarks I would expect as someone who is familiar with the video games. I think the reason I didn't love this more is there was no pre-amble to bring you into the story itself. We got a little information about the time and place it is happening in, but any information about our protagonist came too little and too late to really help. I think part of that might be the way in which they are planning to world build in future books, but time will tell. I started book 2 right away because this read very quickly (not a bad thing) and that was enough for me to keep reading to see how the world fills itself out. TBD if this is a worthwhile series, but book 1 certain wasn't a difficult read and worth checking out for those who enjoy the AC universe.
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,289 reviews33 followers
January 23, 2022
'Assassin's Creed: Dynasty' by Xu Xianzhe and Zhang Xiao is a manga adventure featuring a famous video game character.

The story takes place during a flower festival during one of the Chinese dynasties. The flowers are getting destroyed and the growers are being oppressed. A lone hooded figure hiding in the shadows starts avenging the farmers. He makes friends with a nobleman and evades capture.

The story starts a bit abruptly and we are given no motive for why our assassin, Li E, is at this place at this time. There are some pretty good historical notes after the story about the people and settings. The art is 2 tone, but rather nice. I just wish the story were a bit better introduced.

I received a review copy of this manga from TOKYOPOP and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.
Profile Image for Lena_seitenmeer.
23 reviews
June 30, 2025
"Nichts ist wahr. Alles ist erlaubt"
Der Band war wirklich episch und hat das Assasins Creed Gefühl sehr gut eingefangen. Ein wirklich guter Auftakt, den ich gerne gelesen habe.
Profile Image for Lady.
1,100 reviews17 followers
February 7, 2022
This is a brilliant graphic novel. I really enjoyed reading it and was straight away fascinated by the story line. The pictures in this book was brilliant adding a thrilling atmosphere. I became so engrossed in it I totally lost track of time it felt more like I was watching a film. I had to read it in one sitting. I loved the action sequences. When I had finished reading it there was a brilliant story section explaining that the story line was based on actual history which I was fascinated by. A graphic novel and a history lesson all rolled into one wow. This history section also looking at each character and what role they played which was very interesting. It was also a brilliant culture lesson aswell. It really is a wonderful gripping, action packed novel. I just had to know what was going to happen next and I can't wait to read more of this series. I really recommend reading this graphic novel.
Thank you so much to the author, illustrator and publishers for creating an amazing insight into this amazing culture. It was a truly amazing read.
Profile Image for Momo.
572 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2021
3/5 Decent start to a series!

There's not too much that goes on in this first volume so it's not as captivating as I usually like my first volumes to be. I like the art a lot as usual for most mangas and the storyline was good! I would definitely consider reading future volumes and seeing how this story progresses. I think that those who don't care much for character building would love this because we barely find out anything about our main character. I don't like almost all the characters we met besides our main character and the guy introduced at the end. That is pretty common for fantasies or historical fiction stories for me but it's something I don't particularly like because I usually connect a lot with the side characters. I have only played one of the Assassin's Creed games before but I bet fans of the games would love this.

Disclaimer: I read this arc copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anastasiia Shafran.
435 reviews27 followers
May 7, 2022
Just the beginning of the story of course. So it's a bit hard getting into it, especially since I love E everything Assassin's Creed, but am not that well-aware of Chinese history.

You know how on sitcoms when a celebrity cameo is walking in, the audience begins to clap? I expect readers versed in history of China would have that moment every time a new character name is mentioned. Well, I didn't. I had a moment of "am I supposed to know who that is?".
But of course, that says more about me than the manga, and I am still going to go on reading, since despite the lack of knowledge, the set up is interesting.

And I loved all the pages in the end that explain the context! Especially for people like me who don't know anything ;)
916 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2021
Thank you to the Tokyopop publishing and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this book. I really enjoyed this story. Would love to know more about the assassin main character. We don’t even know his name yet! Loved the art style. Very easy to follow. Loved the historical background. Really enjoyed Li Bai and his exquisite poetry. Great decision to include him into the plot. Can’t wait for the next volume in the series.
Profile Image for Sunread26.
1,356 reviews
December 8, 2023
Chronique complète :
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2023/...

Extrait :
Dernière série en format manga pour la saga Assassin’s creed, pour moi en tout cas, et pour le moment surtout ! A l’origine ce titre est un webtoon, qui est donc sûrement publié en format numérique dans son pays de création, le Chine. Ubisoft essaie de plus en plus de promouvoir ses différentes licences sous d’autres formats, avec des histoires inédites. Le studio collabore cette fois-ci avec deux auteurs chinois, Xu Xian Zhe et Zhang Xiao pour réaliser cette nouvelle saga. Contrairement à Blade of Shao jun, il s’agit d’un récit inédit, avec de nouveaux personnages. La série comporte 6 volumes chez Mana Books !

L’intrigue se déroule ainsi en Chine au VIIIe siècle après JC, soit bien avant l’intrigue de Blade of Shao jun (XVIe Siècle). Dans le prologue, il est indiqué qu’il existait déjà 5 assassins reconnus qui avaient sûrement d’autres compagnons également. Toutefois, malgré leur renommée, ils seront exterminés par le premier empereur chinois, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 av. JC). Alors, vous me diriez que ce ne sont pas de vrais assassins, puisque la confrérie a été créée en 47 av. JC par Bayek et Aya… et vous n’auriez pas tort. C’est assassins sont considérés comme des Proto-assassins, c’est-à-dire des personnes (ayant souvent commis des meurtres ou actions importantes) qui avaient le même esprit que la confrérie (libre arbitre, contre l’oppression des peuples). Les plus connus sont Adam et Eve… Ainsi, Li E représente tout de même, le premier membre « officiel » de la confrérie en Chine (à moins qu’il n’y ait eu d’autres personnages entre temps, mais ce n’est pas indiqué).

Etant actuellement seul, il ne peut compter que sur lui-même pour appliquer les préceptes de la confrérie. Et c’est là que l’intrigue commence avec une petite vengeance pour un village ayant été exterminé par un groupe de brigand afin d’en récupérer les pivoines. Celles-ci devant servir à garnir un char gigantesque en l’honneur de l’empereur actuel de la dynastie Tang. Il n’aura aucun mal à éliminer les différents brigands, et fera la rencontre de deux personnages qui seront peut-être importants pour la suite. Il y a aussi encore deux autres personnages qui me laissent perplexe, car qui dit Assassin, dit templier, et ses deux personnages, proches de l’empereur, peuvent en faire partie. Etant ennemis l’un de l’autre, il n’y en a qu’un des deux qui l’est vraiment mais lequel ? Le général étranger ou le chancelier de droite ?

[...]
Profile Image for Shadow Steve.
130 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2022
I usually read heaps of manga books from Japan translated to English I read a manga book that's not Japanese. Because it's originally from China. So for the 1st time i read a non Japanese manga. Good thing it's translated to English

November 13 2022 marks 15 years of Assassin's Creed. I haven't got into Assassin's Creed before till I picked up and play 2 Assassin's Creed games on Wii U back in 2014 - Assassin's Creed III & IV Black Flag. It's not just those Assassin's Creed I got on Wii U but I also got other Assassin's Creed games - that I'm yet to play - like the 1st Assassin's Creed Brotherhood & Origins & heaps of books by historian Oliver Bowden plus various authors

Set in the year 755 BC in the 14th year of the Tianbao Era in China where An Lushan a military with ties to the Templar Knights leads an army of elite corps to take on the Tang Dynasty. During its struggle of Tang Dynasty a Chinese Assassin by the name of Li E teams up with Tang Dynasty to save China from the crisis

Not sure how many more volumes are there the illustrations by Zhang Xiao looks amazing the writing from Xu Xianzhe looks great even though it's translated by the action sequences in volume 1 are awesome

Looking forward to check out other volumes soon
Profile Image for Kevin.
156 reviews12 followers
December 30, 2021
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As a big fan of the Assassin's Creed video games, I requested this the second I saw it was on NetGalley. The story was fast-paced and beautifully illustrated. The main setback for me was that I wanted more time to get to know the characters. It felt like we moved around a lot within the story, switching focus without really going into depth the reasons for it. We know the assassin is taking revenge against the people who ruined peonies so I would've wanted a few pages where we see the background to that. How did the assassin find out about it? Was he sent by the brotherhood? How were the flowers destroyed?

So in short, I wanted more background to what was happening. I didn't understand why certain characters or situations were important because I didn't know enough about the plot. Hopefully the next volume will help me fill in the blanks.
Profile Image for Cale.
3,919 reviews26 followers
December 11, 2023
This felt more like homework than an action story.
The last 30+ pages are a bibliography (providing the historical writings) that provide both redundant and incomplete information about the people, places, and events of the storyline. But even before this heavy reading, the story of political intrigue between a military governor and the emperor's court has very little in the way of action. And what action that is here is... odd - like a 10+ page dance sequence that is narrated with little more than 'Spin.' There are maybe two assassin sequences, and a couple assassin conversations, and everything else is court documentation and intrigue. That coupled with the manga formatting made this a real chore to read, and didn't provide any character development or interesting enough action to make it worth the effort.
Profile Image for Bookish Sophia.
122 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2021
The panel of this manga is beautiful despite it being in monochrome.
The assasins are in hiding but one has come out from the darkness to bring justice for people in the light.

This manga is full of historical references along with the plot. I enjoyed reading through. From the first panel to the last, y stay glued to the action.

The main character Li E takes it upon himself to avenge a group of poor farmers after they are murdered by the empires general for flowers in the parade.
The story is simple but complex with political play in view between the lords of the dynasty.

A short action packed manga that would keep you flipping from page to page, anticipating the assasin's next movements.
Profile Image for Hal.
745 reviews55 followers
December 25, 2021
arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this first volume! An assassin story is always great so this one so full of rich history and culture amid all of the assassin antics and murder was amazing.

I loved the art style. It was super easy to follow along during battle and action scenes— it wasn’t too cluttered so you know what’s going on at all times. I’m interested to know more about our assassin main character. We don’t know anything about him yet— not even his name!

The rest of the politics too.. that set up seems to be going in a very dark and murderous direction.

Overall, if you love assassin’s, politics and some epic fight scenes, you need to check this one out asap!

4/5⭐️
Profile Image for Erin Rogoff.
491 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2024
I'm a newbie player to the Assassin's Creed video game as well as a reader of the manga. I'd love to cheer from the rooftops that I loved this manga, but that would be a lie. I didn't understand the point of this novel, nor did I appreciate to the fullest extent the artwork done in this volume. There's so much I don't know about the assassin, so yes, I'll read on in this saga to learn more about him, but I'm unsure how much knowledge of this saga I'll retain even after finishing the books. I have the first three volumes, so I'll be reading those, but I'm not sure how much I'll enjoy them. Justice in this series, however, I feel is a big thing. Let no ill deed go unpunished, so I look forward to the next plot where justice is served against those who think the rules don't apply to them.
Profile Image for Mark Will Never Cry.
598 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2024
I noticed that this entire series did not get any reviews written by me, so this is just a mega review for the entire series, as it is really not that long.
This is a very interesting story about China in the Tianbao Era, that provides one with a pretty good understanding of how the Chinese society (with focus on high class) was behaving at the time. It was extremely interesting, but it did not feel very connected to the overall Assassin's Creed franchise, instead it felt more concentrated on the specifics of this series of manga, so it is not really necessary for an understanding of the video games. However, this was a very interesting read that looked really good, so it is a recommended read.
Profile Image for David Hill.
81 reviews2 followers
Read
December 11, 2021
This was a approved e-copy given to me via Netgalley by tokyopop. I've never had this issue before but I am unable to read it. I downloaded the Protected EPUB to my device and all it says once opened is 9781427868824.acsm. So yeah......pretty disappointed I don't get to read this.
Thank you anyways for approving me TOKYOPOP hopefully anything I get approved for in the future will actually work on my device.
916 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2021
Thank you to the Tokyopop and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy of this book. I really enjoyed this story. Would love to know more about the assassin main character. We don’t even know his name yet! Loved the art style. Very easy to follow. Loved the historical background. Really enjoyed Li Bai and his exquisite poetry. Great decision to include him into the plot. Can’t wait for the next volume in the series.
Profile Image for Chance.
1,107 reviews21 followers
May 20, 2023
The story is set in the Teng Dynasty of China has were introduced to a certain assassin strick out against criminals who competed crimes in walk in the forbidden City. Lay the people parade for the Heros and Imperial Court Chancellors we learn that darkness is creeping in from all sides.

Has I read the assassin for this story is more silent type but express emotions thre body motions lay it’s side chacthers that move the story along and gives us hints of what volume 2 will give us.
18 reviews
April 21, 2022
It continues to be curious that Assassin's Creed hasn't been banned in China for its overt philosophical themes, but I'm glad that its spirit has not been lost in this Chinese production. Volume 1 seems to mostly serve to introduce its characters and settings, but the stunning artwork and terrific aesthetics leave a very strong taste for more.
September 2, 2024
i didn’t know there were assassins creed graphic novels, i’ve been a big fan of the video games and noticed this as a bonus borrow on hoopla- i needed something different to break up the monotony of what i was reading and this was great.
the art is truly fantastic and really does uphold the assassins creed name and vibes. will have to pick up more in the future!
1,147 reviews13 followers
January 12, 2022
This graphic novel was quite good. I love the games and I also love to read these graphic novels. I am pretty new to the graphic novel scene and I have really enjoyed reading all of the ones I can get my hands on.
Profile Image for Brannigan.
1,349 reviews14 followers
June 26, 2022
This is an awesome manga. It has a wonderful blend of fantasy and historical history. The research is awesome. I almost has as much fun reading the historical information at the end of the volume as the actual story. Will definitely be reading more volumes.
Profile Image for Aidan.
28 reviews
August 8, 2022
The story just felt like it was Assassins story line the characters were good the drawing was really good. Though my only real problem was the pacing at felt off. But at this point I’m just picking at straws
Profile Image for Dania F.
681 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2023
This was a first at trying the Manga art form for me (unless Avatar counts?). Unfortunately, this was not for me, though I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references, which made me read up on the period the Manga takes place in, and which I knew nothing about.
Profile Image for Joshua.
1 review
January 1, 2024
Very Good imo. The story is very compelling and this is a very good 1st volume, I like the set up for the protagonist and the antagonist trying to pursue their individual goals. The artwork is very good inspiration for me. I will definitely like to continue this story in the second volume.
Profile Image for Chad.
10.3k reviews1,060 followers
September 16, 2024
An OK Assassin's Creed manga set in China. It's real unclear what's going on at the beginning. I'd love to have seen more of an introduction. I've played the games and this should be a series that is easy to adapt but this makes me maybe think otherwise. The art is pretty good.
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