Book Review: Assassin’s Creed: The Magus Conspiracy – When the Past Becomes a Battlefield

 

In the world of Assassin’s Creed, the line between history and fiction has always been blurred. The series is famous for skillfully weaving real historical events, people, and places into a narrative about the ancient conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. However, as the game series has increasingly drifted away from the Brotherhood and its philosophy (as seen in Valhalla, for example), many fans have begun to long for the classic stealthy feel and themes of free will that once defined the franchise. And this is where Assassin’s Creed: The Magus Conspiracy comes in – the first part of the Engine of History trilogy, written by acclaimed author Kate Heartfield.

This is a story that hooks you from the very first pages – not just thanks to its gripping action, but also because of its deep character development, authentic historical context, and – most importantly – the undeniable spirit of Assassin’s Creed.

Narrative Precision and Historical Setting

The novel opens in 1851 – in the heart of the Victorian era. This was a time of sweeping societal change, explosive technological advancement, and ideas that were transforming Europe at a breathtaking pace. The game series has touched on this period before – most notably in Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate – but The Magus Conspiracy presents a very different dimension of that time. It’s not just industrial London or steam-powered trains – it's a world of complex intrigue and political tension, where science, ideology, and fanaticism collide.

The plot revolves around two main characters: Pierrette Arnaud – a French acrobat and circus performer, and Simeon Price – a British former soldier who, after a traumatic shipwreck aboard the HMS Birkenhead, finds himself on the path of the Assassins. Both are drawn into the centuries-long conflict when Ada Lovelace – the renowned mathematician, daughter of Lord Byron, and one of the pioneers of computing – is attacked by mysterious assailants.

Pierrette saves Ada’s life, and that moment sets off a chain of events – from decoding cryptic notes and rooftop chases across London and Paris, to unearthing conspiracies that threaten the stability of all Europe. And lurking in the shadows is the enigmatic figure known only as "The Magus" – whose ambitions reach far beyond the present day.

New Faces, Old Conflict

The greatest strength of the novel lies in its two lead characters. Pierrette is someone you can fall in love with from the very first scene. Charismatic, intelligent, physically agile, but also emotionally complex. She’s not a ready-made assassin – she learns, stumbles, makes mistakes. But it’s precisely this humanity that makes her so compelling. Her acrobatic skills bring to mind Ezio from Florence or Arno from Paris – and while she hasn’t yet completed full Assassin training, she’s undeniably on the same path.

Simeon Price, on the other hand, undergoes one of the most interesting character arcs in the book. From loyal soldier of the British Empire, through a man torn between duty and conscience, to someone who starts to grasp what freedom truly means – and what it takes to fight for it.

Their relationship avoids clichés. It’s not a straightforward romance – it’s a tense, mistrustful, but slowly developing partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. Their dialogues are lively, realistic, often full of friction – but never artificial.

Style and Pacing – The Literary DNA of Assassin’s Creed

Kate Heartfield has done a fantastic job translating the style of the games into novel format. The book keeps everything fans love most: rooftop parkour, stealth missions, hidden blades, mysterious orders, and the age-old theme of free will versus control. There are also all the usual Assassin’s Creed elements: flashbacks, secret societies, encoded messages, philosophical discussions about human nature, and the signature blend of fiction and fact.

The book’s pacing is uneven, but intentionally so. The first act is a slow build – giving the reader time to understand the world, the time period, and the characters. The action then gradually ramps up, like a well-structured quest – from exploration, to intrigue, and finally to full-blown action. The finale delivers exactly what fans expect: cinematic, emotional, and filled with twists.

Technology, Science, and… Philosophy?

One of the most compelling elements is the presence of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage – two historical figures whose work on the analytical engine (an early form of a computer) forms the backbone of the plot. It’s not just a nod to scientific history – it’s also a deeper commentary on the use of technology: for control, manipulation, and potentially liberation.

Philosophical themes are woven throughout: What is free will? Does scientific progress always serve the greater good? Can individuals change history? These questions emerge in dialogues, internal monologues, and even in how the characters interact with the world around them.

Easter Eggs

For long-time fans of the franchise, the book is full of delightful Easter eggs and references. Subtle nods to Syndicate, mentions of characters from Underworld (like Henry Green), and even a humorous moment where Simeon signs into a restricted area under the name "Ezio Auditore" – all help root the book firmly within the Assassin’s Creed universe.

Interestingly, The Magus Conspiracy is more "canonical" than most previous AC novels. It’s not an adaptation of a game – it’s a completely new story that could easily function as its own game or miniseries. That makes it a fantastic entry point for newcomers, while still offering plenty for diehard fans.

Weak Points – Where Things Don’t Quite Hit the Mark

Despite its many strengths, The Magus Conspiracy isn’t a flawless book. Occasionally, the narrative becomes hard to follow – particularly during time or location jumps. Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped (especially the Magus’s minions), and the conspiracy – while interesting – may be too predictable for seasoned thriller readers.

Some may also feel that the book reads more like a narrative “interlude” rather than a major turning point in the war between Templars and Assassins. But that’s clearly by design – the author is building a trilogy, not trying to resolve everything in one volume.

Final Thoughts – A Return to the Roots with a New Voice

Assassin’s Creed: The Magus Conspiracy is a fascinating journey through 19th-century Europe, full of secrets, emotion, danger, and reflection. It’s a novel that honors the spirit of the series while adding something new, fresh, and ambitious. The compelling main characters, cleverly intertwined plot, and rich historical backdrop make this a must-read for any AC fan – and a perfect starting point for those new to the franchise.

This is not a “game in book form” – it’s Assassin’s Creed in its purest literary essence. And with this being only the first book in a trilogy, we can only hope that the next volumes raise the bar even higher.

My Score: 8/10

+ Strong, well-written protagonists
+ Authentic Assassin’s Creed atmosphere
+ Engaging plot and layered mysteries
+ Well-used historical figures and settings

– Uneven pacing in the middle sections
– Underdeveloped antagonists
– Feels like a side story rather than a major conflict