Although we'd sooner see the video game arrive than the novel series, Pocket Books have announced they will be releasing the first book in an Assassin's Creed trilogy in October this year. Here's the official press release:
Pocket Books is thrilled to announce they have newly acquired world rights to publish the novelization of Assassin's Creed – the highly anticipated new console game from Ubisoft (makers of the bestselling Prince of Persia video game series). Debuting in 2007 on next-generation video game consoles, Assassin’s Creed is a state-of-the-art gaming adventure that begins in the year 1191. Gamers play the role of Altair, fighting to save the Holy Land from war and corruption.
The first novel in a trilogy will be published in October 2007. The three titles, by New York Times bestselling author Steven Barnes, will expand on the game experience by immersing the reader in the back-story of Altair and his further adventures in the rich setting of the Third Crusade.
Jerusalem, the 12th century …
Amidst the chaos of the Third Crusade, a brotherhood of warriors rose to power. Shrouded in secrecy, feared for their ruthlessness, they alone would save the Holy Land ... or destroy it.
“Assassin's Creed is an all-new video game franchise that will immerse players into another time and experience," shared Tony Key, vice president, marketing at Ubisoft. "The Assassin's Creed books, which begin by layering elements that prequel the game, will only expand upon this adventure to an eager audience of gamers and thrill seekers."
"With the anticipation for Assassin's Creed building every day, it's tremendously exciting to be in partnership with Ubisoft at the launch of this extraordinary franchise,” said Marco Palmieri, Senior Editor at Pocket Books. “For gamers who can’t get enough, the novels will offer a compelling expansion of the Assassin’s Creed experience.”
Assassin's Creed advance press has been very positive world-wide, winning the Game Critics Award for Best Action/Adventure Game at E3 2006 and featuring as the June 2006 cover story of Game Informer.
