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Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade
Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade
Oliver Bowden | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Delve deeper into the story of Altaïr (2 more)
A familiar story with new and unfamiliar events
Opening up the world of Assassin's Creed even further
The Untold Story of Altaïr
Though this is actually the 3rd installment to the franchise of novels written by Bowden, it follows the story of the very first Assassin's Creed game and protagonist. The story begins with an older Altaïr, already set after the events of the video game, which means that he is wiser, and now a leader rather than a follower.

As he prepares to make an announcement, two young residents of Masyaf, the home of the Assassin's brotherhood at the time, as one of them claims that he is going to tell his brother assassin, the story of the great master assassin that approaches his pupils and the residents of Masyaf. This story, though it could be exaggerated through the tales of someone other than Altaïr himself, is one that is very thrilling as we follow a protagonist who we often question the actions of, as he questions himself also.

Altaïr is one of my favourite Assassin's because he often questions the creed and bends the rules to suit his needs, but as the days, weeks, and years pass, he grows wiser and becomes one with the creed. There are twists and turns within the story that are unexpected and very intriguing. His story is incredible to witness and very thrilling to read, even when it is only a sequence of him resting between his journeys. We learn more about the past of Altaïr, about his life as a child within Masyaf and then his life in training to become the Assassin we all know him as.

Though the game holds up with graphics to this day, the game play is not to everyone's enjoyment as we become use to the more slick controls of the later games, so if you do not wish to play the video game due to these reasons, then I highly recommend the book, and should you play the game at any point afterwards, your experience will not be the same.
  
The Jackal (1997)
The Jackal (1997)
1997 | Action, Drama, Mystery
7
6.4 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Finally got round to seeing this, been meaning to for years! This is a very enjoyable action/thriller centered around a hunt for an elusive hitman. The emphasis is definitely on the action, seeing Willis go through about 10 different looks as a master of disguise was fun. The tension builds as the day of the hit gets closer, will the FBI and Russian agents be able to stop him? This has a great cast including Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier and even Jack Black makes an early film appearance. The whole Manhunt, assassin films have been done bigger and better since this was made. However this is still a classy enjoyable film.
  
Anna (2019)
Anna (2019)
2019 | Action, Thriller
Contains spoilers, click to show
Familiar territory from Luc Besson but a rather fun little ride all the same . A glossy globe trotting tale of a beautiful blonde assassin (she certainly wasn't hired for her acting ability) with plenty of twists and double crosses to keep you guessing. Besson can do this sort of film in his sleep now and this is a huge drop in quality from the heady heights of the mighty 'Leon'and I would like to seem him getting back to doing something with a bit more substance than the crowd pleasing action movies he has been churning out these days. Still I was largely entertained here even if I probably wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again.