Mass Effect Volume 4: Homeworlds

by Mac Walters

[Rinn]

I received this book for free through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. It is also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

I'm a little bit of a Mass Effect fangirl. Which is something, since I never even finish most games that I buy, but I've completed and replayed all three games and I never get bored of them. I'm trying to read all the novels and graphic novels, since the trilogy is now over, so I grabbed this one from Netgalley when it appeared.

It covers the back stories of James, Tali, Garrus and Liara, which should potentially be fascinating for any fan. And whilst James' story captured his character slightly, and Garrus' covered his relationship with his father, I felt Tali and Liara's stories were a bit flat. Tali's ends very abruptly, and overall they don't explain much.

The images in between each story were beautiful though. The art of the comics wasn't quite as pretty, but caught certain scenes well - although I felt there were some issues. For example, James really doesn't look like himself. Quarians look pretty out of proportion, even for them. There is also one scene with a turian, where he looks really chunky - I know they are big creatures, but they have broad shoulders and narrow waists, and this guy was just built like a barrel. Of course, these sort of things don't necessarily detract from the enjoyment of the story for everyone.

At one point during his story, James is being pursued and stops to help out an old lady - which I thought really captured his character well. He may be a bit of a beef head, but he's got a good heart. It was also really great to see Garrus as a young turian, and learn a little about his father and relationship with him.

If Garrus, Tali, Liara or James are one of your favourites, then I would read this. I wouldn't say it was a great read for all fans, unless it covers the background of a particular character you like. I feel that it doesn't go into enough detail for the majority and leaves a few things unanswered. Personally, I enjoyed the story of Garrus' background the most - not only because he's my favourite character, but because it is also the one that felt the most linked to the games, as it is set around the time of Archangel.