Uncharted - The Fourth Labyrinth

The story is very intriguing and the format true to the games, however the writing style especially during dialogue reminds me more of a sophisticated fan fiction rather than a published novel. I also say this because the introduction of the new character Jada read as quite clunky and the relationships with her forced. Perhaps that is purely because she is not in the video game series but personally I was not a fan.This book is a good read if you wish to prolong the magic of the Uncharted series as Nate and Sully's interactions are well written but it isn't the best video game book I have come across.On a practical note the book itself is smaller than your average paperback which for me made it a little awkward to read.

When I bought this book, I did so fully believing it wasn't going to be particularly good. I've not read anything else by this author before, so it was no judgement on their writing capabilities, I've just read several novels based on computer games and none have been up to much really. I was pleasantly surprised then that the opening chapter seemed to have just as much fun and excitement as the games had and that I could actually picture how the scene would play out as a game. The book is well-paced and loyal to the feel and nature of the games while obviously making the adjustments that are needed for the jump in medium. The much-loved male characters from the games (Drake and Sully, obviously!) are present and on top form with their banter and it's only a small criticism that Elena wasn't there - but as this is something of a prequel to the games, I can forgive it easily enough. The new characters are nicely written too, with Jada be suitably sympathetic and likeable without really trying too hard to force the reader to understand and warm to her. Fortunately, there isn't a heavy theme of obligatory romance either, which was something that concerned me at the inclusion of a new female character. It's not that I'd have particularly minded it, but the cliche would have irked me a little and if Drake starts getting a new girl in every iteration of the franchise, we might as well start calling him Captain Kirk. So yeah, happy that it was kind of hinted at but in the end didn't come to anything.Overall, a fun read for fans of the game and a nice addition to the franchise.

If you love the game and the characters of Uncharted then you must read this book. It's just like another game, and visualising it (for the most part) is simple and you can actually see Nathan saying his lines. What's most impressive is that Christopher Golden has done his research on the characters of Nathan and Sully, they are exactly as they are in the games. The character of Jada is a nice addition and not the annoying female that you usually find in male dominated books, I actually liked her. Most favourite parts are the history and uncovering aspects of the book, it's also a lot darker toward the end that the games in term of atmosphere. If I had to give one negative point it would be that when the writer describes action in dark caves and labyrinths it's very difficult to imagine what's happening so the best advice is to not try. Read it on holiday in Rhodes and loved it.

For fans of the Uncharted series of video games, a novelization of the universe may feel dangerously like a cheap knock-off cash maker. But one chapter in will show you that this is anything but the truth. The storyline in this is incredibly faithful to the universe of the video games, a 'what if it was more than a myth' storyline about the labyrinth of King Minos of Crete that also perfectly blends in Chinese and Egyptian mythologies, alchemy and Atlantis. Never going into the absurd fantasy, the book deals with every myth in an 'historical' way that makes each one feel realistic and organic to the story. For fans of the games this is definitely a worthwhile addition to the series, and for any people looking for a new favourite series, this is a perfect place to start.

Like many others I bought this book to fill the empty void after finishing the Uncharted series, and honestly wasn't expecting too much as a lot of other video game themed novels seem to be lacking. However, it is well written and compelling. Knowledge of the characters through the games isn't really necessary so anyone can pick it up and enjoy.