Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants

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Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants, or simply Last Descendants, is a young adult novel written by Matthew J. Kirby. The first installment in a series of novels, that released in August 2016, having its sequel released in December 2016. The novel is, in English, titled Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants - The New York Draft Riots in foreign translations.

The first novel focuses on Owen, a teenager who attempts to prove his late father's innocence of a crime he did not commit. With the help of his school's IT expert Monroe, he explores the memories of his ancestors in an Animus, and discovers the existence of an ancient artifact called the Trident of Eden. Having caught the attention of the Assassins and Templars, Owen tries to find the artifact before they can. To that extent, Owen and several other teenagers dive into a simulation of memories they all share in their DNA, set during the 1863 draft riots in New York City, with their experiences in the past having consequences on the present.

Blurb

Nothing in Owen's life has been right since his father died in prison, accused of a crime Owen is certain he didn't commit. Monroe, the IT guy at school, might finally bring Owen the means to clear his father's name by letting him use an Animus — a device that lets users explore the genetic memories buried within their own DNA. The experience brings Owen more than he bargained for. During a simulation, Owen uncovers the existence of an ancient and powerful relic long considered legend — the Trident of Eden. Now two secret organizations will stop at nothing to take possession of this artifact — the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order. It soon becomes clear to Owen that the only way to save himself is to find the Trident first.

Under the guidance of Monroe, Owen and a group of other teenagers enter a simulation of memories they all share within their DNA: the 1863 draft riots in New York City. Owen and his companions will find themselves tested on the gritty streets of New York, and their experiences in the past will have far-reaching consequences in the present.

Summary

Prologue

In New York City, 1863, Templar William M. Tweed is talking to his informant about an Assassin being in the city. Despite his influence over Tammany Hall, Tweed learned about the Assassin's presence while worrying about the Bowery Boys' cooperation in their plans. Tweed orders his informant to seek the Assassin's name. After going to the Bowery Boys' gang clubhouse, the informant is unaware of being tracked. In an alleyway, the Assassin strikes and kills the informant. The next day, his body is found.

Chapter One

Teenager Owen goes on a mission to clear his father's name posthumuously for a crime he did not commit. He asks his old but estranged friend Javier to help him but Javier tells him that he will think on it. While Javier goes back to hang with his other friends, Owen wonders how his father's conviction broke up his relationship with Javier as well as with his mom. Nevertheless, Owen is committed to enact his plan.

Arriving at his grandparents' home, Owen talks with his grandma but hears her judgment over his grades and how he must not end up like his deadbeat father. Not wanting to argue, he asks his grandma about his grandpa. She tells him that he is out back with the mower. However, he knows his grandpa never needed help thus he wants to talk with Owen privately. In the yard filled with orange and avocado trees, Owen meets his grandpa in his "shop." His grandpa asks him about his grades but changes the topic to his concern about his old friend Javier's possible association with gang members. He later tells Owen to be mindful about what path he takes.

Heading inside, Owen talks with his grandma, who relays grandpa's message and keeps insulting his father. Upstairs, he knows that his father may not have been perfect but that he was truly innocent. Not relying on Javier, he begins to research about Abstergo Industries, their products, and the rumors he heard. Soon, his mother arrives home and tries to talk with him, however it sours after they talk about his dad. Later that night, Owen leaves his home quietly as he goes to meet someone named Monroe at a secluded location. There, he finds a bus parked in the shadows with tinted glass. Soon, Javier meets with Owen, much to his surprise, and they both go towards the bus.

Chapter Two

Owen and Javier enter the bus where Monroe showcases his own Animus setup, which Javier begins to doubt. Monroe explains that his device is the same as the other Animus products without any manipulation of events by the parent company. Javier questions why Monroe is doing this, to which he explains he owes someone like Javier does for Owen. Getting ready, Owen states that he wants to see his father's memories five years ago. However, Monroe explains that the genetic memories can only stem before his conception. Monroe explains that they need his father's DNA and a different type of Animus. Monroe then asks Owen on why this answer is important to him, to which Owen responded that it was for his father's freedom.

Monroe soon asks Javier if he is interested, due to his scientific curiousity. Initially reluctant, Javier is convinced and allows Monroe to have him put into the Animus. While being setup, Javier asks Owen if this is okay but Owen is ambivalent to his choice. Monroe soon offers Owen to join, in order to gauge if their ancestors crossed paths thus they can share a simulation. A bit elated, Owen agrees. After the analysis, Monroe determines that their ancestors have crossed paths multiple times at different periods in time. Setting up Owen next, Monroe then puts on the Animus helmets on both friends. He then informs both boys about loading the Memory Corridor, which he explains it is a simulation setup of their ancestors.

Owen begins his simulation in the corridor as Alfonso del Castillo, as he begins to feel Castillo's skills as a swordsman. Monroe explains that the simulation works when you let the ancestor act in accordance to have full synchronization. If they act out of memory, they may experience desynchronization, an unpleasant feeling. Monroe asks Owen if he understands and if he is ready. He reaffirms that although they share a simulation, they must not force an interaction and let it play out. Both friends agree as Javier tells Monroe to pull the switch.

Chapter Three

While Owen enters his simulation of Castillo, Javier experiences his ancestral simulation of being Chimalpopoca, a Tlaxcaltec warrior and commander. Plunging in, Javier begins his simulation at an open field, where he finds his ancestor leading a battalion of fellow warriors. Confused, Javier wonders what they are saying. However, Monroe calms him down and states to let the memory ride. He understands his ancestor's background and then realizes the setting where they see invaders of a different land incoming. Chimalpopoca speaks to his fellow warrior about their plans against the invaders, to which he wants to fight rather than seek peace. The conch call of war bellows and he sets up his men to defend. Soon, they soon see cannons and he feels fear, which relays back to Javier experiencing it.

Although Javier wants his ancestor to leave the battlefield, Monroe keeps him in line with the memory. Back to the battle, Chimalpopoca rallies his men and shouts that the gods are with them. Shooting their arrows at the Spaniards, some hit but their cannons riddled them into disarray. Chimalpopoca leads the men against the incoming riders and opposing arrows. However, their swords and spears broke upon impact the conquistadors' armor. His men's numbers dwindle as they retreat. Looking at one of the riders, Chimalpopoca pushes his way towards the horse and broke its neck. Before he could fight the rider, he sees the invaders save their man.

Taking his macuahuitl, Chimalpopoca attacks the enemy again only for his weapon to fully break its teeth. Staggering through the enemy lines, the warrior is soon taken down and bound. He begins to cry as he feels powerless being held captive. Soon, the battle ends with Chimalpopoca's men retreating and the warrior taken to a temple taken over by the invaders. Soon, Chimalpopoca is brought to Castillo but Javier struggles not to say anything, due to not wanting to desynchronize. Castillo takes the warrior to a house privately and throws him to the floor. He sees another imprisioned warrior, who states that the invader seek peace. The warrior looks young and the commander dismisses the notion of peace. He knows that his fate deems him to die as a warrior.

Chapter Four

TBC

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  Czech cover
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  Hungarian cover