Books

Novels
There are currently three novels set in the Mass Effect universe, with another one releasing in January of 2012. As the game is considered to be the player's story, none of the novels feature Commander Shepard in any significant detail.

Thus far, three of the Mass Effect novels have been written by Drew Karpyshyn, and published by Del Rey Books, with a fourth novel, Mass Effect: Deception, by William C. Dietz. Mass Effect: Deception will be released on January 31, 2012.


 * Mass Effect: Revelation is a prequel to Mass Effect, set in the year 2165. Its plot involves David Anderson and Saren Arterius investigating an attack on a human research station. It was first published in May 2007, six months prior to the release of the first Mass Effect game.


 * Mass Effect: Ascension is set a few months after the events of Mass Effect, and concerns a young biotic prodigy pursued by Cerberus, aided by Kahlee Sanders. It was first published in July 2008.


 * Mass Effect: Retribution is set after the events of Mass Effect 2, and concerns Cerberus, and their investigation of Reaper technology by using it on Paul Grayson. It was released on July 27, 2010.


 * Mass Effect: Deception by William C. Dietz. Scheduled for release on January 31, 2012.

Other Books

 * Galactic Codex: Essentials Edition 2183 is a booklet containing background information on the Mass Effect universe that was included in the Mass Effect Limited Collector's Edition.


 * The Art of Mass Effect is an art book released alongside the original game. With 175 pages, it includes concept art ranging from characters, to scenery, to the technology of the Mass Effect universe. It was first published in November 2007, by Prima Games; it was also included with special editions of the Mass Effect strategy guide, which was also published by Prima. Includes:
 * concepts of notable characters including Saren, Wrex and Matriarch Benezia
 * development of the various races, particularly the geth, asari and turians
 * concepts for quarians
 * development of the Thorian
 * detailed vehicle concepts and interiors for the Mako and the Normandy
 * sketches and paintings of human, salarian and turian starships
 * detailed concepts for armor and weapons
 * concept paintings for Noveria, Ilos, the Citadel and the original mining facilities on Therum
 * unseen alien creatures (including the unused Harvesters, a creature meant to be fought in the Mako, which later appeared in Mass Effect 2.)


 * Mass Effect 2 Collectors' Edition Art Book was bundled with hard copies of Mass Effect 2 Limited Collectors' Edition. Includes:
 * concepts of squadmates and the Illusive Man
 * concepts of enemies including the Collectors
 * concepts of locations and worlds including Illium
 * concepts of vehicles including the UT-47 Kodiak Drop Shuttle and M-44 Hammerhead
 * art for several heavy weapons and the Collector Assault Rifle