Reviewer: Richard Clayton from Clarksburg, WV United States

Fascinating, but sometimes bewildering,
The first of the revised Tradition Books for Mage: The Ascension, this book is simply overflowing with intriguing information on the Akashic Brotherhood. The Akashayana were somewhat shortchanged in the core revised rulebook for Mage: They are stereotyped as nothing more than bald-headed monks or super-ninjas. That falls far short of the truth.

This Tradition Book includes detailed descriptions of the sects within the Akashayana, including the Li-Hai (rebels who find the stereotype of robed monks to be laughable) and even the Roda d'Oro, a non-Asian branch of the Brotherhood. An excellent set of expanded rules for Do is included. Further, the views and goals of the Akashics are explored: Those who see only self-torturing ascetics are failing to understand the point. The goal of the truly enlightened is not to punish the body, but rather to cease to be distracted by it.

Best of all, most of this information is given in the format of a beautifully written story which fills the book from cover to cover. The prose is breathtaking, and seeing Akashic students and masters as they confront a crisis definitely gives greater insight into the Brotherhood. Further, within the story, a dark secret is revealed: A war begun a hundred lifetimes ago, and which rages even today; a war that could destroy the Traditions.

Unfortunately, this book is not always formatted in an easily understandable manner. The dialogue includes many specialized words used by the Brotherhood, but often the meaning of these words does not appear until halfway through the book. This maintains a sense of mystery in the story, but can also be extremely frustrating. Further, the book often refers to Dragons of the East; if you haven't read that sourcebook, you will probably be frustrated by the frequent appearances of "For more information, see 'Dragons of the East'."

All in all, however, an excellent book. Its strengths easily compensate for its shortcomings. This book might have earned five stars, but I give it four stars because of the confusing layout. Bottom line: If you play Mage and you intend to have even a single Akashic Brotherhood character, this book is a must-have.