Asmodee Entertainment and Aconyte, the fiction imprint of global games group Asmodee, have partnered with Ubisoft to publish a new "Assassin's Creed" novel trilogy launching this summer.

Kicking off the trilogy is "The Ming Storm," set in 16th Century China. The story centers around Shao Jun, a young Assassin and fan-favorite from the video game franchise. After the elimination of the Chinese Brotherhood by the rival Templars, Shao Jun must travel to Europe to train with the legendary Ezio Auditore before she returns to exact revenge.

Written by best-selling author Yan Leisheng, the novel has recently been published in China and France, with a Russian edition on the way. "The Ming Storm" will be published in the U.S. and Canada on Jun. 1 and on Jul. 8 in the U.K. The book will be available in paperback and ebook formats, with an audiobook version expected to follow.

"When we started on this project for the Chinese fans of 'Assassin's Creed,' we wanted to create something that would feel meaningful and engaging to them," says Aymar Azaizia, transmedia and business development director, Ubisoft. "We worked hard finding an author who would understand both our franchise and how to tell a compelling story that would resonate with the audience. We are proud to be able to bring this original trilogy to English readers worldwide through Aconyte. Although the content is not set in the main storyline's continuity, you will find a great authentic 'Assassin's Creed' story. Enjoy the ride!"

At the end of 2020, Aconyte was announced as Ubisoft's fiction partner for novels for adult readers, to create new adventures from unexplored corners of the worlds of popular games like "Watch Dogs," "Tom Clancy's The Division," "Beyond Good & Evil" and more. More announcements are expected as Aconyte's range of tie-in fiction expands further.