The Euthanatos Tradition book for White Wolf's Mage: The Ascension is, in my opinion, very well written. The first 1/2 to 2/3 of the book manages to explain the history of the Euthanatos as well as their beliefs in an intriguing story form. Small insets throughout the story help to further flesh out and explain concepts and ideas mentioned. The remaining portion of the book more fully explains the different views, beliefs, and basic types of Euthanatos in the more informational format that many Mage: The Ascension players are familiar with. It also contains a lexicon, a few sample characters, a few new Euthanatos rotes, and a short view of many different Euthantoi groups (as well as those populated with ex-Euthanatoi who have fallen from the tradition's ideals). In addition, it gives rules for Jhor, the name Euthanatos give to the fixation with death that has lead to the downfall of some of its members (an always real threat to those who deal with death so closely). The art in the book is well done and often reflects the text it accompanies.

I especially liked the fact that the book shows the true side of the often mislabelled "Death Mages". It shows how their focus is not so much on death as on life and rebirth, including the "recycling" of those so tainted that they cannot be redeemed any other way. This book definitely will help new players get a proper feel for their characters as well as giving ideas to those who have been playing for a while.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)