The Mass Effect series will be getting four new spin-off novels bridging the gap between the trilogy we all know and love and the highly anticipated fourth entry, Mass Effect: Andromeda, due in Q1 2017.

"The novels will act as prequel and sequels to the events in the games and will become part of the overarching Mass Effect saga. They will focus on key characters and answer the many questions fans have been asking," explained publisher Titan Books.

The first book is being penned by acclaimed sci-fi author N. K. Jemisin, who was nominated for both a Hugo Award and Nebula Award for her debut novel The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. That was later expanded into the Inheritance Trilogy.

It's unclear if Jemisin's novel is called Mass Effect: Andromeda Initiative or Mass Effect: Andromeda Initiation as the listing and cover show different words. Given that the cover says "Initiation", that's most likely correct. Either way, it's due this August.

The second and third books don't have titles or even authors announced yet, but they're scheduled for release in March and September 2017.

The final novel will be penned by Mass Effect: Andromeda creative director Mac Walters. It's due in March 2018.

Want to know more? Here's everything we know about Mass Effect Andromeda.