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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Passable at best. The story adds on elements to the plot of Warcraft III as it relates to Arthas - and that really isn't a good book.
Arthas' story from the campaigns was an essential element of the narrative, and in its lonesome is not worth anything (unlike, say, Rise of the Horde, which had independent merit as a book) but a precursor to an expansion. If you're looking to read Arthas' story, go play the game instead.
Arthas' story from the campaigns was an essential element of the narrative, and in its lonesome is not worth anything (unlike, say, Rise of the Horde, which had independent merit as a book) but a precursor to an expansion. If you're looking to read Arthas' story, go play the game instead.
See the full review and more at MyBookJoy.com!
Recommended: DEFINITELY
For fans of the world of Azeroth and its lore, for fans of high fantasy, for an epic tale of a hero / villain and villain / hero, for a really intense and intricately woven story
Thoughts:
Oh man. I had a craving for some epic high fantasy, and naturally I thought "nothing gets the job done better than WoW books." Picked this up thinking it would be great to learn more about the Lich King prior to Shadowlands later this year.
WOW. This was so good it actually made my craving WORSE. The incredible span of the book was far more than I expected. I always love getting the perspective from the character who maybe isn't the hero, and Arthas was extraordinarily complex and fascinating. There were so many other characters and events woven in that I've read about. I was delighted every time someone popped up, and loved adding the new thread of Arthas to the tapestry of each event.
Sylvanas showing up blew me away, as I haven't seen much of her pre-Horde-leader yet, so seeing some of her transformation was powerful and made me feel oddly prescient since I know where she's heading in a while. It actually took me a chapter or two of seeing her to realize she wasn't trying to kill anyone besides the Scourge.
The length of the story in terms of the timeline it covers was entirely unexpected and entirely impressive. From boy Arthas to the fully embraced power of the Lich King, I feel like I know him intimately. Serving as another delicately balanced moral gray area, you'll find yourself sympathizing with someone you would expect to condemn. That more than anything is a highlight for me in pretty much any book.
While my knowledge of the characters and the lore lent this some extra impact when references to other events or people were made, it's presented in a way that someone coming into it would have no issue understanding and enjoying all that's going on. Hopefully it would make them just want to read more to understand those other intriguing snippets! Definitely my favorite of the WoW series that I've read so far.
Recommended: DEFINITELY
For fans of the world of Azeroth and its lore, for fans of high fantasy, for an epic tale of a hero / villain and villain / hero, for a really intense and intricately woven story
Thoughts:
Oh man. I had a craving for some epic high fantasy, and naturally I thought "nothing gets the job done better than WoW books." Picked this up thinking it would be great to learn more about the Lich King prior to Shadowlands later this year.
WOW. This was so good it actually made my craving WORSE. The incredible span of the book was far more than I expected. I always love getting the perspective from the character who maybe isn't the hero, and Arthas was extraordinarily complex and fascinating. There were so many other characters and events woven in that I've read about. I was delighted every time someone popped up, and loved adding the new thread of Arthas to the tapestry of each event.
Sylvanas showing up blew me away, as I haven't seen much of her pre-Horde-leader yet, so seeing some of her transformation was powerful and made me feel oddly prescient since I know where she's heading in a while. It actually took me a chapter or two of seeing her to realize she wasn't trying to kill anyone besides the Scourge.
The length of the story in terms of the timeline it covers was entirely unexpected and entirely impressive. From boy Arthas to the fully embraced power of the Lich King, I feel like I know him intimately. Serving as another delicately balanced moral gray area, you'll find yourself sympathizing with someone you would expect to condemn. That more than anything is a highlight for me in pretty much any book.
While my knowledge of the characters and the lore lent this some extra impact when references to other events or people were made, it's presented in a way that someone coming into it would have no issue understanding and enjoying all that's going on. Hopefully it would make them just want to read more to understand those other intriguing snippets! Definitely my favorite of the WoW series that I've read so far.
I'm actually surprised by all the good reviews for this book. To each their own, though Christie Golden has done much better with other novels. This one felt very rushed, and forced, as though she didn't really have any enthusiasm for writing this one.
If you've played Warcraft III along with the Frozen Throne, there isn't much need to read this. I was also greatly bothered by the injection of the horse - Invincible - into the plot. After Arthas turns to the - ahem - dark side, it seems as though he's constantly thinking about this damn horse. When I still played World of Warcraft, my guild mates and I used to joke around about how Jaina Proudmoore wasn't his true love. That spot was reserved for his damn horse.
I was disappointed by the Kael'thas plot line, because it was actually the only spot in the book that I thought Ms. Golden's talent truly shined. I was disappointed because these moments in the book didn't last long, and they were really interesting. If you're really into World of Warcraft, and really love this book or want to read it, perhaps you'd be interested in buying my signed copy? :D
If you've played Warcraft III along with the Frozen Throne, there isn't much need to read this. I was also greatly bothered by the injection of the horse - Invincible - into the plot. After Arthas turns to the - ahem - dark side, it seems as though he's constantly thinking about this damn horse. When I still played World of Warcraft, my guild mates and I used to joke around about how Jaina Proudmoore wasn't his true love. That spot was reserved for his damn horse.
I was disappointed by the Kael'thas plot line, because it was actually the only spot in the book that I thought Ms. Golden's talent truly shined. I was disappointed because these moments in the book didn't last long, and they were really interesting. If you're really into World of Warcraft, and really love this book or want to read it, perhaps you'd be interested in buying my signed copy? :D
I really enjoyed this book and so far, I think it's the best Warcraft book I've read. The WoW lore regarding Arthas and his descent into evil is some of my favorite, and this book was so fun to read! It was such a good novelization of Warcraft III events, even using some of the exact in-game and cut scene dialogue, but even if you're not a WoW player you could still enjoy this book. It was a good solid fantasy tale all on its own!