Book 23: World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King

World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, by Christie Golden

“Arthas: Rise of the Lich King” feels like it should be the best of all the Warcraft books published so far. Golden has a lot to work with: the previous Warcraft books, all the Warcraft games and expansions, and the multitude of lore and history that exists. But there’s a feeling I’m always left with after finishing this book – a feeling that *something* is missing.

The novel is the story of Arthas Menethil, heir to the throne of Lordaeron; a bright boy with a promising future. But instead of becoming a wise king and faithful paladin, Arthas will fall into the dark and icy deep and rise as the Lich King. The book starts out well enough, with Golden tying many of the scenes into other published Warcraft novels and game history. Arthas is established as a boy desperate to do the right thing, eager for his father’s approval, and to be his own person. He makes a misguided vow to do whatever necessary to protect his people, one that he holds to at all costs. Golden is good at writing misguided characters, ones that start with noble intentions that disintegrate – it seems to be her forte; she’s done this in the other Warcraft books she’s authored.

But I feel something is missing from “Arthas: Rise of the Lich King.” For me, Arthas’ fall is too fast. There isn’t enough believability in his fall from grace – while all Warcraft players know that he becomes evil, Golden doesn’t do a good enough job of making it a realistic journey. The third section of the book also glosses greatly over many important events; barely mentioning some and forgetting others all together. The end comes far too quickly. In my opinion the third section is very lacking; it could have used more detail, length, and coverage of important Warcraft events.

Fans of the game will appreciate the little touches Golden puts in, such as Arthas’ anger being described often as righteous fury, a spell paladins have. Or the smell of peacebloom, a common herb in the game. “Arthas: Rise of the Lich King” also features Jaina Proudmoore, Kael’thas Sunstrider, and Sylvanas Windrunner, all legendary figures in their own right.

“Arthas: Rise of the Lich King” was the first Warcraft book to be published in hardcover, and while I did splurge and purchase it in hardcover, I feel $25 is a bit much for this book. Only buy it if you have a good coupon, or wait for the paperback. It’s too short for my tastes, and isn’t long enough to be worth that much, frankly. I was very excited when this book was published, and I couldn’t wait to read it, and I do enjoy rereading it, but I just wish there was more too it. I always feel a bit blah at the end, and I wish I didn’t feel that way.

3/5.

Book 21: World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal

World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal, by Aaron Rosenberg and Christie Golden

“Beyond the Dark Portal” is a novelization of the video game Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal. Because it is a novelization, the authors are somewhat limited in what they can do, but all said, it’s a decent novel for Warcraft fans. I found it particularly useful for background on the previous Warcraft games, because while I haven’t played them I have been an avid World of Warcraft player for a few years.

While most of the orcs left their planet to wreck havoc on Azeroth, some remained exiled on Draenor, or escaped back to Draenor through the Dark Portal after their disastrous war with the humans. Ner’zhul, the orc responsible for the corruption of the orcs, plays a starring role as he once again takes control of the remaining orcs on Draenor, reforming the Horde with the intent of finding another planet for the orcs to invade. The heroes of “Tides of Darkness,” the previous book (and video game) in the series – Khadgar and Turalyon, learn of the orcs’ plans and take the Dark Portal to Draenor, intent on stopping Ner’zhul to save Azeroth – and other worlds – from the devastation of the Horde.

I wish Christie Golden had solo written this book, rather than pairing with Aaron Rosenberg. “Beyond the Dark Portal” suffers from some of the same issues as “Tides of Darkness,” which was written by Rosenberg. It’s somewhat one-sided, focusing on the humans, while leaving the orcs as flat villains. The characterization is better, probably due to Golden’s assistance. There’s even a bit of a romance; some happiness amid the carnage. The battle scenes are far from realistic or even possible, with undefined numbers of orcs being killed. The Horde left on Draenor is supposed to be small, but they can’t be too small if they’re getting killed in every chapter. The pacing of travel also seems unrealistic, with both sides covering vast distances in what seems like no time at all.

I enjoy this book because I am a World of Warcraft fan and player. If you’re a WoW player and considering this book, you’ll probably enjoy it as it does give a lead in to The Burning Crusade expansion, and provides some nice background and lore.

3/5.

Book 19: World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde

World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde, by Christie Golden

“Rise of the Horde” is what a Warcraft book should be. The book is enjoyable, the plot is pretty solid, and the characters are spot on. In the author biography, Golden states that she is a World of Warcraft player and it shows – there are little things thrown in that any Warcraft player will appreciate.

Each chapter starts with a brief introduction from Thrall, the current chief of the new Horde. He is writing the history of the old Horde, the Horde that destroyed their own world and invaded Azeroth, the Horde that perpetuated genocide on the draenei and slaughtered the humans.

The story of the orcs starts with a noble race, living peacefully on Draenor. The orcs have coexisted with the draenei for hundreds of years, ever since the draenei arrived on Draenor fleeing from their ancient enemies. While the orcs take pleasure in hunting animals and bloodlust, they are not killers and have a culture, family groups, a belief system. But all that changes when the Burning Legion turns a key orc to their side, and he leads the orcs on a terrifying descent into madness. Only one clan stands apart, the Frostwolves; their leader Durotan watches helplessly as the orcs are corrupted by demons.

Golden depicts this tale with plenty of emotion; I felt for Durotan’s situation. How many of us have watched someone do something we know is wrong, but we can’t change their minds? Most of us have, I’m sure. “The Rise of the Horde” details just that, the rise of the horde that descended upon Azeroth, intent on taking the world for their own. The story is known, especially if one is a Warcraft player; but Golden fleshes out the story very nicely. How many Warcraft players have visited Durotar, or Orgrimmar? The figures these places are named after, Durotan and Orgrim, are key characters in this book. The additional background detail it provides will delight any Warcraft player; this is one of my favorite novels based on the universe – I’ve read all of them, and read them all multiple times.

5/5.