Book 22: World of Warcraft: Day of the Dragon

World of Warcraft: Day of the Dragon, by Richard A. Knaak

“Day of the Dragon” was the first book to be written in the Warcraft game universe. But while it is based on a game series, the book is practically a work of original fiction with hints of the story coming from the game. Knaak took the setting, characters, and events from the Warcraft universe and constructed them into an enjoyable, readable novel.

Although it is helpful to have some familiarity with Warcraft, such knowledge is not needed to understand the background of the book. Knaak spends some time in the beginning setting up the scene for unfamiliar readers, and refreshing it for those who have played the real time strategy game. I believe that he is the one who took the dragons in Warcraft and really fleshed them out; he has a very good touch with the behemoths. Their splashes of egotism combined with unique personalities make them seem more powerful than the “regular” inhabitants of Azeroth; you can easily see them meddling in mundane affairs, thinking they are doing the right thing.

The main story of “Day of the Dragon” consists of Rhonin, a mage, being sent on an observation mission into orc-held territory. He believes it is a chance to redeem himself for his previous adventure, one that went disastrously wrong. But his chance quickly turns into much more, as he is actually the pawn of two dragons who are each attempting to guide him into fulfilling their own devious plans.

Novels based on games can be very, very weak – usually only enjoyed by hardcore fans. But “Day of the Dragon,” while set in the Warcraft universe, is much more than simple tie-in fiction. Knaak pens a memorable book, one that kept me reading long past my bedtime, as I kept reading “just one more page” to see what would happen next. The plot is ace, the characters are people you want to know more about and you want to see them succeed, and the writing is solid.

If you liked this book, check his “War of the Ancients” trilogy, which continues the story of Rhonin and the dragons.

4/5.

Book 16: Warcraft, War of the Ancients 3: The Sundering

Warcraft, War of the Ancients 3: The Sundering, by Richard A. Knaak

“The Sundering” is the final installment in the War of the Ancients trilogy, a series set in the universe of World of Warcraft. The night elves and other races of Azeroth are perched on the edge of losing their lives and their world to the Burning Legion…

Knaak created a truly epic story in this trilogy, taking the story and universe of Blizzard’s award winning game series and creating memorable characters, an intriguing plot, and fantastic battles. He had to play in a world where many readers will already know most of the storyline, but didn’t let that stop him from delivering a very enjoyable series. “The Sundering” has to wrap up all the loose ends of the previous two books, and it does that in a very nice manner. I read most of this book in 2 sittings, as I was eager to know how everything would finish up. And normally I’m not a real fan of too many battle scenes, but the final battle in “The Sundering” is very enjoyable; Knaak has a knack for writing good battles. I would say it isn’t a fight that should be missed.

As I’ve said about the other books in the trilogy, “The Sundering” is full of lore that will make any Warcraft fan happy. I loved knowing what happened to Illidan…how he went evil. How Malfurion became the first of the druids. Why Mount Hyjal is an important part of the landscape. Little things will likely click into place in your mind as you read the book; I know I have some new questions and theories about why things are the way they are in the Warcraft universe.

The War of the Ancients is a trilogy I’m apt to read when I’m a little sick of playing World of Warcraft, and it almost always generates interest in playing again.

5/5.

Book 12: Warcraft, War of the Ancients 2: The Demon Soul

Warcraft, War of the Ancients #2: The Demon Soul, by Richard A. Knaak

“The Demon Soul” continues where the first book of the trilogy left off. Krasus and Rhonin, who are from the future, have joined forces with the night elves of Azeroth’s past to defeat the Burning Legion. The Burning Legion is an ancient force of evil demons who are attempting to take over the world.

This book delves into the dragons, and the creation of the Dragon Soul – an artifact that has the potential to drive away the Burning Legion…but only if it is used properly. Its creator, Neltharion, will become a figure of Warcraft legend…but not for the right reasons. His name will become synonymous with evil, just like the Burning Legion.

“The Demon Soul” further fills in the history of the War of the Ancients, giving Warcraft fans a fun romp through the past of their favorite world. In it readers learn more about the dragons, the night elves, the first druid Malfurion, and more. Also in it the downfall of Illidan, one of the great bosses of the Burning Crusade, is depicted.

Like the first book in the trilogy, “The Demon Soul” is an enjoyable read. This isn’t meant to be high or original fantasy – it’s based on an established game series, but Knaak doesn’t let that stop him from writing an interesting book that will surely be enjoyed by Warcraft fans. There’s plenty of action, plenty of battles and fights; character development for many of the legendary game figures; and more lore. One thing I love about this Warcraft trilogy is that reading it always makes me want to go back and visit the parts of the game that were described, or visit the characters that were given detail.

4/5.

Book 11: Warcraft, War of the Ancients 1: The Well of Eternity

Warcraft, War of the Ancients #1: The Well of Eternity, by Richard A. Knaak

“The Well of Eternity” is the first in a trilogy of books based on the bestselling game series World of Warcraft. It’s a fun and informative read for fans of the game – you see plenty of game characters fleshed out, and by the end of the first book you’ll know them better.

The book starts a little slow, setting up the main characters and settings, but quickly picks up pace. Krasus, a dragon who spends much of his time in the guise of a human figure, and Rhonin, a mage of Dalaran, are thrust into the distant past. There they meet Malfurion Stormrage, the first druid of the night elf race. Krasus and Rhonin arrive at a time when the Burning Legion is reaching its claws into the world, intent on perverting Azeroth and “cleansing” it of all life.

Krasus and Rhonin run into the classic paradox of time travel – if they mess with the events of the past, will they affect their own future? But when faced with their own destruction, the two inevitably join the war effort of the night elves in an attempt to save Azeroth so that there can be a future…

“The Well of Eternity” is clearly meant for fans of Blizzard’s epic game, but I think that people unfamiliar with the game would enjoy it as well. Knaak gives enough background information so that someone unfamiliar with the world would quickly gain familiarity; in doing so, he also expands nicely on the lore for Warcraft fans. I find this book a good read – it’s enjoyable fantasy, and one I reread every year or so. There’s plenty of action, magic, and lore, which is a good combination.

4/5.