Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War

So you all know that I am a huge fan of the lore of Warcraft. I am also not bias, although I am Horde for life. I do not exclude myself from being up to date on all the Alliance Lore, as well. I like to be informed and able to answer any questions about the universe in general and make predictions on what could occur in the future. Why? Because sitting back and waiting for everything to happen is not fun to me. Being told and not being able to question it doesn't fly with me either. If something doesn't make sense I will say right away why it doesn't. I will also be right there to defend why something could work. Perfect example of that is the Tauren adaption to the light to become Priests and Paladins. So what does this have to do with anything? Well simple, you can now pre-order the book called Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War.

The release date is set at the moment for June 12 2012. Now obviously this book is about Jaina and expanding of her character, but it is my opinion that this book is the precursor for Mists of Pandaria expansion. Just like Arthas: Rise of the Lich King and The Shattering, were for the previous expansions. This is the book that will give us all the background information on what is to come. Now I am not just saying this because it is the next book coming out, although I could have. The key I believe is in "tides of war". We know the expansion is going to be about the intensifying conflict between the Horde and the Alliance, but one thing to take note of is we know the Horde attacks and takes Theramore, and who rules Theramore? Well Jaina of course. This will be the event that sets off everything. Also remember where Jaina comes from Kul'Tiras, a naval nation, what is the event that the Horde and the Alliance end up on Pandaria? A large Naval battle. Coincidence? I think not.

Also this book serves as a purpose to shut up all the Alliance who are all over Blizzard for expanding on the Horde lore and never touching the Alliance. Something which is completely false, but it should shut them up. So excited, interested? Of course, but until then I will be speculating about it like crazy.

Wolfheart

There will be some spoilers here so if you don't want to hear them don't read it.

So I finished reading this book. Now I was actually looking forward to reading this because I wanted to see the Alliance finally have someone stand out and take the lead. This did happen, and I am happy about that. The book wasn't written poorly and the story wasn't bad at all. We were introduced to characters that have been away for awhile and the explanation for them fit right in. We finally learn what Jarod Shadowsong and Maiev have been up to.

The main story points are the Worgen joining the Alliance, the Highborne getting integrated back into Night Elf Society, and of course what is going on with Varian. These are all dealt with. I won't give away too much, but for an Alliance character I love what they are doing with Anduin. I think they are building him up to something huge and it is really something the Alliance needs.

So those are the things about the book I did like, and I think it was all pretty well done. For what I didn't like is Knaak makes the Horde out to be savages and evil. This to me is wrong on so many points and not just because I bleed Horde. This is because it is not true. The Warcraft universe is divided between Horde and Alliance but it doesn't mean that one is good and one it bad. I understand that both sides are in conflict, but it doesn't mean one has to want to see the world burn. Yes the Horde is advancing positions but that is only because Garrosh is after resources his people need not because he just wants to slaughter countless Alliance to place on a mantle in his room. I say that because at one point in the book Knaak has Garrosh say just that to Varian. He is going to put his skull on his mantle. Like really?

Overall though it does its part to explain Alliance Lore even with its flaws. Happy reading.  

Thrall: Twilight of The Aspects

So yesterday the new novel in regards to Warcraft came out. Here is a brief description of the novel.

When Azeroth was young, the noble titans appointed the five great dragonflights to safeguard the budding world. Each of the flights' leaders was imbued with a portion of the titans' vast cosmic powers. Together, these majestic Dragon Aspects committed themselves to thwarting any force that threatened the safety of the WORLD OF WARCRAFT.


Over ten thousand years ago, a betrayal by the maddened black Dragon Aspect, Deathwing, shattered the strength and unity of the dragonflights. His most recent assault on Azeroth—the Cataclysm—has left the world in turmoil. At the Maelstrom, the center of Azeroth's instability, former Horde warchief Thrall and other accomplished shaman struggle to keep the world from tearing apart in the wake of Deathwing's attack. Yet a battle also rages within Thrall regarding his new life in the shamanic Earthen Ring, hampering his normally unparalleled abilities.


Unable to focus on his duties, Thrall undertakes a seemingly menial task from an unexpected source: the mysterious green Dragon Aspect, Ysera. This humble endeavor soon becomes a journey spanning the lands of Azeroth and the timeways of history itself, bringing Thrall into contact with ancient dragonflights. Divided by conflict and mistrust, these dragons have become easy prey to a horrific new weapon unleashed by Deathwing's servants... a living nightmare engineered to exterminate Azeroth's winged guardians.

Of even greater concern is a bleak and terrifying possible future glimpsed by Ysera: the Hour of Twilight. Before this apocalyptic vision comes to pass, Thrall must purge his own doubts in order to discover his purpose in the world and aid Azeroth's dragonflights as they face the Twilight of the Aspects.

I have just started reading this and I can say that I have been able to get right into it. Christie Golden knows Thrall since she has been the writer on all things Thrall for Blizzard throughout the years. The timelime of this I am sure must take place before the elemental bonds questline since the part I am currently at Thrall is looking for Nozdormu. Now not going to give anything away, but there is some humor involved along with the story. Just think about Thrall going to CoT and what the scene would be like. So far I recommend this without question. Enjoy the read I know I will.