World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: Pandaria

World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth #4

by Alex Acks

THE WINDS OF PANDARIA SING OF MYTH AND LEGEND!

Tranquil and verdant, the ancient home of the pandaren is bursting with beauty, magic, and stories waiting to be told. Join The Wild Dog, Li Li Stormstout, her uncle, Chen Stormstout, and their old friend Catelyn the Blade as they wander the land seeking adventure and revelation, and learning what it means to leave—and return—home. From the lush Jade Forest to the warmth of the Wandering Isle, explore new lore and incredible artwork showcasing Pandaria, its peoples, and the powerful armor and artifacts found there. Exploring Azeroth: Pandaria is your next step in a breathtaking trek across Azeroth.

Genres: Warcraft, World Of Warcraft, Fantasy

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Kryptomite · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay. It didn't do anything especially good, it didn't do anything especially bad. The storyline between the three authors is weaker than the one that was in northrend, and I genuinely expected more camaraderie and humor between them. I wish this book had dealt more into the back story of the pandaren and the mogu. It did cover the wandering aisle and the timeless aisle, which I was pleased to see, but I didn't feel like I really got the awe inspiring sense of wonder from this book that I did when I went to pandaria myself, and it didn't really bring me back to that time frame.

[Pistis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que bonito todo

[Anna Zaczek · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Slow down... life is to be savoured!" - Random Pandaren NPC

TL;DR Book is alright

While I've been a fan of the Warcraft universe since Warcraft III, the Mists of Pandaria expansion holds a special place in my heart as the first time I really began raiding and spending time with others in-game. I'm also a sucker for the lore in general, with a collection of Warcraft novels spanning from my Kindle to my personal library, and despite the fact that retail quite frequently loses its way, I still keep up with it, just to see the seemingly endless story I love progress. That being said, nothing really captures my imagination quite like Pandaria, so when I saw this book had released, I actually bought this instead of the third book, Northrend, and will buy that later.

While I don't regret that choice, as Pandaria is so dear to me, I'm not entirely positive that this book and its contents meet the same standards as the others in the series. I own Books one and two, the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor respectively, already, and this series has something of a theme going in the way they typically present themselves.

There is a Plot A, that involves three well-known characters from the series teaming up to explore the continent - for example in this book, it is Chen Stormstout, an old timer from the RTS days - his niece, Li Li Stormstout, and Catelyn the Blade, who is a mere questgiver in-game, but may be a little more well known to Warcraft lore readers for her role in "Quest for Pandaria" by Sarah Pine. Plot A focuses mostly on their exploration of the zones and locations within Pandaria and its outskirts, including some further afield locations such as the Wandering Isle, and we are told the stories and histories of these locations by way of comments, memories, and storytelling from those the group speak to. There is also constant references to the player character's actions during the expansion itself, which I appreciate immensely (although this should be expected anyway).

There is also a Plot B which focuses much more on the synergy between the characters doing the exploring, and usually involves the characters making comments on one another's writings, banter, and the growing of friendships, which usually culminates in the characters having a better understanding of each other by the end of the adventure, and it's smiles all around.

The A Plot focuses primarily on how various areas have recovered after the events of the MoP expansion, which I greatly enjoyed. This is often in tandem with explanations of why these areas are important, or some history about the area, such as details about the Mogu, the Pandaren uprising, the tale of Emperor Shaohao or information on what the Horde/Alliance got up to in this area (for those who may have missed the expansion or want a refresher). Although it reads a bit more wikipedia-ish than the first two books, I don't really think this is a problem.

In my opinion, the B Plot is where things fall short this time around. Unlike The Eastern Kingdoms, which is mostly a Stormwind Intelligence report, and Kalimdor, which takes on the guise of a scout checking up on all the Horde provinces and outposts, Exploring Pandaria is a gentle meander across the mysterious continent, where a dude, his niece, and their friend from That One Time TM decide to explore the whole of Pandaria simply because they can. While this sounds silly, that is actually pretty on point for the Pandaren way of life, so thumbs up there.

But that doesn't really save it from the weakness the B Plot has. Rather than focusing on all three characters simultaneously and their own feelings and shortcomings, Catelyn and Chen take on the role of caretakers to Li Li, who is going through a difficult time and feels directionless. I'm sure that's something we can all relate to, and honestly I don't even think the B Plot is bad for focusing on this. I think it falls short because that's basically all it focuses on. Chen's running a brewery now, but it barely talks about that. Catelyn crashed her whole ship into Angler's Wharf, but the book only uses that as a segue into the exploration at large.

At the same time, though, I feel like I should appreciate this book's attempt to add more substance to Li Li's character. The little firecracker was one of my favourite things about the Pandaria storyline but at times it does feel like she did very little, and any cameos she's had since then have filled me with joy. This one did too, even. But I don't know... it almost feels like it's not enough somehow.

On another note, the art featured in the book is practically flawless as always. Some of the more "scratchy" monochrome pieces that are meant to look like book sketches perhaps from Li Li are a little too digital-looking. I can tell quite easily they're from a digital art program, which does break the immersion a bit. But the quality of these pieces - all of the pieces actually - are still perfect, fit the art style well, and bring the game's sights up to a somewhat modern age. On the other hand, Blizzard have always been good at that. Art is the one area they never seem to slip up.

To wrap up, a strong 4/5. It only loses a star because of my grievances with the B Plot, and honestly if I could I'd mark it 4.5. Still a decent buy, and a great addition for loreheads or merch collectors.

[Aśka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moim zdaniem najlepsza z dotychczasowych części. Dobre połączenie bogatego lore z dodatku, dobór głównego narratora (i dogadujących do narracji) oraz oplecenie kolejności opisu poszczególnych lokalizacji na dwóch historiach: 1) retelingu historii pandareńskiego Imperatora Shaohao i powstania Sha oraz 2) wątpliwości głównej narrator odnośnie jej dalszych wyborów życiowych. Całość czyta się przyjemnie, napisane jest w sposób wyważony a pisanie o kulinarnej stronie dodatku spełnia wymóg PG13 (co dla starszego czytelnika jest dość zabawne). Ilustracje jak w każdym tomie nad wyraz udane.

[Timothy Pitkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read as it does a lot to help provide more details about the locations of Pandaria. I do like that we get some more info about the Celestials and Emperor Shaohao. I also like the entries about the various tier sets in Pandaria and it even extends to the Timeless Isle, Isle of Thunder, and even the Wandering Isle. My only wish is that I wished that we got some more info about the Mogu like the emperors and the stories about them.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me a genuinely enjoyable read. Playing WoW as a Pandaren certainly helps.