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World of Warcraft #5
Night of the Dragon
Grim Batol: its dark legacy stretches back into the mists of Azeroth's past. But most know it as the site of a terrible tragedy -- where the vile orcs corrupted the hatchlings of the noble Dragonqueen, Alexstrasza, and used them as weapons of war. Though a band of heroes, led by the enigmatic mage, Krasus, defeated the orcs and freed the captive dragons, the cursed mountain stands as another ravaged landmark within the... WORLD OF WARCRAFT
But now Krasus -- known to some as the red dragon Korialstrasz -- senses the malice of Grim Batol rising once more to threaten those he holds dear. Determined this time to confront this evil by himself, he is unaware of the quests that will draw others to Grim Batol and reveal the monstrous truth that could not only herald their deaths, but usher in a terrible new age of darkness and destruction.
But now Krasus -- known to some as the red dragon Korialstrasz -- senses the malice of Grim Batol rising once more to threaten those he holds dear. Determined this time to confront this evil by himself, he is unaware of the quests that will draw others to Grim Batol and reveal the monstrous truth that could not only herald their deaths, but usher in a terrible new age of darkness and destruction.
320 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 18, 2008
About the author
Richard A. Knaak
266 books1,492 followersRichard A. Knaak is the bestselling author of Dragonlance novels, the Dragonrealm and Black City Saint series (his own creations), six novels for Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo series, and six works in the Warcraft universe. He has also written several non-series fantasy books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 3, 2024
وای که بالاخره تموم شد وای!
June 14, 2016
خدای من وای O_o
چی بود این لاممصصصصب
یعنی نابود شدم عملاً. داستان بسی خرکی بود.
هی غافلگیری پشت غافلگیری. آدم اصلاً مهلت نمیکرد فکر کنه.
آخرشم که دیگه ته حماسه و اینا بود. فکر کنم پنجتا اژدها همزمان با هم میجنگیدن
البته یه چیز رو مخش مشکل خرکی ویراستاری و ترجمه بود. خیلی جاها جملهبندیها رو میشد بهتر کرد. تکرار فعل، حذف به قرینه تخیلی و ... یه بخشهایی از داستان هم یکهو پرش داره. طوری که آدم نمیفهمه صحنه عوض شد. خیلی رو مخه. حالا نمیدونم مال ترجمس یا سبک نویسنده. در هر صورت مزخرفه :|
بازم از داستان بگم براتون. شخصیتهای زیاد و خرکین ولی شخصیت پردازی خوب باعث میشه تک تکشونو یادش بمونه.
داستان فوقالعادهای بود. پر از قهرمانی و فداکاری و شجاعت و اینا.
مبارزه آخرشو یه دور خوندم، بعد گفتم ها؟ چی شد؟
یه بار دیگه خوندم تا دستم اومد :))
و باز هم واااااااااااای
واااااااااااای
وااااااااااای
هی وای من
بخونید :دی
چی بود این لاممصصصصب
یعنی نابود شدم عملاً. داستان بسی خرکی بود.
هی غافلگیری پشت غافلگیری. آدم اصلاً مهلت نمیکرد فکر کنه.
آخرشم که دیگه ته حماسه و اینا بود. فکر کنم پنجتا اژدها همزمان با هم میجنگیدن
البته یه چیز رو مخش مشکل خرکی ویراستاری و ترجمه بود. خیلی جاها جملهبندیها رو میشد بهتر کرد. تکرار فعل، حذف به قرینه تخیلی و ... یه بخشهایی از داستان هم یکهو پرش داره. طوری که آدم نمیفهمه صحنه عوض شد. خیلی رو مخه. حالا نمیدونم مال ترجمس یا سبک نویسنده. در هر صورت مزخرفه :|
بازم از داستان بگم براتون. شخصیتهای زیاد و خرکین ولی شخصیت پردازی خوب باعث میشه تک تکشونو یادش بمونه.
داستان فوقالعادهای بود. پر از قهرمانی و فداکاری و شجاعت و اینا.
مبارزه آخرشو یه دور خوندم، بعد گفتم ها؟ چی شد؟
یه بار دیگه خوندم تا دستم اومد :))
و باز هم واااااااااااای
واااااااااااای
وااااااااااای
هی وای من
بخونید :دی
June 10, 2009
I went into this book prepared to be disappointed. Most books written as tie-ins to popular culture (ie, movies, games, skits, etc) are poorly conceptualized, badly written, and an obvious attempt to simplly wrest more money from die-hard fans. However, this book was oth a pleasant & unexpected exception to that rule.
The story itself is pretty straight forward: stop the bad guy. A group of diverse individuals are drawn toward Grim Batol, a place of terrible evil, to stop an even greater evil from being released into the world.
The characters are arch-types, but not stock. Mr. Knaak manages to place just enough "opposite" into his characters so that hey live.
Krasus, the arch-type of Aged Wisdom, makes mistakes. Brash Youth Kalec gives of himself, the Seasoned Warrior in the character of Rom has a soft side. Even Eternal Innocence Irini kills when she must. All cliches, but presented well enough so as not to read as cliches.
The writing itself is very well done. The author treads the middle ground between the bare-bones style of Hemingway and the overly verbose, goth like writing of far too many modern authors. There are no "I-like-the sound-of-my-own-voice" paragraphs in this book, nothing to skip over or cut out. The battle scenes are exceptionally well done; well enough so that you actually may question the outcome. The descriptive paragraghs pull you nicely into a scene without interfering with the flow of the story.
There are two parts to every book. The story itself, and the writing. As to the story itself, I give the book a fair-to-decent 7. The writing, however, I will give a 9. I will both reread this book & look to read other boooks written by this author. Definitely worth a read, whether a World of Warcraft fan, a sci-fi/fantasy reader, or just a lover of good writing. I give it anoverall 4 on the Goodreads scale.
The story itself is pretty straight forward: stop the bad guy. A group of diverse individuals are drawn toward Grim Batol, a place of terrible evil, to stop an even greater evil from being released into the world.
The characters are arch-types, but not stock. Mr. Knaak manages to place just enough "opposite" into his characters so that hey live.
Krasus, the arch-type of Aged Wisdom, makes mistakes. Brash Youth Kalec gives of himself, the Seasoned Warrior in the character of Rom has a soft side. Even Eternal Innocence Irini kills when she must. All cliches, but presented well enough so as not to read as cliches.
The writing itself is very well done. The author treads the middle ground between the bare-bones style of Hemingway and the overly verbose, goth like writing of far too many modern authors. There are no "I-like-the sound-of-my-own-voice" paragraphs in this book, nothing to skip over or cut out. The battle scenes are exceptionally well done; well enough so that you actually may question the outcome. The descriptive paragraghs pull you nicely into a scene without interfering with the flow of the story.
There are two parts to every book. The story itself, and the writing. As to the story itself, I give the book a fair-to-decent 7. The writing, however, I will give a 9. I will both reread this book & look to read other boooks written by this author. Definitely worth a read, whether a World of Warcraft fan, a sci-fi/fantasy reader, or just a lover of good writing. I give it anoverall 4 on the Goodreads scale.
July 21, 2016
عالی... چی بهتر از این؟
شخصیت پردازی های فوق العاده, داستان فوق قوی و توصیفات تمیز و بی نقص. چی دیگه باقی میمونه؟!
توصیفات قشنگ ناک جایی برای سوال توی ذهن مخاطب نمیذاره, قشنگ صحنه های نبرد رو جلو چشمم میدیدم. هیچ کم و کاستی نذاشت تو کار بمونه.
شخصیت پردازیش که دیگه فوق خفن... پر از تصمیمایی که مغز آدم سوت میکشه, فداکاری و شجاعت و اینا.
هیچ ایرادی هم از داستان نمیشه گرفت. خیلی تمیز روی پردازش داستان کار کرده بود.
والبته خالی از مشکلات ترجمه و ویراستاری نبود. یعنی آخرش موج میزد تو کتاب. آخراش هم پرش های زمانی یا مکانیش -در بعضی جاها- نامعلوم بود به شکلی که نمیشد فهمید که صحنه عوض شده یا نه...
در کل با فاکتور گیری از مشکلات چاپی و ترجمه یک کتاب عالیه...
شخصیت پردازی های فوق العاده, داستان فوق قوی و توصیفات تمیز و بی نقص. چی دیگه باقی میمونه؟!
توصیفات قشنگ ناک جایی برای سوال توی ذهن مخاطب نمیذاره, قشنگ صحنه های نبرد رو جلو چشمم میدیدم. هیچ کم و کاستی نذاشت تو کار بمونه.
شخصیت پردازیش که دیگه فوق خفن... پر از تصمیمایی که مغز آدم سوت میکشه, فداکاری و شجاعت و اینا.
هیچ ایرادی هم از داستان نمیشه گرفت. خیلی تمیز روی پردازش داستان کار کرده بود.
والبته خالی از مشکلات ترجمه و ویراستاری نبود. یعنی آخرش موج میزد تو کتاب. آخراش هم پرش های زمانی یا مکانیش -در بعضی جاها- نامعلوم بود به شکلی که نمیشد فهمید که صحنه عوض شده یا نه...
در کل با فاکتور گیری از مشکلات چاپی و ترجمه یک کتاب عالیه...
November 12, 2017
3.5
اگر پایان راضی کننده اش نبود بیشتر از سه بهش نمی دادم
بعد از سالها دوباره یکی از جلدهای وارکرفت رو خوندم. حس نوستالژی خوبی داشت. ولی این جلد زیاد راضی کننده نبود. این حجم از اتفاقات و درگیری ها و کشمکش های پشت سر هم واقعا بی سابقه بود. انقدر آشفتگی واقعا مثال زدنیست. اژدهای آبی هم که کلا وجودش زائد بود. هیچ کار مفیدی نکرد و از اول داستان غر میزد و کراسوس رو قضاوت می کرد و از داغ عشق از دست رفته اش آنوینا آه می کشید. و سایر جمیع کاراکترها که توی این جلد حضور داشتن. فقط ایلیدن و ملفاریون نبودن تا جمعشون جمع بشه. با این حال در مجموع خوب بود. همین
شخصیت مورد علاقه ام توی این جلد ایریدی بود. کلا شخصیت درنای ها رو می پسندم. حتی بیشتر از الف ها
یه نکته هم اینکه این کتاب روایتش بعد از کتاب آرتاس و مانگای سه جلدی چشمه ی خورشید هست. پیشنهاد می کنم اول کتاب آرتاس رو بخونین بعد از اون چشمه ی خورشید و در نهایت شب اژدها
اگر پایان راضی کننده اش نبود بیشتر از سه بهش نمی دادم
بعد از سالها دوباره یکی از جلدهای وارکرفت رو خوندم. حس نوستالژی خوبی داشت. ولی این جلد زیاد راضی کننده نبود. این حجم از اتفاقات و درگیری ها و کشمکش های پشت سر هم واقعا بی سابقه بود. انقدر آشفتگی واقعا مثال زدنیست. اژدهای آبی هم که کلا وجودش زائد بود. هیچ کار مفیدی نکرد و از اول داستان غر میزد و کراسوس رو قضاوت می کرد و از داغ عشق از دست رفته اش آنوینا آه می کشید. و سایر جمیع کاراکترها که توی این جلد حضور داشتن. فقط ایلیدن و ملفاریون نبودن تا جمعشون جمع بشه. با این حال در مجموع خوب بود. همین
شخصیت مورد علاقه ام توی این جلد ایریدی بود. کلا شخصیت درنای ها رو می پسندم. حتی بیشتر از الف ها
یه نکته هم اینکه این کتاب روایتش بعد از کتاب آرتاس و مانگای سه جلدی چشمه ی خورشید هست. پیشنهاد می کنم اول کتاب آرتاس رو بخونین بعد از اون چشمه ی خورشید و در نهایت شب اژدها
June 26, 2019
«معمولا وحشت زده ترین مردمند که بزرگترین کارها را انجام میدهند»
این کتاب اولین کتاب ترجمه شده، از سری وارکرفت بود که خوندم. اول هم میخوام از همین مورد یعنی ترجمه شروع کنم: برای من اوایل کتاب عادت کردن به عباراتی که قبلا مدام انگلیسیشون رو خونده بودم، با وجود زیباییشون، حقیقتا آسون نبود. (Nether dragon= اژدهای برزخی، Deathwing= مرگبال) البته مترجم توضیحات خیلی خوبی رو در راستای مدل ترجمه توی مقدمه نوشته بود که خیلی کمک کننده بود اما بعضا اسم های خاص هم ترجمه شده بودن که البته شاید ایرادی نداشته باشه ولی یه کم رو مخم بود ( Bronzebeard clan = قبیله ریش برنزی)
مقوله دوم، نویسنده است. اگر اشتباه نکنم این ششمین کتابی بود که از knaak میخوندم. سبک نوشتنش نسبت به باقی نویسنده های سری وارکرفت چند تا تفاوت واضح داره:
۱- ابتدای داستان تقریبا همیشه خیلی کند پیش میره و صرف توضیحات جزئی راجع به کاراکتر ها میشه، اما از یه جا به بعد به قدری داستان جذاب میشه که نمیشه کتاب رو کنار گذاشت. توی این تجربه، مثل دفعات قبل چند فصل اول رو خیلی کند پیش رفتم.
۲- معمولا صحنه های پر تنش، حساس و نبردها با جزییات زیادی توصیف نمیشن، این اکثرا این حس رو ایجاد میکنه که ما وقت نداریم به صورت کامل اون مکان رو بشناسیم [احتمالا شخصیت های داستان هم مشغول کارهای دیگه ای هستن پس حواسشون به جزیی ترین نکات نیست!] در حالی که شخصیت پردازی خوبی داره و اواسط داستان کاملا احساس نزدیکی با کاراکترها میشه برقرار کرد و این به قدری موثره که حتی با کاراکترهایی که توی چند فصل آشنا میشیم، به خوبی تو شرایط چالش برانگیز و احساسی میشه درکشون کرد.
۳- روایت شخصیت ها اوایل داستان به صورت طولانی و تعویض بینشون با فاصله های زیاد اتفاق میفته؛ هر چقدر به اواخر داستان نزدیک میشیم، روایات کوتاه تر شده و این تعویض بیشتر و بیشتر صورت میگیره.
۴- معمولا دیالوگ های خیلی خفنی رد و بدل نمیشن و اگر دنبال نقل قول های خیلی قوی می گردین، احتمالا کتاب های knaak نوشته هایی نیستن که تو اولویتتون باید باشه.
اما راجع به داستان، از لحاظ مکانی عمده وقایع توی Grim Batol اتفاق میفته. موضوع به طور خلاصه از این قراره که بانویی نقشه های پلیدی برای استفاده از نوعی اژدها داره تا به این وسیله به آزروث حکمرانی کنه (کلیشه آدم بدهای وارکرفت:)))) )
زمان وقوع، به نظر میرسه بین اتفاقات Burning Crusade و Wrath of the Lich King باشه (Malygos فعلا اعلان جنگ نکرده).
اگر «روز اژدها» رو خونده باشین، خیلی از شخصیت ها رو میشناسین... Krausus خودش میره گریم بتول رو از نظر وضعیت کنونیش و با توجه به این که چندین ساله به حال خودش رها شده، بررسی کنه... Dwarf هایی هم طی یک ماموریت دیگه به سر کردگی Rom وضعیت قلعه رو بررسی میکنن. شخصیت های قدیمی، خیلی خوب جا افتادن و بعضیاشون کاملا مشخصه که به خاطر تجربه هایی که طی این سال ها به دست آوردن، پخته شدن، همینطور با کاراکترهای جدیدی هم آشنا میشیم که شخصیت پردازیشون همونطور که گفتم خیلی خوب پیش میره.
در نهایت یکی از ایرادها، این بود که وقایع زیادی سعی شده بود که سریع توضیح داده بشن (مثل آخر بعضی از سریالها:)))) ) اما در کل شخصیت پردازیش رو مثل دفعات قبل دوست داشتم و منو جاهایی تحت تاثیر قرار میداد.
«آن ها مثل من نبودند. خوب فکر نمیکردند. فقط گرسنه بودند و اجازه دادند گرسنگی به جایشان تصمیم بگیرد...»
این کتاب اولین کتاب ترجمه شده، از سری وارکرفت بود که خوندم. اول هم میخوام از همین مورد یعنی ترجمه شروع کنم: برای من اوایل کتاب عادت کردن به عباراتی که قبلا مدام انگلیسیشون رو خونده بودم، با وجود زیباییشون، حقیقتا آسون نبود. (Nether dragon= اژدهای برزخی، Deathwing= مرگبال) البته مترجم توضیحات خیلی خوبی رو در راستای مدل ترجمه توی مقدمه نوشته بود که خیلی کمک کننده بود اما بعضا اسم های خاص هم ترجمه شده بودن که البته شاید ایرادی نداشته باشه ولی یه کم رو مخم بود ( Bronzebeard clan = قبیله ریش برنزی)
مقوله دوم، نویسنده است. اگر اشتباه نکنم این ششمین کتابی بود که از knaak میخوندم. سبک نوشتنش نسبت به باقی نویسنده های سری وارکرفت چند تا تفاوت واضح داره:
۱- ابتدای داستان تقریبا همیشه خیلی کند پیش میره و صرف توضیحات جزئی راجع به کاراکتر ها میشه، اما از یه جا به بعد به قدری داستان جذاب میشه که نمیشه کتاب رو کنار گذاشت. توی این تجربه، مثل دفعات قبل چند فصل اول رو خیلی کند پیش رفتم.
۲- معمولا صحنه های پر تنش، حساس و نبردها با جزییات زیادی توصیف نمیشن، این اکثرا این حس رو ایجاد میکنه که ما وقت نداریم به صورت کامل اون مکان رو بشناسیم [احتمالا شخصیت های داستان هم مشغول کارهای دیگه ای هستن پس حواسشون به جزیی ترین نکات نیست!] در حالی که شخصیت پردازی خوبی داره و اواسط داستان کاملا احساس نزدیکی با کاراکترها میشه برقرار کرد و این به قدری موثره که حتی با کاراکترهایی که توی چند فصل آشنا میشیم، به خوبی تو شرایط چالش برانگیز و احساسی میشه درکشون کرد.
۳- روایت شخصیت ها اوایل داستان به صورت طولانی و تعویض بینشون با فاصله های زیاد اتفاق میفته؛ هر چقدر به اواخر داستان نزدیک میشیم، روایات کوتاه تر شده و این تعویض بیشتر و بیشتر صورت میگیره.
۴- معمولا دیالوگ های خیلی خفنی رد و بدل نمیشن و اگر دنبال نقل قول های خیلی قوی می گردین، احتمالا کتاب های knaak نوشته هایی نیستن که تو اولویتتون باید باشه.
اما راجع به داستان، از لحاظ مکانی عمده وقایع توی Grim Batol اتفاق میفته. موضوع به طور خلاصه از این قراره که بانویی نقشه های پلیدی برای استفاده از نوعی اژدها داره تا به این وسیله به آزروث حکمرانی کنه (کلیشه آدم بدهای وارکرفت:)))) )
زمان وقوع، به نظر میرسه بین اتفاقات Burning Crusade و Wrath of the Lich King باشه (Malygos فعلا اعلان جنگ نکرده).
اگر «روز اژدها» رو خونده باشین، خیلی از شخصیت ها رو میشناسین... Krausus خودش میره گریم بتول رو از نظر وضعیت کنونیش و با توجه به این که چندین ساله به حال خودش رها شده، بررسی کنه... Dwarf هایی هم طی یک ماموریت دیگه به سر کردگی Rom وضعیت قلعه رو بررسی میکنن. شخصیت های قدیمی، خیلی خوب جا افتادن و بعضیاشون کاملا مشخصه که به خاطر تجربه هایی که طی این سال ها به دست آوردن، پخته شدن، همینطور با کاراکترهای جدیدی هم آشنا میشیم که شخصیت پردازیشون همونطور که گفتم خیلی خوب پیش میره.
در نهایت یکی از ایرادها، این بود که وقایع زیادی سعی شده بود که سریع توضیح داده بشن (مثل آخر بعضی از سریالها:)))) ) اما در کل شخصیت پردازیش رو مثل دفعات قبل دوست داشتم و منو جاهایی تحت تاثیر قرار میداد.
«آن ها مثل من نبودند. خوب فکر نمیکردند. فقط گرسنه بودند و اجازه دادند گرسنگی به جایشان تصمیم بگیرد...»
February 9, 2015
Out of all the Warcraft books, I would have to say, this was one of my least favorite. I found the characters to be weak and lacking any depth. This was, to say the least, a huge disappointment because many of the characters were beloved ones that had been introduced in previous novels. The reader was introduced to Rhonin and Vereesa in the "Day of the Dragon". In that book they are merely acquaintances that could barely tolerate each other at first. Then suddenly they are together and expecting the birth of the twins in "The Well of Eternity". Now, the twins are born and I'm sitting here wondering where was the story of the two getting together?
This book had the feeling of someone deperately trying to pump out another novel in a popular franchise but not really having anything worthy to contribute to it. It was just a conglomeration of familiar characters and events mashed together with some haphazardly created new characters so that the author can say that he contributed something to it. While at the same time, some potentially interesting new characters were introduced and then tossed to the wayside like murloc dung (i.e. Captain Marcus Windthorne of the Stormchild).
The conflicts themselves were like watching someone trying to desperately tear down a brick wall with the simple action of repeatedly pounding it with their head, while at the same time not knowing why they are compelled to such fruitless action. The heroes would fight the enemies only to be knocked unconscious, captured, and/or killed, only for them to somehow, recover only to throw themselves at the enemy again to same exact conclusion. And yet, despite the enormous defeats, they manage to supposedly win the day. To what end, I'm still trying to figure it out.
Normally, I am distracted from doing important things like laundry by reading a really good book. Instead I found myself using those activities as an excuse to distract myself from having to continue reading. I continued reading in hopes that it would get at least a little better. It finally did accomplish some minor entertainment value, but only after I was already three quarters of the way through the book.
I certainly hope the franchise returns to it usual exciting quality with the next book that I pick up.
This book had the feeling of someone deperately trying to pump out another novel in a popular franchise but not really having anything worthy to contribute to it. It was just a conglomeration of familiar characters and events mashed together with some haphazardly created new characters so that the author can say that he contributed something to it. While at the same time, some potentially interesting new characters were introduced and then tossed to the wayside like murloc dung (i.e. Captain Marcus Windthorne of the Stormchild).
The conflicts themselves were like watching someone trying to desperately tear down a brick wall with the simple action of repeatedly pounding it with their head, while at the same time not knowing why they are compelled to such fruitless action. The heroes would fight the enemies only to be knocked unconscious, captured, and/or killed, only for them to somehow, recover only to throw themselves at the enemy again to same exact conclusion. And yet, despite the enormous defeats, they manage to supposedly win the day. To what end, I'm still trying to figure it out.
Normally, I am distracted from doing important things like laundry by reading a really good book. Instead I found myself using those activities as an excuse to distract myself from having to continue reading. I continued reading in hopes that it would get at least a little better. It finally did accomplish some minor entertainment value, but only after I was already three quarters of the way through the book.
I certainly hope the franchise returns to it usual exciting quality with the next book that I pick up.
December 20, 2015
This might be the book that breaks my interest in tie-in fiction forever. I wasn't expecting much; it's a WoW novel, which honestly doesn't need to do much to be entertaining. And hey, it's about dragons; I like dragons! Seems like it should be easy to draw some enjoyment here.
No.
Rarely have I ever read writing that actually felt painful. This is pulp fantasy writing of the very worst kind, with many references to countenances and "young ones" and countless . . . ellipses. The writing is overwrought, the dialogue stilted, and frankly, it really was a pain to read.
One of my (least) favorite moments comes early on when the red dragon Krasus, in elven disguise, of course, decides to conceal his true identity as a dragon from a draenei priestess that he's just met. So, of course, he refers to her as "child" with every other sentence, despite the fact that he's posing as an elf and while elves do live for thousands of years in this universe, draenei tend to to live for TENS of thousands of years. Way to give it away, Krasus.
All the sins of tie-in fiction are committed here. If you've never touched WarCraft power, good luck figuring out how a nether dragon is different from a black dragon, which is different than a twilight dragon.
If it feels like I'm being particularly harsh, it's only because I feel like it's really, really hard to screw up a book about dragons doing dragon stuff. But maybe dragon books are harder to get right. Who knows?
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone; even the most diehard WoW fan won't find anything new or interesting here. The plot details are completely ignored by the game's narrative.
No.
Rarely have I ever read writing that actually felt painful. This is pulp fantasy writing of the very worst kind, with many references to countenances and "young ones" and countless . . . ellipses. The writing is overwrought, the dialogue stilted, and frankly, it really was a pain to read.
One of my (least) favorite moments comes early on when the red dragon Krasus, in elven disguise, of course, decides to conceal his true identity as a dragon from a draenei priestess that he's just met. So, of course, he refers to her as "child" with every other sentence, despite the fact that he's posing as an elf and while elves do live for thousands of years in this universe, draenei tend to to live for TENS of thousands of years. Way to give it away, Krasus.
All the sins of tie-in fiction are committed here. If you've never touched WarCraft power, good luck figuring out how a nether dragon is different from a black dragon, which is different than a twilight dragon.
If it feels like I'm being particularly harsh, it's only because I feel like it's really, really hard to screw up a book about dragons doing dragon stuff. But maybe dragon books are harder to get right. Who knows?
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone; even the most diehard WoW fan won't find anything new or interesting here. The plot details are completely ignored by the game's narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2019
This was a mess!! How it has so many high ratings I will never understand. Whilst I expected it to be bad (none of Knaak’s are ever good), I didn’t expect it to be the worst book I read this year.
Die-hard World of Warcraft fans may have found this easier to navigate, but for casual players like myself or people just entering this world this does nothing but confuse and contradict again and again.
Knaak introduces new races, places and historical events that haven’t been featured in previous books, and simply glosses over them, meaning that I often found myself googling to fill in the plot holes.
The scenery described didn’t make sense; battle scenes especially seemed impossible as characters instantly leaped or changed positions in the blink of an eye.
This was bad, and it was boring. Knaak clings to his familiar characters of Krasus, Rhonin and Vereesa to carry him through, and it’s only the nostalgia for these characters that lends it any readability.
Die-hard World of Warcraft fans may have found this easier to navigate, but for casual players like myself or people just entering this world this does nothing but confuse and contradict again and again.
Knaak introduces new races, places and historical events that haven’t been featured in previous books, and simply glosses over them, meaning that I often found myself googling to fill in the plot holes.
The scenery described didn’t make sense; battle scenes especially seemed impossible as characters instantly leaped or changed positions in the blink of an eye.
This was bad, and it was boring. Knaak clings to his familiar characters of Krasus, Rhonin and Vereesa to carry him through, and it’s only the nostalgia for these characters that lends it any readability.
November 23, 2014
I don't know how Richard A. Knaak does it. He is the master of the World of Warcraft novel. After reading and enjoying(but not as much) other authors, I returned to his style for this story. He manages to make me care deeply about every character in the story. I mourn every passing and wish he could have saved them. It isn't just war clashes and descriptions of the violence, it is showing the reason and the passion for it.
I happen to love Kraus from all the other stories I've read with him in. He is without a doubt my second favorite WOW character. I also really like Rhonin and Veressa. This story combines them with dwarves and Iridi a draenai priestess. They are fighting one of Deathwing's consorts Sinestra.
I knew this story would be epic when after my brother read it he started creating characters similar to the ones in the story. I wasn't disappointed.
I happen to love Kraus from all the other stories I've read with him in. He is without a doubt my second favorite WOW character. I also really like Rhonin and Veressa. This story combines them with dwarves and Iridi a draenai priestess. They are fighting one of Deathwing's consorts Sinestra.
I knew this story would be epic when after my brother read it he started creating characters similar to the ones in the story. I wasn't disappointed.
May 27, 2015
Fantastic. While reading this, several times it felt like it had been written after the Cataclysm expansion, when in fact it was written before the release of the prior expansion - Wrath of the Lich King. I'm not sure if Blizzard or Richard Knaak were planning that far ahead, but the story is brilliant. Wonderful characters and great settings. Makes me want to load the game up and go see these places again.
December 9, 2014
Another great WoW novel! I loved how this was a follow up to Day of the Dragon. The return of characters from the first book was nice to see, and the new characters introduced were also epic! This one seemed to have a little more depth than the first one. A must-read for any who have read the first book, or want a good fantasy.
July 21, 2014
This book was fun. It kept me entertained with the storyline that split in multiple threads at times, making it more diverse and intricate. It offered a bit more information on lore and it did depict my favorite dragon. It also explained, albeit in a vague manner, the blood elves' coming to being.
August 9, 2010
The follow up to Day of the Dragon. Enjoyed the story and the only thing I wish is that more of the spells in the books were in-game. :)
July 16, 2013
My favorite knaak warcraft book after the war of the ancients trilogy. Rhonin and Krause are the greatest team in the warcraft universe.
August 5, 2013
awesome book series
April 24, 2024
So my tromp through the Warcraft books continues…
A respite from serious non fiction, these Wow books only survive my reading bc I played the game so long and know the places and the characters…
Lots of dragon, lots of motivations, a dranei, a wizard, a high elf ranger with a real bad sister, and a lot of overly explained feelings and some crazy deus ex magic around every corner…
A respite from serious non fiction, these Wow books only survive my reading bc I played the game so long and know the places and the characters…
Lots of dragon, lots of motivations, a dranei, a wizard, a high elf ranger with a real bad sister, and a lot of overly explained feelings and some crazy deus ex magic around every corner…
March 16, 2025
Uffff. Mira que me gusta leer libros sobre el lore del WoW, pero la traducción que he leído ha sido horrible. Se me ha hecho cuesta arriba muchisimo
April 5, 2018
This book was fairly decent, it had some parts that seemed to draw on, losing some of my interest through out. If I'm to be perfectly honest, the book itself didn't really get good until the last 4 or so chapters which....is kind of disappointing.
The author kind of made fighting sequences seem....odd? I suppose I mean that in the sense that it was very, 'x punched, THEY MISSED! They kicked, right in the jaw!'
The author kind of made fighting sequences seem....odd? I suppose I mean that in the sense that it was very, 'x punched, THEY MISSED! They kicked, right in the jaw!'
March 31, 2018
a gripping story though a bit confusing as to the origins of some aspects or points
January 8, 2022
Another reread added to my lists of reads for 2022.
This one is to many extents a sequel to Day of the Dragon, considering we follow 3/5 of the same characters as we did in the previous novel.
Krasus remains my favourite, but gosh, if you've not, I definitely recommend reading the Sunwell comics before this one, as it adds deeper meaning to the conflict that rages on between Korialstrasz and Kalecgos, and the conflicts about using humans and any of the mortal races for their own decisions and far greater political plots to save the world.
The introduction of Zzeraku and our wonderful priestess also added an interesting parallel, as we confront the realities of the fact that the Dark portal is open and that conflict with Outland and the dragons there is on the rise.
I'm entirely reading these books for the Korialstrasz stories and I'm 100% biased to him being my favourite lore character within the Warcraft universe, but honestly this novel just continues to further on him and his development. Love it.
This one is to many extents a sequel to Day of the Dragon, considering we follow 3/5 of the same characters as we did in the previous novel.
Krasus remains my favourite, but gosh, if you've not, I definitely recommend reading the Sunwell comics before this one, as it adds deeper meaning to the conflict that rages on between Korialstrasz and Kalecgos, and the conflicts about using humans and any of the mortal races for their own decisions and far greater political plots to save the world.
The introduction of Zzeraku and our wonderful priestess also added an interesting parallel, as we confront the realities of the fact that the Dark portal is open and that conflict with Outland and the dragons there is on the rise.
I'm entirely reading these books for the Korialstrasz stories and I'm 100% biased to him being my favourite lore character within the Warcraft universe, but honestly this novel just continues to further on him and his development. Love it.
March 16, 2017
Although its start was slow and boring, the main story was well created and told. Enough details were given throughout so the images kept flowing one after another. I'd say this book, compared with those before, feels more partial; less horde, less alliance and more about Azeroth. However, for the horde!
February 2, 2018
This is the story of Deathwing's lingering influence within Grim Batol. It was decent story. Parts of the fights/battles seems to drag on and on, but overall it was a great addition to the lore.
I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with a time of day in the title.
Also, the Goodreads Twitter prompt #3 - Read a book that features a dragon.
I read this book as part of the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018 - A book with a time of day in the title.
Also, the Goodreads Twitter prompt #3 - Read a book that features a dragon.
September 14, 2014
Far and away the worst Warcraft book I've read to date. It had next to no lore the story consisted of here's a bad guy, here comes a good guy, oh no a stronger bad guy, but look a stronger bad, but here comes a different stronger good guy who was supposed to be too far away to get here in time.
February 28, 2018
Buena segunda parte a las aventuras en Grim Batol. Hasta ahora uno de los mejores libros de la colección de WOW. No obstante, al tener mas personajes secundarios la narración se fragmenta y no todas las subtramas llegan a despertar el mismo interés.
August 24, 2016
It's better than other Knaak's books... but overall its more like a children's fairy tale... He is strengthening his position as the worst fantasy author I've read...
May 31, 2017
واو!
چقدر کشش و تعلیق! نمونه ی بارز یک داستان حماسی جادویی بود. اگرچه پایانش کمی عجیب و متزلزل شد اما پیچ و تاب های داستان واقعا نفس گیر و غیر قابل پیش بینی بود.
چقدر کشش و تعلیق! نمونه ی بارز یک داستان حماسی جادویی بود. اگرچه پایانش کمی عجیب و متزلزل شد اما پیچ و تاب های داستان واقعا نفس گیر و غیر قابل پیش بینی بود.
June 27, 2017
Lo mejor :D
July 1, 2017
loved it, a bit slow paced but it picks up towards the end
February 12, 2018
As allways I enjoy reading of Krasus’ adventures.
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