pixelheals

Tonight I finished the new Warcraft book, Tides of War. I enjoyed it greatly and wanted to do a spoiler free review since I’ve seen tons of spoilers out there and I hate that.   So let’s get started!

About the Book

Warcraft Tides of War written by Christie Golden takes place after the Cataclysm and Deathwing’s death.  The people of Azeroth are currently trying to pick up the pieces and try to get back to a “normal” way of life.  This novel follows Lady Jaina Proudmoore, who has always been a strong diplomat in the Warcraft lore who tries to mend relations between the Horde and the Alliance.  However, due to recent issues the tension between both factions seems to be growing.

While at Theramore after the Cataclysm the blue dragonflight come to Jaina to tell her that a powerful artifact – the Focusing Iris – has been stolen.  Jaina agrees to help them try and track it down and assist them in getting the item back.  She works closely with the former blue Dragon Aspect Kalecgos and they grow to have a close and trustful relationship.

While doing this Garrosh Hellscream is calling the Horde together to take down Theramore.  While his decisions and choices aren’t fully supported by everyone in the Horde, he moves forward with his plans and goals and won’t let anyone get in his way, no matter what  side of the war they are on.

The Alliance comes to the aid of Theramore in the hopes to defeat Garrosh and push him back to Orgimmar without the full understanding of his power.  Garrosh’s attack will ultimately transform Jaina and make her question her past, present and future.

My Review

I have to say I do love this book even if it does have some minor flaws. I am very pleased to see Jaina pop back up in the lore and to have some direct and honest insight into her mind.  If you are a Jaina fan I don’t think you will be disappointed, and for those that may not like her, this book might change your mind about who she is.

I loved the build up to the battle, it reminded me of the Battle of Helm’s Deep in Lord of the Rings. I could really see and feel the Horde driving towards Theramore with the drums of battle.  This was extremely well done, I loved the fighting scenes as well, great visuals and very intense to read.

The emotion that Golden can build between characters is overwhelming and wonderful! I found myself yelling at the book, crying, and laughing all at the same time.  She doesn’t let you down when it comes to letting you feel the direct connections with those in the book.

A few things in the novel are pretty apparent that they would play out within the book itself, and the overall plot is nothing really new.  However, the characters involved and of course some of the unexpected events makes it unpredictable at times.

Somethings in the book, including the ending, felt rushed and in the end I felt things were unresolved, however this is to be expected knowing what is coming in the upcoming expansion to be released next month.  All your favorite (or maybe not so favorite) characters will show up, minus a couple that were absent after the start of the novel (to my suspicion and disappointment).

If you are looking for a good Warcraft book that has war, betrayal, love and of course good lore then I would encourage you to pick this one up and give it a chance.  Even if you hate everything about all of the above, you still should read it for the love of the lore.