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War of the Ancients Trilogy #1
The Well of Eternity
Many months have passed since the cataclysmic Battle of Mount Hyjal, where the demonic Burning Legion was banished from Azeroth forever. But now, a mysterious energy rift within the mountains of Kalimdor propels three former warriors into the distant past -- a time long before orcs, humans or even high elves roamed the land. A time when the Dark Titan Sargeras, and his demon pawns persuaded Queen Azshara and her Highborne to cleanse Azeroth of its lesser races. A time when the Dragon Aspects were at the height of their power -- unaware that one of their own would soon usher in an age of darkness that would engulf the world of...War Craft®.
In the first chapter of this epic trilogy, the outcome of the historic War of the Ancients is forever altered by the arrival of three time-lost heroes: Krasus, the dragon mage whose great power and memories of the ancient conflict have inexplicably diminished; the human wizard Rhonin, whose thoughts are divided between his family and the seductive source of his now-growing power; and Broxigar, a weathered orc veteran who seeks a glorious death in combat. But unless these unlikely allies can convince the demigod, Cenarius, and the untrusting night elves of their queen's treachery, the burning Legion's gateway into Azeroth will open anew. And this time -- the struggles of the past may well spill over into the future...
In the first chapter of this epic trilogy, the outcome of the historic War of the Ancients is forever altered by the arrival of three time-lost heroes: Krasus, the dragon mage whose great power and memories of the ancient conflict have inexplicably diminished; the human wizard Rhonin, whose thoughts are divided between his family and the seductive source of his now-growing power; and Broxigar, a weathered orc veteran who seeks a glorious death in combat. But unless these unlikely allies can convince the demigod, Cenarius, and the untrusting night elves of their queen's treachery, the burning Legion's gateway into Azeroth will open anew. And this time -- the struggles of the past may well spill over into the future...
370 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2004
About the author
Richard A. Knaak
269 books1,357 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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January 29, 2022
The Well of Eternity (War of the Ancients Trilogy #1), Richard A. Knaak
The Well of Eternity: War of the Ancients Trilogy is a book trilogy written by Richard A. Knaak set in Blizzard Entertainment's popular video game universe, Warcraft.
This series contains three books: The Well of Eternity (2004), The Demon Soul (2004), The Sundering (2005)
Book One - The Well of Eternity: Many months have passed since the cataclysmic Battle of Mount Hyjal, where the demonic Burning Legion was banished from Azeroth forever. But now, a mysterious energy rift within the mountains of Kalimdor propels three former warriors into the distant past - a time long before orcs, humans or even high elves roamed the land.
A time when the Dark Titan, Sargeras, and his demon pawns persuaded Queen Azshara and her Highborne to cleanse Azeroth of its lesser races. A time when the Dragon Aspects were at the height of their power - unaware that one of their own would soon usher in an age of darkness that would engulf the World of Warcraft.
In the first chapter of this epic trilogy, the outcome of the historic War of the Ancients is forever altered by the arrival of three time-lost heroes: Krasus, the dragon mage whose great powers and memory of the ancient conflict have inexplicably diminished; the human wizard Rhonin, whose thoughts are divided between his family and the seductive source of his growing power; and Broxigar, a weathered orc veteran who seeks an honorable death in combat.
But unless the unlikely allies can convince the demigod, Cenarius, and the untrusting night elves of their queen's treachery, the Burning Legion's gateway into Azeroth will open anew. And this time - the struggles of the past may well spill over into the future. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سال2008میلادی
عنوان: وارکرفت: چشمهٔ جاودانگی کتاب اول نبرد باستانیان؛ نویسنده ریچارد ای ناک؛ مترجم لیلا احمدی؛ ساری، زهره، سال1386، د 493ص؛ شابک9645704898؛ چاپ دوم سال1386؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده21میلادی
ماه‌ها از نبرد کوهستان «هایجال»، که باعث بیرون رانده شدن نیرو‌های اهریمنی «لژیون آتش»، برای همیشه از «آزراث» شده بود، می‌گذرد؛ اما حالا نیرویی مرموز، که در یکی از کوهستان‌های «کلیمدور»، به وجود آمده، سه تن از جنگجویان را، به ژرفای تاریخ می‌کشاند؛ زمانی بسیار کهن‌تر است، از آن زمانی که «اورک»ها، «انسان»ها، و حتی «الف‌های برین»، به گشت و گذار در این دنیا، دلمشغول بودند؛ به زمانی که تایتان پلید «سارگراس»، و دیگر خادمانش، «ملکه آشارا»، و بزرگ‌زادگان تحت امرش را، به تطهیر این دنیا، از نژادهای دون پایه تر، ترغیب کردند؛ زمانیکه اژدهایان سیما، در اوج قدرت و شکوه خود، بودند، و ناآگاه، از آن‌چه در سر یکی از هم‌نوعانشان می‌گذشت؛ افکاری که بسیار زود، زمینه ی به وجود آمدن دوران تاریک را، پایه گذاری کردند، تا آن اژدها، این دنیا را به کام خود کشد؛
در نخستین بخش این سه گانه ی حماسی، نتیجه ی نبرد تاریخی باستانیان، به واسطه ی ورود سه قهرمان، برای همیشه دستخوش تغییر می‌شود؛ «کراسوس، اژدها ساحری»، که قدرت‌های بی بدیل و یادمانهایش از نبرد‌های زمان گذشته، به شکل ناباورانه، دچار نقصان می‌شود؛ «رونین» انسانی که جادوگر است، و افکارش بین سرنوشت خانواده ی خویش، و منبع وسوسه گر جادوئی خویش، که همواره رو به فزونی است، هماره در کش و قوس هستند، و بالاخره «براکسیگار»، «اورکِ» پا به سن گذاشته، و کهنه سربازی که، مرگی با افتخار، در میدان نبرد را، جستجو می‌کند؛ ولی مگر اینکه اتحاد ناگزیر آن‌ها، بتواند، خدایگان جنگل «سناریوس»، و «الف‌های شبانگاه سرسخت»، و بی‌اعتماد را، به خیانت ملکه شان، باورمند سازد؛ چرا که از سویی دیگر، دروازه ی ورود، به «آزراث»، بار دیگر برای «لژیون آتش»، باز می‌شود؛ رخدادهای گذشته، ممکن است این‌بار، آینده را نیز زیر تابش نور خود قرار دهد...؛
نقل از متن: (سرآغاز: فریادی دهشتناک در گذرگاه طنین افکند؛ هیاتـی گرگ وار، گران و هشت پا، بر «رونین» فرو افتاد؛ اگر رونین هرچیزی جز یک ساحر میبود، هـمانجا نابود شده و خوراک موجودی با دندانهای خنجری، چهار چشمِ سبزِ درخشان و هشت اندام چنگالدار میگشت؛ موجود گرگ وارِ عظیم الـجثه وی را به زیر کشید اما «رونین» که برای حفظ خویش، از کوران سرما، بر جامه هایش افسونـی خوانده بود، شکار آسانـی نبود؛ حـمله ی جانور به خرقه که میبایست چنگالهایش را درهم شکند، درنـهایت به شکستن یک ناخن انـجامید
جانور، متحیر، زوزه ی خشم و ناامیدی سرداد؛ «رونین» از دهانه ی گذرگاه، طلسمی بر حیوان خواند، طلسمی ساده اما موثر که پیشترها نیز نـجاتش داده بود
ناگهان نوری ناخوشایند و چشم آزار در مقابل دیدگان زمردین جانور، درخشیدن گرفت، که موجب رمیدن، و کوری موقتـی حیوان شد؛ جانور که بیهوده بر اشکال فروزان ضربه میزد به عقب جهید
رونین دور از دسترس جانور، برخاست؛ امکان پرواز وجود نداشت؛ لازمه ی آن پشت کردن به حیوان بود، و جادوی مـحافظش نیز دیگر ضعیف شده بود؛ فقط چند ضربه سریع دیگر و چنگالهای حیوان، گوشت و استخوان ساحر را از هم میدریدند.
در جزیره، آتش بر غول فائـق آمده بود، و «رونین» دلیلی نـمیدید، که از چنان طلسم موثر و آزموده شده ای، در اینجا نیز بهره نـجوید؛ ورد را زمزمه کرد...؛
و ناگهان هـمه چیز برعکس شد؛ حتی بدتر از آن؛ «رونین» دریافت که به عقب باز میگردد، به میان پنجه های درنده ی حیوانِ کور، زمان به عقب بازگشته بود؛ اما چگونه؟)؛ پایان نقل
در تاریخ روز بیست و دوم ماه اسفند سال1394هجری خورشیدی، برای بار سوم سری سه جلدی را خواندم، و خوانش به پایان آمد، کار «ریچارد ناک» حیرت انگیز است؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 12/11/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 08/11/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
The Well of Eternity: War of the Ancients Trilogy is a book trilogy written by Richard A. Knaak set in Blizzard Entertainment's popular video game universe, Warcraft.
This series contains three books: The Well of Eternity (2004), The Demon Soul (2004), The Sundering (2005)
Book One - The Well of Eternity: Many months have passed since the cataclysmic Battle of Mount Hyjal, where the demonic Burning Legion was banished from Azeroth forever. But now, a mysterious energy rift within the mountains of Kalimdor propels three former warriors into the distant past - a time long before orcs, humans or even high elves roamed the land.
A time when the Dark Titan, Sargeras, and his demon pawns persuaded Queen Azshara and her Highborne to cleanse Azeroth of its lesser races. A time when the Dragon Aspects were at the height of their power - unaware that one of their own would soon usher in an age of darkness that would engulf the World of Warcraft.
In the first chapter of this epic trilogy, the outcome of the historic War of the Ancients is forever altered by the arrival of three time-lost heroes: Krasus, the dragon mage whose great powers and memory of the ancient conflict have inexplicably diminished; the human wizard Rhonin, whose thoughts are divided between his family and the seductive source of his growing power; and Broxigar, a weathered orc veteran who seeks an honorable death in combat.
But unless the unlikely allies can convince the demigod, Cenarius, and the untrusting night elves of their queen's treachery, the Burning Legion's gateway into Azeroth will open anew. And this time - the struggles of the past may well spill over into the future. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: سال2008میلادی
عنوان: وارکرفت: چشمهٔ جاودانگی کتاب اول نبرد باستانیان؛ نویسنده ریچارد ای ناک؛ مترجم لیلا احمدی؛ ساری، زهره، سال1386، د 493ص؛ شابک9645704898؛ چاپ دوم سال1386؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده21میلادی
ماه‌ها از نبرد کوهستان «هایجال»، که باعث بیرون رانده شدن نیرو‌های اهریمنی «لژیون آتش»، برای همیشه از «آزراث» شده بود، می‌گذرد؛ اما حالا نیرویی مرموز، که در یکی از کوهستان‌های «کلیمدور»، به وجود آمده، سه تن از جنگجویان را، به ژرفای تاریخ می‌کشاند؛ زمانی بسیار کهن‌تر است، از آن زمانی که «اورک»ها، «انسان»ها، و حتی «الف‌های برین»، به گشت و گذار در این دنیا، دلمشغول بودند؛ به زمانی که تایتان پلید «سارگراس»، و دیگر خادمانش، «ملکه آشارا»، و بزرگ‌زادگان تحت امرش را، به تطهیر این دنیا، از نژادهای دون پایه تر، ترغیب کردند؛ زمانیکه اژدهایان سیما، در اوج قدرت و شکوه خود، بودند، و ناآگاه، از آن‌چه در سر یکی از هم‌نوعانشان می‌گذشت؛ افکاری که بسیار زود، زمینه ی به وجود آمدن دوران تاریک را، پایه گذاری کردند، تا آن اژدها، این دنیا را به کام خود کشد؛
در نخستین بخش این سه گانه ی حماسی، نتیجه ی نبرد تاریخی باستانیان، به واسطه ی ورود سه قهرمان، برای همیشه دستخوش تغییر می‌شود؛ «کراسوس، اژدها ساحری»، که قدرت‌های بی بدیل و یادمانهایش از نبرد‌های زمان گذشته، به شکل ناباورانه، دچار نقصان می‌شود؛ «رونین» انسانی که جادوگر است، و افکارش بین سرنوشت خانواده ی خویش، و منبع وسوسه گر جادوئی خویش، که همواره رو به فزونی است، هماره در کش و قوس هستند، و بالاخره «براکسیگار»، «اورکِ» پا به سن گذاشته، و کهنه سربازی که، مرگی با افتخار، در میدان نبرد را، جستجو می‌کند؛ ولی مگر اینکه اتحاد ناگزیر آن‌ها، بتواند، خدایگان جنگل «سناریوس»، و «الف‌های شبانگاه سرسخت»، و بی‌اعتماد را، به خیانت ملکه شان، باورمند سازد؛ چرا که از سویی دیگر، دروازه ی ورود، به «آزراث»، بار دیگر برای «لژیون آتش»، باز می‌شود؛ رخدادهای گذشته، ممکن است این‌بار، آینده را نیز زیر تابش نور خود قرار دهد...؛
نقل از متن: (سرآغاز: فریادی دهشتناک در گذرگاه طنین افکند؛ هیاتـی گرگ وار، گران و هشت پا، بر «رونین» فرو افتاد؛ اگر رونین هرچیزی جز یک ساحر میبود، هـمانجا نابود شده و خوراک موجودی با دندانهای خنجری، چهار چشمِ سبزِ درخشان و هشت اندام چنگالدار میگشت؛ موجود گرگ وارِ عظیم الـجثه وی را به زیر کشید اما «رونین» که برای حفظ خویش، از کوران سرما، بر جامه هایش افسونـی خوانده بود، شکار آسانـی نبود؛ حـمله ی جانور به خرقه که میبایست چنگالهایش را درهم شکند، درنـهایت به شکستن یک ناخن انـجامید
جانور، متحیر، زوزه ی خشم و ناامیدی سرداد؛ «رونین» از دهانه ی گذرگاه، طلسمی بر حیوان خواند، طلسمی ساده اما موثر که پیشترها نیز نـجاتش داده بود
ناگهان نوری ناخوشایند و چشم آزار در مقابل دیدگان زمردین جانور، درخشیدن گرفت، که موجب رمیدن، و کوری موقتـی حیوان شد؛ جانور که بیهوده بر اشکال فروزان ضربه میزد به عقب جهید
رونین دور از دسترس جانور، برخاست؛ امکان پرواز وجود نداشت؛ لازمه ی آن پشت کردن به حیوان بود، و جادوی مـحافظش نیز دیگر ضعیف شده بود؛ فقط چند ضربه سریع دیگر و چنگالهای حیوان، گوشت و استخوان ساحر را از هم میدریدند.
در جزیره، آتش بر غول فائـق آمده بود، و «رونین» دلیلی نـمیدید، که از چنان طلسم موثر و آزموده شده ای، در اینجا نیز بهره نـجوید؛ ورد را زمزمه کرد...؛
و ناگهان هـمه چیز برعکس شد؛ حتی بدتر از آن؛ «رونین» دریافت که به عقب باز میگردد، به میان پنجه های درنده ی حیوانِ کور، زمان به عقب بازگشته بود؛ اما چگونه؟)؛ پایان نقل
در تاریخ روز بیست و دوم ماه اسفند سال1394هجری خورشیدی، برای بار سوم سری سه جلدی را خواندم، و خوانش به پایان آمد، کار «ریچارد ناک» حیرت انگیز است؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 12/11/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ 08/11/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
March 14, 2021
الان حدود نه سال از اولین باری که رمانِ وارکرفت (طلوع هورد بود فکر کنم) می‌گذره و هشت نه تا از رمان‌های اصلی رو خوندم. مشکل اینه که نتونستم تصمیم بگیرم وارکرفت یکی از بهترین مجموعه‌های فانتزی با یه دنیاسازی قشنگه، یا یه رمانِ آبکی با گرامر عجیب که از روی ویدیو گیم نوشته شده. کلِ این کتاب درگیری ذهنی من بین این دوتا سمت بود.
مطمئنا ریچارد ای ناک نویسنده‌ی خوبیه، خیلی‌ها اون رو با استایل و خاص می‌دونن ولی واقعیتش اینه که به نظرم استایل ای ناک در اصل یه نوع عجیبی از گرامره که چندان هم درست به نظر نمیاد. اولین بار توی این کتاب حس کردم متن یه سری جاها درست نیست، فعل و فاعل جای درستی نیومدن. وقتی با متن اصلی چک کردم فهمیدم این مشکل ترجمه نبوده و خودِ نویسنده این روش رو استفاده می‌کنه. به نظرم این چندان خوب نبود، مثل اینه که می‌خواست زوری یک نثر پیچیده بسازه در حالی که نمی‌تونه در حد گلن کوک یا حتی جو ابرکرومبی باشه.
مورد بعدی که اذیتم می‌کرد اینه که همه‌ی کاراکترها... زیادی قوی بودن! توی بازی این قدرت‌های زیاد تا حدودی قابل درک بود اما توی رمان انگار کسی محدودیت نداشت، بیشتر محدود به ذهن و مکان بودن نه قدرت. وقتی این همه موجود قدرتمند مقابلِ هم باشن خیلی جاها مسخره می‌شه. حتی باعث می‌شد حس کنم شخصیت‌پردازی رو یک نویسنده‌ی آماتورِ سن پایین انجام داده که تصور می‌کرده هر چه قدر قدرت بده به یکی، شخصیتش بهتر می‌شه.
و در کل، هنوز نتونستم تصمیمو بگیرم. مطمئنا وارکرفت سرگرم کننده‌س، ریتم و داستان جالبی داره. ولی خوبه؟ می‌شه رمان‌هاشو جدی گرفت؟
مطمئنا ریچارد ای ناک نویسنده‌ی خوبیه، خیلی‌ها اون رو با استایل و خاص می‌دونن ولی واقعیتش اینه که به نظرم استایل ای ناک در اصل یه نوع عجیبی از گرامره که چندان هم درست به نظر نمیاد. اولین بار توی این کتاب حس کردم متن یه سری جاها درست نیست، فعل و فاعل جای درستی نیومدن. وقتی با متن اصلی چک کردم فهمیدم این مشکل ترجمه نبوده و خودِ نویسنده این روش رو استفاده می‌کنه. به نظرم این چندان خوب نبود، مثل اینه که می‌خواست زوری یک نثر پیچیده بسازه در حالی که نمی‌تونه در حد گلن کوک یا حتی جو ابرکرومبی باشه.
مورد بعدی که اذیتم می‌کرد اینه که همه‌ی کاراکترها... زیادی قوی بودن! توی بازی این قدرت‌های زیاد تا حدودی قابل درک بود اما توی رمان انگار کسی محدودیت نداشت، بیشتر محدود به ذهن و مکان بودن نه قدرت. وقتی این همه موجود قدرتمند مقابلِ هم باشن خیلی جاها مسخره می‌شه. حتی باعث می‌شد حس کنم شخصیت‌پردازی رو یک نویسنده‌ی آماتورِ سن پایین انجام داده که تصور می‌کرده هر چه قدر قدرت بده به یکی، شخصیتش بهتر می‌شه.
و در کل، هنوز نتونستم تصمیمو بگیرم. مطمئنا وارکرفت سرگرم کننده‌س، ریتم و داستان جالبی داره. ولی خوبه؟ می‌شه رمان‌هاشو جدی گرفت؟
September 21, 2012
This book was great for me because I love the lore, and I'm not picky whatsoever. While I may be generous on the rating, I thought it was only fair, yet I still have mixed feelings about this book. First off, I have nothing against this author at all. I thought his writing style was well suited. Yes there may have been a few times where he over embellished a sentence, but it never stopped me from reading on. The book takes place way before the wars between Orcs and Humans. Our story takes place during a peaceful time, mainly focusing on the Night Elves, and their upbringing of society. Until the demonic Burning Legion ambush them. The book switches perspectives every chapter or so, which is something I thought was a great incorporation to the book. We then go over to our three other important characters: Rhonin, Krasus, and Broxigar. Rhonin is a human wizard from the city of Dalaran who misses his family. Krasus is a half-human, half-dragon mage who seems to have lost a huge chunk of his memory. Broxigar is a brutish Orc looking to die a glorious death in battle. Like I said before, this is before the conflict between Orcs, so the other races have never seen or heard of them. Generally the Night Elves are very protective of their home, but later they accept Brox. And of course I couldn't forget the enemies in the book. Powerful demigods and dragon aspects plot the destruction of Azeroth. I thought the author did a great job with details about the Burning Legion. I certainly learned a lot. So our time traveling friends are caught up in all of this, and they too are skeptical of this strange land. These three heroes go on to be a great team. I'm itching to read the last two books in the series. I couldn't be more satisfied for a Warcraft book. If you haven't read this by now, and are a huge fan of the games, please read this. Don't judge the book from other reviews you read on the net. You will never know if the author really is as they say "terrible", unless you give it a try.
June 24, 2012
I didn't expect amazing writing from a Warcraft novel, but no one could really predict just how terrible this is. The first thing you'll notice is that the writing style is atrocious. Most sentences are structured awkwardly for the sake of pseudo-sophistication - the most pretentious hack move out there. The prose is as purple as it gets. Don't expect a single noun without a minimum of two repetitive adjectives; don't expect a verb not to be padded with unnecessary description.
The style of 'tell, don't show' is best summed up by the author's overuse of the word 'ominous'. Ominous, in its context here, says "hmm, I want to convey that the reader should feel trepidation and anxiety here, but I can't be bothered to make them do it, so I'll just write that they should." This is just one example. Prepare for many more redundancies in the actual novel.
If you manage to overcome the hurdle of the dire prose, you will soon discover an even worse side of the novel: characterisation. The novel focuses on an ensemble cast of characters - some familiar old names, others newer. They are all incredibly boring. If you cared about any of them before, you won't after reading this novel.
When Rhonin's perfect elven wife was first introduced through a cringeworthy filter of male gaze description I knew I was in for a bit of casual sexism, but it wasn't until I got past Azshara and Tyrande that I realised the author is physically incapable of writing a female character outside of the context of how desirable they are to the strong males. The characterisation is just shocking and it's impossible to read this book without coming to the conclusion that the author is a raging misogynist. Tyrande, one of the best, strongest, independent characters in Warcraft 3, is reduced to a vapid damsel in distress. She is literally moral support who exists to lend strength to the hero, Malfurion. This is unforgivable. Any other author and I could maybe give them the benefit of the doubt and assume she'll develop throughout the rest of the trilogy, but when you read the description of Azshara in her sheer dresses, and Vereesa with her 'enticing mouth', you will agree that's impossible.
Let's get onto the original characters, because if anything this is where the author should shine? No. Rhonin exists to narrate the story. He is completely bland, has no flaws, time travels, is invulnerable, and is the most incredibly gifted mage in the warcraft universe. When he tries to do a snarky one-liner after casting a spell, it is cringeworthy. I imagine it in this flat, empty tone of voice. Rhonin has no soul. He is the worst one-dimensional character in Warcraft, and that's saying a lot. Oh, and there's Krasus too. He's exactly the same as Rhonin, but doesn't do any fighting so he's completely forgettable. Skip over every chapter about Krasus and the dragons, and you won't miss a single relevant piece of plot. The characterisation is the worst part of the opening of this trilogy, which is especially criminal because the opening novel only exists to introduce the characters.
As you may have guessed, the time travel adds absolutely nothing to the story. If anything, it detracts from it. The war of the ancients had the potential to be the single most compelling historical event to write a story about. The author had so much potential for introducing night elven characters, revolutionaries. He had so much room to expand on the key events and go into some real detail about the war. Instead he squandered the limitless creative potential on the time traveling characters who add nothing whatsoever to the story, but he spends so long writing about them he doesn't have any space to explore the war of the ancients beyond the basics that we already know! It's just the same story, told through the most boring narrator you could ever conceive of. He didn't just squander his chance, but he actually ruined what already existed such as Tyrande once being a strong and interesting character.
I suppose no one should be surprised that the masses of WoW players are perfectly ready to laud sexist, bland, power-level stories and call it a good book when you consider how poor the lore is in-game, but even so, you would expect Blizzard to be able to afford better writing than this with the size of their fanbase.
If you're anything like me, you might think, say, Okay, I have heard how bad the novels are, but I used to be a fan of the Warcraft story so I think I should read it just to pick up the references to things I once liked. To this, I can only tell you: No, don't do it. Everything you once enjoyed about the story will turn to ashes in front of your eyes. This novel is - to put a few author-style superlatives into a sentence - insultingly, offensively, disgracefully bad. It is a vast, dark, ominous abyss into which anything interesting about the night elf species and the war of the ancients is sucked. Awful parsing intended. Just imagine the war of the ancients as the cool thing it once seemed, so the author can't ruin it for you. Do not read this book. IMO.
The style of 'tell, don't show' is best summed up by the author's overuse of the word 'ominous'. Ominous, in its context here, says "hmm, I want to convey that the reader should feel trepidation and anxiety here, but I can't be bothered to make them do it, so I'll just write that they should." This is just one example. Prepare for many more redundancies in the actual novel.
If you manage to overcome the hurdle of the dire prose, you will soon discover an even worse side of the novel: characterisation. The novel focuses on an ensemble cast of characters - some familiar old names, others newer. They are all incredibly boring. If you cared about any of them before, you won't after reading this novel.
When Rhonin's perfect elven wife was first introduced through a cringeworthy filter of male gaze description I knew I was in for a bit of casual sexism, but it wasn't until I got past Azshara and Tyrande that I realised the author is physically incapable of writing a female character outside of the context of how desirable they are to the strong males. The characterisation is just shocking and it's impossible to read this book without coming to the conclusion that the author is a raging misogynist. Tyrande, one of the best, strongest, independent characters in Warcraft 3, is reduced to a vapid damsel in distress. She is literally moral support who exists to lend strength to the hero, Malfurion. This is unforgivable. Any other author and I could maybe give them the benefit of the doubt and assume she'll develop throughout the rest of the trilogy, but when you read the description of Azshara in her sheer dresses, and Vereesa with her 'enticing mouth', you will agree that's impossible.
Let's get onto the original characters, because if anything this is where the author should shine? No. Rhonin exists to narrate the story. He is completely bland, has no flaws, time travels, is invulnerable, and is the most incredibly gifted mage in the warcraft universe. When he tries to do a snarky one-liner after casting a spell, it is cringeworthy. I imagine it in this flat, empty tone of voice. Rhonin has no soul. He is the worst one-dimensional character in Warcraft, and that's saying a lot. Oh, and there's Krasus too. He's exactly the same as Rhonin, but doesn't do any fighting so he's completely forgettable. Skip over every chapter about Krasus and the dragons, and you won't miss a single relevant piece of plot. The characterisation is the worst part of the opening of this trilogy, which is especially criminal because the opening novel only exists to introduce the characters.
As you may have guessed, the time travel adds absolutely nothing to the story. If anything, it detracts from it. The war of the ancients had the potential to be the single most compelling historical event to write a story about. The author had so much potential for introducing night elven characters, revolutionaries. He had so much room to expand on the key events and go into some real detail about the war. Instead he squandered the limitless creative potential on the time traveling characters who add nothing whatsoever to the story, but he spends so long writing about them he doesn't have any space to explore the war of the ancients beyond the basics that we already know! It's just the same story, told through the most boring narrator you could ever conceive of. He didn't just squander his chance, but he actually ruined what already existed such as Tyrande once being a strong and interesting character.
I suppose no one should be surprised that the masses of WoW players are perfectly ready to laud sexist, bland, power-level stories and call it a good book when you consider how poor the lore is in-game, but even so, you would expect Blizzard to be able to afford better writing than this with the size of their fanbase.
If you're anything like me, you might think, say, Okay, I have heard how bad the novels are, but I used to be a fan of the Warcraft story so I think I should read it just to pick up the references to things I once liked. To this, I can only tell you: No, don't do it. Everything you once enjoyed about the story will turn to ashes in front of your eyes. This novel is - to put a few author-style superlatives into a sentence - insultingly, offensively, disgracefully bad. It is a vast, dark, ominous abyss into which anything interesting about the night elf species and the war of the ancients is sucked. Awful parsing intended. Just imagine the war of the ancients as the cool thing it once seemed, so the author can't ruin it for you. Do not read this book. IMO.
July 14, 2016
My sister said: Don't waste your time with the Warcraft Novels! They are poorly written fan-fiction of a game... No game novels are worth reading. Including Assassin's Creed!
I am well aware of that. I know they are poorly written, but here's the thing. If I do not start now to read them, I will never... ever start. I've been meaning to for the past 3 years and just couldn't find the method to. And by method I mean the thoughtful pondering of the fact that I have to read 20 novels and a lot of short stories and comic books to get the full picture... The thought of that makes my head spin.
Well of Eternity, part I of The War of the Ancients Trilogy by Richard A. Knaak - review by Maddalina Iuliana Mocanu
!Spoilers ahead! Since I know you guys can't stand spoilers *sassy voice*
Theoretically, Dawn of the Aspects should be the actual start of the Warcraft lore in novel format, but most people prefer to start here, when thinking of reading the novels in chronological order. And so did I, but I was well aware the entire War of the Ancients is more so a setting for some detective investigations on the part of two "modern" lore characters: the red dragon Krasus in his elven form and Rhonin the red haired mage that's stuck in an endless loop in Dalaran.
The investigations I am referring to is an anomaly in time and space that is forwarded to Krasus by the Aspect of Time, Nozdormu of the Bronze Dragonflight. He calls on to the task the soon to be father Rhonin who wishes nothing more than to be with his wife, Veressa and see his children be born. They go to... I think it's Deadwind Pass and encounter this anomaly that sucks them in its midsts along side the orc warrior Broxigar sent by Thrall and the elder shamans to investigate as well (why couldn't they have sent someone more attuned to magic, like a SHAMAN! or warlocks - are there warlocks in Thrall's Horde? - is beyond me >.>)
And thus we have the framing for the story of the novel: the first week before and after the invasion of the Burning Legion in old Kalimdor, 10000 years before the events at the beginning of the novel.
The story is pretty complex for a first novel and by that I mean there are a lot of contrivances that make the entirety of the novel either halt and take a right turn towards yawnsville or just skip a beat and have the events forward in time as much as the characters constantly seem to be knocked out or unconscious. It's ridiculous how many times this happens though. It's like I am reading Eldest, the original version xD The book should have been called Rhonin Sleeps'alot.
But skimming through that complexity of PACING, the story is very sluggish and barely anything happens in the span of the book. There are about 3-4 points of view in the novel:
1. Krasus' joining the dragonflight in warning them of the coming of the Burning Legion
2. Malfurion and Tyrende's struggles to keep Brox safe from both Illidan and Lord Ravencrest (seriously love the dude!)
3. Lord Xavius' attempts at bringing the Burning Legion into the night elf capital of Zin-Azshari.
Rhonin doesn't even count here since his time is spent captured in a glade and asleep most of the times xD HIS story intersects with the other's, not the other way around.
Of all the plot lines, Malfurion's and Tyrande's seemed the most genuine and palpable, Krasus and the dragons were a bit too formal for my tastes (they did not speak like characters - I wanted to say people xD) and I despised lord Xavius' points of view because I did not like that character. He was clearly mad and evil, and no one, really? no one noticed?! C'mon! Even a baby can notice something like that!
In my reviews of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice I elaborated in the story and showed the various plot points, but here there aren't any. There's just a slow... painfully slow buildup towards the thing everyone knows will happen: the entrance in the world of Azeroth of the Burning Legion.
In regards to the writing... oh GOD! Where to start? Put this into perspective: If the book was shortened to 60 % its actual length, nothing would have been missed from the story, plot or description. Mister Knaak doesn't have a knack (xD) for writing concisely. He repeats himself far too much expecially regarding notions that the reader has picked up a long long time ago. His style is very long winded. His descriptions want to be thorough and methodical but simply end up as filler that the reader easily skimms through, because they know they will be reminded the exact same thing when the matter appears again. Xavius has artificial eyes, chapter 2, Xavius has artificial eyes, chapter 7, did I mention his eyes are artificial? chapter 21.
Because of this repetitive and sluggish writing style his characters are very dull and lack personality, the words spent for their characterization instead going into describing their aspects, feelings (SHOW DON'T TELL, DAMN IT!) and their inner turmoil for the 1000th begilionth time! Yeah, we know Tyrende is conflicted in her decision to chose between Malfurion and Illidan. You don't have to remind us once every 30 pages, man!
The characters suffer. The story suffers. What could have been a novel of suspense and pay off is instead a novel of tediousness and horrible pacing and characters we mostly care nothing for. And since this is Warcraft we are talking about you just know there are at least 7 of the named characters that have plot armour as they appear in the lore further down the line: Malfurion, Tyrende, Illidan, Rhonin, Krasus, Brox and Cenarius.
Now, let us move on to the characters. Out of all the cast in this novel, the most well rounded character is Illidan. For the short time he is in the novel, his screen time being less than that of Tyrende who is in the long run inconsequential to the overarching story, we get to see more aspects of him than any other character. He is not the brooding badass we know him from Warcraft 3, but a cocky, reckless youngster wishing in all his might to prove himself capable. I can relate :P
The next character on the list of more well rounded characters is Krasus. While being very rigid and formal, like every other dragon in Warcraft lore - except Chromie *O* - his character was interesting and conflicted, the numerous decisions and things he knew putting him in such spots where you actually felt the weight of his dilemmas. Meddle with the timeline? Not meddle? Expose Neltharion and Malygos' futures? Not expose? His frustration was almost palpable as if you too felt helpless along side him (does not account for the various "saved by the bell" moments that happen just as you think he is about to spill the beans) That being said, his sequences with the dragonflights, particularly those featuring his consort Alextrasza and his younger self Korialstraz were very boring.
And seriously! His solution to helping Malfurion in his dream trance is to call upon the powers of the ones around him that cared for him? Sailor Moon season 1 much? Way to go wise dragon that's lived for more than 10000 years! The power of love has softened you Krasus!
Speaking of Malfurion, his character is quite different from what I know of him from the Warcraft 3 RPG and World of Warcraft. Instead of being sagey and wise, the dude is actually quite reckless... not Illidan reckless, but he knows he might very well be the first druid in existence and that knowledge makes him believe the world of himself and his powers, putting him in harm's way and in avoidable situations far more than I would want someone as established like him to be. He was relatable nonetheless and his interactions with the other characters, especially Illidan felt more genuine than all the other human/drakonid characters.
Tyrende is the third of the ancient night elf trio that I haven't talked about and unlike her Warcraft 3 persona, this version of her is less cynical and bitter towards the world. She is the one to help Brox and Malfurion escape from Suramar, she is well respected by the common folk for proving to be blessed by the goddess Elune and in that sense she is a bit... sue-ish, but not to the point I wanna punch her in her face! She is more reactive than proactive and when it comes to the plot she contributes far less as opposed to Malfurion or Illidan. I found her a pretty presence that does little to solidify the story.
Speaking of night elves I have to also mention the antagonists: Lord Xavius - ppl in WoW know him as a satyr lord, and queen Aszhara - though technically she does not display villain like qualities in the novel as more or less she is a pawn and awe struck narcissist with little regard towards her people a.k.a. she's not a villain. I despised Lord Xavius' plot points not because he is an antagonist or his acts are heinous, golly geez, but because he was painted so clearly as a villain that you feel his actions and demeanour and interactions have nothing redeeming in them. He does not have dry wit or humour, he doesn't have a relatable background, he doesn't have anything to make himself liked. He is clearly evil and manipulative that I find it hard that anyone would even do what he says, let alone follow him. It's just mind boggling how unsympathetic he is.
Aszhara on the other hand has an excuse, if a bit of a flimsy one. She is trapped in a dream world she created for herself where everything is peachy keen! when in fact everyone else around her is DYING! It's pretty sad actually. She is stuck up and all important, materialistic and vain, but all these combined make you realize it's just her nature that gets in the way of her realizing that Sargeras and his lackeys are evil, which makes her character kinnof tragic. She wants to be a great ruler, adored by all and worshipped like goddess but doesn't realize she soon will not have anyone to rule over and she herself will most likely die :/
Moving on I have 2 other characters to talk about, but honourable mention to Cenarius as this is the first interpretation of him I see where he displays his power and love for the world and everything in it. He actually does seem like a wise, ancient being that has first and foremost the protection of the living world on his mind. Counter-kuddos for mentioning his physique every time he appears on-page. >.>
The penultimate character I want to talk about is a minor character in the long run, but he is my favorite one in the entire series. The no fucks given, badass Lord Ravencrest. Throughout the novel he shows himself as the character with the most common sense and duty and his ability to lead his troops of soldiers make him a competent leader, things that shine through in the climax where he leads the first defence against the Burning Legion, managing to push them back. I loved his quips and nonchalant way of handing things and speaking. More of him please!
And lastly: Rhonin... Ah, Rhonin. I liked you in the beginning of the novel, but as you progressed I realized you're as useless as Tyrende, even more so. You have consistency in your actions which is trying out a spell then getting knocked out or left unconscious as a result of that spell. It was nice to see yourself beaten to a pulp by Moon Guard soldiers, but seriously, you do not contribute at all to the bulk of the plot. Only at the end you seem to have found yourself SOME meaning as Illidan's interdimensional mentor in sorcery. But still... Why couldn't you just be more awake! Dammit!
There's also some Burning Legion characters somewhere around there, but they are so bland and one-dimensional you can just add them to the section called "setting" and it wouldn't be any different.
All in all, the novel is a tedious read for such a short book and the writing style does little to world build thoroughly or create characterization for the various characters or convey a story worth remembering. There is potential in this book - and I presume in the books to come - let down by the writing ESPECIALLY! But I will not deny having enjoyed it as a study into how established characters of the Warcraft games were in the past. If for that alone it's worth reading. Curiosity ftw!
Onward to THE DEMON SOUL! I bet it will have to do with Deathwing's corruption! I guarantee it!
I am well aware of that. I know they are poorly written, but here's the thing. If I do not start now to read them, I will never... ever start. I've been meaning to for the past 3 years and just couldn't find the method to. And by method I mean the thoughtful pondering of the fact that I have to read 20 novels and a lot of short stories and comic books to get the full picture... The thought of that makes my head spin.
Well of Eternity, part I of The War of the Ancients Trilogy by Richard A. Knaak - review by Maddalina Iuliana Mocanu
!Spoilers ahead! Since I know you guys can't stand spoilers *sassy voice*
Theoretically, Dawn of the Aspects should be the actual start of the Warcraft lore in novel format, but most people prefer to start here, when thinking of reading the novels in chronological order. And so did I, but I was well aware the entire War of the Ancients is more so a setting for some detective investigations on the part of two "modern" lore characters: the red dragon Krasus in his elven form and Rhonin the red haired mage that's stuck in an endless loop in Dalaran.
The investigations I am referring to is an anomaly in time and space that is forwarded to Krasus by the Aspect of Time, Nozdormu of the Bronze Dragonflight. He calls on to the task the soon to be father Rhonin who wishes nothing more than to be with his wife, Veressa and see his children be born. They go to... I think it's Deadwind Pass and encounter this anomaly that sucks them in its midsts along side the orc warrior Broxigar sent by Thrall and the elder shamans to investigate as well (why couldn't they have sent someone more attuned to magic, like a SHAMAN! or warlocks - are there warlocks in Thrall's Horde? - is beyond me >.>)
And thus we have the framing for the story of the novel: the first week before and after the invasion of the Burning Legion in old Kalimdor, 10000 years before the events at the beginning of the novel.
The story is pretty complex for a first novel and by that I mean there are a lot of contrivances that make the entirety of the novel either halt and take a right turn towards yawnsville or just skip a beat and have the events forward in time as much as the characters constantly seem to be knocked out or unconscious. It's ridiculous how many times this happens though. It's like I am reading Eldest, the original version xD The book should have been called Rhonin Sleeps'alot.
But skimming through that complexity of PACING, the story is very sluggish and barely anything happens in the span of the book. There are about 3-4 points of view in the novel:
1. Krasus' joining the dragonflight in warning them of the coming of the Burning Legion
2. Malfurion and Tyrende's struggles to keep Brox safe from both Illidan and Lord Ravencrest (seriously love the dude!)
3. Lord Xavius' attempts at bringing the Burning Legion into the night elf capital of Zin-Azshari.
Rhonin doesn't even count here since his time is spent captured in a glade and asleep most of the times xD HIS story intersects with the other's, not the other way around.
Of all the plot lines, Malfurion's and Tyrande's seemed the most genuine and palpable, Krasus and the dragons were a bit too formal for my tastes (they did not speak like characters - I wanted to say people xD) and I despised lord Xavius' points of view because I did not like that character. He was clearly mad and evil, and no one, really? no one noticed?! C'mon! Even a baby can notice something like that!
In my reviews of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice I elaborated in the story and showed the various plot points, but here there aren't any. There's just a slow... painfully slow buildup towards the thing everyone knows will happen: the entrance in the world of Azeroth of the Burning Legion.
In regards to the writing... oh GOD! Where to start? Put this into perspective: If the book was shortened to 60 % its actual length, nothing would have been missed from the story, plot or description. Mister Knaak doesn't have a knack (xD) for writing concisely. He repeats himself far too much expecially regarding notions that the reader has picked up a long long time ago. His style is very long winded. His descriptions want to be thorough and methodical but simply end up as filler that the reader easily skimms through, because they know they will be reminded the exact same thing when the matter appears again. Xavius has artificial eyes, chapter 2, Xavius has artificial eyes, chapter 7, did I mention his eyes are artificial? chapter 21.
Because of this repetitive and sluggish writing style his characters are very dull and lack personality, the words spent for their characterization instead going into describing their aspects, feelings (SHOW DON'T TELL, DAMN IT!) and their inner turmoil for the 1000th begilionth time! Yeah, we know Tyrende is conflicted in her decision to chose between Malfurion and Illidan. You don't have to remind us once every 30 pages, man!
The characters suffer. The story suffers. What could have been a novel of suspense and pay off is instead a novel of tediousness and horrible pacing and characters we mostly care nothing for. And since this is Warcraft we are talking about you just know there are at least 7 of the named characters that have plot armour as they appear in the lore further down the line: Malfurion, Tyrende, Illidan, Rhonin, Krasus, Brox and Cenarius.
Now, let us move on to the characters. Out of all the cast in this novel, the most well rounded character is Illidan. For the short time he is in the novel, his screen time being less than that of Tyrende who is in the long run inconsequential to the overarching story, we get to see more aspects of him than any other character. He is not the brooding badass we know him from Warcraft 3, but a cocky, reckless youngster wishing in all his might to prove himself capable. I can relate :P
The next character on the list of more well rounded characters is Krasus. While being very rigid and formal, like every other dragon in Warcraft lore - except Chromie *O* - his character was interesting and conflicted, the numerous decisions and things he knew putting him in such spots where you actually felt the weight of his dilemmas. Meddle with the timeline? Not meddle? Expose Neltharion and Malygos' futures? Not expose? His frustration was almost palpable as if you too felt helpless along side him (does not account for the various "saved by the bell" moments that happen just as you think he is about to spill the beans) That being said, his sequences with the dragonflights, particularly those featuring his consort Alextrasza and his younger self Korialstraz were very boring.
And seriously! His solution to helping Malfurion in his dream trance is to call upon the powers of the ones around him that cared for him? Sailor Moon season 1 much? Way to go wise dragon that's lived for more than 10000 years! The power of love has softened you Krasus!
Speaking of Malfurion, his character is quite different from what I know of him from the Warcraft 3 RPG and World of Warcraft. Instead of being sagey and wise, the dude is actually quite reckless... not Illidan reckless, but he knows he might very well be the first druid in existence and that knowledge makes him believe the world of himself and his powers, putting him in harm's way and in avoidable situations far more than I would want someone as established like him to be. He was relatable nonetheless and his interactions with the other characters, especially Illidan felt more genuine than all the other human/drakonid characters.
Tyrende is the third of the ancient night elf trio that I haven't talked about and unlike her Warcraft 3 persona, this version of her is less cynical and bitter towards the world. She is the one to help Brox and Malfurion escape from Suramar, she is well respected by the common folk for proving to be blessed by the goddess Elune and in that sense she is a bit... sue-ish, but not to the point I wanna punch her in her face! She is more reactive than proactive and when it comes to the plot she contributes far less as opposed to Malfurion or Illidan. I found her a pretty presence that does little to solidify the story.
Speaking of night elves I have to also mention the antagonists: Lord Xavius - ppl in WoW know him as a satyr lord, and queen Aszhara - though technically she does not display villain like qualities in the novel as more or less she is a pawn and awe struck narcissist with little regard towards her people a.k.a. she's not a villain. I despised Lord Xavius' plot points not because he is an antagonist or his acts are heinous, golly geez, but because he was painted so clearly as a villain that you feel his actions and demeanour and interactions have nothing redeeming in them. He does not have dry wit or humour, he doesn't have a relatable background, he doesn't have anything to make himself liked. He is clearly evil and manipulative that I find it hard that anyone would even do what he says, let alone follow him. It's just mind boggling how unsympathetic he is.
Aszhara on the other hand has an excuse, if a bit of a flimsy one. She is trapped in a dream world she created for herself where everything is peachy keen! when in fact everyone else around her is DYING! It's pretty sad actually. She is stuck up and all important, materialistic and vain, but all these combined make you realize it's just her nature that gets in the way of her realizing that Sargeras and his lackeys are evil, which makes her character kinnof tragic. She wants to be a great ruler, adored by all and worshipped like goddess but doesn't realize she soon will not have anyone to rule over and she herself will most likely die :/
Moving on I have 2 other characters to talk about, but honourable mention to Cenarius as this is the first interpretation of him I see where he displays his power and love for the world and everything in it. He actually does seem like a wise, ancient being that has first and foremost the protection of the living world on his mind. Counter-kuddos for mentioning his physique every time he appears on-page. >.>
The penultimate character I want to talk about is a minor character in the long run, but he is my favorite one in the entire series. The no fucks given, badass Lord Ravencrest. Throughout the novel he shows himself as the character with the most common sense and duty and his ability to lead his troops of soldiers make him a competent leader, things that shine through in the climax where he leads the first defence against the Burning Legion, managing to push them back. I loved his quips and nonchalant way of handing things and speaking. More of him please!
And lastly: Rhonin... Ah, Rhonin. I liked you in the beginning of the novel, but as you progressed I realized you're as useless as Tyrende, even more so. You have consistency in your actions which is trying out a spell then getting knocked out or left unconscious as a result of that spell. It was nice to see yourself beaten to a pulp by Moon Guard soldiers, but seriously, you do not contribute at all to the bulk of the plot. Only at the end you seem to have found yourself SOME meaning as Illidan's interdimensional mentor in sorcery. But still... Why couldn't you just be more awake! Dammit!
There's also some Burning Legion characters somewhere around there, but they are so bland and one-dimensional you can just add them to the section called "setting" and it wouldn't be any different.
All in all, the novel is a tedious read for such a short book and the writing style does little to world build thoroughly or create characterization for the various characters or convey a story worth remembering. There is potential in this book - and I presume in the books to come - let down by the writing ESPECIALLY! But I will not deny having enjoyed it as a study into how established characters of the Warcraft games were in the past. If for that alone it's worth reading. Curiosity ftw!
Onward to THE DEMON SOUL! I bet it will have to do with Deathwing's corruption! I guarantee it!
March 31, 2013
I've been a casual player of World of Warcraft since 2008, and have spent my fair share of time in that "world" questing, flying around, farming, running dungeons, battling pets, etc.
Over time, though, it just wasn't enough to just roam around the world doing stuff. I really wanted to know the lore - the history of everything, the backgrounds of the characters I was playing. So I started picking up the novels...and boy, are they ever fun.
And fun is all I think they are really meant to be. I guess I can understand the nerdrage in the other reviews - in any kind of geeky fandom you are gonna have unhappy, raging fanboys. Fact of life. Don't let them deter you, though.
If you want a better understanding - literally - of The World of Warcraft, start with this novel or, better yet, start with Day of the Dragon (by the same author) and then follow-up with this one.
I had very little understanding of this major part of the lore concerning the night elves, dragons and the Burning Legion - a whole playable race and part of history that are brought up time and time again - so this novel was really valuable to me, as a fan, in that regard. Heck, even though I'm all about the Horde, I still enjoyed this novel (that's primarily about Alliance races) because the histories of both Horde and Alliance are more intertwined than most would think.
If you've ever had the slightest inclination to roleplay, or are very interested in the lore but have never played any of the original Warcraft games that preceded World of Warcraft, these novels are informative and, like I said, a lot of fun. No, they ain't Shakespeare - but who'd want them to be?
Over time, though, it just wasn't enough to just roam around the world doing stuff. I really wanted to know the lore - the history of everything, the backgrounds of the characters I was playing. So I started picking up the novels...and boy, are they ever fun.
And fun is all I think they are really meant to be. I guess I can understand the nerdrage in the other reviews - in any kind of geeky fandom you are gonna have unhappy, raging fanboys. Fact of life. Don't let them deter you, though.
If you want a better understanding - literally - of The World of Warcraft, start with this novel or, better yet, start with Day of the Dragon (by the same author) and then follow-up with this one.
I had very little understanding of this major part of the lore concerning the night elves, dragons and the Burning Legion - a whole playable race and part of history that are brought up time and time again - so this novel was really valuable to me, as a fan, in that regard. Heck, even though I'm all about the Horde, I still enjoyed this novel (that's primarily about Alliance races) because the histories of both Horde and Alliance are more intertwined than most would think.
If you've ever had the slightest inclination to roleplay, or are very interested in the lore but have never played any of the original Warcraft games that preceded World of Warcraft, these novels are informative and, like I said, a lot of fun. No, they ain't Shakespeare - but who'd want them to be?
February 6, 2013
Michael Hall War Craft 2-4-13
Well Of Eternity
This book revolves around the popular video game World of Warcraft. In the game much of the history is told but not in details. The player either ignores the lore or goes and research about it some other way. The book introduces the reader to Krasus and Rhonin who were summoned to investigate a strange phenomenon. When they get there they are transported back in time to the time when humans weren’t even around yet. To a time where night elves ruled and pending disaster was just on the horizon, one that would change their for them then and in their future. When opening the book for the first time not much is expected except another fantasy novel that has the usual magic and fairies. While it isn’t seen unit further into he book that is use of perspective and choice in scene selection is by far the best seen. The use of the shifting perspective can be confusing at first because once a reader gets so caught up in one character; another is either introduced or revealed to be something different. Also the book does a great job in somehow making the reader feel the characters emotions my setting up the situation and then explaining how that specific situation affects that character. For example Krasus does not smile nor laugh much but when finding out they have either two option, one is to die while the other is to fight, Krasus smirks and chuckles at the choices. It says” Krasus now grasping the situation did something odd, he grinned and chuckled to himself over the idea of choosing death”. This book gives all details about he history of the game and its main characters and is also an excellent read for any who wonder about the lore of Warcraft.
Well Of Eternity
This book revolves around the popular video game World of Warcraft. In the game much of the history is told but not in details. The player either ignores the lore or goes and research about it some other way. The book introduces the reader to Krasus and Rhonin who were summoned to investigate a strange phenomenon. When they get there they are transported back in time to the time when humans weren’t even around yet. To a time where night elves ruled and pending disaster was just on the horizon, one that would change their for them then and in their future. When opening the book for the first time not much is expected except another fantasy novel that has the usual magic and fairies. While it isn’t seen unit further into he book that is use of perspective and choice in scene selection is by far the best seen. The use of the shifting perspective can be confusing at first because once a reader gets so caught up in one character; another is either introduced or revealed to be something different. Also the book does a great job in somehow making the reader feel the characters emotions my setting up the situation and then explaining how that specific situation affects that character. For example Krasus does not smile nor laugh much but when finding out they have either two option, one is to die while the other is to fight, Krasus smirks and chuckles at the choices. It says” Krasus now grasping the situation did something odd, he grinned and chuckled to himself over the idea of choosing death”. This book gives all details about he history of the game and its main characters and is also an excellent read for any who wonder about the lore of Warcraft.
January 31, 2022
Okay another WoW reread in the bag.
By far my favourite of them all, this series is still one of the greats, when it comes to WoW lore and storytelling within the novels.
I don't enjoy Rhonin's perspective, but that's honestly about all my complaints. Krasus was forever the most compelling of the characters, but with the introduction of Malfurion, Tyrande and Illidan this book was wonderful. Broxigar served a wonderful role too, adding the different perspective of a race often being both the persecutor and the persecuted. Incredible dilemma that this added to the story.
It is split up into what I would consider two halves. The fight against the Legion which concentrates around the majority of the cast, and then the complexities with the dragons of which Krasus is mainly centered with. (Which makes sense as he is Alexstrasza's prime consort) I enjoy the dragon story line more, with the background for Neltharion (Deathwing), Malygos the blue, and even Ysera the Dreaming.
I am excited to continue onto The Demon Soul which honestly has to be my favourite of them all because dragons. Demon Soul. Disaster. I'm absolutely here for it.
By far my favourite of them all, this series is still one of the greats, when it comes to WoW lore and storytelling within the novels.
I don't enjoy Rhonin's perspective, but that's honestly about all my complaints. Krasus was forever the most compelling of the characters, but with the introduction of Malfurion, Tyrande and Illidan this book was wonderful. Broxigar served a wonderful role too, adding the different perspective of a race often being both the persecutor and the persecuted. Incredible dilemma that this added to the story.
It is split up into what I would consider two halves. The fight against the Legion which concentrates around the majority of the cast, and then the complexities with the dragons of which Krasus is mainly centered with. (Which makes sense as he is Alexstrasza's prime consort) I enjoy the dragon story line more, with the background for Neltharion (Deathwing), Malygos the blue, and even Ysera the Dreaming.
I am excited to continue onto The Demon Soul which honestly has to be my favourite of them all because dragons. Demon Soul. Disaster. I'm absolutely here for it.
April 15, 2019
با عرض معذرت، خوشم اومد :)
یه موقعی برای ارباب حلقه‌ها چه‌ها که نمی‌کردم. حتی کتاب اطلس سرزمین میانه را هم خریدم، هرچند نتونستم ازش سردربیارم. هری پاتر واقعاً مایه‌ی تاسف بود بعد از آن اثر سترگ. اما وارکرافت، با یادآوری صحنه‌ها و شخصیت‌سازی‌های بازی‌هایش، جذابیت مناسبی برام داشت. حتماً نه آن‌قدر که ارباب حلقه‌ها در سال‌های ابتدای دانشگاه برام داشت و چهار پنج باری دوره‌اش کردم.
یه موقعی برای ارباب حلقه‌ها چه‌ها که نمی‌کردم. حتی کتاب اطلس سرزمین میانه را هم خریدم، هرچند نتونستم ازش سردربیارم. هری پاتر واقعاً مایه‌ی تاسف بود بعد از آن اثر سترگ. اما وارکرافت، با یادآوری صحنه‌ها و شخصیت‌سازی‌های بازی‌هایش، جذابیت مناسبی برام داشت. حتماً نه آن‌قدر که ارباب حلقه‌ها در سال‌های ابتدای دانشگاه برام داشت و چهار پنج باری دوره‌اش کردم.
May 19, 2023
After many years of reading a preponderance of non fiction and serious historical fiction I’ve felt drawn to less serious fare.
This Warcraft work is rather overwrought and heavily mystical but I know the world and am finally learning its lore.
I cant recommend this to anyone except a WOW insider.
This Warcraft work is rather overwrought and heavily mystical but I know the world and am finally learning its lore.
I cant recommend this to anyone except a WOW insider.
July 23, 2022
نتوانستم زیاد صبر کنم و حتی با وجود چشم‌درد کتاب را تمام کردم. برای این نوع فانتزی‌ها جذاب هستند. رمانی با پیچیدگی داستانی خوب که حدس زدن آن راحت نبود با این که از قبل حدود داستان را می دانستم. ولی در نقدهای خارجی به نکته‌ای برخوردم که احتمال آن را زنده می‌کرد که در ترجمه به فارسی سانسور زیادی صورت گرفته باشد. برخی خوانندگان انگلیسی زبان انتقاد کرده بودند که شخصیت‌های زن رمان خیلی سکسی تصویرسازی شده‌اند و این چیزی بود که در ترجمه فارسی چندان دیده نمی‌شد
November 15, 2009
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.
"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.
September 26, 2010
The Well of Eternity is my fourth warcraft book. It was very interesting, especially because I played World of Warcraft for 3 or 4 years on and off. Currently off, but who can stay away from WOW when the new expansions come out? :) So I'll be going back on again. My brother also greatly encourages me to read them. He thinks it's the only worthwhile books to read. That all the other books I've read can't be better than the warcraft books. :D Well don't believe that, though being able to read a book and play a game on the same story is pretty awesome. However I go slow on reading these books because they don't match up to the other books I've read in excitement and keeping the reader glued to the book. I just have to read these books. I'm too connected to the story. I might even go on to read the Starcraft and Diablo books afterward.
Now onto the book. Seeing the different point of views was perfect because I care about all of them. You can't just chose one to go off of and the story revolves around two big parts: the war and the dragons. It would be hard to fit all the information from one point of view. This is the first book based around the night elves. We get to see their culture from before it got ruined and they had to start over. When they thought the world was a perfect place and had no idea to what was really out there. Korialstraz or Krasus has a hard time for being a dragon. Illidan, Malfurion, and Tyrande were the most interesting to me. We get to see the moments before the bad guys became the bad guys, which is always fun. :)
Now onto the book. Seeing the different point of views was perfect because I care about all of them. You can't just chose one to go off of and the story revolves around two big parts: the war and the dragons. It would be hard to fit all the information from one point of view. This is the first book based around the night elves. We get to see their culture from before it got ruined and they had to start over. When they thought the world was a perfect place and had no idea to what was really out there. Korialstraz or Krasus has a hard time for being a dragon. Illidan, Malfurion, and Tyrande were the most interesting to me. We get to see the moments before the bad guys became the bad guys, which is always fun. :)
August 17, 2016
I've played World of Warcraft for years, and one of the first things that made me fall in love with the game was the incredible storyline underlying everything. The rich histories of the various races, the interaction between faction leaders ... I hadn't played anything like it before. I'm one of the few people I know who actually reads quest text - because you're never sent off to do something without being told WHY you're doing it.
So when I found out there were actual NOVELS written in the Warcraft universe, I bought them all. (It helps that they came in a handy mulit-book compendium.)
I have no regrets.
This book tells the story of the very first Legion invasion, before the world was sundered, before humans appeared on Azeroth, when Night Elves were at the peak of their civilization. You get to learn more about many favorite heroes and villains within the game, and gain a bit more understanding about Azeroth history. Though it provides a ton of flavor detail about the Warcraft universe, it never feels like a history book. Fast paced, full of gorgeous imagery and epic storylines, this first book of the War of the Ancients trilogy should please any World of Warcraft fan.
I think the average fantasy fan would be able to appreciate the story and world, too.
So when I found out there were actual NOVELS written in the Warcraft universe, I bought them all. (It helps that they came in a handy mulit-book compendium.)
I have no regrets.
This book tells the story of the very first Legion invasion, before the world was sundered, before humans appeared on Azeroth, when Night Elves were at the peak of their civilization. You get to learn more about many favorite heroes and villains within the game, and gain a bit more understanding about Azeroth history. Though it provides a ton of flavor detail about the Warcraft universe, it never feels like a history book. Fast paced, full of gorgeous imagery and epic storylines, this first book of the War of the Ancients trilogy should please any World of Warcraft fan.
I think the average fantasy fan would be able to appreciate the story and world, too.
February 5, 2017
This book is everything I thought it would be and more.
I'm not really one for fantasy book's but I Knew this was going to be good and deliver everything I wanted as an avid world of warcraft fan that I have been since I was 20. The game is steeped in history, if your a player to the new expansion 'Legion' then I highly recommend you read this book as it will place you on what now are parts of the broken shore in teams of the night fallen and The highborne as well as ravensBrook and the moon guard.
Without giving too much of the plot away you will know where the characters are in teams of the expansion gameplay going on right now. All in all, such a good book that I recommend to anybody who wants to get into the lore of world of warcraft or any fans new and old.
I'm not really one for fantasy book's but I Knew this was going to be good and deliver everything I wanted as an avid world of warcraft fan that I have been since I was 20. The game is steeped in history, if your a player to the new expansion 'Legion' then I highly recommend you read this book as it will place you on what now are parts of the broken shore in teams of the night fallen and The highborne as well as ravensBrook and the moon guard.
Without giving too much of the plot away you will know where the characters are in teams of the expansion gameplay going on right now. All in all, such a good book that I recommend to anybody who wants to get into the lore of world of warcraft or any fans new and old.
January 14, 2011
This book is absolutely terrible. I picked it up off my ex bf's floor when I had nothing else to read; it came for free with his Special Edition World of Warcraft: The Burning Legion. The writing is abysmal, but it does tell the lore of WoW, which I found interesting enough to go out and buy the other two books in the trilogy. I know that I'm going to hate them, but I do want to know all of tne lore, and as of now, that's really my only viable option, as even the game excludes some of it.
Worth the read for the game's lore sake, if you are into that, but be prepared for poor characterization, choppy dialogue, and painfully awkward writing style.
Worth the read for the game's lore sake, if you are into that, but be prepared for poor characterization, choppy dialogue, and painfully awkward writing style.
Read
January 23, 2018سرانجام شروع کردم به وارکرفت خوندن .
برای من که بازی هارو قبلا بازی کردم و کلا به ژانر فانتزی علاقمند هستم ، طبیعیه که بگم خوب بود و جذاب و ....
دنیای خیلی بزرگی داره با یه عالمه شخصیت های جورواجور و اغلب خاکستری . در نابود کردن قهرمان ها با کسی تعارف نداره و هر اتفاقی در طول داستان ممکنه بیفته . همه اینا به کنار ترجمه خوبی نداره . من کتاب ها و به صورت الکترونیک دارم می خونم از فیدیبو و خبری از چاپ و کیفیت فیزیکی کتاب ندارم .
نهایتا اگر فانتزی باز هستین و امثال ارباب حلقه ها ، هری پاتر ، کتاب های دیوید گمل ، دریا زمین و .... خوندید و دیگه چیزی نمونده خیلی خوبه که یه سر هم به دنیای وارکرفت بزنید .
برای من که بازی هارو قبلا بازی کردم و کلا به ژانر فانتزی علاقمند هستم ، طبیعیه که بگم خوب بود و جذاب و ....
دنیای خیلی بزرگی داره با یه عالمه شخصیت های جورواجور و اغلب خاکستری . در نابود کردن قهرمان ها با کسی تعارف نداره و هر اتفاقی در طول داستان ممکنه بیفته . همه اینا به کنار ترجمه خوبی نداره . من کتاب ها و به صورت الکترونیک دارم می خونم از فیدیبو و خبری از چاپ و کیفیت فیزیکی کتاب ندارم .
نهایتا اگر فانتزی باز هستین و امثال ارباب حلقه ها ، هری پاتر ، کتاب های دیوید گمل ، دریا زمین و .... خوندید و دیگه چیزی نمونده خیلی خوبه که یه سر هم به دنیای وارکرفت بزنید .
March 30, 2010
I couldn't finish this. I'm used to a much higher quality writing style. This came off as trash you find hidden in the back shelves of the used book store. One of those terrible, thin paperbacks with a cover from the 60's that you know is going to be awful before you even read the plot synopsis.
I managed about the first 50 pages and just couldn't go any farther, the author is horrible. The other books may be better, or you may find inspiration from a deep interest in the lore behind the Warcraft series, but to someone who loves well-written high fantasy novels, this is trash.
I managed about the first 50 pages and just couldn't go any farther, the author is horrible. The other books may be better, or you may find inspiration from a deep interest in the lore behind the Warcraft series, but to someone who loves well-written high fantasy novels, this is trash.
April 6, 2013
Only read the first few chapters, but I agree with most of the other negative reviews on here. I've never read a Warcraft book, I didn't expect it to be "good", but I expected it to be entertaining enough. It's not. I felt like I was reading one long, badly written quest log. I agree with the reviewer that pointed out how sexist each description of a female character is. I feel like I can review this book because the beginning sucks, so I can only assume the rest of the book sucks.
August 3, 2012
Another great book by the author, the start of the trilogy explains a story that happens thousands of years before what most gamers know about the story of Warcraft lore. Explains more about the Night Elf race and their internal struggle with power hungry members of their race. Also connected with the author's earlier work where he brought some old characters in to make it even more exciting.
June 3, 2009
If you played World of Warcraft and enjoyed it, you'd probably be interested in the lore behind the game. These books do more than what a wiki could offer you in painting a pretty vivid picture. Front row seats to original characters like Cenarius, Illidian, Malfurian, Tyrande is pretty awesome.
August 8, 2012
As a fan of the Warcraft universe, I thought that this was a great book. I wouldn't recommend people who are not familiar with the Warcraft lore to read it just yet. One has to know the basics of the World of Warcraft.
March 22, 2009
As a rabid WoW player, I wanted to learn more about the background lore and I found it very engrossing, very epic
October 25, 2010
Amazing book that I would recommened for anyone who loves the Warcraft universe, fantasy, and action.
August 26, 2013
The War of the Ancients trilogy was my first Warcraft books. OMG it got me so hooked on them.
September 21, 2013
Despite being written by Knaak, this whole series is pretty wonderful.
October 9, 2013
I am a sucker for lore. I love reading this stuff. It does get dry at times but it's totally worth it and these stores are the backbone of all the other lore
February 28, 2014
I RECOMEND
June 27, 2021
So after being on a bit of a warcraft kick for a while, i decided to read this book i've had in my collection for a while. Basically it's a book about the legion's first entry into Azeroth which leads to a lot of big lore things. And, to be fair, it's actually a pretty enjoyable book.
The only preface I would give to this book is that if you're not a fan of warcraft lore, you're not going to really enjoy this. It has a lot of "Ooh! i know that guy!" moments where they name a character and you point at them. If you don't know the lore, you're going to be like "the hell is Xavius?" Long story short, it's not a beginner's book if you want to get into the Warcraft story.
The story is, long and short of it, a dragon, a wizard, and an orc get sent back in time to become part of the events of when the Legion first came to Azeroth. The story also follows Malfurion, Illidan, Tyrande, Xavius, and Queen Azshara. Which are are very important characters to the lore.
Although i know a lot about the story elements of warcrat, i actually did find this book very enjoyable. It DID run a bit long in the teeth as it's about 370 pages, and more than once i did find myself going "man, is this almost over yet?" But all in all, it was fun enough that I really didn't MIND the length as it was an enjoyable adventure.
The characters were, by and large, fine. I didn't hate Rhonin, Krasus, or Brox (our time travelers) and although i find malfurion and tyrande UNBEARABLE in world of warcraft, they were not really annoying here and were fine characters.
This is only the first book in a trilogy, and yes, i will definitely be continuing onto the second book in the series. When? not sure, but i absolutely will be as i'm quite interested to see where this story goes.
straight 4/5.
The only preface I would give to this book is that if you're not a fan of warcraft lore, you're not going to really enjoy this. It has a lot of "Ooh! i know that guy!" moments where they name a character and you point at them. If you don't know the lore, you're going to be like "the hell is Xavius?" Long story short, it's not a beginner's book if you want to get into the Warcraft story.
The story is, long and short of it, a dragon, a wizard, and an orc get sent back in time to become part of the events of when the Legion first came to Azeroth. The story also follows Malfurion, Illidan, Tyrande, Xavius, and Queen Azshara. Which are are very important characters to the lore.
Although i know a lot about the story elements of warcrat, i actually did find this book very enjoyable. It DID run a bit long in the teeth as it's about 370 pages, and more than once i did find myself going "man, is this almost over yet?" But all in all, it was fun enough that I really didn't MIND the length as it was an enjoyable adventure.
The characters were, by and large, fine. I didn't hate Rhonin, Krasus, or Brox (our time travelers) and although i find malfurion and tyrande UNBEARABLE in world of warcraft, they were not really annoying here and were fine characters.
This is only the first book in a trilogy, and yes, i will definitely be continuing onto the second book in the series. When? not sure, but i absolutely will be as i'm quite interested to see where this story goes.
straight 4/5.
April 19, 2021
Der Roman spielt im Warcraft Universum. Die Geschichte greift auf einige Vorkenntnisse zu der Welt zurück, weswegen Details und Hinweise für Neulinge der Welt womöglich schwieriger zu verstehen sind. Schon zu Beginn wird die Schlacht gegen die Brennende Legion referenziert, die allerdings kaum ausreichend erklärt wird um sie als Warcraft Neuling verstehen zu können.
In der Ausgabe, die ich gelesen habe, sind viele Namen noch der Originalfassung entnommen (Bsp. "Deathwing" statt "Todesschwinge").
Das Buch setzt sich nicht nur mit einem klassischem Fantasythema auseinander, der Magie und dem Krieg gegen Dämonen, sondern bindet auch eine Zeitreise mit ein.
Die Geschichte fokussiert sich auf den Krieg der Nachtelfen gegen die Dämonen, wobei 3 Zeitreisende (Mensch, Drache und Ork) die Wiederholung der Vergangenheit miterleben und womöglich beeinflussen.
Das Springen von Standort zu Standort macht es etwas zu erfassen an welchem Handlungsort sich der Leser aktuell befindet. Die Unübersichtlichkeit entsteht zusätzlich dadurch, dass sich bemüht wird jedem Handlungsstrang ein paar Seiten je Kapitel zu widmen anstatt pro Kapitel einen Strang zu verfolgen.
Die Beschreibung von Magie ist allerdings sehr gelungen. Und auch die Beziehung zwischen den 3 ikonischen Warcraft-Figuren Malfurion, Tyrande und Illidan ist amüsant, sowie liebevoll, beschrieben.
Ein spannender Roman, wenn streckenweise auch sehr detailreich und komplex.
In der Ausgabe, die ich gelesen habe, sind viele Namen noch der Originalfassung entnommen (Bsp. "Deathwing" statt "Todesschwinge").
Das Buch setzt sich nicht nur mit einem klassischem Fantasythema auseinander, der Magie und dem Krieg gegen Dämonen, sondern bindet auch eine Zeitreise mit ein.
Die Geschichte fokussiert sich auf den Krieg der Nachtelfen gegen die Dämonen, wobei 3 Zeitreisende (Mensch, Drache und Ork) die Wiederholung der Vergangenheit miterleben und womöglich beeinflussen.
Das Springen von Standort zu Standort macht es etwas zu erfassen an welchem Handlungsort sich der Leser aktuell befindet. Die Unübersichtlichkeit entsteht zusätzlich dadurch, dass sich bemüht wird jedem Handlungsstrang ein paar Seiten je Kapitel zu widmen anstatt pro Kapitel einen Strang zu verfolgen.
Die Beschreibung von Magie ist allerdings sehr gelungen. Und auch die Beziehung zwischen den 3 ikonischen Warcraft-Figuren Malfurion, Tyrande und Illidan ist amüsant, sowie liebevoll, beschrieben.
Ein spannender Roman, wenn streckenweise auch sehr detailreich und komplex.
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