If you're a player of World of Warcraft, but not into the old RTS games or the books that have come before, this novel is the place to jump and see some of the story behind the game you've been playing.
Christie Golden has crafted a strong character-centric tale following the life of Arthas Menethil. It shows him growing into a young man, joining the ranks of the paladins, and his eventual fall from grace in a way that is quick, concise, and yet still meaningful. Arthas is portrayed as neither a spoiled brat or an arrogant upstart, but as a well-meaning person with a good soul and a few very human and realistic character flaws that gets twisted into something horrible, party by outside forces, but also by the lack of control he has over himself. As I read it, I found myself comparing it to the fall of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars Saga, and I hate to say it, Golden did a superior job with her take on how a hero becomes the villain.
If this book has any weakness, is that its a little too short. The first two volumes take place at a good pace, always moving but taking the time to really show us all that's transpiring. As the book moves through its third act, those familiar with Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne will note at how briefly the events of the undead campaign are covered. In contrast to the first two thirds of the book, the last third skips over large chunks of the storyline to make sure the crucial points get the time needed, which is good.
The main story in no way feels slighted. But for those of already familiar with the first draft of events, so to speak, it seems as if Golden were either pressed for time, or had a page count limit she was working under because the trek through Anub'Arak is given only the barest of mentions, and the encounter with Sapphiron is treated as if it never happened. An odd choice, given how the dragon features prominently in the World of Warcraft game at the moment.
Lastly, the book concludes with a Further Reading section. This is something new readers can really appreciate. The novel touches on events and places from other games, and expanded upon in earlier novels. This section lets the reader know where to learn more about those places and events, what novels to buy and what games to play. Some might call it shameless marketing, but it makes a handy reference section for new readers. World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
First let me say, if you are a player of the game and want to expand a little on the mythos behind it, then this would be a good book for you. If you are like me and have read pretty much all the WoW books, then "Arthas" is a must read. For those of you that neither play the game, nor have read any other WoW book, you won't feel slighted. This is a good fantasy novel about a prince who follows the road paved with good intentions to hell.
Christie Golden seems to be a fan of writing the "bad guy" story. She's written both Rise of the Horde and Lord of the Clan (though the argument could be made that the leader of the orcs is not a bad guy in the true sense). With Arthas: Rise of the Lich King she gets the nod from Blizzard (the company who owns WoW) to write an account on one of the most powerful and profound characters in the WoW universe. And she does VERY well.
I agree, however, with the other reviews that state she seemed to become bored, or was strapped for time, near the end of the story. While I understand the desire to not "re-write" some things that have appeared (or may appear) in other WoW novels, sometimes the story jumped from "A" to "C" to without satisfactorily touching on "B". There are parts in the book where it was almost like "By the way, there was this big war and the good guys won"; where one sentence was the springboard past epic events in the history. Noticing it as one who has a strong understanding of the lore, I can only imagine someone who has no idea scratching their heads before reading on.
Otherwise, as I've said, enjoy the story, you won't be disapointed.
I loved the dream in the introduction and ending. The rest was just a regurgitation of Warcraft 3's (and the frozen throne's) campaigns. I was hoping for a proper ending for the campaign mode; but it was nothing really new.
Allow me to first temper this review that I am a fan of Golden's work. I place her in the top tier of modern fantasy writers which includes Salvatore, Weis/Hickman, and Greenwood.Her previous Warcraft novels are must reads for fantasy lovers, not just Warcraft fans. Lord of the Clans is a bona fide page turner, and Rise of the Horde is riveting.
Now, lets look at this extremely disappointing work of marketing, as it is no coincidence that Rise of the Lich King was released on the heels of the expansion Wrath of the Lich King for World of Warcraft. Arthas is less of a novel than it is a primer for gamers who are not familiar to the events of Warcraft III and Wrath of the Lich King. The writing seems rushed as Golden appears to expect the reader to have experienced key components in the plot through the games or other novels. For example, a pivotal plot point has Arthas traveling to Kalimdor to steal the Skull of Guldan, an artifact crucial to the Lich King's plan. Golden manages to wrap up his meeting with the Demon Hunter Illidan, convincing him to retrieve the skull, and return it to him in the span of only 1 chapter. I was left wanting more. Here are two key figures in the World of Warcraft interacting, and it takes place in only a few pages.
Another major complaint is Golden's use of dialogue taken directly from the Warcraft III game. After reading the book, I was inspired to go back and play through the Scourge episodes. And many plot points are taken from the game word for word. Arthas' final confrontation with Uther, his mentor and friend, was verbatim. I wanted to read this book to expand and flush out the story from the games. I was sorely disappointed.
Arthas:Rise of the Lich King also eludes to other Warcraft novels, and because of this, Golden expects the reader to have already read them. The part where Arthas and Jaina visit the internment camps, and he sees Thrall for the first time is actually covered in Lord of the Clans. And in Rise of the Lich king, we are only given a hint of the drama going on here, or the ramifications of Arthas' visit and disdain for Proudmore. The examples are many.
I highly recommend any of Golden's other works, but save your money and buy Warcraft III Warchest instead of this novel. You will get much more enjoyment out of it then this hastily authored novel. - Wow - Christie Golden - Warcraft - Blizzard'
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