21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb, author has improved much since Lord of the Clans, January 31, 2007
I must admit I had my apprehensions given that I was slightly disappointed with Lord of the Clans. It was a much anticipated telling of the cancelled Warcraft Adventures which would have fleshed out the beginnings of Thrall, only there seemed to be not enough meat and what was there was predictable, even cliched storytelling.
Thanksfully this is not the case with Rise of the Horde. It is always a mark of a good writer who can make a story enthralling even when the audience very likely knows how it's going to do. You can't help but grieve, emphathise and feel dread for Durotan who has to slowly watch the Horde become perverted by "well intentioned" men as well as others like Ner'Zhul whom the Warcraft universe has not spent much time in portraying in a sympathetic light. Also a bonus is a thorough glimpse into the Dranei and their relationship with the Orcs prior to becoming the Horde and further insights into the Horde way of life beyond World of Warcraft's Horde side.
All in all this is a very strong novel which I was pleasantly surprised and a gripping read from beginning to end. For anyone reading this who thinks since they already know the story, you might wish to pass on this I can assure you that would be a mistake. You *might* know the story, but it was never told like this.
Makes me wish I'd resubscribe to WoW just for TBC to see what has happened to the Draenei!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde, November 22, 2009
World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde, by Christie Golden
"Rise of the Horde" is what a Warcraft book should be. The book is enjoyable, the plot is pretty solid, and the characters are spot on. In the author biography, Golden states that she is a World of Warcraft player and it shows - there are little things thrown in that any Warcraft player will appreciate.
Each chapter starts with a brief introduction from Thrall, the current chief of the new Horde. He is writing the history of the old Horde, the Horde that destroyed their own world and invaded Azeroth, the Horde that perpetuated genocide on the draenei and slaughtered the humans.
The story of the orcs starts with a noble race, living peacefully on Draenor. The orcs have coexisted with the draenei for hundreds of years, ever since the draenei arrived on Draenor fleeing from their ancient enemies. While the orcs take pleasure in hunting animals and bloodlust, they are not killers and have a culture, family groups, a belief system. But all that changes when the Burning Legion turns a key orc to their side, and he leads the orcs on a terrifying descent into madness. Only one clan stands apart, the Frostwolves; their leader Durotan watches helplessly as the orcs are corrupted by demons.
Golden depicts this tale with plenty of emotion; I felt for Durotan's situation. How many of us have watched someone do something we know is wrong, but we can't change their minds? Most of us have, I'm sure. "The Rise of the Horde" details just that, the rise of the horde that descended upon Azeroth, intent on taking the world for their own. The story is known, especially if one is a Warcraft player; but Golden fleshes out the story very nicely. How many Warcraft players have visited Durotar, or Orgrimmar? The figures these places are named after, Durotan and Orgrim, are key characters in this book. The additional background detail it provides will delight any Warcraft player; this is one of my favorite novels based on the universe - I've read all of them, and read them all multiple times.
5/5.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good read, May 16, 2008
This was a wonderful book, I really enjoyed the background it gives, it helps to flesh out the story a little better, and gives you more insight into the Orcs, and the Draenei. Well worth purchasing.
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