This is obviously one of those Very Important Lore Books that everyone on the forums/discords constantly brings up. And it's not a bad read. There are some parts that seem too drawn out, others that seem very rushed, but all in all it's probably the best of Golden's books that I've read (at the very least, tied with The Shattering).
(Minor Spoilers ahead)
It focuses a lot on Baine, who I think Golden always does a very good job with, and also has some very good Anduin parts (and for once she doesn't give Vol'jin the complete shaft! though that's probably more out of necessity to the story than anything else). The author does a good job of contrasting the takes of the two sides at the trial, though I found Tyrande to be far less capable than I feel like she would be, to be honest. I'm not a Garrosh apologist, but have always felt he took too much of the blame considering Go'el was just sitting back and letting all of this happen, so it's interesting to see how he was defended at his trial.
All in all, given the confines of how the book had to end, I thought it was a good, enjoyable read, and something any WoW lore enthusiast should check out.
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War Crimes (World of Warcraft) Hardcover – May 6, 2014
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Christie Golden
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Christie Golden
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Book 13 of 13: World of Warcraft
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Print length358 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherPocket Books
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Publication dateMay 6, 2014
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Reading age14 years and up
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Dimensions6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
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ISBN-101451684487
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ISBN-13978-1451684483
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About the Author
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Christie Golden has written more than forty novels and several short stories in the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Among her many projects are over a dozen Star Trek novels and several original fantasy novels. An avid player of World of Warcraft, she has written two manga short stories and several novels in that world. Golden lives in Tennessee. She welcomes visitors to her website: ChristieGolden.com.
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Product details
- Publisher : Pocket Books; 1st edition (May 6, 2014)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 358 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1451684487
- ISBN-13 : 978-1451684483
- Reading age : 14 years and up
- Item Weight : 1.18 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
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Best Sellers Rank:
#1,067,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,903 in Fantasy Gaming
- #21,832 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
- #32,843 in Graphic Novels (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
794 global ratings
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2018
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Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2018
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Perhaps the biggest question after the end of Mists of Pandaria. That being how the defeated Garrosh Hellscream ended up behind the invading Iron Horde of the Warlords of Draenor expansion. Unfortunately that’s really the only thing that develops in the novel. There’s no character development. Who they all are at the beginning is who they are at the end. Its not a bad read and like most of Golden’s novels it’s an easy and fast one. It’s just too bad it felt like it could easily have been missed. The ending, as you might expect, is wholly unsatisfying. Recommended for anyone interested in the World of Warcraft but probably not something you’d look back on as adding to it.
Sylvanas does have a small amount of development but if you never read it you’d probably never suspected it existing. She’s revealed quite the villainous side. Garrosh himself is just as loud about his depravity as ever. Even though two villains are in the book, one just reveals how black she is and the other exists only to remind us who’s on trial. There’s really no action for them to move forward. Sylvanas is mainly involved in reconnecting with her sister Vareesa and both disappear from the book just as their storyline picks up heat. Not a regrettable read by any means but definitely could use more spice when having almost all the big names of the setting present.
Sylvanas does have a small amount of development but if you never read it you’d probably never suspected it existing. She’s revealed quite the villainous side. Garrosh himself is just as loud about his depravity as ever. Even though two villains are in the book, one just reveals how black she is and the other exists only to remind us who’s on trial. There’s really no action for them to move forward. Sylvanas is mainly involved in reconnecting with her sister Vareesa and both disappear from the book just as their storyline picks up heat. Not a regrettable read by any means but definitely could use more spice when having almost all the big names of the setting present.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2018
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I just finish this beautiful book. I'm gonna say it again: Christie Golden is pure GOLD.
This book is the story of World of Warcraft between Mists of Pandarian and Warlords of Draenor expansions. In this book, the hatefull Garrosh Hellscream face a long and harsh trial, where he has more enemies than allies. Is not an action story, is about introspection and compassion.
I get why people think "Garrosh did nothing wrong", he is a strong leader and proud warrior, qualities highly respect in the Horde. But, he was nasty... don't forget that.
This book is the story of World of Warcraft between Mists of Pandarian and Warlords of Draenor expansions. In this book, the hatefull Garrosh Hellscream face a long and harsh trial, where he has more enemies than allies. Is not an action story, is about introspection and compassion.
I get why people think "Garrosh did nothing wrong", he is a strong leader and proud warrior, qualities highly respect in the Horde. But, he was nasty... don't forget that.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2014
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Golden has to be my favorite World of Warcraft writer to date. I've followed her in other genre's and she always seems to strike gold when she does write for them. I loved the Arthas book and I eagerly snatched this book up once it came out.
The depth of the characters in this book are absolutely amazing. I've been playing WoW since right after Vanilla dropped and so I've spent the last ten years(almost) playing and watching the story evolve around the faction leaders of the Horde and Alliance. The creators of WoW do a good job, but they've struck amazing talent in Golden writing for them. The review is so very difficult to write without giving any spoilers but needless to say the depth she gives every single faction leader is amazing.
After the finish of the Siege of Orgrimmar is when the story picks up. Everything has been moved to Pandaria for the trial, a new technology/magic is being used to assist in the trial which really gives Golden an opportunity to explore certain parts of the past and bring things to light. One of the best things about this book is that it doesn't follow the standard court approach that we all see during the reruns of Law and Order(or any other justice based series). Golden took some of the standard court aspects but also really created her own idea of how the Pandarians would have a court system.
The read a good solid read and I ended up reading it in a couple of days just because I wanted to spread it out. I could have easily finished it in one sitting though if I hadn't forced myself to stop reading to take breaks. If you're a fan of the game at all I highly recommend picking up the book and reading it. Especially with Warlords just a few months away from its release date.
The depth of the characters in this book are absolutely amazing. I've been playing WoW since right after Vanilla dropped and so I've spent the last ten years(almost) playing and watching the story evolve around the faction leaders of the Horde and Alliance. The creators of WoW do a good job, but they've struck amazing talent in Golden writing for them. The review is so very difficult to write without giving any spoilers but needless to say the depth she gives every single faction leader is amazing.
After the finish of the Siege of Orgrimmar is when the story picks up. Everything has been moved to Pandaria for the trial, a new technology/magic is being used to assist in the trial which really gives Golden an opportunity to explore certain parts of the past and bring things to light. One of the best things about this book is that it doesn't follow the standard court approach that we all see during the reruns of Law and Order(or any other justice based series). Golden took some of the standard court aspects but also really created her own idea of how the Pandarians would have a court system.
The read a good solid read and I ended up reading it in a couple of days just because I wanted to spread it out. I could have easily finished it in one sitting though if I hadn't forced myself to stop reading to take breaks. If you're a fan of the game at all I highly recommend picking up the book and reading it. Especially with Warlords just a few months away from its release date.
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Top reviews from other countries
Trey Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like reading a Warcraft version of 12 Angry Men
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2020Verified Purchase
This book reads like a fantasy version of 12 Angry Men, when the orc and former warchief Garrosh Hellscream is put on trial for multiple counts of various crimes. Both the Horde and Alliance gather to take part in the trial which is led by the Pandaren, both to accuse him, and to defend him (which might turn out to be the more difficult task).
As per usual, Golden Christie's writing is amazing. By far my favorite Warcraft author, not doubt. You'll want to keep reading both for the fascinating trial, but also for all the intricate character development you experience along the way. I think this might be my favorite book after Arthas.
As per usual, Golden Christie's writing is amazing. By far my favorite Warcraft author, not doubt. You'll want to keep reading both for the fascinating trial, but also for all the intricate character development you experience along the way. I think this might be my favorite book after Arthas.
Lee Naylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Do not judge, lest ye be judged...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2014Verified Purchase
For Warcraft Fans:
Garrosh committed some atrocious crimes in the name of his 'True Horde'. As we found at the end of 'Mists', Garrosh was not to be tried by his enemy King Varian, nor by the swiftness of Thrall's (sorry, Go'el...) Doomhammer, but he was to be tried by the people he probably hurt the most; the people of Pandaria.
And tried literally he would be. This book is the story of the trial of Garrosh Hellscream at The Temple of the White Tiger in northern Pandaria. Taran Zhu presides as Judge and the August Celestial's are there to be the jury. Members past and present of the Horde and Alliance are brought to be called as witnesses to the accused crimes, some just to observe but ALL to see Garrosh burn for the things he had done. But as in all things Warcraft, not everything is destined to go to plan...
The writing is supurb. Christie is a master of imagery and understands the personalities of these characters, from Anduin Wrynn's wisdom and purity of heart past his years, to Vol'Jin's quiet power, to Baine Bloodhoof's nobility despite the always great conflicts of heart he faces and Jaina Proudmoore's both heartfelt and powerfully good side, and her seething, bitter, dark hatred of the Son of Grom. Every character is portrayed *exactly* as you imagine them to be... I could go on, but you should have no fear of if Christie has 'got' the characters. She has. She does every time.
Of course there are some interesting side plots, one involving Sylvanas Windrunner and another involving some of some of Garrosh's old buddies conspiring with a certain dragon, but it is the courtroom drama that is front, center and the star of the show here. We see some sides of characters we haven't seen before, and every revelation to the court will have you bristling, or when certain witnesses are brought forward to give testimony against (or even for) Garrosh (or evidence shown in a *very* novel way...) if you know your WoW lore you'll be putting your head in your hands at knowing what is coming next.
This is up there with Lord of the Clans, Rise of the Horde/Lich King and The Shattering as Christie Golden's best WoW work. If you love the rich lore of Warcraft and want to build yourself up for Warlords of Draenor then there is no better way than reading War Crimes. Buy it.
For Non Warcraft Fans:
If you love fantasy books, Christie Golden is an amazing writer and you cannot fail buying *any* of her books. She can create the most vivid of imagery and brings characters to life with real emotion and depth. Yes, you are going to be at a *massive* loss if you don't know the back story to this book or indeed play the World of Warcraft games... but it could still be a good read anyway. If you want my opinion, if you don't play WoW, don't get this book... but start playing WoW. Learn it's rich and deep story and most of all, once you have played for a while, read Christie's books. They will enrich your enjoyment of WoW to new levels. I'd love to say by not playing WoW you're not missing out but... well... you know... ;)
Garrosh committed some atrocious crimes in the name of his 'True Horde'. As we found at the end of 'Mists', Garrosh was not to be tried by his enemy King Varian, nor by the swiftness of Thrall's (sorry, Go'el...) Doomhammer, but he was to be tried by the people he probably hurt the most; the people of Pandaria.
And tried literally he would be. This book is the story of the trial of Garrosh Hellscream at The Temple of the White Tiger in northern Pandaria. Taran Zhu presides as Judge and the August Celestial's are there to be the jury. Members past and present of the Horde and Alliance are brought to be called as witnesses to the accused crimes, some just to observe but ALL to see Garrosh burn for the things he had done. But as in all things Warcraft, not everything is destined to go to plan...
The writing is supurb. Christie is a master of imagery and understands the personalities of these characters, from Anduin Wrynn's wisdom and purity of heart past his years, to Vol'Jin's quiet power, to Baine Bloodhoof's nobility despite the always great conflicts of heart he faces and Jaina Proudmoore's both heartfelt and powerfully good side, and her seething, bitter, dark hatred of the Son of Grom. Every character is portrayed *exactly* as you imagine them to be... I could go on, but you should have no fear of if Christie has 'got' the characters. She has. She does every time.
Of course there are some interesting side plots, one involving Sylvanas Windrunner and another involving some of some of Garrosh's old buddies conspiring with a certain dragon, but it is the courtroom drama that is front, center and the star of the show here. We see some sides of characters we haven't seen before, and every revelation to the court will have you bristling, or when certain witnesses are brought forward to give testimony against (or even for) Garrosh (or evidence shown in a *very* novel way...) if you know your WoW lore you'll be putting your head in your hands at knowing what is coming next.
This is up there with Lord of the Clans, Rise of the Horde/Lich King and The Shattering as Christie Golden's best WoW work. If you love the rich lore of Warcraft and want to build yourself up for Warlords of Draenor then there is no better way than reading War Crimes. Buy it.
For Non Warcraft Fans:
If you love fantasy books, Christie Golden is an amazing writer and you cannot fail buying *any* of her books. She can create the most vivid of imagery and brings characters to life with real emotion and depth. Yes, you are going to be at a *massive* loss if you don't know the back story to this book or indeed play the World of Warcraft games... but it could still be a good read anyway. If you want my opinion, if you don't play WoW, don't get this book... but start playing WoW. Learn it's rich and deep story and most of all, once you have played for a while, read Christie's books. They will enrich your enjoyment of WoW to new levels. I'd love to say by not playing WoW you're not missing out but... well... you know... ;)
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Clare
4.0 out of 5 stars
I liked this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 15, 2014Verified Purchase
I liked this book, but maybe not as much as Christie Golden's other Warcraft works. There's some great moments, and a really touching subplot with Sylvanas and her sister.
However a lot of the book feels like 'here is all the lore and backstory you need to know before the next wow expansion,' and at times it seems like Golden had to stretch the plot to put it in. Other than that, the ending is an amazing moment that I wish was an ingame instance (because I would play the hell out of it) and Golden writes Garrosh really well, I hope she gets to do more books with him in.
However a lot of the book feels like 'here is all the lore and backstory you need to know before the next wow expansion,' and at times it seems like Golden had to stretch the plot to put it in. Other than that, the ending is an amazing moment that I wish was an ingame instance (because I would play the hell out of it) and Golden writes Garrosh really well, I hope she gets to do more books with him in.
David
5.0 out of 5 stars
an excellent read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2014Verified Purchase
War crimes in another World of Warcraft book that covers the time between expansions and this one covers the end of mists of pandaria and towards the start of Warlords of draenor.
Christie Golden is an excellent writer and captures the horde mentality very well and her books are always a pleasure to read, if your a fan of the game then it's a must read but if you don't follow it, then i'd give it a miss, while its a great book, there is just too much pre-knowledge you need for it to make sense
Christie Golden is an excellent writer and captures the horde mentality very well and her books are always a pleasure to read, if your a fan of the game then it's a must read but if you don't follow it, then i'd give it a miss, while its a great book, there is just too much pre-knowledge you need for it to make sense
Kieran
3.0 out of 5 stars
Slightly damaged
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2019Verified Purchase
Usually Amazing quality but the past 2 books have been classed as new but arrive beaten and flayed in places, still readable but would prefer undamaged!
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