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Comic for: July 19th, 2011
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World of Warcraft: "Not in the Book"
Posted: Tuesday July 19th, 2011 by

Blizzard sent me an advance copy of Christie Golden's "Thrall, Twilight of the Aspects". They wanted to get my opinion of the book, but it was incredibly short notice. So, I wasn't able to read it all before it hit store shelves.

The book references names, places, times that we're familiar with in WoW. But they must fit within the story not serve as just quest details. But, I'm a WoW player, I can't help but think about it like we're IN the game. So it's pretty odd to me to think about Thrall, former Warchief of the Horde, not knowing about the Caverns of Time. Though while you're reading, that's an easy thing to dismiss. You just bury yourself in the book. It's a decent read. It moves quickly. The dialogue doesn't feel forced. There are definite nods to the game itself. There are nifty details about areas that make perfect sense, but you never really think of them while you're playing the game. And, it's nice to get more of the depth of a character.

If there is a criticism to be had, it's that (like most books) this one starts pretty slow, as if the author is endeavoring to find her way into the story. It doesn't take her long to dig down to where things start to feel more natural as you read. But, those first few pages where the word "And" seems to be used as an inclusive crutch are a bit tough to stomp through. It's like listening to a story your over-excited four year old nephew is telling: "and then", "and then", "and then". It was significant enough that for the next couple of chapters every time I'd hit another "And" I'd get thrown right out of book and have to slowly sink into it again.

I don't blame Christie for this, mind you. I do it myself A LOT! I blame her editor. In each case there's a phrasing or simple sentence structure change that could be made to progress the idea. Again though, she settles in. The book becomes more inviting, immersive.

Now, I've not read other books set within a game world like this. So, I have no point reference by which to deliver a meaningful comparison. But, unless I miss my guess, this is a decent one. That is to say, I see no problem recommending it to those of you who might enjoy such odd things as reading words printed on thinly sliced pieces of tree.

You can grab a tangible version of the book here: Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects

Or if you prefer to be all modern and tech-nerdy grab the Kindle version.

Blizzard did not ask or require me to make a comic derived from the book. They did however ask if I would post my impression of it.

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