World of Warcraft: Wolfheart [Hardcover]

Wolfheart is a fairly good palate cleanser after 'Thrall' where it's much less about one man trying to save the world, then people trying to hold onto, or get back what they've once had.

Like usual Knakk knows how to write action like nobody's business, with gut wrenching action both on and off the battlefield. All the characters are already fairly established in lore, so there's not much need for extensive character building, and this book does help fill in and resolve things going on Alliance side after the cataclysm.

Okay, I have to admit this book surprised me. I went in expecting Knaak to be his usual self. While I'm not among his legion of haters, I will admit that Golden is usually the superior writer. Not this time. Richard Knaak has outdone himself, taking the characters of Tyrande, Malfurion, Varian, and Maiev and bringing them to live with an interesting story about acceptance, both of others and oneself.

First, I want to address the complaints about "bland characterizations." I'm often wondering if I read the same book as some other people. Yes, Varian Wrynn does start off his usual, obstinate, annoying self. But one of the plots of this book is deconstructing that, and moving Varian past his "King/Gladiator" dichotomy and making him one whole, balanced person again.

Tyrande is a bit sticker question. In World of Warcraft, the character has done remarkably little, so her only "in-game" characterization comes from Warcraft III, where she was a bloodthirsty, borderline racial supremacist who had no qualms murdering her own people if they got in her way. In other words, she was a lot like Maiev. Does Knaak portray her differently? Yes. he treats her a High Priestess. Someone's who believes in faith and hope, and thinks carefully before acting. I personally find this characterization vastly more endearing than the one from WCIII, who I didn't care if she lived or died. To each their own. As for accusations that she just sits there, that again, is overlooking her role in the conference, and her own (admittedly short) fight scenes.

Okay, back to the review. If you loathe Knaak's style, this book probably won't change your mind. But if you've been on the fence, or merely didn't like his own author-created characters, "Wolfheart" may just change your mind.

For Alliance fans, this book gives the faction a much needed boost of morale. In the game itself, the Alliance has taken the short end of the stick in regards to the storyline. By the third act, Varian Wrynn has finally mastered his rage and (some of) his prejudices, and leads the Alliance to it's first major victory in the face of the new Horde Blitzkrieg.

My other reservation is for new readers. If you're not already familiar with the Warcraft world, you'll be a bit lost by what's going on. This book is *not* a jumping on point for those not already familiar with Warcraft lore. Try "Rise of the Horde" or "Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" instead.

As an avid fan of the Warcraft series and lore, I found this book great. The story and action were detailed but doesnt drag on. The action sequences are epic and the storyline itself is well written.

Overall the book is written pretty well except for some minor pet peeves that I have.

Heres some information for you Knaak, if an object is fired from a bow, its called an arrow, if its fired from a crossbolt THEN you can call it a bolt......

But seriously, check this book out. Its a good read.