War of the Ancients Archive

War of the Ancients Trilogy #1-3

by Richard A. Knaak

Months have passed since the cataclysmic Battle of Mount Hyjal, which put an end to the Burning Legion's invasion. Most Legion forces on Azeroth have been slain or driven into hiding. Yet now a mysterious energy rift in the mountains of Kalimdor propels three heroes to the distant past: the dragon mage Krasus, the human wizard Rhonin, and the weathered orc veteran Broxigar. It is a time long before orcs, humans, or even high elves roamed the world. A time that marks the Legion's first invasion of Azeroth, brought about by Queen Azshara and other night elf nobles. A time when the Dragon Aspects are at the height of their power -- unaware that one of their own will soon turn on the world he was charged to protect.

Genres: Fantasy, Warcraft, World Of Warcraft, Fiction, High Fantasy, Video Games, Games

718 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2007

About the author

Richard A. Knaak is the bestselling author of Dragonlance novels, the Dragonrealm and Black City Saint series (his own creations), six novels for Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo series, and six works in the Warcraft universe. He has also written several non-series fantasy books.

Reviews

[Markus · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not long after the climactic battle for Mount Hyjal and the end of the Third War, three battle-hardened heroes are caught up in a spell and transported to a place beyond all recognition. After exploring this mysterious new world, Rhonin, Krasus and Broxigar realise that they have come into the distant past, back to the time when the Burning Legion launched its first grand invasion of Azeroth.

This trilogy had a huge amount of potential. Describing the events from the War of the Ancients, ten thousand years before the main Warcraft series, presented a unique opportunity to show readers a whole new setting while also keeping the most important elements of Warcraft lore. Well… it was pretty much wasted.

First of all, these books were ridiculously boring. The thing about tie-in novels is that they’re usually fast-paced and full of suspense while being poorly written. The writing here was indeed poor, but so were unfortunately the plot and the action. And mostly everything else.

I may be influenced by my intense disgust with anything concerning time travelling. It doesn’t belong in a fantasy series like this, and especially not when it threatens to undo all established lore. The Warcraft series keeps using time travelling for different purposes, and to me that is an absolutely horrible form of lazy storytelling, and the main problem of this whole series. Warcraft lore is amazing, and time travelling almost ruins everything every single time.

Characterisation is worse than usual. The trilogy has six protagonists, three from the past and three from the present. As if the storyline wasn’t uninteresting enough and the time-travelling disastrous enough already, Knaak doesn’t bring just anyone back to the past. No, he takes two of the most boring characters I have encountered (Rhonin and Krasus). The poor orc warrior Brox being pretty interesting didn’t help that much. So, the protagonists from the present are more or less terrible. What about the ones from the past? We’re talking about a trio consisting of some of my favourite Warcraft characters: Malfurion Stormrage, Illidan Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind. And… this was the biggest disappointment in the whole trilogy, to be honest. I could stomach Rhonin and Krasus being boring and doing their things; I could suffer through the whole War of the Ancients being reduced to crap; but Malfurion, Illidan and Tyrande were way below par, and that ruined what enjoyment there was left for me.

There were a few good parts which deserve mention. Queen Azshara is an interesting villain. Kur’talos Ravencrest is an interesting character I hadn’t even heard of before. And that’s pretty much it. Like I said, this trilogy had a huge amount of potential and utilised none of it. It could have been great, but it proved to be a bloody waste of time.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs more than 5 stars. It is up there with Harry Potter. It goes beyond stars and reviews for me.

My brother plays WOW and the art style and the characters intrigue me. The lore and story lines would suck me in as I watched, so for Christmas, he bought me books about WOW. The fact that this books is about night elves only added to my enjoyment because they are my favorite race in the game.

I could never truly decide who my favorite character was, but perhaps it was Broxigar. I also have a fascination with orcs but I think its the green skin. shhh. don't judge me.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful journey it was to immerse oneself into the history of Azeroth! The trilogy was a joy to read, especially as a WoW enthusiast.

[Pip Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simply amazing novel! It goes out of it's way to paint a vivid picture of Azeroth, explaining concepts even to those unfamiliar with the Warcraft universe. It never feels tedius or slowing down, keeping you on the edge of your seet with the balance of power between the Night Elves and the Burning Leigon.

The bigger threat of potentially changing time is always there, with the characters trapped in the past not being neccesarily more powerful than other people. The action is phanomanal, using many different characters and action scenes to envolop you in the full blown war.

The main flaws from this book comes from trying to keep a character balance. Some characters like Broxigar, Rhonin, and even Tyrande Whisperwind to an extent don't get nearly as much presense as they should do. It's difficult to make the characters matter when you're too busy trying to show how big and powerful the threats are against them.

Likewise Queen Azshara herself doesn't really do very much. She says allot and is always talked about being powerful; Yet very rarely do we actually get to see it. Nor is it entirely clear WHAT has happened to her, if you have never read up on Warcraft lore before.

When all is said and done, this is a trillogy that many fantasy authors should aspire to write like. It shows a diverse world with powerful enemies, making all the characters develop naturally as the story goes on. Nothing ever feels forced or out of place, always keeping you hungry for more. This is a must read for any fan of Warcraft, or fantasy in general!

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of not only the Warcraft novels but also Richard A. Knaak some may think my opinion biased. However these three books have both their ups and downs. The first book was amazing I loved the storyline and it really set the stage well for the books that would follow. Being a fan of Horde I very much enjoyed reading about Broxigar (Brox). The second book was as many middle books in trilogies in my opinion. I dislike most trilogies because the second book is normally nowhere near as good as the first or second. Its kind of a stagnant point in the story. The third book while not as good as the first is still very well written. I have fallen in love with Korialstraz (Krasus) because he has no specific charecter and can be used in any story which Richard A. Knaak does a very good job of doing. I would recommend this to anyone who does not have a weak stomach as there are some pretty gory chapters.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a World of Warcraft lore enthusiest, and I particularly enjoy the storyline behind the Night Elves and Dragon Aspects - so needless to say, this book was much anticipated. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the book - from the orcs sent back into ancient Kalimdor, to the kingdom of the Night Elves, to the far reaches where the Dragons resided. It was a blast getting to see the story unfold with names and faces you recognized from the games (ie. WC3, WoW) and view them in a means you wouldn't get to otherwise see.

The stories were both empowering and heart-breaking, and really kept me engaged. It's a great look into a large chunk of WoW's storyline and how events resulted in how we now see them.

Also, a very engaging read for folks who are unfamiliar with World of Warcraft. I found an outside reader could still enjoy the adventerous storyline and characters.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally liked the whole Warcraft Archives, but the beginning was a bit slow. I would like to have seen a map because I was confused about whether or not the world has changed yet by the cataclysm, where is the sunwell (the one place I know where it is in Isle of Quel'Danas)? It sounds like it is in Azshara. I believe that this came before World of Warcraft and befor Warcraft 2. I have played World of Warcraft on the computer and have seen or killed some of the characters that are in the book. I would recommend this book to people who like Blizzard Entertainment. Who have also made Diablo, Starcraft, and Hearthstone and coming out with a movie in 2016!

[Endora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to Warcraft Books,I have to complimment Blizzard Entertainment (Video Game company, makers of Warcraft I, II, III, and World of Warcraft) they know who to have certain sagas written by.

I liked this book not only because I played the games and read the history, but I enjoyed the characters reactions to the turmoil and danger that plagued their homeland and loved ones. It was well written.

Another reason is that I enjoy the heroes of the book because they had intriguing stories behind them ingame and outgame. My favorite characters are Tyrande, Krasus, and Alexstrasza

[Chris Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that not only explains Illidian's fall, but also sets up the events for the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion. Knaak is not your typical fantasy writer that seems too absorbed in the scene to flesh out the characters and I enjoy that. Although playing or having played World of Warcraft is helpful the setting of the story is far back enough that you do not have to be a fan to understand all that is going on. This story is really set at the beginning.

Overall a fun book and great story.

[Ben T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh i really like this cover expectually Tyrande Whisperwind (the girl). this novel is a collect of 3 novels. it tells the past of Tyrande Whisperwind and her 2 friends which are brother and a dragon and human (Ronin). i like how we get to see the young Tyrande Whisperwind a young and love sick girl become the powerful figure she is now in the alliance and the leader of the night elves and moon mistress.

[TL Jeffcoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far the best of all the books written for the Warcraft series. I absolutely loved it. The history of and origins of some of the biggest movers and shakers of the world setting was fun and exciting. Not to mention two of the biggest and most powerful villains of the warcraft universe on the same stage. Deathwing and Archimonde. Azeroth never stood a chance. If you read any of the Warcraft books, these are the ones to read. Period.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! I am a huge fan of World of Warcraft so when I saw this book I snatched it up! And boy am I glad I did! Knaak recreates the world of Azeroth in stunning detail. I loved reading about the events that transpired in the past. If you are a fan of Warcraft in any shape or form, you have got to read this!

[Kelsey Low · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these books. I enjoy reading about the Warcraft lore a lot, and it's not something that is easy to get while playing the World of Warcraft MMO, since like most MMOs of the day you just click on quests and never really know why you're killing this or collecting that. It's always good to know the stories of the major NPCs of the game.

[Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Knaak has to offer the Warcraft series. These books not only clarify the history of Warcraft but they also help personify the individuals inherent. Worth reading if you know someone that has a copy.

[Kevin Teynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read, especially if you like the lore/history behind the warcraft universe.

[Marc Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for wow fans who want to really loose themselves in a good book

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost done! This book is amazing, Knaak is awesome!

[Wayne Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge Warcraft fan, I love diving into Azeroth’s epic lore, and the War of the Ancients trilogy (The Well of Eternity, The Demon Soul, The Sundering) gives us a look at the War of the Ancients, 10,000 years before World of Warcraft. It follows time-displaced heroes Krasus, Rhonin, and Broxigar, alongside night elves Malfurion, Tyrande, and Illidan, as they battle the Burning Legion. The Demon Soul’s creation and the Great Sundering tie into Cataclysm and Dragonflight, making it a lore treat. But sluggish pacing, repetitive writing, and weak prose hold it back, unlike sharper novels in the universe.

Illidan and Broxigar shine, and Malfurion and Tyrande’s arcs are solid, but Krasus and Rhonin feel dull, and villains like Azshara are too one-dimensional. The Old Gods’ role in Neltharion’s fall needed more focus. Knaak’s time-travel plot feels messy and at ~1,100 pages, it drags when it could’ve been tighter.

For Warcraft fans, it’s a funish, quite flawed ride that is only worth reading for Illidan, Malfurion, and lore connections. It’s no masterpiece, but it’s average and probably better for lore hounds who can handle the rough writing.

[Roxana Suflet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trilogy is overall great especially if you are familiar with the Warcraft Universe. I always loved Tyrande's character and I particularly enjoyed following her evolution. I like the overall story, it touches on matters of politics, corruption, faith, destiny, preservation of nature, tolerance of other cultures.
I wish the writing style was more focused on the social conflicts happening within the story - as there are many - and the inner turmoil of the characters and less preoccupied with the description of how the characters would cast a spell or how the spell would look or how much it would destroy its targets. Those types of effects have their own importance, but in my opinion they should be only briefly mentioned so as not to disrupt the reader's experience of the overall battle or the characters' thoughts and feelings. I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 for the story line and characters but have to put 3 because of too much focus on visual elements, however I still recommend it as worth reading.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been more than a year since I read War of the Ancients however, this book will always be the best Warcraft book for me. Although the pacing is a little slow, the climax was worth it.

I would like to briefly mention the main points of this book.

Firstly, this book takes place during the first invasion of the Burning Legion whereby the High Borne also known as the Night Elfs led by Queen Azshara, used the Well of Eternity to bring forth the burning legion. However, it was stopped by Malfurion, Tyrande and Illidan in the end.

Secondly, it also shows the corruption of Neltharion the Earth Warder aka Deathwing by the Old Gods, how he turn against the Dragon Aspects. I am glad that they address this aspect of Warcraft lore in this book and I really enjoyed reading it although it took me quite a few to finish it.

[Freezard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since it consists of three novels, it's a long read and it can drag out at times. Looking back at it though, I think this trilogy captures the essence of WarCraft and its fantasy extremely well. It's rich of lore and is a good entry point if you're new to the world, or if you want the origin stories of some of the iconic characters such as Malfurion, Tyrande, and Illidan. But I found pretty much every character interesting including ones I didn't really know anything about like Krasus, Rhonin, Broxigar, and Queen Azshara. This compilation only made me want to know more about them. The Well of Eternity and the Dragon Soul are amazing events to read about, and you can be sure to expect grand battles between Night Elves and other races in typical fantasy fashion.

[Camilo Navarrete - D-Propósito Humano · Rating 3 out of 5]

La Guerra de los Ancestros, que nace como un esbozo argumental en la historia del juego de video, es rehecho por este autor, quien altera la línea de tiempo, volviéndola oficial.
Aunque tiene varios ganchos argumentales, deja grandes vacíos, que demuestran su desconocimiento de varios rasgos icónicos del juego, lo cual le resta el impacto que se esperaría.
Es una historia pensada en adolescentes, que esperan divertirse con el relato (en varias partes predecible, cuando no “cambia el tiempo”), muy lejos de ser una verdadera obra de culto friki, como pudo ser.

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this series before, and while it’s quite a hill to climb, it’s a pretty solid entry into the Warcraft library. Knaak’s writing is consistently torturous— consistently referring to characters as “his brother’s twin,” dropping a “shifted his gaze” into every third sentence, but the breadth of the story makes up for that to some degree. Strong characters are sometimes lost in unbelievable plot developments. All in all, I’d say it’s a solid read, if a bit of a slow burn.

[Kostis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning part of the story of the past Malfurion, Illidan and Tyrande. Also liked the fact that Queen Azshara was there. The first book was the best for me. I enjoy more the story-telling, rather than the boring fighting and battles of the other two books. Books 2 and 3 dragged on. Too much fighting and slow progression of the story .

[Mircea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice book. At first I thought it will be a waste of time so I could just grasp the lore out of the internet. But in the end I feel more attached to the heroes (mostly Malfurion and Illidan) and, surprisingly, I want to know more about the Aspects and the Old Gods!

[Matthew Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book exploring the early events in the history of the world that the epic game World of Warcraft is set in. A must read for fans of the game and an enjoyable read for anyone who like fantasy.

[Hendrik-Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The well of eternity - 3.5 - Very nice baseline that lays out the problems coming. Solid start
The demon soul - 2.5 - Bit of a dip, not bad just kinda boring with not that big of events nor extra info
The sundering - 4 - Pure warcraft at its form, this is the shit

[Oisín · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written, but a fun pulp style read.

[Georgia May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant re-telling of much of the lore an avid player would already know. Amazing read. Beautiful descriptions.

[Ashley Krohnos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 of 3: ⭐⭐⭐. There are other Warcraft novels I've enjoyed more easily.

( Marking as complete until I'm ready to read book 2! )