What do you think?
Rate this book
Dawn of The Aspects #1
Dawn of the Aspects
THE AGE OF DRAGONS IS OVER.
Uncertainty plagues Azeroth’s ancient guardians as they struggle to find a new purpose. This dilemma has hit Kalecgos, youngest of the former Dragon Aspects, especially hard. Having lost his great powers, how can he—or any of his kind—still make a difference in the world?
The answer lies in the distant past, when savage beasts called proto-dragons ruled the skies. Through a mysterious artifact found near the heart of Northrend, Kalecgos witnesses this violent era and the shocking history of the original Aspects: Alexstrasza, Ysera, Malygos, Neltharion, and Nozdormu.
In their most primitive forms, the future protectors of Azeroth must stand united against Galakrond, a bloodthirsty creature that threatens the existence of their race. But did these mere proto-dragons face such a horrific adversary alone, or did an outside force help them? Were they given the strength they would become legendary for...or did they earn it with blood? Kalecgos’s discoveries will change everything he knows about the events that led to the...DAWN OF THE ASPECTS
PART I
The former Dragon Aspects are on the brink of going their separate ways to forge new destinies. As Kalecgos ponders the uncertain future awaiting his kind, he uncovers a mysterious artifact that allows him to see through the eyes of his late predecessor, Malygos. Intense visions bombard Kalecgos, transporting him to a time when the original Aspects were no more than primitive proto-dragons. Across ancient Kalimdor’s northern plains, they fought for survival against each other and a terrifying creature that dominated the era: the Father of Dragons, Galakrond. But many questions remain for Kalecgos. What are the origins of this strange artifact? Are its visions a gift, or a curse?
Uncertainty plagues Azeroth’s ancient guardians as they struggle to find a new purpose. This dilemma has hit Kalecgos, youngest of the former Dragon Aspects, especially hard. Having lost his great powers, how can he—or any of his kind—still make a difference in the world?
The answer lies in the distant past, when savage beasts called proto-dragons ruled the skies. Through a mysterious artifact found near the heart of Northrend, Kalecgos witnesses this violent era and the shocking history of the original Aspects: Alexstrasza, Ysera, Malygos, Neltharion, and Nozdormu.
In their most primitive forms, the future protectors of Azeroth must stand united against Galakrond, a bloodthirsty creature that threatens the existence of their race. But did these mere proto-dragons face such a horrific adversary alone, or did an outside force help them? Were they given the strength they would become legendary for...or did they earn it with blood? Kalecgos’s discoveries will change everything he knows about the events that led to the...DAWN OF THE ASPECTS
PART I
The former Dragon Aspects are on the brink of going their separate ways to forge new destinies. As Kalecgos ponders the uncertain future awaiting his kind, he uncovers a mysterious artifact that allows him to see through the eyes of his late predecessor, Malygos. Intense visions bombard Kalecgos, transporting him to a time when the original Aspects were no more than primitive proto-dragons. Across ancient Kalimdor’s northern plains, they fought for survival against each other and a terrifying creature that dominated the era: the Father of Dragons, Galakrond. But many questions remain for Kalecgos. What are the origins of this strange artifact? Are its visions a gift, or a curse?
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2013
136 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Richard A. Knaak
283 books1,478 followersRichard 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 8, 2018
WOW!!!
I'm usually not a fan of Richard's writing but I couldn't put this book down. It was full throttle from begging to end. The end just left me wanting more! /cheers and good reading.
I'm usually not a fan of Richard's writing but I couldn't put this book down. It was full throttle from begging to end. The end just left me wanting more! /cheers and good reading.
June 2, 2013
After reading Tides of War and Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects, I am in love with dragon lore. When the fall of Deathwing leaves the Aspects confused and unsure of the future of their race, the unity they all once shared has fallen away.
This book is from the point of Kalecgos and is done in 5 parts. The first part has a slow start that quickly picks up and does a great job of introducing the new proto-drakes as the characters that have such powerful impact on the future of dragons.
This is my first Richard Knaak writing and it is more cold and isolated from feeling than other writers of WoW supplements but it allows the truth and the grittiness of the proto-drakes to really come through and highlights the terrifying character of Galakrond.
The ending to this part if a wonderful albeit painful cliffhanger for the month spanning before Part II's release.
This book is from the point of Kalecgos and is done in 5 parts. The first part has a slow start that quickly picks up and does a great job of introducing the new proto-drakes as the characters that have such powerful impact on the future of dragons.
This is my first Richard Knaak writing and it is more cold and isolated from feeling than other writers of WoW supplements but it allows the truth and the grittiness of the proto-drakes to really come through and highlights the terrifying character of Galakrond.
The ending to this part if a wonderful albeit painful cliffhanger for the month spanning before Part II's release.
February 21, 2013
I preface this review by saying that I prefer my books in larger chunks, and I can't help but feel that the feeling of an appetite not quite sated may be a factor in my rating of this part of the story. There is nothing that stands out as terrifically good or bad about the story thus far, but I will say that it doesn't end cleanly at all (probably due to its serialized nature). It's not a cliffhanger as much as a pronounced truncation - the story is moving along, things are happening, and it suddenly stops dead in its tracks and we await the release of Part 2.
It was, however, very interesting to see the origins of the modern dragons as proto-dragons (far less evolved, less intelligent, almost a strange mix of bestial ferocity and intelligent curiosity). I'm interested to see where the developing plot takes us, and how the Titans factor into the story of the Dragonflights.
It was, however, very interesting to see the origins of the modern dragons as proto-dragons (far less evolved, less intelligent, almost a strange mix of bestial ferocity and intelligent curiosity). I'm interested to see where the developing plot takes us, and how the Titans factor into the story of the Dragonflights.
March 6, 2013
I love all of the World of Warcraft books, and this one was no exception. It's a novella that stops dead in its tracks, and the reader is left waiting for the next part to find out what happens next. This aspect of the book didn't appeal to me at all. I prefer novels that are written to completion. I'm on the verge of obsession with the dragon lore of World of Warcraft, though, and I enjoyed every bit of the story in this one. I cannot wait for the next part, but I hope it doesn't end the same way. Having a story stop dead in its tracks left me feeling very annoyed.
September 16, 2015
WOW I'm usually not a fan of Richard's writing but I couldn't put this book down. It was full throttle from begging to end. The end just left me wanting more! /cheers and good reading.
November 18, 2018
I may come back to this at a later time but I was so confused and I played through this content.
December 5, 2013
I read a few books a month and normally dive into epic fantasy, but between those really like to move to something lighter and less heavy. I went through looking at the newer books that were out there and decided on this one. I played WOW for a few years and thought this would be something lighter and just an enjoyable read.
I struggled from the start. Huge names, tossing locations around right and left. I expected them to use some familiar names and references, but most books still take the time to fill people in on that unknown information. Even series that are 20 books long tend to spend a little time on explaining surroundings that you see regularly. This one did not. It dove into it deep.
Sadly there was little to no character building, and when you did they gave everything the mentality and thoughts of a human. Why? These are dragons that have lived thousands of years? Why would the feelings be so short term as to worry about some things.
I was also disturbed by the dragons when they were in the protodragon form. They were always talking about the protodragons. "They looked about and saw the other protodragons coming towards them" They would never refer to each other as a proto dragon, it is like saying I am a pre-homo superior. Use real names and terms, this just bugged me.
They were also supposed to be pretty dumb. Stick with that or not, but it makes an odd read and an odd story.
The other issue is how slow it started. I got into it 1/3rd the way and said to my self. What is the goal? What are they doing? The real time guy is bouncing in and out of the ancient dragons past self. Kind of like watching history through George Washington's eyes and thoughts. Yet the history view had no purpose, why were they showing these things, why were the dragons doing. There was to quest for the ring, or race to survive. That did come, but not after I almost put it down 2-3 times and gave up.
Too many holes if you are a smart reader. They make the giant dragon seem too huge, only to make him seem smaller a few minutes later. I was asking myself "He was huge enough to knock the peaks off of mountains, how could a small dragon small enough to be eaten whole do X damage to him" Then it would follow with the dragons attacking being bigger in the story.
Then I felt that I was cheated out of the ending. Too often the present day character would say, "No wait this is not where X dies, it is not right." or something similar. Then things I really wanted to see, like how they became aspects and the charges they were given along with that acceptance seemed cut off. I remember thinking "oh crap is that were it was ending" The second ending was no better, and it just left me frustrated and annoyed.
In the end if you have not just played in the Nexus recently, battled and know the aspects and their stories from WOW walk away, no run away from the book. It filled in some holes for me, but left more, and was a horrible read. Boring, pointless for most the book. I am still debating one or two stars. I liked a few of the battle scenes, but not enough. In the end it is a turkey, I will never come back to it.
I struggled from the start. Huge names, tossing locations around right and left. I expected them to use some familiar names and references, but most books still take the time to fill people in on that unknown information. Even series that are 20 books long tend to spend a little time on explaining surroundings that you see regularly. This one did not. It dove into it deep.
Sadly there was little to no character building, and when you did they gave everything the mentality and thoughts of a human. Why? These are dragons that have lived thousands of years? Why would the feelings be so short term as to worry about some things.
I was also disturbed by the dragons when they were in the protodragon form. They were always talking about the protodragons. "They looked about and saw the other protodragons coming towards them" They would never refer to each other as a proto dragon, it is like saying I am a pre-homo superior. Use real names and terms, this just bugged me.
They were also supposed to be pretty dumb. Stick with that or not, but it makes an odd read and an odd story.
The other issue is how slow it started. I got into it 1/3rd the way and said to my self. What is the goal? What are they doing? The real time guy is bouncing in and out of the ancient dragons past self. Kind of like watching history through George Washington's eyes and thoughts. Yet the history view had no purpose, why were they showing these things, why were the dragons doing. There was to quest for the ring, or race to survive. That did come, but not after I almost put it down 2-3 times and gave up.
Too many holes if you are a smart reader. They make the giant dragon seem too huge, only to make him seem smaller a few minutes later. I was asking myself "He was huge enough to knock the peaks off of mountains, how could a small dragon small enough to be eaten whole do X damage to him" Then it would follow with the dragons attacking being bigger in the story.
Then I felt that I was cheated out of the ending. Too often the present day character would say, "No wait this is not where X dies, it is not right." or something similar. Then things I really wanted to see, like how they became aspects and the charges they were given along with that acceptance seemed cut off. I remember thinking "oh crap is that were it was ending" The second ending was no better, and it just left me frustrated and annoyed.
In the end if you have not just played in the Nexus recently, battled and know the aspects and their stories from WOW walk away, no run away from the book. It filled in some holes for me, but left more, and was a horrible read. Boring, pointless for most the book. I am still debating one or two stars. I liked a few of the battle scenes, but not enough. In the end it is a turkey, I will never come back to it.
July 17, 2013
Dawn of the Aspects continued the story after the cataclysm. The dragon aspects were in a disarray. They have lost their purpose and have lost themselves in the aftermath of Deathwing. The young blue aspect Kalecgos gets entwined with a mysterious artifact that may help his fellow aspects but with a price that may be too heavy for him to pay.
The story : 4/5
I really enjoyed reading through Dawn of the Aspects part 1-5. It made me want to read more and more. Knaak went through emotions and changes of the other aspects really well allowing the book to breathe with life. Its a story i wanted to hear and have always wondered.
The telling: 5/5
That was awesome. The pacing is well spaced out and the tempo goes from serene to hectic in just a sentence. It gave a sense or urgency and every chapter's ending building to part 5 felt like there is always impending doom.
The package: 3/5
I enjoyed reading through all the parts and each part was well ended in a cliff-hanger. But purchasing 5 ebooks from amazon without the choice to get one big ebook was a bit annoying. Not to mention, I now have 5 books (of the same title, only separated by "I,II,III,IV,V") instead of having one single ebook for one single title.
It may also be annoying to have to read a part of a book and have to wait weeks to read the other parts... the part read gets lost in the mind before the next part even shows up. Makes readers lose immersion into the story.
Oh, and I want a physical copy! War of the Ancients Archive wants a partner in my bookcase!
The story : 4/5
I really enjoyed reading through Dawn of the Aspects part 1-5. It made me want to read more and more. Knaak went through emotions and changes of the other aspects really well allowing the book to breathe with life. Its a story i wanted to hear and have always wondered.
The telling: 5/5
That was awesome. The pacing is well spaced out and the tempo goes from serene to hectic in just a sentence. It gave a sense or urgency and every chapter's ending building to part 5 felt like there is always impending doom.
The package: 3/5
I enjoyed reading through all the parts and each part was well ended in a cliff-hanger. But purchasing 5 ebooks from amazon without the choice to get one big ebook was a bit annoying. Not to mention, I now have 5 books (of the same title, only separated by "I,II,III,IV,V") instead of having one single ebook for one single title.
It may also be annoying to have to read a part of a book and have to wait weeks to read the other parts... the part read gets lost in the mind before the next part even shows up. Makes readers lose immersion into the story.
Oh, and I want a physical copy! War of the Ancients Archive wants a partner in my bookcase!
November 21, 2016
3-4 stars for readers who play World of Warcraft, otherwise probably only 2 because the characters etc. would be confusing and the book as a whole would probably be a lot less interesting.
I love the story, it's interesting and I want to know more but the writing is a bit forced here and there - a bit clunky. A good book if you are playing World of Warcraft. The parts of this book can't be read on their own though and I would highly recommend getting all the parts so that you can immediately continue reading part 2 when you are done with part 1 - otherwise it just leaves you hanging - not even at a very interesting point. So if you want to read it - get the whole series and read the whole thing.
I love the story, it's interesting and I want to know more but the writing is a bit forced here and there - a bit clunky. A good book if you are playing World of Warcraft. The parts of this book can't be read on their own though and I would highly recommend getting all the parts so that you can immediately continue reading part 2 when you are done with part 1 - otherwise it just leaves you hanging - not even at a very interesting point. So if you want to read it - get the whole series and read the whole thing.
February 22, 2013
Dawn of the Aspects was a great read. It's intriguing to see the dragon aspects seemingly lost and indifferent in a post-Cataclysm Azeroth. It is also intriguing to learn what they were like before they became Aspects.
Kalecgos, the main dragon character of the story, has his own list of dilemmas he's trying to come to grip with that go beyond what the other dragons are struggling with too. I like Kalecgos and I'm glad to be reading more about him.
My only disappointment was that the story went quick. It's only 71 pages long. It's not a bad thing, but I am so ready to read more! Like now.
Kalecgos, the main dragon character of the story, has his own list of dilemmas he's trying to come to grip with that go beyond what the other dragons are struggling with too. I like Kalecgos and I'm glad to be reading more about him.
My only disappointment was that the story went quick. It's only 71 pages long. It's not a bad thing, but I am so ready to read more! Like now.
February 26, 2013
Great start. These first 5 chapters of the degital book do a great job of setting up the story and yet not revealing anything about what is actually going on. Time will tell about development and what Knaak does with Kalcgos, but I will definitely buy part 2 on the day it is released. If you enjoy Dragons in Warcraft this is turning out to be a must read.
April 4, 2013
If you are a fan of the Dragon Aspects and are curious about their fate then this is the book for you. I found it an interesting read as it delves into the past of these once immortal beings and gives insight into some history that not even the Aspects mentioned to their kin.
April 15, 2013
Brilliantly done, Knack is at his best here, making me wish I hadn't just got the one. Making me wish I had all 6 to just pour through. I am excited to see just what is going to happen in the next book.
June 19, 2013
Liked seeing part of the history of the aspects. Don't like it being in serial form. Would have preferred just one book.
March 19, 2013
it is a good book, too bad it is split up in parts over month long spans.
December 10, 2013
This is really short - like, finished it in an hour short. Also, it totally left me hanging which means I have to get the next one.
February 20, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. Can't wait to read the rest!
Read
July 25, 2020First up, I play World of Warcraft. I've played for over 10 years now, and finally got around to digging into the lore of the game that makes it so interesting. I would recommend this book for any WOW geek who is interested in finding out what is behind the game; but also as a stand alone series (there are three books) that open an interesting view into why WOW might be so popular.
August 29, 2018
Hooked from the start
A great novella which had me turning page after page, curious as to what would come next. Really looking forward to reading the next part of the series and hope it's just as enthralling!
A great novella which had me turning page after page, curious as to what would come next. Really looking forward to reading the next part of the series and hope it's just as enthralling!
October 19, 2017
Good read
Great book, defiantly going to read the others. 10/10. Really captured the lore of the dragons as well, very well written
Great book, defiantly going to read the others. 10/10. Really captured the lore of the dragons as well, very well written
April 3, 2018
Surprisingly good
I didn't expect much of a book written after Warcraft lore, but this was a nice surprise. Looking forward to the rest if the story.
I didn't expect much of a book written after Warcraft lore, but this was a nice surprise. Looking forward to the rest if the story.
April 5, 2019
will try again
April 9, 2020
Don’t normally love Knaak’s books but this a goodie so far! Feeling well and truly hooked, and looking forward to seeing where this story goes next!
October 31, 2020
I'm mostly just chortling about how all my fan theories about Kalec being a shy little nerd of an Aspect were proven correct in the first ten pages. Poor thing.
Read
January 6, 2023Draaaaaagons. Good thing to pick up if you want a bit more insight to Kalec and the Aspects from the game.
February 19, 2020
I enjoyed finally reading a book solely from the eyes of a dragon, so I'm a little biased. Being a fan of the WarCraft world, I was super interested in jumping into this. It mixed my two favourite things together: WarCraft and Dragons. Obviously, being only a Part One novel, I need to continue along with the rest to comment on the story, but as a starter I really enjoyed reading about the Aspects from Kalecgos' POV. I can't wait to see what happens next. This is solely third person, but gives some awesome insight to the Dragons when they were only Proto-Dragons. Being the first WoW book I picked up, I'd definitely recommend this as a start.
May 31, 2020
After reading Warcraft Chronicle 1 and 2 I wanted more of that juicy Warcraft lore!
I started reading Knaak's War of the Ancients but I soon found out that Dawn of the Aspects is chronologically set before War of the Ancients. I chose to read Dawn of the Aspects series first.
However, I quickly grew confused because I didn't know who Kalec was. I knew Aspects are Neltharion, Malygos, Alexstrasza, Ysera and Nozdormu. How does Kalec belong among them and where is Malygos?
I quickly realized Dawn of the Aspects is chronologically set after Cataclysm but before Pandaria but Kalec's flashbacks are of the past which is set before War of the Ancients. I don't appreciate this writing style. I would much prefer a story of the Aspects cleanly set before War of the Ancients.
But that's just my preference, after reading Part 1, I fear that the current time will have no impact on the lore. Nothing of importance really happened in the current time. Why should I care about Kalec? Who is he? What does he want? Simply bad characterization of the protagonist in my opinion.
Also, I don't appreciate the short story format. I would much prefer one big book or maybe a trilogy if the length allows. With 5 short books of 70-ish pages you don't get any satisfaction of achievement or reading something important after finishing one book (at least the 1st one).
I'll read them all but I seriously hope the quality increases as I get to the last one.
I started reading Knaak's War of the Ancients but I soon found out that Dawn of the Aspects is chronologically set before War of the Ancients. I chose to read Dawn of the Aspects series first.
However, I quickly grew confused because I didn't know who Kalec was. I knew Aspects are Neltharion, Malygos, Alexstrasza, Ysera and Nozdormu. How does Kalec belong among them and where is Malygos?
I quickly realized Dawn of the Aspects is chronologically set after Cataclysm but before Pandaria but Kalec's flashbacks are of the past which is set before War of the Ancients. I don't appreciate this writing style. I would much prefer a story of the Aspects cleanly set before War of the Ancients.
But that's just my preference, after reading Part 1, I fear that the current time will have no impact on the lore. Nothing of importance really happened in the current time. Why should I care about Kalec? Who is he? What does he want? Simply bad characterization of the protagonist in my opinion.
Also, I don't appreciate the short story format. I would much prefer one big book or maybe a trilogy if the length allows. With 5 short books of 70-ish pages you don't get any satisfaction of achievement or reading something important after finishing one book (at least the 1st one).
I'll read them all but I seriously hope the quality increases as I get to the last one.
December 28, 2016
Great series of books about the dragon aspects and their coming together. During a Warcraft game break I've been catching up on a few books and really enjoying diving into the lore a bit more. Wish I had read the book closer to the events in game - but still very enjoyable now.
Bit annoying they were released as 5 small books - but whatever.
Bit annoying they were released as 5 small books - but whatever.
September 24, 2013
So I've actually read all 5 of the books. My gripe is how the one story is 5 individual books. Just make it one book!
December 20, 2013
So much lore, so little time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews