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World of Warcraft #6
Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
Frostmourne. It was caught in a hovering, jagged chunk of ice, the runes that ran the length of its blade glowing a cool blue. Below it was a dais of some sort, standing on a large gently raised mound that was covered in a dusting of snow. A soft light, coming from somewhere high above where the cavern was open to daylight, shone down on the runeblade. The icy prison hid some details of the sword's shape and form, exaggerated others. It was revealed and concealed at the same time, and all the more tempting, like a new lover imperfectly glimpsed through a gauzy curtain. Arthas knew the blade -- it was the selfsame sword he had seen in his dream when he first arrived. The sword that had not killed Invincible, but that had brought him back healed and healthy. He'd thought it a good omen then, but now he knew it was a true sign. This was what he had come to find. This sword would change everything. Arthas stared raptly at it, his hands almost physically aching to grasp it, his fingers to wrap themselves around the hilt, his arms to feel the weapon swinging smoothly in the blow that would end Mal'Ganis, end the torment he had visited upon the people of Lordaeron, end this lust for revenge. Drawn, he stepped forward.
The uncanny elemental spirit drew its icy sword. "Turn away, before it is too late," it intoned. * * *
His evil is legend. Lord of the undead Scourge, wielder of the runeblade Frostmourne, and enemy of the free peoples of Azeroth. The Lich King is an entity of incalculable power and unparalleled malice -- his icy soul utterly consumed by his plans to destroy all life on the World of Warcraft.
But it was not always so. Long before his soul was fused with that of the orc shaman Ner'zhul, the Lich King was Arthas Menethil, crown prince of Lordaeron and faithful paladin of the Silver Hand.
When a plague of undeath threatened all that he loved, Arthas was driven to pursue an ill-fated quest for a runeblade powerful enough to save his homeland. Yet the object of his search would exact a heavy price from its new master, beginning a horrifying descent into damnation. Arthas's path would lead him through the arctic northern wastes toward the Frozen Throne, where he would face, at long last, the darkest of destinies.
The uncanny elemental spirit drew its icy sword. "Turn away, before it is too late," it intoned. * * *
His evil is legend. Lord of the undead Scourge, wielder of the runeblade Frostmourne, and enemy of the free peoples of Azeroth. The Lich King is an entity of incalculable power and unparalleled malice -- his icy soul utterly consumed by his plans to destroy all life on the World of Warcraft.
But it was not always so. Long before his soul was fused with that of the orc shaman Ner'zhul, the Lich King was Arthas Menethil, crown prince of Lordaeron and faithful paladin of the Silver Hand.
When a plague of undeath threatened all that he loved, Arthas was driven to pursue an ill-fated quest for a runeblade powerful enough to save his homeland. Yet the object of his search would exact a heavy price from its new master, beginning a horrifying descent into damnation. Arthas's path would lead him through the arctic northern wastes toward the Frozen Throne, where he would face, at long last, the darkest of destinies.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2009
718 people are currently reading
5491 people want to read
About the author
Christie Golden
173 books1,878 followersAward-winning author Christie Golden has written over thirty novels and several short stories in the fields of science fiction, fantasy and horror. She has over a million books in print.
2009 will see no fewer than three novels published. First out in late April will be a World of Warcraft novel, Athas: Rise of the Lich King. This is the first Warcraft novel to appear in hardcover. Fans of the young paladin who fell so far from grace will get to read his definitive story.
In June, Golden’s first Star Wars novel, also a hardcover, sees print. Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi—Omen is the second in a nine-book series she is co-authoring with Aaron Allston and Troy Denning. Also in June comes the conclusion of Golden’s StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga with the release of Twlight, the third book in the series. The first two are Firstborn and Shadow Hunters.
2004 saw the launch of an original fantasy series called The Final Dance, from LUNA Books. The first novel in the series, On Fire's Wings, was published in July of that year. The second, In Stone’s Clasp , came out in September of 2005. With In Stone’s Clasp, Golden won the Colorado Author’s League Top Hand Award for Best Genre Novel for the second time. The third book, Under Sea’s Shadow, is available only as an e-book
Golden is also the author of two original fantasy novels from Ace Books, King's Man and Thief and Instrument of Fate, which made the 1996 Nebula Preliminary Ballot. Under the pen name of Jadrien Bell, she wrote a historical fantasy thriller entitled A.D. 999, which won the Colorado Author's League Top Hand Award for Best Genre Novel of 1999.
Golden launched the TSR Ravenloft line in 1991 with her first novel, the highly successful Vampire of the Mists , which introduced elven vampire Jander Sunstar. Golden followed up Vampire with Dance of the Dead and The Enemy Within . In September of 2006, fifteen years to the month, The Ravenloft Covenant: Vampire of the Mists enabled Jander Sunstar to reach a whole new audience.
Other projects include a slew of Star Trek novels, among them The Murdered Sun , Marooned , and Seven of Nine , and "The Dark Matters Trilogy," Cloak and Dagger , Ghost Dance and Shadow of Heaven .
The Voyager novel relaunch, which includes Homecoming and The Farther Shore , were bestsellers and were the fastest-selling Trek novels of 2003. Golden continued writing VOYAGER novels even though the show went off the air, and enjoyed exploring the creative freedom that gave her in the two-parter called Spirit Walk, which includes Old Wounds and Enemy of my Enemy .
Golden has also written the novelization of Steven Spielberg's Invasion America and an original "prequel," On The Run , both of which received high praise from producer Harve Bennett. On The Run, a combination medical thriller and science fiction adventure, even prompted Bennett to invite Golden to assist in crafting the second season of the show, if it was renewed.
Golden lives in Loveland, Colorado, with her artist husband and their two cats.
2009 will see no fewer than three novels published. First out in late April will be a World of Warcraft novel, Athas: Rise of the Lich King. This is the first Warcraft novel to appear in hardcover. Fans of the young paladin who fell so far from grace will get to read his definitive story.
In June, Golden’s first Star Wars novel, also a hardcover, sees print. Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi—Omen is the second in a nine-book series she is co-authoring with Aaron Allston and Troy Denning. Also in June comes the conclusion of Golden’s StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga with the release of Twlight, the third book in the series. The first two are Firstborn and Shadow Hunters.
2004 saw the launch of an original fantasy series called The Final Dance, from LUNA Books. The first novel in the series, On Fire's Wings, was published in July of that year. The second, In Stone’s Clasp , came out in September of 2005. With In Stone’s Clasp, Golden won the Colorado Author’s League Top Hand Award for Best Genre Novel for the second time. The third book, Under Sea’s Shadow, is available only as an e-book
Golden is also the author of two original fantasy novels from Ace Books, King's Man and Thief and Instrument of Fate, which made the 1996 Nebula Preliminary Ballot. Under the pen name of Jadrien Bell, she wrote a historical fantasy thriller entitled A.D. 999, which won the Colorado Author's League Top Hand Award for Best Genre Novel of 1999.
Golden launched the TSR Ravenloft line in 1991 with her first novel, the highly successful Vampire of the Mists , which introduced elven vampire Jander Sunstar. Golden followed up Vampire with Dance of the Dead and The Enemy Within . In September of 2006, fifteen years to the month, The Ravenloft Covenant: Vampire of the Mists enabled Jander Sunstar to reach a whole new audience.
Other projects include a slew of Star Trek novels, among them The Murdered Sun , Marooned , and Seven of Nine , and "The Dark Matters Trilogy," Cloak and Dagger , Ghost Dance and Shadow of Heaven .
The Voyager novel relaunch, which includes Homecoming and The Farther Shore , were bestsellers and were the fastest-selling Trek novels of 2003. Golden continued writing VOYAGER novels even though the show went off the air, and enjoyed exploring the creative freedom that gave her in the two-parter called Spirit Walk, which includes Old Wounds and Enemy of my Enemy .
Golden has also written the novelization of Steven Spielberg's Invasion America and an original "prequel," On The Run , both of which received high praise from producer Harve Bennett. On The Run, a combination medical thriller and science fiction adventure, even prompted Bennett to invite Golden to assist in crafting the second season of the show, if it was renewed.
Golden lives in Loveland, Colorado, with her artist husband and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 730 reviews
February 1, 2016
"This kingdom shall fall," he promised his beloved steed as he threw his cloak over its bony back and mounted. "And from the ashes shall arise a new order that will shake the very foundation of the world!"
This book tells the story of Arthas Menethil and his Darth Vader-ish path from being a little prince of Lordaeron to becoming a catalyst and master of unspeakable evil.
Rise of the Lich King is mostly just a novelisation of Warcraft 3, putting the escapades of Arthas and Jaina, and the encounters with everything from demon lords to powerful wizards, down on paper. Even many of the lines are copied directly from the game, but I thought that gave a nice touch to it.
Christie Golden is the best of the Warcraft writers, but Arthas is no longer the best of the Warcraft characters. I realised while reading that he's much weaker and more shallow than I had expected. He's still an intriguing character, but there's little depth to him compared to some of the people he meets (who also happen to be my favourite characters), namely Illidan Stormrage and Sylvanas Windrunner.
Overall, though, it was totally worth an hour or two of my time.
This book tells the story of Arthas Menethil and his Darth Vader-ish path from being a little prince of Lordaeron to becoming a catalyst and master of unspeakable evil.
Rise of the Lich King is mostly just a novelisation of Warcraft 3, putting the escapades of Arthas and Jaina, and the encounters with everything from demon lords to powerful wizards, down on paper. Even many of the lines are copied directly from the game, but I thought that gave a nice touch to it.
Christie Golden is the best of the Warcraft writers, but Arthas is no longer the best of the Warcraft characters. I realised while reading that he's much weaker and more shallow than I had expected. He's still an intriguing character, but there's little depth to him compared to some of the people he meets (who also happen to be my favourite characters), namely Illidan Stormrage and Sylvanas Windrunner.
Overall, though, it was totally worth an hour or two of my time.
January 25, 2023
El Rey Exánime es una entidad de poder incalculable y una maldad sin parangón; su gélida alma ha sido consumida totalmente por sus planes de destruir toda lo que está vivo. Pero esto no siempre fue así.
Mucho antes de que su alma se fundiera con la del orco chamán Ner´zhul, el Rey Exánime era Arthas Menethil, príncipe de Lordaeron y fiel paladín de la Mano de Plata.
La novela es la historia de Arthas Menethil, heredero al trono de Lordaeron; un chico brillante con un futuro prometedor. Me gustó ver esa decadencia y desesperación.
Pero en lugar de convertirse en un rey sabio y un fiel paladín, Arthas cuál Darth Vader caerá en las profundidades más oscuras y heladas alzándose como el Rey Exánime.
El libro comienza bastante bien, con Golden relacionando muchas de las escenas con otras novelas publicadas de Warcraft y la historia del juego.
Arthas se establece como un niño desesperado por hacer lo correcto, ansioso por la aprobación de su padre y por ser él mismo. Hace un voto equivocado de hacer lo que sea necesario para proteger a su gente, algo que mantiene a toda costa.
Golden es buena para escribir personajes que aparentemente comienzan con nobles deseos que se evaporan.
Tenemos muchas luchas contra todo tipo de seres, desde señores demoníacos hasta magos poderosos.
Hasta la ascensión o caída de Arthas. Uno de mis personajes favoritos de World of Warcraft.
Recomendable y aclaro que estos libros no necesitas saber nada. Te ponen en situación.
Me quedan un par de libros de este mundo para leer. Y un día me gustaría hincarle el diente a Warhammer. Pronto lo haré con una trilogía de Von Carstein.
Mucho antes de que su alma se fundiera con la del orco chamán Ner´zhul, el Rey Exánime era Arthas Menethil, príncipe de Lordaeron y fiel paladín de la Mano de Plata.
La novela es la historia de Arthas Menethil, heredero al trono de Lordaeron; un chico brillante con un futuro prometedor. Me gustó ver esa decadencia y desesperación.
Pero en lugar de convertirse en un rey sabio y un fiel paladín, Arthas cuál Darth Vader caerá en las profundidades más oscuras y heladas alzándose como el Rey Exánime.
El libro comienza bastante bien, con Golden relacionando muchas de las escenas con otras novelas publicadas de Warcraft y la historia del juego.
Arthas se establece como un niño desesperado por hacer lo correcto, ansioso por la aprobación de su padre y por ser él mismo. Hace un voto equivocado de hacer lo que sea necesario para proteger a su gente, algo que mantiene a toda costa.
Golden es buena para escribir personajes que aparentemente comienzan con nobles deseos que se evaporan.
Tenemos muchas luchas contra todo tipo de seres, desde señores demoníacos hasta magos poderosos.
Hasta la ascensión o caída de Arthas. Uno de mis personajes favoritos de World of Warcraft.
Recomendable y aclaro que estos libros no necesitas saber nada. Te ponen en situación.
Me quedan un par de libros de este mundo para leer. Y un día me gustaría hincarle el diente a Warhammer. Pronto lo haré con una trilogía de Von Carstein.
July 11, 2010
I'm actually surprised by all the good reviews for this book. To each their own, though Christie Golden has done much better with other novels. This one felt very rushed, and forced, as though she didn't really have any enthusiasm for writing this one.
If you've played Warcraft III along with the Frozen Throne, there isn't much need to read this. I was also greatly bothered by the injection of the horse - Invincible - into the plot. After Arthas turns to the - ahem - dark side, it seems as though he's constantly thinking about this damn horse. When I still played World of Warcraft, my guild mates and I used to joke around about how Jaina Proudmoore wasn't his true love. That spot was reserved for his damn horse.
I was disappointed by the Kael'thas plot line, because it was actually the only spot in the book that I thought Ms. Golden's talent truly shined. I was disappointed because these moments in the book didn't last long, and they were really interesting. If you're really into World of Warcraft, and really love this book or want to read it, perhaps you'd be interested in buying my signed copy? :D
If you've played Warcraft III along with the Frozen Throne, there isn't much need to read this. I was also greatly bothered by the injection of the horse - Invincible - into the plot. After Arthas turns to the - ahem - dark side, it seems as though he's constantly thinking about this damn horse. When I still played World of Warcraft, my guild mates and I used to joke around about how Jaina Proudmoore wasn't his true love. That spot was reserved for his damn horse.
I was disappointed by the Kael'thas plot line, because it was actually the only spot in the book that I thought Ms. Golden's talent truly shined. I was disappointed because these moments in the book didn't last long, and they were really interesting. If you're really into World of Warcraft, and really love this book or want to read it, perhaps you'd be interested in buying my signed copy? :D
April 6, 2021
اولین {و احتمالا آخرین} کتابی که از دنیای وارکرفت خوندم. با بازیها آشنایی ندارم و گمونم همین برام گنگش کرده بود، وگرنه حس میکنم برای کسی که دنیاش رو دنبال میکنه جذابتره. یکشبه خوندمش پس گمونم بشه گفت ازش خوشم اومده. اما برای مخاطبی که مطلقا هیچی از این دنیا نمیدونه زیادی... عام، گُنگه؟ از خود آرتاس هم بدم اومد. کی گفته تبدیل شخصیتی قابل قبول به آدمی که خواننده ازش متنفرررر میشه ایدهی خوبیه؟
در کل بیاین اینجوری فرض کنیم که کتاب یه کوه یخه، پایینش رو، روح مخفیش رو کسی میفهمه که با دنیا آشنایی داره اما منِ غریبه بالاش رو تماشا کردم و باز هم از منظره لذت بردم. پر از نبرد و تراژدی و روابط متزلزل
در کل بیاین اینجوری فرض کنیم که کتاب یه کوه یخه، پایینش رو، روح مخفیش رو کسی میفهمه که با دنیا آشنایی داره اما منِ غریبه بالاش رو تماشا کردم و باز هم از منظره لذت بردم. پر از نبرد و تراژدی و روابط متزلزل
November 30, 2009
World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, by Christie Golden
"Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" feels like it should be the best of all the Warcraft books published so far. Golden has a lot to work with: the previous Warcraft books, all the Warcraft games and expansions, and the multitude of lore and history that exists. But there's a feeling I'm always left with after finishing this book - a feeling that *something* is missing.
The novel is the story of Arthas Menethil, heir to the throne of Lordaeron; a bright boy with a promising future. But instead of becoming a wise king and faithful paladin, Arthas will fall into the dark and icy deep and rise as the Lich King. The book starts out well enough, with Golden tying many of the scenes into other published Warcraft novels and game history. Arthas is established as a boy desperate to do the right thing, eager for his father's approval, and to be his own person. He makes a misguided vow to do whatever necessary to protect his people, one that he holds to at all costs. Golden is good at writing misguided characters, ones that start with noble intentions that disintegrate - it seems to be her forte; she's done this in the other Warcraft books she's authored.
But I feel something is missing from "Arthas: Rise of the Lich King." For me, Arthas' fall is too fast. There isn't enough believability in his fall from grace - while all Warcraft players know that he becomes evil, Golden doesn't do a good enough job of making it a realistic journey. The third section of the book also glosses greatly over many important events; barely mentioning some and forgetting others all together. The end comes far too quickly. In my opinion the third section is very lacking; it could have used more detail, length, and coverage of important Warcraft events.
Fans of the game will appreciate the little touches Golden puts in, such as Arthas' anger being described often as righteous fury, a spell paladins have. Or the smell of peacebloom, a common herb in the game. "Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" also features Jaina Proudmoore, Kael'thas Sunstrider, and Sylvanas Windrunner, all legendary figures in their own right.
"Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" was the first Warcraft book to be published in hardcover, and while I did splurge and purchase it in hardcover, I feel $25 is a bit much for this book. Only buy it if you have a good coupon, or wait for the paperback. It's too short for my tastes, and isn't long enough to be worth that much, frankly. I was very excited when this book was published, and I couldn't wait to read it, and I do enjoy rereading it, but I just wish there was more too it. I always feel a bit blah at the end, and I wish I didn't feel that way.
3/5.
"Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" feels like it should be the best of all the Warcraft books published so far. Golden has a lot to work with: the previous Warcraft books, all the Warcraft games and expansions, and the multitude of lore and history that exists. But there's a feeling I'm always left with after finishing this book - a feeling that *something* is missing.
The novel is the story of Arthas Menethil, heir to the throne of Lordaeron; a bright boy with a promising future. But instead of becoming a wise king and faithful paladin, Arthas will fall into the dark and icy deep and rise as the Lich King. The book starts out well enough, with Golden tying many of the scenes into other published Warcraft novels and game history. Arthas is established as a boy desperate to do the right thing, eager for his father's approval, and to be his own person. He makes a misguided vow to do whatever necessary to protect his people, one that he holds to at all costs. Golden is good at writing misguided characters, ones that start with noble intentions that disintegrate - it seems to be her forte; she's done this in the other Warcraft books she's authored.
But I feel something is missing from "Arthas: Rise of the Lich King." For me, Arthas' fall is too fast. There isn't enough believability in his fall from grace - while all Warcraft players know that he becomes evil, Golden doesn't do a good enough job of making it a realistic journey. The third section of the book also glosses greatly over many important events; barely mentioning some and forgetting others all together. The end comes far too quickly. In my opinion the third section is very lacking; it could have used more detail, length, and coverage of important Warcraft events.
Fans of the game will appreciate the little touches Golden puts in, such as Arthas' anger being described often as righteous fury, a spell paladins have. Or the smell of peacebloom, a common herb in the game. "Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" also features Jaina Proudmoore, Kael'thas Sunstrider, and Sylvanas Windrunner, all legendary figures in their own right.
"Arthas: Rise of the Lich King" was the first Warcraft book to be published in hardcover, and while I did splurge and purchase it in hardcover, I feel $25 is a bit much for this book. Only buy it if you have a good coupon, or wait for the paperback. It's too short for my tastes, and isn't long enough to be worth that much, frankly. I was very excited when this book was published, and I couldn't wait to read it, and I do enjoy rereading it, but I just wish there was more too it. I always feel a bit blah at the end, and I wish I didn't feel that way.
3/5.
January 22, 2011
I have been an avid gamer since PC's came on the market. I'm also a sometimes video game level designer (Feverpitch/Warthog-Tx/Gizmondo and Sony Online). I have played all the Diablos, both Starcrafts, and all of the Warcraft series including WoW. It is important to note that I play games for their storylines and graphics (especially 'cut scenes') more than any other reason. I have loved Blizzard's humor, depth, and creativity in their storylines. However, when I played Warcraft III and the expansion, I had trouble suspending disbelief on the fall of a new young paladin-prince so rapidly to become the Lich King.
Years later I read Christie Golden's book adaptation of the game storyline. She helped me grasp who Arthas was and how he could become one of the most powerfully evil characters in the Warcraft universe. The best review I have to offer is a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for bringing me back to the rich world, the in depth story line, and most of all thank you for helping me understand the Arthas part of the story so much better.
Years later I read Christie Golden's book adaptation of the game storyline. She helped me grasp who Arthas was and how he could become one of the most powerfully evil characters in the Warcraft universe. The best review I have to offer is a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for bringing me back to the rich world, the in depth story line, and most of all thank you for helping me understand the Arthas part of the story so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
This book is a proof of how boooring are pure evil characters .
The book is divided in two clear parts: 1-Arthas human and 2- Arthas embracing willingly and without any resistance the evil path.
The last part of the book is a almost a description of a video game .
A book destined to be forgotten. Only the character of Jaina can be saved
The book is divided in two clear parts: 1-Arthas human and 2- Arthas embracing willingly and without any resistance the evil path.
The last part of the book is a almost a description of a video game .
A book destined to be forgotten. Only the character of Jaina can be saved
June 4, 2018
***3.5***
Having played this game for ... well, longer than I care to admit... I always meant to check out the books, but never did. Well, I finally picked up the book for the backstory on one of my favorite expansions.
TBH, I had a really hard time keeping my attention on it. Maybe this is because the story is familiar to me, from the game. Or maybe it was because ... well, Arthas' petulant man-baby inner monologue reads particularly poorly in today's crappy world of incels and bros.
*shrug*
Having played this game for ... well, longer than I care to admit... I always meant to check out the books, but never did. Well, I finally picked up the book for the backstory on one of my favorite expansions.
TBH, I had a really hard time keeping my attention on it. Maybe this is because the story is familiar to me, from the game. Or maybe it was because ... well, Arthas' petulant man-baby inner monologue reads particularly poorly in today's crappy world of incels and bros.
*shrug*
September 17, 2020
4/5
Para los que somos jugadores/as del Wow, este libro es una delicia y más si tu expansión favorita es la Lich. Hay cosas que no me han convencido ya que pasan demasiado deprisa o no se cuenta, pero en general lo he disfrutado muchísimo
Para los que somos jugadores/as del Wow, este libro es una delicia y más si tu expansión favorita es la Lich. Hay cosas que no me han convencido ya que pasan demasiado deprisa o no se cuenta, pero en general lo he disfrutado muchísimo
December 28, 2018
خیلی وقت پیش خوندمش.
راستش اون موقع خوشم نیومد.
فکر کنم پرداخت خوبی نشده بود داستان.
برای همین سه میدم. هر چند در مقایسه با بقیهی داستانهای این مجموعه 3 ميگیره.
دی:
راستش اون موقع خوشم نیومد.
فکر کنم پرداخت خوبی نشده بود داستان.
برای همین سه میدم. هر چند در مقایسه با بقیهی داستانهای این مجموعه 3 ميگیره.
دی:
June 25, 2014
As a work of meaningful fiction, Golden's writing is mediocre at best. I just skimmed through the second half of the book grabbing just the gist of it. Her characters lack depth, her descriptions lackluster and vocabulary extremely limited. I read it because I cared about this game I spent a lot of my time playing and I wanted to see what had happened for the expansions I just skipped through.
If the story is already out there in the form of a game, I think it should take a little more work to make it a beautiful one instead of keeping it so light and almost trashy. Even the protagonist, whose name is the title of the book, has such shallow character description that I wonder what kind of target audience Golden was writing for. I am not even prone to writing scathing reviews and here I am so annoyed by the substance, or lack thereof, in this book.
Well, for all the excitement I had for finding this book at my library, I felt deeply disappointed at 3 a.m when I reached the end. I loved Arthas, this good guy that turned bad in the game I played and after reading this book I don't. Honestly, I am supposed to have understood why he did the things that he did but I don't think Golden succeeded in explaining that at all, therefore defeating the whole purpose of writing the story.
I don't even recommend this one to Warcraft players. If you really care about the lore, simply questing in Northrend will give you a better outlook on Arthas than this book will.
If the story is already out there in the form of a game, I think it should take a little more work to make it a beautiful one instead of keeping it so light and almost trashy. Even the protagonist, whose name is the title of the book, has such shallow character description that I wonder what kind of target audience Golden was writing for. I am not even prone to writing scathing reviews and here I am so annoyed by the substance, or lack thereof, in this book.
Well, for all the excitement I had for finding this book at my library, I felt deeply disappointed at 3 a.m when I reached the end. I loved Arthas, this good guy that turned bad in the game I played and after reading this book I don't. Honestly, I am supposed to have understood why he did the things that he did but I don't think Golden succeeded in explaining that at all, therefore defeating the whole purpose of writing the story.
I don't even recommend this one to Warcraft players. If you really care about the lore, simply questing in Northrend will give you a better outlook on Arthas than this book will.
February 3, 2022
“Nothing shall prevent me from having my revenge, old friend. Not even you. Now, I call out to the spirits of this place. I will give anything, or pay any price, if only you will help me save my people.” -Arthas
I first played WoW back in the summer of 2010, and I always thought the Lich King was a pretty badass villain, but I never bothered reading into the lore, as it was staggeringly huge. So, I'm glad I finally read this book. It was solid read, but I think I preferred the earlier parts of Arthas' life, I feel like once he picked up Frostmourne, the story felt strange and not all that great. He turned evil way too fast. I understand it was because his soul was stolen by the sword, but it still felt too quick. Still, I'm glad I read it, and I understand the character and the world a bit better now.
There were also some weird time changes, and it felt disconnected at times, but I learned that was just because there were a bunch of other plots happening at the same time with Jaina, Thrall, and the Burning Legion that weren't actually a part of Arthas's story.
"No we. No one tells me what to do. I've got everything I need from you—now the power is mine and mine alone. Now there is only I. I am the Lich King. And I am ready."
I first played WoW back in the summer of 2010, and I always thought the Lich King was a pretty badass villain, but I never bothered reading into the lore, as it was staggeringly huge. So, I'm glad I finally read this book. It was solid read, but I think I preferred the earlier parts of Arthas' life, I feel like once he picked up Frostmourne, the story felt strange and not all that great. He turned evil way too fast. I understand it was because his soul was stolen by the sword, but it still felt too quick. Still, I'm glad I read it, and I understand the character and the world a bit better now.
There were also some weird time changes, and it felt disconnected at times, but I learned that was just because there were a bunch of other plots happening at the same time with Jaina, Thrall, and the Burning Legion that weren't actually a part of Arthas's story.
"No we. No one tells me what to do. I've got everything I need from you—now the power is mine and mine alone. Now there is only I. I am the Lich King. And I am ready."
July 26, 2017
This book was incredibly fun to read but if you've never played world of Warcraft, I'm not sure if you would enjoy it that much.
I will say I learned a lot about the lore of the lich king. It made me feel more attached to the world.
I will say I learned a lot about the lore of the lich king. It made me feel more attached to the world.
July 7, 2018
I'm not sure what happened here. It was a good read but lots of events took place off-page, especially near the end when plot points are built up and then swept away in an explanatory paragraph.
Arthas is a dick. From the moment he gives Jaina the "let's be friends" talk after screwing around with her for months, it's clear, he's an a-hole. I'm not sure what I expected—something with a bit more emotional connection, perhaps. The tone is dry, especially after coming from Christine's excellent Before the Storm. I would have liked to have seen more of a connection to the characters, more reason for me to beg Arthas not to be a fool, but he's just a special snowflake with power issues and that never really changes. Kael was interesting and had a lot more potential. And Sylvanus stole Arthas' thunder. Both had more emotion and motivations, than Arthas.
Still, adapting game-play to novelizations is no easy thing to do, and I think the author probably did the best she could with the framework she was given.
Worth a read, but it left me disappointed.
Arthas is a dick. From the moment he gives Jaina the "let's be friends" talk after screwing around with her for months, it's clear, he's an a-hole. I'm not sure what I expected—something with a bit more emotional connection, perhaps. The tone is dry, especially after coming from Christine's excellent Before the Storm. I would have liked to have seen more of a connection to the characters, more reason for me to beg Arthas not to be a fool, but he's just a special snowflake with power issues and that never really changes. Kael was interesting and had a lot more potential. And Sylvanus stole Arthas' thunder. Both had more emotion and motivations, than Arthas.
Still, adapting game-play to novelizations is no easy thing to do, and I think the author probably did the best she could with the framework she was given.
Worth a read, but it left me disappointed.
May 7, 2009
I went into this book thinking that it was going to be a lot like the lore sheets that are online. No real story, just fact in a oddly structured format. I've never read the other lore books and I was told this was the one to read so I grabbed it.
It was strange to find that their was an actual progression of character in Arthas and you can spot the points where he begins to fall from the Light. Golden does an awesome job at making the story understandable even if the reader hasn't played any of the Warcraft games. I think people that haven't played at least World of Warcraft will have a bit of a time with visualizing each place and character. I found that even though I hadn't played Warcraft III, I was still able to grasp these things being as I play WoW.
So in short, this is definitely a gamer's book, but a face value I took it as doom and gloom but its not. There's romance and determination, cunning and deceitfulness. It definitely made me want to pick up Golden's other lore books.
In case you're curious, I play Mornaria - 80 blood elf Holy Paladin on the Turalyon server. :)
It was strange to find that their was an actual progression of character in Arthas and you can spot the points where he begins to fall from the Light. Golden does an awesome job at making the story understandable even if the reader hasn't played any of the Warcraft games. I think people that haven't played at least World of Warcraft will have a bit of a time with visualizing each place and character. I found that even though I hadn't played Warcraft III, I was still able to grasp these things being as I play WoW.
So in short, this is definitely a gamer's book, but a face value I took it as doom and gloom but its not. There's romance and determination, cunning and deceitfulness. It definitely made me want to pick up Golden's other lore books.
In case you're curious, I play Mornaria - 80 blood elf Holy Paladin on the Turalyon server. :)
April 15, 2018
Nunca había leído un libro de World of Warcraft y tenía curiosidad por saber más del lore del juego en el que he consumido la mitad de mi vida casi, así que hablé con mi amigo Miguel y me dejó uno de sus tantos libros de este maravilloso universo, en este caso el de nuestro amigo y vecino Arthas.
Y me ha encantado.
La historia está muy bien contada y montada. Podemos ver cómo evoluciona el protagonista desde los inicios cómo el pequeño príncipe Arthas Menethil en ciudad Capital hasta el frio y despiadado Rey Exánime alojado en las desoladas tierras de Rasganorte.
Y no hablemos de todas las referencias al mundo de Warcraft , son una delicia para un friki como yo. Tanto los personajes que aparecen como Jaina Valiente o Thrall, cómo lugares tan icónicos como Entrañas o Rasganorte son pequeños placeres que puedes volver a ver y vivir en el libro.
Cómo he dicho antes es mi primer libro del universo del WoW y me ha encantado, igual los hay mejores pero la nostalgia y la Agonía de Escarcha han hecho mella en este corazón de la Horda y por eso le doy 5 estrellas a este título.
Recomendable 100%.
Y me ha encantado.
La historia está muy bien contada y montada. Podemos ver cómo evoluciona el protagonista desde los inicios cómo el pequeño príncipe Arthas Menethil en ciudad Capital hasta el frio y despiadado Rey Exánime alojado en las desoladas tierras de Rasganorte.
Y no hablemos de todas las referencias al mundo de Warcraft , son una delicia para un friki como yo. Tanto los personajes que aparecen como Jaina Valiente o Thrall, cómo lugares tan icónicos como Entrañas o Rasganorte son pequeños placeres que puedes volver a ver y vivir en el libro.
Cómo he dicho antes es mi primer libro del universo del WoW y me ha encantado, igual los hay mejores pero la nostalgia y la Agonía de Escarcha han hecho mella en este corazón de la Horda y por eso le doy 5 estrellas a este título.
Recomendable 100%.
September 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and so far, I think it's the best Warcraft book I've read. The WoW lore regarding Arthas and his descent into evil is some of my favorite, and this book was so fun to read! It was such a good novelization of Warcraft III events, even using some of the exact in-game and cut scene dialogue, but even if you're not a WoW player you could still enjoy this book. It was a good solid fantasy tale all on its own!
July 5, 2016
من تو شوکم همچنان O_o
اگه بخونید میمیرید
اگه بخونید میمیرید
January 30, 2023
Môj prvý stret so svetom Warcraft hodnotím pozitívne. V knihe sa nachádzali aj pre mňa menej príťažlivé časti, avšak, konieckoncov som si to dosť užila (najmä čítanie poslednej tretiny :) ). V budúcnosti určite dám šancu aj ďalším knihám z tohto herného sveta.
Celkovo - 4,5*
Celkovo - 4,5*
November 16, 2009
If you play WoW in any of its formats, you'll love this book. If you enjoy solid fantasy novels, you'll enjoy this book, but you'll know you're missing some of the background.
Golden does an excellent job of weaving Warcraft lore, World of Warcraft game points and even quotes into this foundation story of one of Warcraft's major antagonists, and current expansion focus, Arthas - the Lich King.
The key moment of the book is Arthas' massacre of Stratholme - his kingdom's second city. He decides he must kill everyone in the city before the plague that kills its victims and then reanimates them as undead soldiers for a demonic army. When he arrives at the city, he learns he's too late and the grain containing the plague has already been distributed.
Killing thousands of men, women, and children - people who loved you as their prince and future king, can't be an easy thing. But I won't say I don't understand his decision. I can say I could never make it myself. But if Stratholme was allowed to fall completely to the plague, then the resulting army might well have been unstoppable.
They were nearly unstoppable in any event and it turns out an extra 10-15000 undead soldiers would not have mattered. But Arthas didn't know that. He felt he had to do what he could to save his people. Jaina Proudmoore - his companion and former lover tried to talk him out of his decision by saying they might find a cure, there's always hope. Again, it turned out there was.
With hindsight, both neither decision was correct - Arthas didn't save his people, and in fact, the Culling of Stratholme directly led to Lordaeron's fall at the hands of Arthas. But Jainia's alternative wasn't viable either. All it had to offer was a clean conscious. But in the end, sometimes that's all you can hope for.
Golden does an excellent job of weaving Warcraft lore, World of Warcraft game points and even quotes into this foundation story of one of Warcraft's major antagonists, and current expansion focus, Arthas - the Lich King.
The key moment of the book is Arthas' massacre of Stratholme - his kingdom's second city. He decides he must kill everyone in the city before the plague that kills its victims and then reanimates them as undead soldiers for a demonic army. When he arrives at the city, he learns he's too late and the grain containing the plague has already been distributed.
Killing thousands of men, women, and children - people who loved you as their prince and future king, can't be an easy thing. But I won't say I don't understand his decision. I can say I could never make it myself. But if Stratholme was allowed to fall completely to the plague, then the resulting army might well have been unstoppable.
They were nearly unstoppable in any event and it turns out an extra 10-15000 undead soldiers would not have mattered. But Arthas didn't know that. He felt he had to do what he could to save his people. Jaina Proudmoore - his companion and former lover tried to talk him out of his decision by saying they might find a cure, there's always hope. Again, it turned out there was.
With hindsight, both neither decision was correct - Arthas didn't save his people, and in fact, the Culling of Stratholme directly led to Lordaeron's fall at the hands of Arthas. But Jainia's alternative wasn't viable either. All it had to offer was a clean conscious. But in the end, sometimes that's all you can hope for.
October 21, 2017
So far this is the best World of Warcraft book I have ever read
June 7, 2024
Banger of a book. Only 4 stars because the pacing speeds up a bit too fast around the halfway point. Still a recommended read for WoW enjoyers.
January 24, 2025
Great book! Almost made me start World of Warcraft all over again! 😁😁
August 28, 2017
آرتاس!
آرتاس واقعا حرفی برای گفتن نداشت!
نه داستان... نه شخصیت... تنها نقطه قوتش توصیف های واقعا خوبش بود.
کتاب, کتابِ گنگی بود. نه از اون کتاب های مبهی که کسی خوشش بیاد. گره گشایی های خوبی نداشت. ابهام و گنگی صحیح رو توی این سری, فقط توی قلم ناک دیدم!
کتابای ناک در برابر آرتاس مثل خدا و انسانه.
از آرتاسِ گلدن خوشم 9!
آرتاس واقعا حرفی برای گفتن نداشت!
نه داستان... نه شخصیت... تنها نقطه قوتش توصیف های واقعا خوبش بود.
کتاب, کتابِ گنگی بود. نه از اون کتاب های مبهی که کسی خوشش بیاد. گره گشایی های خوبی نداشت. ابهام و گنگی صحیح رو توی این سری, فقط توی قلم ناک دیدم!
کتابای ناک در برابر آرتاس مثل خدا و انسانه.
از آرتاسِ گلدن خوشم 9!
February 11, 2023
If you are a Warcraft fan you already know everything but still it’s a nice book.
There must always be a lich king
There must always be a lich king
March 7, 2021
Arthas by Christie Golden is a book covering the back story of the super villain, Arthas in the story of World of Warcraft. Although the objectives of writing this book are uncertain, the audience is clearly someone who has played World of Warcraft and enjoys the game enough to pursue the story. Overall the vibe of the book is fairly dark as it is covering the big bad guy in game; so in order to be the big bad guy, you gotta do some messed up stuff. Which Arthas does his fair share of. A great example of something messed up he did was "purging" the city of stratholme, by purging it means killing anyone and everyone inside of the city. Now he did this for their own good as there was a plague coming that would turn everyone into zombies who would be controlled and used to take over the world, but he killed everyone nonetheless. I feel as though Christie Golden did a fantastic job writing this book in depth enough for my inner wow nerd, while still keeping it light enough that it is quite an easy read. I do not know of a book that this is comparable to as it is about something so specific, however it could be compared to other wow books, which I will soon read and make real comparisons. Overall, gotta say this was a really good book, but that's just because I'm a little wow nerd at heart and loved getting a deeper look into one of my favorite characters in the game I both love and hate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2013
I finally got to really see what was going on in Prince Arthas' head as he turned from a Paladin: Wielder of the Light to the nefarious Lich King. The storyline flows seamlessly with the campaigns of Warcraft III. As many scenes happened in the novel, I found my mind pulling up the cinematics from the game. If you've played the campaign enough times, it's impossible not to do this. It was nice to see some back-story of Prince Arthas' upbringing. I saw how profoundly certain events affected him and it became easier to understand his seemingly hasty descent into darkness. The depth of the relationship between Jaina Proudmoore and Arthas was more than I surmised, which added another previously non-existent dimension to the entire story. I became much more acquainted with both of their characters. The lines that begin the Ravages of the Plague campaign now have much more meaning. There were other relationships that were equally important in Arthas' life that this book shed some light on. Most prominently with Uther, Muradin, and his horse Invincible. Having also read Lord of the Clans, I was pleased to see how the two stories encountered each other in this book. Christie Golden once again has done a fantastic job tying in all the new information to the story already entrenched in the game, and adds incredible realism to the legendary characters of Azeroth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2014
Better writing than the quests so it gets 3 stars.
Stand alone, it deserved a measly star.
Why a woman shouldn't have written this:
-------------SPOILER-----------------------------------------------------------------
The weakness of Arthas was manipulated by Christie to fit in her wanna-be romantic tragedy.
Here is how the story really went:
The first time Arthas was alone with Varian- the king to be crowned- Arthas told Varian that he was fortunate to have come to rule so early.
This was the beginning of the hate he brewed against the good health of his father.
King Terenas saw this hate and therefore kept Arthas from training.
Arthas sexually assaulted the maid while on his trip to see Thrall.
Arthas was ashamed of Jaina, because her lineage wasn't royal that is why he banged her in private.
King Terenas approved of her and forced the affair to be legit, because he respected Admiral Proudmore.
Arthas was like F-that, I'm out.
Arthas knew that the people of the town would be easier annihilated pre-zombification. straight up.
You don't just wake up and become Dickhead Arthas, sorry hack writer Golden.
Stand alone, it deserved a measly star.
Why a woman shouldn't have written this:
-------------SPOILER-----------------------------------------------------------------
The weakness of Arthas was manipulated by Christie to fit in her wanna-be romantic tragedy.
Here is how the story really went:
The first time Arthas was alone with Varian- the king to be crowned- Arthas told Varian that he was fortunate to have come to rule so early.
This was the beginning of the hate he brewed against the good health of his father.
King Terenas saw this hate and therefore kept Arthas from training.
Arthas sexually assaulted the maid while on his trip to see Thrall.
Arthas was ashamed of Jaina, because her lineage wasn't royal that is why he banged her in private.
King Terenas approved of her and forced the affair to be legit, because he respected Admiral Proudmore.
Arthas was like F-that, I'm out.
Arthas knew that the people of the town would be easier annihilated pre-zombification. straight up.
You don't just wake up and become Dickhead Arthas, sorry hack writer Golden.
May 14, 2015
Actually pretty good. My favorite part is that it's basically just a novelization of much of Warcraft III and The Frozen Throne, even right down to verbatim unit quotes on occasion. Warcraft III is awesome, ergo this book is awesome. It also "interfaces" nicely with other books in the Warcraft universe - it recounts events that have already been detailed in other novels but from a different point of view. Overall it's just good stuff for Warcraft fans.
May 18, 2025
I really enjoyed how we came from the dashing handsome prince to the character he is currently. And as much as this is a fantasy book, we have to appreciate how the writer handled his love life. The part where Jaina's other "love interest" going on about "YOU CHOSE ARTHAS OVER ME!?" Got me yelling "Oh daaaaamn" hahaha. This book basically made me feel all sorts of emotions and is definitely one of the, if not the, best of its WoW line of books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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