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StarCraft #4
Queen of Blades
Former marshal-turned-rebel Jim Raynor has broken away from the power-crazed Emperor Arcturus Mengsk. Enraged over Mengsk's betrayal of the powerful telepath, Sarah Kerrigan, to the ravenous Zerg, Raynor has lost all faith in his fellow humanity.
Yet, in the aftermath of Mengsk's treachery, Raynor is plagued by strange visions of Char — a deadly, volcanic world haunted by horrifying alien creatures. As the nightmares grow in intensity, Raynor begins to suspect that they may not be figments of his imagination — but a desperate form of telepathic contact. Convinced that the woman he loves is still alive, Raynor launches a hasty mission to rescue Kerrigan from Char. But deep beneath the planet's smoldering surface, Raynor finds a strange chrysalis...and is forced to watch in horror as a terrible, all-too-familiar entity rises from it.
Before him stands a creature of depthless malice and vengeance...
Sarah Kerrigan: the Zerg Queen of Blades.
Yet, in the aftermath of Mengsk's treachery, Raynor is plagued by strange visions of Char — a deadly, volcanic world haunted by horrifying alien creatures. As the nightmares grow in intensity, Raynor begins to suspect that they may not be figments of his imagination — but a desperate form of telepathic contact. Convinced that the woman he loves is still alive, Raynor launches a hasty mission to rescue Kerrigan from Char. But deep beneath the planet's smoldering surface, Raynor finds a strange chrysalis...and is forced to watch in horror as a terrible, all-too-familiar entity rises from it.
Before him stands a creature of depthless malice and vengeance...
Sarah Kerrigan: the Zerg Queen of Blades.
349 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 23, 2006
15 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Rosenberg
233 books117 followersAaron Rosenberg is an award-winning, bestselling novelist, children’s book author, and game designer. He's written original fiction (including the NOOK-bestselling humorous science fiction novel No Small Bills, the Dread Remora space-opera series, and the O.C.L.T. supernatural thriller series), tie-in novels (including the PsiPhi winner Collective Hindsight for Star Trek: SCE, the Daemon Gates trilogy for Warhammer, Tides of Darkness and the Scribe-nominated Beyond the Dark Portal for WarCraft, Hunt and Run for Stargate: Atlantis, and Substitution Method and Road Less Traveled for Eureka), young adult novels (including the Scribe-winning Bandslam: The Novel and books for iCarly and Ben10), children's books (including an original Scholastic Bestseller series, Pete and Penny's Pizza Puzzles, and work for PowerPuff Girls and Transformers Animated), roleplaying games (including original games like Asylum and Spookshow, the Origins Award-winning Gamemastering Secrets, and sections of The Supernatural Roleplaying Game, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, and The Deryni Roleplaying Game), short stories, webcomics, essays, and educational books. He has ranged from mystery to speculative fiction to drama to comedy, always with the same intent—to tell a good story. You can visit him online at gryphonrose.com or follow him on Twitter @gryphonrose.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 38 reviews
May 18, 2015
I’m a big fan of gaming lore, and enjoy reading the books and comics that expand a video game’s already rich story–even for games I haven’t actually played. In this case, my husband played Starcraft II and eagerly shared all the major cutscenes with me. I instantly fell in love with Sarah Kerrigan, played by one of my favourite voice actresses, Tricia Helfer.
This is the story of Kerrigan’s emergence as the vengeful Queen of Blades, after being left for dead by her commander. It’s told from the point of view of Jim Raynor, the game’s main protagonist and Kerrigan’s would be lover had things not turned out so poorly for the couple. I had hoped to get insight into Kerrigan’s transformation and what it was like for her–and the prologue seems to imply that–but then it switches to Raynor’s point-of-view. He follows the lead of Kerrigan’s telepathic dreams to the planet Char, where Kerrigan now lords over the deadly bug-like Zerg. Despite the telepathic bond, we get little insight into Kerrigan’s mind, and, when the Zerg’s mortal enemies, the Protoss, show up, the book settles into a long back and forth chase sequence as the Protoss leader attempts to gauge Kerrigan’s abilities. Raynor literally runs along behind them, detailing the encounters, as the formidable aliens fight and exchange melodramatic, villainous dialogue. There are implications through Raynor’s dreams that there is still good in Kerrigan, but those brief interludes get lost in the continued back and forth that really doesn’t teach us much about the Protoss, or the titular Queen of Blades. Gaming lore is meant to enhance the main storyline of the game, without punishing the players who choose not to consume it, but sadly, this didn’t add much for anyone.
Originally published at WWAC
This is the story of Kerrigan’s emergence as the vengeful Queen of Blades, after being left for dead by her commander. It’s told from the point of view of Jim Raynor, the game’s main protagonist and Kerrigan’s would be lover had things not turned out so poorly for the couple. I had hoped to get insight into Kerrigan’s transformation and what it was like for her–and the prologue seems to imply that–but then it switches to Raynor’s point-of-view. He follows the lead of Kerrigan’s telepathic dreams to the planet Char, where Kerrigan now lords over the deadly bug-like Zerg. Despite the telepathic bond, we get little insight into Kerrigan’s mind, and, when the Zerg’s mortal enemies, the Protoss, show up, the book settles into a long back and forth chase sequence as the Protoss leader attempts to gauge Kerrigan’s abilities. Raynor literally runs along behind them, detailing the encounters, as the formidable aliens fight and exchange melodramatic, villainous dialogue. There are implications through Raynor’s dreams that there is still good in Kerrigan, but those brief interludes get lost in the continued back and forth that really doesn’t teach us much about the Protoss, or the titular Queen of Blades. Gaming lore is meant to enhance the main storyline of the game, without punishing the players who choose not to consume it, but sadly, this didn’t add much for anyone.
Originally published at WWAC
May 27, 2023
Queen of blades is an awkward book for me to review. On one hand the story progresses with Jim Raynor as an audience surrogate, watching a clash of Titans unfold. I found those aspects quite entertaining, as Aaron rosenberg's narration is actually quite good. There were a number of details I enjoyed immensely. However the story was also marred by dialogue between characters which felt incredibly inappropriate. Kerrigan had a personality that did not seem to fit her. It did not feel like zerg or human, or a hybrid of both. Rather it felt like a philosopher in a slasher movie, and she often paused in her attacks to pronounce what she was about to do before she did it, giving enough time for other people to take actions before she did. Other characters often made declarations of their own which accomplished the same. So too, Jim felt more like a teenager while speaking, than the gruff gunslinger type he is. The book was marred mostly by the ending. Just when they showed the best signs of winning after a long "destined" fight, they ended up halting their attack and leaving the planet without even searching for their enemies, even for a few hours, which I thought was strange. Kerrigan's escape could have been created in a completely different way that didn't feel weird and abandoned. Overall, the story was good, but it left me unsatisfied.
October 17, 2019
This was billed as the novelisation of the Zerg campaign from the original game (with Liberty's Crusade being covering the Terran campaign). However, there was a bizarre mix of adventure with James Raynor, and the conversations of the mission briefings from the games that Raynor somehow always manages to listen in on. Very little focus was on Kerrigan. I must confess as to being a little disappointed to begin with.
That is until about halfway when the Protoss turn up, leading to some brilliant scenes with Tassadar, Raynor and Zeratul. From this point on, the story really became engrossing as it deals with tackling ingrained prejudices and fills in certain gaps that show Tassadar's change from stalwart Executor to the compassionate and powerful being that goes on to destroy the Overmind. Despite lacking very much action, these were fantastic scenes that genuinely added so much to the StarCraft world. By the end of the book, I'd forgiven the weakness of the start and got such a drive to play the game again I've already played through the Terran campaign since finishing the book.
I would have liked more scenes from Kerrigan's point of view, but as she's a much simpler character than her more recent incarnations in StarCraft II have been, it's not a major complaint.
That is until about halfway when the Protoss turn up, leading to some brilliant scenes with Tassadar, Raynor and Zeratul. From this point on, the story really became engrossing as it deals with tackling ingrained prejudices and fills in certain gaps that show Tassadar's change from stalwart Executor to the compassionate and powerful being that goes on to destroy the Overmind. Despite lacking very much action, these were fantastic scenes that genuinely added so much to the StarCraft world. By the end of the book, I'd forgiven the weakness of the start and got such a drive to play the game again I've already played through the Terran campaign since finishing the book.
I would have liked more scenes from Kerrigan's point of view, but as she's a much simpler character than her more recent incarnations in StarCraft II have been, it's not a major complaint.
September 26, 2015
First of all, i'd question my objectivity on any book that's related to StarCraft, simply because i consider myself to be a HUGE fan of the series and the story. Bearing that in mind, this is my opinion on the book.
The book takes place during the Zerg campaign (approximately 6 weeks after Kerrigan's capture) in StarCraft and finishes during the Protoss campaign, also StarCraft.
Now, i have to start by saying i was completely surprised by the books content. Judging by it's name, i thought it would revolve heavily around Sarah Kerrigan (aka Queen of Blades) and go deep into her psych after she transformed. Now, that might not have been something i'd enjoy reading all to much, but i am determined to read all StarCraft literature so i'd get over it. Safe to say i was pleasantly surprised to learn that this wasn't the case. I would also like to say that i've read quite a few unfavorable reviews of this book and i can't really understand why. I personally think that the book was very good. It offers a LOT of background story to the relationship between Raynor and Karrigan and also how Raynor's relationship with the Protoss began. Now directed to the people who have played the game - have you ever wondered how come Raynor ended up with Tassadar during the Protoss campaign when the Protoss came to arrest him ? I know i was wondering what happened in between. Well, this book will give you an explanation and also give you an idea why the Protoss regard Raynor as they do, their friend. The book also puts any speculation about Raynor's and Kerrigan's relationship to rest and clearly answers in their own words and actions how they felt about each other.
The only "fault" (in my opinion) about this book is that certain parts are "non canon" (as was later confirmed by Blizzard. If you're interested to see which parts aren't canon, you can take a look here - http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/StarC...). Other than this, i quite enjoyed the book and to be honest it surpassed my expectations. As a person who first played the games and then read these books/novels, i find the amount of background information satisfying.
The book is easy to read, it's interesting, the action is there which is always a plus and i would recommend it to anyone who's interested in StarCraft lore.
The book takes place during the Zerg campaign (approximately 6 weeks after Kerrigan's capture) in StarCraft and finishes during the Protoss campaign, also StarCraft.
Now, i have to start by saying i was completely surprised by the books content. Judging by it's name, i thought it would revolve heavily around Sarah Kerrigan (aka Queen of Blades) and go deep into her psych after she transformed. Now, that might not have been something i'd enjoy reading all to much, but i am determined to read all StarCraft literature so i'd get over it. Safe to say i was pleasantly surprised to learn that this wasn't the case. I would also like to say that i've read quite a few unfavorable reviews of this book and i can't really understand why. I personally think that the book was very good. It offers a LOT of background story to the relationship between Raynor and Karrigan and also how Raynor's relationship with the Protoss began. Now directed to the people who have played the game - have you ever wondered how come Raynor ended up with Tassadar during the Protoss campaign when the Protoss came to arrest him ? I know i was wondering what happened in between. Well, this book will give you an explanation and also give you an idea why the Protoss regard Raynor as they do, their friend. The book also puts any speculation about Raynor's and Kerrigan's relationship to rest and clearly answers in their own words and actions how they felt about each other.
The only "fault" (in my opinion) about this book is that certain parts are "non canon" (as was later confirmed by Blizzard. If you're interested to see which parts aren't canon, you can take a look here - http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/StarC...). Other than this, i quite enjoyed the book and to be honest it surpassed my expectations. As a person who first played the games and then read these books/novels, i find the amount of background information satisfying.
The book is easy to read, it's interesting, the action is there which is always a plus and i would recommend it to anyone who's interested in StarCraft lore.
October 5, 2013
I don't usually buy movie or game tie-in novels because, to put it bluntly, most of them suck. I probably wouldn't have bought Queen of Blades either, had it not been for three things: I love StarCraft (and most importantly, the Zerg); I found the book dirt cheap at my local second hand store; and Kerrigan is, tied with Sylvanas, probably my favorite female video game character ever.
So I gave into temptation and bought it. It's been a while since I played through the StarCraft campaigns, but the wiki tells me Queen of Blades takes place during Episode II, and while I don't recall the details I do recognize the Zerg campaign played out on Char.
Experiencing it in book form was... alright.
I don't really know what I was expecting. I think I was hoping to read about Kerrigan kicking butt and taking names, and sure, Queen of Blades certainly delivered on that front. Still, at 350-ish pages it was far too long. Aaron Rosenberg establishes a basic formula of Battle, Retreat, Regroup, and then recycles it ad nauseam. I don't really blame him, seeing as it's a tie-in novel and he can't really stray too from the canon, and since he's writing a book about three opposing forces stranded on a mostly barren planet there really isn't much to write about other than, well, battles.
So yes, the plot was repetitive, and the characterizations were a bit... bland, and the focus was on Jim Raynor and the Protoss (none of which interest me much), and I might have spent the last two hundred or so pages wishing I was finished already so that I could read something else, but on the whole I still kind of enjoyed it.
Mostly because of Kerrigan, who might spend most of the book howling and growling and throwing ridiculous out of character fits as she runs all over the place trying to find and kill Raynor and his Protoss allies, but .
So I gave into temptation and bought it. It's been a while since I played through the StarCraft campaigns, but the wiki tells me Queen of Blades takes place during Episode II, and while I don't recall the details I do recognize the Zerg campaign played out on Char.
Experiencing it in book form was... alright.
I don't really know what I was expecting. I think I was hoping to read about Kerrigan kicking butt and taking names, and sure, Queen of Blades certainly delivered on that front. Still, at 350-ish pages it was far too long. Aaron Rosenberg establishes a basic formula of Battle, Retreat, Regroup, and then recycles it ad nauseam. I don't really blame him, seeing as it's a tie-in novel and he can't really stray too from the canon, and since he's writing a book about three opposing forces stranded on a mostly barren planet there really isn't much to write about other than, well, battles.
So yes, the plot was repetitive, and the characterizations were a bit... bland, and the focus was on Jim Raynor and the Protoss (none of which interest me much), and I might have spent the last two hundred or so pages wishing I was finished already so that I could read something else, but on the whole I still kind of enjoyed it.
Mostly because of Kerrigan, who might spend most of the book howling and growling and throwing ridiculous out of character fits as she runs all over the place trying to find and kill Raynor and his Protoss allies, but .
October 31, 2020
Surprisingly good! I’m not a big SC fan , but even I never expected to give anything more than 3 stars to a video game-inspired novel; let’s be honest, they’re just not usually that good.
The writing here is incredibly accessible (yes, ‘low brow’), but the descriptions are vivid and enjoyable and, most refreshingly of all, the characters are very complex, offering a depth that owes as much to the original creative dev. work at Blizzard as to Rosenberg’s writing. These characters are the real driving force of the book, carrying the load of sometimes cheesey dialogue and fairly predictable plot movements.
Still, for any fan of the Starcraft universe this book will, I think, be impressive, and I for one am glad to see the Blizzard novels showing they can be more than B sci-fi.
The writing here is incredibly accessible (yes, ‘low brow’), but the descriptions are vivid and enjoyable and, most refreshingly of all, the characters are very complex, offering a depth that owes as much to the original creative dev. work at Blizzard as to Rosenberg’s writing. These characters are the real driving force of the book, carrying the load of sometimes cheesey dialogue and fairly predictable plot movements.
Still, for any fan of the Starcraft universe this book will, I think, be impressive, and I for one am glad to see the Blizzard novels showing they can be more than B sci-fi.
October 19, 2014
Best if read: after Liberty's Crusade, right after or during Episode II (Zerg campaign).
Gives you a ton of detail about Kerrigan and the Zerg as well as Tassadar/Zeratul and the Protoss. Raynor is your narrator and he goes into good detail about his dreams and experiences chasing after Kerrigan and teaming up with the Protoss after being stranded on the planet Char where Kerrigan ended up. Don't wanna spoil too much, but likely if you're reading this or the book, you've played the game.
This book is really good, so highly recommended if you're really into Starcraft.
Gives you a ton of detail about Kerrigan and the Zerg as well as Tassadar/Zeratul and the Protoss. Raynor is your narrator and he goes into good detail about his dreams and experiences chasing after Kerrigan and teaming up with the Protoss after being stranded on the planet Char where Kerrigan ended up. Don't wanna spoil too much, but likely if you're reading this or the book, you've played the game.
This book is really good, so highly recommended if you're really into Starcraft.
September 17, 2010
First of all I thought it was awesome that this book was actually about Jim Raynor and Kerrigan - not of this weird side character no one actually knows and thus far doesn't actually exist in the Starcraft Universe yet
Overall really enjoyed the story. There were a few things here and there that seemed a bit off or forced but generally loved it. Hoping there are more Starcraft books (and video game books in general) like this one.
Overall really enjoyed the story. There were a few things here and there that seemed a bit off or forced but generally loved it. Hoping there are more Starcraft books (and video game books in general) like this one.
December 15, 2015
A rather underwhelming attempt to dramatize the events of the first game - for a novel supposedly meant to depict Kerrigan's transformation, almost everything is seen from Raynor's perspective, with the story using greater and greater contrivances to explain how he's able to witness things like Zasz's destruction or the Amerigo raid. Kerrigan herself is practically an afterthought, more a cipher here than she is in the game itself.
February 19, 2011
This book was very well written and elaborated well in the more important areas. It detailed how Raynor managed to forge an alliance with Tassadar and eventually Zeratul of the Dark Templars. I loved the twist at the end with Raynor. Loved this read and would recommend it to anyone.
February 14, 2008
Great read for people that enjoy a good Sci-fi novel that has guns and aliens. Similar to the Halo series but much easier to read.
December 4, 2020
A nice surprise was lots of women in high ranks in Raynor's army.
This is basically Raynor thirsting over Mutated Kerrigan and Im here for it lmao
This is basically Raynor thirsting over Mutated Kerrigan and Im here for it lmao
March 23, 2021
Following the events leading to Emperor Arcturus Mengsk's rise to power, this book follows the now-rebel Jack Raynor's journey to Char, being called by a dream.
September 16, 2023
This was an awesome StarCraft book. It follows Jim Raynor and his crew shortly after stealing the Hyperion and fleeing the Dominion. From there it mostly coincides with Episode 2 (Zerg missions) of the original game’s campaign but from Raynor’s perspective. Coming from the game, we know Kerrigan reached out to Jim and Mengsk through their dreams after her capture by the Zerg. This leads Raynor to search for her with his own crew and Mengsk sends General Duke with his Alpha Squadron. Now if you’re coming from the game you probably remember swarming these clowns whilst embracing the glory that is your birthright. Well all that happens here only we’re seeing the swarm unfold from behind Raynor’s eyes.
This book fills in a lot of gaps that happen in that part of the campaign like how Raynor and crew survive before they meet the Protoss and their eventual alliance. The first half of the book follows the campaign very closely and we get retellings of almost all of those missions in some capacity a lot like with earlier StarCraft novel, Liberty’s Crusade. The last half is where the book really picks up and starts to tell more of a unique story rather than a rehashing.
Some of the best writing I’ve had to the pleasure to read in my StarCraft literature foray has been in the second half of this book. We get a lot of excellent lore and character development for Raynor, Tassador and Zeratul. I loved this trio of characters in the game so getting even more content with the 3 of them was wish fulfillment to the max. I really enjoyed the way the author explained the telepathic connections of the Protoss and the insight we got into their cultures.
The action and imagery is superb in this book. I felt like I could vividly picture everything that was going on and it certainly made me nostalgic for all those missions running across the ashen landscape of Char pocked with lava pools, crags and craters.
Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the original StarCraft, this book is a no brainer. No other books are necessary to read prior to it, but Raynor does reference the main character of Liberty’s Crusade on several occasions. This does not in anyway prevent one from following what’s going on in this book though. If you’ve never played StarCraft, this book might not be the place to start.
I give the book a 4 out of 5. When it gets going it doesn’t stop. The only lull I felt in it were for the parts that more or less retell the events of the game mission by mission and some of Raynor’s dreams are pretty cheesy. But overall, its a fun action packed read that does justice to a franchise I love.
This book fills in a lot of gaps that happen in that part of the campaign like how Raynor and crew survive before they meet the Protoss and their eventual alliance. The first half of the book follows the campaign very closely and we get retellings of almost all of those missions in some capacity a lot like with earlier StarCraft novel, Liberty’s Crusade. The last half is where the book really picks up and starts to tell more of a unique story rather than a rehashing.
Some of the best writing I’ve had to the pleasure to read in my StarCraft literature foray has been in the second half of this book. We get a lot of excellent lore and character development for Raynor, Tassador and Zeratul. I loved this trio of characters in the game so getting even more content with the 3 of them was wish fulfillment to the max. I really enjoyed the way the author explained the telepathic connections of the Protoss and the insight we got into their cultures.
The action and imagery is superb in this book. I felt like I could vividly picture everything that was going on and it certainly made me nostalgic for all those missions running across the ashen landscape of Char pocked with lava pools, crags and craters.
Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the original StarCraft, this book is a no brainer. No other books are necessary to read prior to it, but Raynor does reference the main character of Liberty’s Crusade on several occasions. This does not in anyway prevent one from following what’s going on in this book though. If you’ve never played StarCraft, this book might not be the place to start.
I give the book a 4 out of 5. When it gets going it doesn’t stop. The only lull I felt in it were for the parts that more or less retell the events of the game mission by mission and some of Raynor’s dreams are pretty cheesy. But overall, its a fun action packed read that does justice to a franchise I love.
July 28, 2021
Разочарована съм. Книгата почна много добре в началото. Очаквах, че нещата ще се развият почти както в играта или поне,че ще научим малко повече за Сара и новата и самоличност. Нищо от това не се случи...
Цялото действие върви през очите на Джим Рейнър. Този човек няма умора! Навсякъде ходи и вижда и чува всичко, сякаш не е обикновен човек.
Като цяло се надявах на много повече.
Ако сте фенове на играта, може и да ви хареса. Аз лично не смятам да продължавам с тази поредица от книги. Единствено първата ми хареса - Liberty's crusade. :)
Цялото действие върви през очите на Джим Рейнър. Този човек няма умора! Навсякъде ходи и вижда и чува всичко, сякаш не е обикновен човек.
Като цяло се надявах на много повече.
Ако сте фенове на играта, може и да ви хареса. Аз лично не смятам да продължавам с тази поредица от книги. Единствено първата ми хареса - Liberty's crusade. :)
June 8, 2024
This book in a nutshell:
✔️Raynor basically thirsting over Kerrigan despite turning into an alien-hybrid thing. We love the commitment.
✔️ Raynor following the Protoss around for most of the book and is basically an audience to the whole Protoss-Zerg conflict. He has a huge amount of luck throughout the book, it's kind of ridiculous.
✔️Fascinating Protoss and Zerg lore.
Fun and easy read.
✔️Raynor basically thirsting over Kerrigan despite turning into an alien-hybrid thing. We love the commitment.
✔️ Raynor following the Protoss around for most of the book and is basically an audience to the whole Protoss-Zerg conflict. He has a huge amount of luck throughout the book, it's kind of ridiculous.
✔️Fascinating Protoss and Zerg lore.
Fun and easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2018
Great storytelling! I wish WoW authors were this good or any closer to this quality of writing and details.
April 18, 2019
Hey stop there! SUBSCRIBE TO PEWDIEPIE NOW!
June 26, 2022
That was the best Starcraft book Ive read so far. I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed everything, from Kerrigan transformation to the Protoos history. The use of dreams was really cool in this, as well.
July 10, 2022
Does a great job of filling a gap, detailing events greatly appreciated.
December 27, 2023
J'ai adoré connaître l'histoire de Kerrigan ^^
May 18, 2024
‘More of the monster-zerg were touching him now’
I don’t think this author gives a damn about the Starcraft Universe.
I don’t think this author gives a damn about the Starcraft Universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
Most typos I've ever noticed in a published book but it was easy to skip over
May 28, 2010
Surprisingly good! I'm a SC fan to the core, but even I never expected to give anything more than 3 stars to a video game-inspired novel; let's be honest, they're just not usually that good.
The writing here is incredibly accessible (yes, 'low brow'), but the descriptions are vivid and enjoyable and, most refreshingly of all, the characters are very complex, offering a depth that owes as much to the original creative dev. work at Blizzard as to Rosenberg's writing. These characters are the real driving force of the book, carrying the load of sometimes cheesey dialogue and fairly predictable plot movements.
Still, for any fan of the Starcraft universe this book will, I think, be impressive, and I for one am glad to see the Blizzard novels showing they can be more than B sci-fi, only appealing to rabid fanboys.
The writing here is incredibly accessible (yes, 'low brow'), but the descriptions are vivid and enjoyable and, most refreshingly of all, the characters are very complex, offering a depth that owes as much to the original creative dev. work at Blizzard as to Rosenberg's writing. These characters are the real driving force of the book, carrying the load of sometimes cheesey dialogue and fairly predictable plot movements.
Still, for any fan of the Starcraft universe this book will, I think, be impressive, and I for one am glad to see the Blizzard novels showing they can be more than B sci-fi, only appealing to rabid fanboys.
February 2, 2017
Take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am not a sci-fi fan. It took me a long time to finish this book and I was reading out of obligation more than interest up until about chapter eight. To me, there was too much detail on parts that I cared little about. Not sure if this is a sci-fi thing or the particular author. As I stated before, chapter eight is when the book finally got my attention and I finished reading the book in two consecutive sittings.
March 7, 2010
Very well written book in the universe of Starcraft.
Relates well with other books in the universe. As the title implies, its about Sarah Kerrigan, former ghost now queen of zerg.
Doesn't give us much information on Kerrigan's past only brief glimpses. Revolves a lot around James Raynor and his relationship with Kerrigan.
Overall, I liked this book but seeing the title, I expected something more on Kerrigan and it wasn't enough.
Relates well with other books in the universe. As the title implies, its about Sarah Kerrigan, former ghost now queen of zerg.
Doesn't give us much information on Kerrigan's past only brief glimpses. Revolves a lot around James Raynor and his relationship with Kerrigan.
Overall, I liked this book but seeing the title, I expected something more on Kerrigan and it wasn't enough.
December 18, 2012
just found out from a review that this is book 4 of a series, so i missed 2 and 3. that'd be a marketing fail, imo. anyway, more time spent on protoss in this one, but still not a lot of depth. they should have novelized the zerg attacking the protoss homeworld. blizzard should allocate more of the WoW creative team to starcraft, but i guess they're all working on "codename: titan".
November 14, 2013
Chris Metzen did an amazing job with Sarah Kerrigan's character. The world around her is full and rich that made her unique and attractive. I believe just her image alone made Starcraft one of Blizzard's most successful games today. If you don't play the game then you have to read this book to discover why she earned the title The Queen of Blades.
October 19, 2014
The book started okay, interesting and intensifying.
However as it moved on it became predictable and boring. There are some quite weird/distasteful moments (protoss sharing jokes with terrans?!) that do insult the magnificence and power of the original story line.
To be frank, I expected more and find this as a disappointing read.
However as it moved on it became predictable and boring. There are some quite weird/distasteful moments (protoss sharing jokes with terrans?!) that do insult the magnificence and power of the original story line.
To be frank, I expected more and find this as a disappointing read.
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