What do you think?
Rate this book
Traveler #2
The Spiral Path
Twelve-year-old Aramar Thorne’s life was turned upside down by the sudden reappearance of his father, Captain Greydon Thorne, who took his son with him on the high seas. After several months aboard Greydon’s ship, it was attacked by a deadly band of raiders known as the Hidden, leaving Aram and Second Mate Makasa Flintwill shipwrecked. But of even greater concern are the unanswered questions his father left behind. Who are the Hidden? And what of the strange compass Greydon gave to him--the compass that doesn’t point north? Aram and Makasa are on a journey to unravel these mysteries, picking up a few friends--and more than a few foes on their travels.
Aram, a once-struggling student in the ways of the world, is now looked to for guidance by his friends as they combat swarms of undead and come face-to-face with the trolls’ mysterious gods. Can Aram be the leader his father always believed he could be?
Includes 17 all-new illustrations!
Aram, a once-struggling student in the ways of the world, is now looked to for guidance by his friends as they combat swarms of undead and come face-to-face with the trolls’ mysterious gods. Can Aram be the leader his father always believed he could be?
Includes 17 all-new illustrations!
432 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2018
15 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Greg Weisman
263 books136 followersGreg Weisman (BA Stanford, MPW U.S.C.) has been a storyteller all his life. His first professional work was as an Editor for DC Comics, where he also wrote Captain Atom.
Greg worked at Walt Disney Television Animation from 1989 through 1996. In 1991, Greg created and developed a new series for Disney: GARGOYLES, becoming Supervising Producer and Supervising Story Editor of that series.
In 1998, Greg became a full-time Freelancer. He wrote the new Gargoyles and Gargoyles: Bad Guys comic books for SLG Publishing, while producing, writing, story editing and voice acting for Sony’s The Spectacular Spider-Man. He then moved over to Warner Bros., where he produced, story edited, wrote and voice acted on the new series, Young Justice, as well as writing the companion Young Justice monthly comic book for DC.
Greg was a writer and Executive Producer on the first season of Star Wars Rebels for Lucasfilm and Disney, and he’s also writing the spin-off comic Star Wars Kanan: The Last Padawan. His first novel, Rain of the Ghosts, was published in 2013; its sequel, Spirits of Ash and Foam, arrived in bookstores in 2014.
Greg worked at Walt Disney Television Animation from 1989 through 1996. In 1991, Greg created and developed a new series for Disney: GARGOYLES, becoming Supervising Producer and Supervising Story Editor of that series.
In 1998, Greg became a full-time Freelancer. He wrote the new Gargoyles and Gargoyles: Bad Guys comic books for SLG Publishing, while producing, writing, story editing and voice acting for Sony’s The Spectacular Spider-Man. He then moved over to Warner Bros., where he produced, story edited, wrote and voice acted on the new series, Young Justice, as well as writing the companion Young Justice monthly comic book for DC.
Greg was a writer and Executive Producer on the first season of Star Wars Rebels for Lucasfilm and Disney, and he’s also writing the spin-off comic Star Wars Kanan: The Last Padawan. His first novel, Rain of the Ghosts, was published in 2013; its sequel, Spirits of Ash and Foam, arrived in bookstores in 2014.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 21, 2020
I'm not quite sure what it takes to cross the line between reference-for-reference-sake/fan-service and just plain ol' storytelling which just so happens to include familiar areas, but this book toes that line daringly. The Thunderdrome in Gadgetzan - yep, it's there, but it doesn't feel tacked on. The never-ending bar brawl between the Gnomes and the Goblins on the Speedbarge - yep, it's there too, and doesn't feel tacked on. The Whale Shark...well, the diving scene did probably need some drama, but I don't think the novel quite captures the ridiculously humungous size of the Whale Shark that's in the Shimmering Deep (well, it's corpse at any rate) - but, it's in-game size is rather ludicrous, so the book may paint the scene better.
I must say that I do like where this story is heading, and the second book does seem to be a bit of an improvement over the first. I'd say it ups the age expectation of a potential reader, as well, as it makes reference to Valdread's...regret...disappointment...apathy...towards what his genitalia looks like on his decaying, undead body. I also enjoyed our visit and romp through Tanaris, Gadgetzan, and Razorfen (who hasn't brought down that Lich?). Although, again being very familiar with the game, I can easily/readily picture the areas in question.
A particular favorite of mine from this book was when the story was written from the perspective of the various characters - complete with their manner of speaking expressed in their thoughts and all. A nice touch to be a Troll or an Ogre for a change.
If I do have one criticism, it's the pod-racing scene. I know, it's a speed boat, and not a "pod," but tell me that this doesn't smack of "Phantom Menace"...this book, like that movie, did not need a young, child protégé racing a dangerously fast vehicle around and around to win a bet to move along the story...I had an inside joke with my friends for a while when complaining about a movie where one of us would ask "Do you know what this movie needs?" and the other would answer "Pod-racing" - and we would chuckle at the absurdity. This book was too good to need pod-racing.
Oh, and the crystal in Gadgetzan...yah, just laying around up there, eh?
I must say that I do like where this story is heading, and the second book does seem to be a bit of an improvement over the first. I'd say it ups the age expectation of a potential reader, as well, as it makes reference to Valdread's...regret...disappointment...apathy...towards what his genitalia looks like on his decaying, undead body. I also enjoyed our visit and romp through Tanaris, Gadgetzan, and Razorfen (who hasn't brought down that Lich?). Although, again being very familiar with the game, I can easily/readily picture the areas in question.
A particular favorite of mine from this book was when the story was written from the perspective of the various characters - complete with their manner of speaking expressed in their thoughts and all. A nice touch to be a Troll or an Ogre for a change.
If I do have one criticism, it's the pod-racing scene. I know, it's a speed boat, and not a "pod," but tell me that this doesn't smack of "Phantom Menace"...this book, like that movie, did not need a young, child protégé racing a dangerously fast vehicle around and around to win a bet to move along the story...I had an inside joke with my friends for a while when complaining about a movie where one of us would ask "Do you know what this movie needs?" and the other would answer "Pod-racing" - and we would chuckle at the absurdity. This book was too good to need pod-racing.
Oh, and the crystal in Gadgetzan...yah, just laying around up there, eh?
July 28, 2018
I want to have kids just so I can read these stories to them! The author has a great sense of humor, and the book made me laugh out loud on several occasions.
September 27, 2018
This book was better than the first. Lot’s of adventure and some background story telling to better understand the characters. I don’t recommend on audiobook because then you can’t see Aram’s amazing sketches. Also there were many times I had to use the map provided to see their location.
Coolest thing if you play WoW and visit all the locations Aram and his friends have visited like if your traveling along with them.
There is a big surprise I don’t want to spoil. Would definitely recommend to anyone even children of chapter reading level.
Coolest thing if you play WoW and visit all the locations Aram and his friends have visited like if your traveling along with them.
There is a big surprise I don’t want to spoil. Would definitely recommend to anyone even children of chapter reading level.
September 16, 2019
I continued with the World of Warcraft series Traveller by Greg Wiesman. This volume was called The Spiral Path. Aramar Thorne continues on his journey in this installment, along with Makasa, Murky and Hackle. They acquire a new companion, Drella, who offers fresh perspective to the motley crew.
Malus and the Hidden are still pursuing them across Kalimdor, having made a stop to speak with their Master. There are many different perspectives and back stories told in this volume, which was a lot of fun. True to the lore of Warcraft, there are many smaller side adventures that happen along the way that all contribute somehow to the larger quest that Aram has tackled. I won’t go into detail into them as that could trend into spoiler territory, but rest assured that each one has a purpose and help the crew to grow and mature.
Wiesman does a wonderful job of providing a child’s view into the adult world of Warcraft. Aramar Thorne is still firmly a child, and his views and attitude reflect that. However, he does not stagnate as a character and each step he takes the reader can see him mature and see the world from another point of view.
Speaking of point of views, the various voices and stories that are heard throughout the book are delightful. Each story is told in the voice of the narrator. The troll Zathra’s diction is consistent with her character, as is the ogre Throgg’s. While the diction may be different and, in some cases, simplistic, the complex emotions are still clear and sympathetic. My favorite story was of Baron Valdread as he crosses a river by walking on the bottom of it.
If you like the game, you will be delighted by the many Easter eggs hidden throughout the story and recognize names and places, while still finding a new story with Aram. If you are not familiar with the game, the world is still well explained so you don’t feel lost trying to keep up with the environment. It was a great book and I look forward to the next one!
Malus and the Hidden are still pursuing them across Kalimdor, having made a stop to speak with their Master. There are many different perspectives and back stories told in this volume, which was a lot of fun. True to the lore of Warcraft, there are many smaller side adventures that happen along the way that all contribute somehow to the larger quest that Aram has tackled. I won’t go into detail into them as that could trend into spoiler territory, but rest assured that each one has a purpose and help the crew to grow and mature.
Wiesman does a wonderful job of providing a child’s view into the adult world of Warcraft. Aramar Thorne is still firmly a child, and his views and attitude reflect that. However, he does not stagnate as a character and each step he takes the reader can see him mature and see the world from another point of view.
Speaking of point of views, the various voices and stories that are heard throughout the book are delightful. Each story is told in the voice of the narrator. The troll Zathra’s diction is consistent with her character, as is the ogre Throgg’s. While the diction may be different and, in some cases, simplistic, the complex emotions are still clear and sympathetic. My favorite story was of Baron Valdread as he crosses a river by walking on the bottom of it.
If you like the game, you will be delighted by the many Easter eggs hidden throughout the story and recognize names and places, while still finding a new story with Aram. If you are not familiar with the game, the world is still well explained so you don’t feel lost trying to keep up with the environment. It was a great book and I look forward to the next one!
December 31, 2018
These books read extremely slowly for me, and I'm not entirely sure why. I typically fly through other MG/YA books with no effort but I always drag through these. I'm not sure, for that reason, I'd wholeheartedly recommend this one for kids. I definitely don't know that this particular volume would work for kids unfamiliar with the game. I think his descriptions of Thousand Needles in particular (coming from someone who has played the game since it's beginning) were a little unclear.
That being said, I didn't not enjoy it. The story was again fun to read, and I continue to appreciate that our little band of explorers are going to areas of the game I wouldn't expect. I also like the sneaky little tease at the end, though I'm concerned about the state of the third book as I can't find any mention of it anywhere. I also loved the little crew of Dryad and the Murloc in particular. So cute.
That being said, I didn't not enjoy it. The story was again fun to read, and I continue to appreciate that our little band of explorers are going to areas of the game I wouldn't expect. I also like the sneaky little tease at the end, though I'm concerned about the state of the third book as I can't find any mention of it anywhere. I also loved the little crew of Dryad and the Murloc in particular. So cute.
November 28, 2025
I would give this book 4,5 stars, because the beginning felt a bit redundant. the author repeats over and over and over (and over!) again most events that took place in book 1 in some sort of flashback. Maybe that's helpful when the readings of book 1 and 2 are some time apart, but reading them one after another, it feels a bit like just filling some pages.
I reall enjoyed the fact that the writing style and the naming of the characters changed with the changed perspective of the narrator (Baron valdread always just appears as the whisper man in Aramars parts). still a heartwarming, refreshing DnD like adventure!
I reall enjoyed the fact that the writing style and the naming of the characters changed with the changed perspective of the narrator (Baron valdread always just appears as the whisper man in Aramars parts). still a heartwarming, refreshing DnD like adventure!
January 13, 2021
Pretty good journey so far, while a little disappointed with the Zul'Farrak bit but I do like that the journey Aram is taking do feel like a journey an actual warcraft player will take. Facing multiple different types threats and engaging in various activities and seeing many different locations. While not to much is revealed about the villains besides the general information and I do like that the cast does have a wide variety of races and even some that do get kind of overlooked by much of the lore of Warcraft like Gnolls and Murlocs.
October 30, 2025
I needed a break from the rubbish that booktok deems worthy, so I read this book and, while it is for children, I loved it. Loved the illustrations, loved that it wasn't too complicated to follow, loved the drama and the magic. I haven't got a critique for it because this book isn't aimed at my readership, but I imagine my nephew would enjoy this story.
The series is about unlikely friendships, the value of compassion, bravery, and belief in doing what's right even when it's difficult, with a good sprinkle of magic throughout. What's not to like?!
The series is about unlikely friendships, the value of compassion, bravery, and belief in doing what's right even when it's difficult, with a good sprinkle of magic throughout. What's not to like?!
Read
September 8, 2019DNFed this on page 302
Felt like the pacing was super off. The story would go from breakneck speed to snail pace back and forth through the whole book. Also it felt like the characters never got anywhere or did anything because they kept getting inconveniently delayed. The delays continuously felt like a path divergent just to make the story longer. I don't think a single one actually added anything to the story or characters.
Felt like the pacing was super off. The story would go from breakneck speed to snail pace back and forth through the whole book. Also it felt like the characters never got anywhere or did anything because they kept getting inconveniently delayed. The delays continuously felt like a path divergent just to make the story longer. I don't think a single one actually added anything to the story or characters.
February 13, 2020
An excellent nr. 2 in the series. If you read Traveler #1 and loved it, then you'll love this even more as it continues on the main character's path (Aram) of building an even stronger team of friends while staying true to the Warcraft-universe. Personally I really felt my relationship with the characters grow even more.
July 20, 2021
Manchmal ein wenig schwierig zu lesen, wenn aus der Sicht der Trolle, Oger oder gar Murlocks erzählt wird - aber spannend und aufregend und unglaublich interessant. Für WoW Spieler uneingeschränkt zu empfehlen!
July 14, 2024
Another great instalment in the World of Warcraft book series. This book is aimed at a young adult audience but it is still action packed, entertaining and well written. Well worth reading if you are a fan of the game.
May 16, 2018
Fantastic!
This series has been a great introduction to the lands of World of Warcraft for my son. The story itself is very enjoyable as well. I hope he continues the narrative!
This series has been a great introduction to the lands of World of Warcraft for my son. The story itself is very enjoyable as well. I hope he continues the narrative!
June 26, 2018
Lovely!
I love how was narrated and the story so far. I'm surprise by the ending. Looking forward to more Traveler books!
I love how was narrated and the story so far. I'm surprise by the ending. Looking forward to more Traveler books!
July 8, 2018
Wasn’t as captivating at the first book, but the lore was decent and the descriptions of the places were very akin to what is in-game.
August 7, 2018
Aram and crew continue their journey to Gadgetzan, picking up new friends and facing off against challenges and enemies along the way.
April 2, 2019
Good kid’s book
January 29, 2021
Some character voices were not well developed making rapid fire switching POV confusing.
December 20, 2023
Someone has watched waaaaaay too much Star Wars before writing this... But it was an enjoyable and quick read nonetheless
January 29, 2025
For me, even better and dynamic than the first part. It was packed with action and many adventures. It surprising how good it is even for adult reader.
July 1, 2025
While the first half of the novel is nothing to write home about as it somewhat meanders and struggles to find its way, the second half is filled with fun, great character interactions and adventure.
Fleshing out more of the World of Warcraft is rarely a bad thing, especially with such well known places to fans of the series. The characters become more and more memorable and the main cast (while starting to feel a little too large to properly flesh out) especially gives off an authentic air of friendship, something that is very hard to achieve in writing.
I'll give it some time, but I am interested to see how it all wraps up in book three.
Fleshing out more of the World of Warcraft is rarely a bad thing, especially with such well known places to fans of the series. The characters become more and more memorable and the main cast (while starting to feel a little too large to properly flesh out) especially gives off an authentic air of friendship, something that is very hard to achieve in writing.
I'll give it some time, but I am interested to see how it all wraps up in book three.
December 8, 2025
I love it. I will make a better review sooner.
November 13, 2022
Auch nach all den Jahren in denen Ich im Universum von WoW rumtingeln muss ich mir eingestehen nicht alles zu kennen. Und daher bin ich dankbar wenn ich Romane finde die für Mich manches etwas mehr erleuchten. Daher 5 Sterne ~
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews