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?