World of Warcraft: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm Kindle Edition

"The Shattering" by Christie Golden is the perfect companion piece to the wildly popular World of Warcraft MMORPG expansion pack, Cataclysm. In fact, it probably should have been included in the collector's edition set.It follows the events leading up to the actual cataclysm, which by now, and even before the game's release, we knew was caused by the destroyer of worlds, Deathwing. This is not Deathwing's first appearance in Warcraft lore, so fans of previous books and comics will know him well. You really do not get much of an introduction to him in the book, but prior knowledge helps you know what is going on in the world of Azeroth.The book opens with a bang to say the least. We are treated to a great prologue involving Drek'Thar, who by now has aged greatly, is blind but still has the ability to see visions in his mind's eye. He offers up immediately a vision that will be very clear to World of Warcraft players.The best part of the book, and the most explanatory, was the complex reasoning behind Thrall's choice to appoint Garrosh Hellscream to warchief of the Horde. Many fans of the game were extremely disappointed in the choosing of Garrosh due to perceived character traits of being reckless and violent to no end. Garrosh is thought to be as smart as a pile of Kodo poop, and well known for his fighting abilities. We are treated to multiple conversations and arguments between Garrosh and Cairne Bloodhoof, the tauren chieftain, which culminates in a battle many readers won't soon forget. I believe that many people's opinions of Garrosh will change upon completion of this book.We also are treated to a continuation of Thrall's story arc that began with "Lord of the Clans", another must read for World of Warcraft fans, and it helps embolden our trust in Thrall as a leader to the Horde.One thing I appreciate with this book is that lulls in the story are kept to a minimum and, while not the smallest book in the series, nor on your shelf most likely, Golden is able to give the reader an experience that is best served by multiple readings. The book is that enjoyable.Perhaps one of the greatest feats of the book is that someone who has not read any other Warcraft novels or comics can pick this up and get right into the current story line of Warcraft.

Absolutely awesome book by a well accomplished author. Golden tells us the behind the scenes story of what happens between the events of the World of WarCraft expansion "Wrath of the Lich King". Allot of reviews do not give credit where credit is definitely due, but many of those reviews are also poorly written. (Cataclism... SPELL CHECK PLEASE!) Golden begins with the Alliance and Horde leaving Northrend behind and takes us all the way up to Thrall preparing to leave for the Maelstrom while covering the events that we hear about in Cataclysm, but never get a chance to actually see.I personally feel that this book compliments lore and does an excellent job as a companion to the game. It is not a novel to cover what is being added to the game (classes, races, etc.) and I'm thankful that the author does not make an attempt to do so, that is the job of the forums and the actual game itself.If you are looking for more about Deathwing, there are numerous other books to read. This is not one of them, which is sadly the weakest part of the book. It does not cover the Cataclysm in depth; there are actually few points where it is really discussed. But, on the bright side, this is the first of a trilogy of books by the author about the Cataclysm. It works as a prelude (which is clearly marked on the cover) but truly does not go into the deep detail that allot of players, lore hounds, and fan boys are looking for.Hopefully in the two novels that are to come we will see more about Deathwing's escape from Deepholm and the shattering of the World Pillar (which is what I thought that this book would cover in greater detail). Doing so would better explain the sundering of Azeroth and the shattering of the world. Anyone who knows anything about the game knows that the reason for the shattering is Deathwing's escape from Deepholm, which is what we are craving, the escape and the attacks all around Azeroth, the chaos that makes Deathwing so deadly and feared and worthy to be so. This is what we crave and I am hoping that the author brings that all to us in the novels to come.I would, however, recommend this to a friend for its entertainment value and style. Definitely worth every cent!!

The Shattering is a prequel novel for the new World of Warcraft expansion Cataclysm and explains many of the lore changes that happened in game. It follows many well-known lore characters from the games which most players will know and follows Thrall and Cairne Bloodhoof from the Horde side and Anduin Wrynn for the Alliance, though many more well-known characters from both factions appear along the story.Christie dose a wonderful job in immersing you in to the characters of Azeroth and the plight that is going on in there world. Both factions are given their own story which occasionally overlaps. The Horde side feels more epic, especially near its conclusion but I found the Alliance side far more engrossing and interesting (I play both factions in game, but my alliance has been swinging more to the, well, Alliance)The only fault of is that at 350+ pages long it feels like it could have been flushed out more. I for one would have loved to see more set in and around Ironforge and taking more time in introducing and developing Aggra and her relationship with Thrall. I found this to be the problem of Christina other book, Rise of the Lich King, but in this case it is a minor flaw in a very well written book.All in all, The Shattering is a gripping novel from start to finish that really gets you in the mood for Cataclysm and is a gift for those who are enthralled by the Lore of Warcraft.

Loved it. It was good to finally have some in depth explanation behind some of the events that took place before Cataclysm was released. After hearing the rumours confirmed that Garrosh was becoming leader of the horde and other slightly unbelivable rumours, I was a little bit shocked to hear that they were all true. But now after reading this novel I can understand where the writers/designers were coming from, and their reasoning behind such decisions.I absolutely loved being able to read about and see from the perspective of two characters who are usually overshadowed by their fathers; Anduin Wrynn and Baine Bloodhoof. Such interesting characters and I'm really hoping more is written about them.

Long description comming up..After reading Christie Golden's book Arthas: Rise of The Lich King and all the build up that Blizzard has done for the upcoming launch (or if you have read this review past the launch) of World of Warcraft's third expansion Catacalysm this actually ties in with the pre launch within the game pretty well and helps set up the back story to some of characters and the events taking place.It's a good book to read as Christie Golden does make her characters believeable and sticks with their personality traits as they are in the games whereas some of the other WoW books out there potray their main characters as being dominant and spiteful and if it's not their way then they have to do something about it which doesn't always reflect in-game characters.This book actually does tend to stick with the current and upcoming happenings within the games at present (or previously happened) so well done Christie for that one!The only very tiny letdown for me and it is only a nit-pick (comment if you will) is it was abit too busy in places and it seemed like you needed to read through it quickly to get back on with the main storyline. As this was more focused on the Horde side to the buildup it did feel to me that the Alliance's problems were just a side-track and some breathing room from what the Horde has to go through. Like I said that was just a personal experience on the book.Being a WoW player myself Christie has done well with the lore side to the Warcraft series so if you're a WoW player who has played (or wish to know) the pre-catacalysm experience or you're one for the lore side to this great game franchise then this is a book worth getting and adding to the WoW series. Happy Reading and keep up the good work Christie!

Without doubt this is Thralls story and you have to love the big green mega orc. That said I did want to slap him and tell him to get a grip after one too many introspective moans. The surprisingly interesting story is that of Anduin, the young prince and the sad lose of king Mangi. Good story well told full of lore

Exciting and harrowing. Honour and betrayal. Having nearly finished the book I can honestly say it has been a fully encapsulating read, seeing the characters I, as a player know and adore, come to life on the page is wonderful. Another spellbinding triumph in Azeroth's story. Would highly recommend.