TheBookofJules

I have to say that I didn't like this book as much as it's predecessor, [b:The Well of Eternity|279583|The Well of Eternity (WarCraft War of the Ancients, #1)|Richard A. Knaak|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309802788s/279583.jpg|271184]. My biggest issue does not lie with the writing. I think that Knaak is a competent writer. Yes, he does have a tendency to use passive voice a lot which is really more of a British trait than an American one, and yes, he does word some sentences really awkwardly (but, in his defense, there were a couple of awesome sentences too), but none of that truly bothers me.

What bothers me is that the characters are faced with these harrowing, awful situations and none of them die. In fact, other than Tyrande being kidnapped by the satyrs in the end everyone gets by unscathed. I mean, I know that they can't just up and kill them because Tyrande and Malfurion become leaders of the Night Elves, Illidan still has to betray everyone and Krasus and Rhonin have to get home, but why couldn't they make up some minor characters to kill off? I'm laughing because this makes me sound like a bit of a sociopath.

I just take issue with the fact that even though they're being attacked by demons, Deathwing is about to unleash his madness and they put themselves in all sorts of dangerous and stupid situations, no one gets killed. Heck, no one is even injured! It just takes away any suspense that was previously built up in the previous book.

But, regardless, I still found myself reading late into the night and regretting it in the morning at work. I still sat down at every meal to dive into the Warcraft world. Part of it this love comes from relating the characters to the video game and part of it comes from the fact that I like how Knaak portrays the world and I was eager for more.

Oh, and I don't know who created Jarod Shadowsong -- Knaak or Blizzard -- but... well played. I love that light purple night elf.