Arthas Menethil is the only son of King Terenas of Lordaeron, trained as a paladin by Uther the Lightbringer and drawn to the young sorceress Jaina Proudmoore. The book follows him from boyhood into the years when a plague begins spreading through his father's kingdom. Short interludes set much later, as the Scourge stirs again, frame his story.
What this adds if you've played the games
If you read one Warcraft novel, make it this one. It retells Arthas's part of Warcraft III and The Frozen Throne from his side, fills in his childhood, his horse Invincible and his years with Jaina, and turns Wrath's villain into a tragedy. Golden is at her best here. It's the natural thing to read between The Frozen Throne and Wrath of the Lich King, and it gives both games away, so play them first if you plan to.
Where it fits
- Ties intoWarcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Retells Arthas's campaigns in Reign of Chaos from his side, so it gives the game's story away. Play Warcraft III first.
- Ties intoWarcraft III: The Frozen Throne
Its last part follows Arthas through The Frozen Throne's undead campaign. Finish the expansion before reading.
- Read beforeWorld of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
Interludes set just before Wrath of the Lich King lead into the expansion, and reading it first gives Northrend's villain his full history.
Editions
Pocket Star Books paperback
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