SPOILER FREE
Warcraft: Durotan was written by New York Times Best Selling Author Christie Golden. While the novel was written by Christie Golden, the story was created by Chris Metzen.
Summary: Warcraft: Durotan is a prequel novel to the the film Warcraft. Warcraft, is a film based on the popular game from Blizzard Entertainment. In this tale, we focus on the Orc clan from Frostfire Ridge, a Northern land in Draenor; the Frost-wolves. The Chieftain of the Frost-wolves receives an invitation from the mysterious Orc, Gul’dan, to join his Horde. He warns the Chieftain of the Frost-wolves that the world Draenor is dying. He presents seedless fruit as evidence. When the Chieftain declines, Gul’dan leaves with the offer still standing.
We learn how Durotan rises up to become Chieftain of the Frost-wolf clan. The world is quickly dying. The shortage of food and water are a serious issue. It is on Durotan to make the right decisions to save his people. As the world dies, the Frost-wolves hold on to their faith in the spirits and seek their direction. Will the Frost-wolves survive the dying Draenor and the dreaded Red Walkers? Will Durotan lead his people to their death? I suggest you read this book to find out.
Characters: Durotan is the Orc to rise up and take the responsibility of Chieftain of the Frost-wolves. He’s wise and he is humble, great traits to have as a leader. He faces a situation no other Orc from his clan has had to face. He must do what he can to keep his clan alive in a dying world.
Draka is a very powerful female Orc, she was banished from the clan long ago when she was young and weak. It is tradition for the weak to be cast out of the clan and face the elements alone. If they are to survive the wilderness and come back to the village, they may be welcomed back into the clan. Draka is a strong, patient, and supportive.
The dark and mysterious Gul’dan, the antagonist. I’m so glad we got to read about him in this book. We know from the film he’s a bad dude. His presense in the book made him even more mysterious. When he comes around, Golden’s writing will give you goosebumps with his creep factor.
Overall Thoughts: This prequel novel exceeded all expectations! I absolutely loved this novel! My only complaint is that it did not release in the hardcover format. Christie Golden did an outstanding job introducing us to the characters in this book. All interaction between the characters, be it the dialogue, the battle scenes, the tension… all incredible. I developed an attachment to all the characters, good and bad. The environment was described with great detail, I actually felt like I was there on Draenor with the Orcs, watching as the world died. It’s a tragedy that was told like real mythology.
After this read, I wish we could have had this be the film. In the movie we knew very little about the characters backstory. If we got to these events on the big screen, I think the film would have won many more people over. Although this is just a prequel novel to the Warcraft film, I can’t wait to read more of Christie Golden’s World of Warcraft books. I highly recommend you pick this book up and give it a read.
Rating: I give this book a 5 out of 5