SPOILER FREE
Traveler Series – Book One
World of Warcraft: Traveler is written by Greg Weisman. The art within is done by Samwise Didier and Stepane Belin. Traveler is a junior novel based on the online fantasy game World of Warcraft by Blizzard Entertainment. It was announced in 2016 that this book is the first in an ongoing series. Though as of this review, I have found no details regarding a release for book two.
SUMMARY: Aramar Thorne aka Aram, is a boy who’s forced to spend some unwanted time with the father he could care less about. Greydon Thorne, the father of Aram, made the choice of abandoning his family while Aram was just a small child. Now Greydon is back, with permission from Aram’s mother and stepfather to take the boy with him, to spend six months at sea. Greydon is the captain of his own boat and contractual crew, traveling the sea as a merchant, trading goods from coast to coast. Aram is to learn the ways of the sea, how to trade, wield a sword, and understand various cultures.
The ship is targeted by a sinister group known as The Hidden. They seek a compass possessed by Gredyon. As the crew of Greydon’s ship is separated, Aram obtains the compass, his father tells him to protect the compass, at all cost.
We follow Aram and his companions through tough times, unfamiliar terrain, and dangerous situations in a desperate attempt to avoid The Hidden.
CHARACTERS: I’d like to mention three characters; Aram, Makasa, and Murky.
Aram is just a boy, an artist, putting to paper people and places. He keeps his sketchbook and pencil in his pocket, handy for when the urge to draw strikes. He doesn’t want to become his father, doesn’t want to spend time with, not even talk to him. But, a piece of Aram wants to learn. He’s innocent but angry, kind and adaptable.
Makasa is a young lady, pretty much adopted by her captain, Greydon. Greydon had saved her when she was young so she’s owes him a life debt, as her culture requires. She’s strict and disciplined, brave and honorable. Makasa has the spirit of a warrior but has a soft spot, but keeps up her guard. She doesn’t want attachment and definitely doesn’t want to be drawn in Aram’s sketchbook.
Murky is a murlock, a young fisherman murlock who lost his family. That’s sad… but I hate this character so much. That is all.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this book. Blizzard Entertainment had announced in 2016 that this junior novel will be the first in a series. However, as of this review, I have not heard of any updates on when book two will be released.
All the characters were great. The dialogue and interactions between most of the characters was enjoyable. The one major complaint I have for the book, is the stupid murlock character, Murky. Don’t give a creature that can’t talk a big part a story. The pages with Murky on them, I wanted to rip out.
The book was fun and adventurous. Aram character was really fleshed out and has a great backstory. Aram and Makasa actually have a character arch that’ left me satisfied. I can’t wait to read more on the adventures of Aram Thorne and what obstacles he will face.
RATING: I give this book a 3 of 5