The infamous Cataclysm book by Christie Golden, one of the premiere authors for the Blizzard universe, has been given an official title and official release date. The title is of epic lengths and of epic amounts of semi colons: World of Warcraft: The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm. Colloquially, I think we will simply call it The Shattering.
The book will be available on August 31st. You can currently pre-order it from Amazon in either hardcover or Kindle versions (which will work on your Kindle, iPad, all iOS devices, PC, or Macs through the various apps). I believe this is the first time a Warcraft book has been available in a digital form on its release date.
The book will help to transition the storyline of Wrath of the Lich King into Cataclysm. Expect to see some evil plotting by Deathwing, post Lich King death drama, Varian, Thrall, and Garrosh all not getting along, and Malfurion and Rhonin being generic.
There have been hints and rumors that this book’s release date and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm would be close in release date. This book could imply a September or October release date for Cataclysm, just in time for Blizzcon and spaced out nicely from Starcraft 2.
If you are rusty on your WoW lore and want to refresh before Cataclysm, consider picking up some of the other recent tomes:
I’ve constantly claimed a September / October window for Cataclysm’s release with all my friends.
I claim it as Blizzard saying “Happy Birthday, Mordil!” {Chris Metzen hands me copy of Collector’s Edition of World of Warcraft 2.0: Cataclsym}.
My guess remains November
November sounds a little more Blizz style. Right as a the holiday season bangs on our doors.
Lich King was released in November. Right in time for Christmas.
Or actually, when is the next Warhammer MMO coming out? Add like 3 days to that.