This review of the World of Warcraft: Dawn of the Aspects: Part 3 novel by Richard Knaak is of the spoiler-free variety. Check out the entire Blizzard catalog in our Extensive Extended Universe post.
Before diving into the review proper, it’s important to note that Blizzard is releasing this book in a new fashion. Knaak’s latest work in the World of Warcraft universe will trickle out over the next few months in five installments. Each ringing up at $1.99, effectively costing more for those that purchase the full set. The serialized eBook is currently scheduled to wrap up in mid June. As such, this review will be concise.
Review of Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.
Dawn of the Aspect has been a struggle to read through. The delayed releases of the individual parts of the eBook has endangered the novel further in my eyes. Rather than continuing reading to reach the next interesting plot point or gloss over additional unnecessary and repetitive detail, one has been left waiting weeks to see anything move forward. It’s been slow going during the first two installments, comprising of 10 chapters.
It’s finally begun to move forward. Progress. In the third installment Knaak tosses his characters into colossal battles with uncertain outcomes. These fledgling sentient beings are met with unfathomable choices and ones of grey moral scope. Readers are left wondering whether these “visions” Kalecgos is having are true historic accounts incapable of change or if the former blue Aspect is somehow playing a role in the eventual outcome. It remains shocking to the audience that such defining events in Azerothian lore haven’t been spoken of by the living Aspects. That notion is the very hook Knaak is attempting to use to his creative advantage.
It started off slow indeed. Boring even. The foundation was laid, but it remained crooked for 10 chapters. Now it’s looking up. Supporting characters, including Jaina and a certain watcher, are keeping each timeline moving. The plot is hitting its crescendo. And Kalecgos is continuing to slip.
Dawn of the Aspects – Part IV comes out May 20.
Interested in exploring Warcraft’s recent lore further?
Blizzard has released a torrent of Warcraft novelizations as WoW has gained in popularity. Most directly related to Dawn of the Aspects are Jaina Proudmoore: Tide of War and The Shattering – Prelude to Cataclysm both by Christie Golden.
Knaak, as the master of WoW dragonkind, has dabbled with them since he began working with Blizzard. Pick up Day of the Dragon, Night of the Dragon or the unfinished Dragons of Outland. Knaak penned the War of the Ancients trilogy as his freshman entry into the Warcraft universe, years ahead of WoW’s release.
Check out all of the novelizations of Blizzard products in the our Extensive Extended Universe rundown.