Too busy to read World of Warcraft: Stormage yourself? Then you’ve come to the right place. Unlike the proper review, this installment of TL:DR brings you the important events of Knaak’s best Warcraft novel to date.
Stormrage is about the Emerald Dream/Nightmare from start to finish. Knaak painstakingly introduces us to the world, the characters he’s going to use, and this other realm during the first half of the book. It’s slow going, but the time lets us realize that Malfurion isn’t just trapped in the Nightmare. He’s being used by Xavius, Queen Azshara’s former second-in-command, to strengthen the Nightmare while Xavius attempts to bind the mortal plane with the dreamworld. Xavius uses this opportunity to toy with Malfurion, attacking him psychologically and morphing his dream form into a gnarled tree, much like Xavius’ new guise.
In the mortal plane, Tyrande, Broll and a pair of newcomers fight against an encroaching slumber. Those that succumb end up joining its nightmarish ranks, much like the Scourge and its plague. After fruitlessly battling the apparitions, the group stumbles upon Eranikus and launches a daring rescue attempt — One that sends their mortal bodies into the Emerald Nightmare after Malfurion. Eventually, the archdruid is freed. And the second half begins.
Thanks to the thick plot and exhaustive description early, Knaak uses the second portion to unleash the action. We discover that Fandral Staghelm, the druid in charge during Malfurion’s nap time, and Remulos have been corrupted by the Nightmare Lord. Staghelm, in turn, corrupts Teldrassil, further increasing his master’s power. Remulos distracts Malfurion until the druid sees through the plot. The force of Malfurion, Tyrande, Broxigar’s axe, Eranikus (who dies), Broll’s ascension and Ysera barely overcame Xavius and his master’s plan.
Related extended universe works:
- World of Warcraft: Stormrage (starring character)
- Warcraft: War of the Ancients Archive (starring character)
- Warcraft III (starring character)
Other notes:
Malfurion Stormrage is to be a major character in Cataclysm and returns to lead the Cenarion Circle.
I did not read this post as I am currently reading this book, but the title sums up my feelings on it for the last few months its been out. That and Richard Knaak: Didn’t Read.
@Heartbourne
Lol, I agree. The novel is like 100-200 pages too long for those well-versed in the lore. However, those 100-200 pages are perfect for the non-lorenuts or newcomers to the IP.
Okay, I love me some spoilers and I’ve heard something that I’m really curious about. I probably won’t be able to read the book, but I have a question!
SPOILER QUESTION
I read somewhere that Staghelm dies in the book. Is this true? Is he not going to be around in Cata?
@Music-chan
SPOILER ANSWER!
Sadly, this is World of Warcraft. It’s very rare that someone dies for real. He’s lost to us because the Nightmare Lord cracked his mind. He’s insane, not dead. Remulos would be the person to worry about. He took some stabbing while he was corrupted, but he lives as well.