World of Warcraft

Dawn of the Aspects

By: Richard A. Knaak

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 14 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

THE AGE OF DRAGONS IS OVER.

Uncertainty plagues Azeroth’s ancient guardians as they struggle to find a new purpose. This dilemma has hit Kalecgos, youngest of the former Dragon Aspects, especially hard. Having lost his great powers, how can he - or any of his kind - still make a difference in the world?

The answer lies in the distant past, when savage beasts called proto-dragons ruled the skies. Through a mysterious artifact found near the heart of Northrend, Kalecgos witnesses this violent era and the shocking history of the original Aspects: Alexstrasza, Ysera, Malygos, Neltharion, and Nozdormu.

In their most primitive forms, the future protectors of Azeroth must stand united against Galakrond, a bloodthirsty creature that threatens the existence of their race. But did these mere proto-dragons face such a horrific adversary alone, or did an outside force help them? Were they given the strength they would become legendary for . . . or did they earn it with blood? Kalecgos’s discoveries will change everything he knows about the events that led to the...

©2013 Richard A. Knaak (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

First Wow book I've heard

This story was utterly amazing. I've never even consider reading a WOW book but this was well worth it. In its own way it brings new light to the game and it was an amazing story that I really wish blizzard would reference more in the game. I wouldn't hesitate to relive this tale in the form of World of Warcraft. The readers voice was a little slow for my taste but at x1.20 speed it's perfect. I will definitely buy more of these books, would totally recommend this!

has a lot of the Cataclysm story

The actual story for rise of the dragon aspects needed some padding so they added some of the current content, which is okay for me because I have been playing the game since 2005 but some references were lost on me.

If you are a fan of dragons and dragon lore this is an excellent book. given the popularly of Wow looking up lore references will be easy so don't let you be put off by. The antagonist Galakrond is interesting and if you want to know more about his (and Deathwings) motivation look up the Old gods (yes those) in wow lore.

can't say I recommend as a stand alone book but the story and narrator is excellent!

Heathers husband.

Amazing lore

A must read if you're a fan of draconic lore in warcraft. The narrator does quite a pleasing job.

Maybe I’m biased but….

Being a World of Warcraft player for many years, I found this novelette to be engaging and enlightening. And, though this story was written just after Cataclysm, it has rekindled my interest in the game. I’ve just started Dragonflight, and I look forward to seeing each of the flights’ recent reentry into their homeland. I also want to revisit some of the places in Northrend, and might even play Classic now that it’s entered that expansion. Overall, this is a great book for anyone currently, or previously, playing the game.

Great narrator, tedious story

Where does World of Warcraft rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to other World of Warcraft audiobooks beforehand, and I have read nearly them all. I was only missing this one and War Crimes. This audiobook is solid, the narrator is really talented but he's held back by the story.

Would you recommend World of Warcraft to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes and no. I would recommend it to die hard fans like myself who feel a need to experience all Warcraft lore. I would not recommend it to someone just casually looking for Warcraft audio or books. It's by far the worst Warcraft book I've encountered.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voices for the characters bring them to life, and his style of narrating adds a layer to the whole "this story takes place in the far past".

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"Warcraft Dragons: Now With Even More Timetravel And Dream Tropes"

Any additional comments?

Knaark is a really tedious writer. I'd recommend you pick up a Christie Golden Warcraft book instead. He's not a bad writer per se but has a style which reiterates the same elements over and over.

Great story for the Aspect Lore

Love it! It is really entertaining and informative lore wise. It took a while to complete but still worth it

Skeptical, but was greatly pleased!

I used to be a big fan of the Warcraft Lore, but was really skeptical to get into this novel. Some of the newer novels were very odd. This novel was a great story, captivating, and it left me with the menacing image of a huge proto-dragon flying through the skies! If you like Lore, its worth it!

Just a great book experience

Where does World of Warcraft rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

So far this is probably the most gripping audiobook I've listened to. I am still fairly new to the game only having listened to 3 or so previously but it was just fantastic.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

I have this at four stars not because he read poorly, but I wasn't a huge fan of the voice as a whole. But, that being said, the book was read extremely well and I enjoyed the expressions and voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this in three days mostly while working. This is the first book where I readily set up my phone and listened to the book for a couple hours on my own time because I couldn't get enough of it. If I could have listened to it all in one day I certainly would have.

Any additional comments?

Tremendous book which I would recommend to anyone. Characters you could connect with, story lines that were deep and meaningful, but also easy to follow, and a great sense of mystery which I am not accustomed to getting in stories recently.

great story

Great book, help understand the story surrounding the game. Wish it was just a little longer.

A good one.

I wouldn't have thought a story about 5 dragons would be as engaging as it was. Scott Brick was phenomenal as usual.