War of the Scaleborn (World of Warcraft: Dragonflight)

By: Courtney Alameda

Narrated by: Wendee Lee

Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Uncover the full story behind the War of the Scaleborn in this official companion novel to World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.

When the world was young, all life shook before the might of Galakrond, a massive primal dragon whose hunger could not be sated. Five primal dragons rose valiantly beside the titan-forged Keeper Tyr to combat this threat. Though the fight was desperate, Galakrond fell by their teeth and talons, and the five were chosen to become protectors of Azeroth. The titans gifted Nozdormu, Ysera, Alexstrasza, Malygos, and Neltharion with Order magic, transforming them into the Aspects: powerful dragons with command of time, nature, life, magic, even the earth itself. Other primal dragons followed on their path, and, imbued with the titans’ power, the dragonflights rose to shape the world and serve the Aspects.

That is the tale the dragonflights have always told . . . but it is not the whole story.

For as Alexstrasza and her flights set to reshaping Azeroth, not all of dragonkind sees Order magic as a gift. Spurning the titans’ interference, a group of rebel primal dragons are imbued with the elemental powers of the planet and are reborn as the Incarnates. Led by Iridikron, the Incarnates believe that dragonkind should be subservient to no one. They foment a rebellion against the Aspects: what they are and all they represent.

Despite the efforts of Alexstrasza and her primal friend Vyranoth to preserve peace, both sides slip closer to violence, as dragons are forced to choose a side or be swept up in the growing conflict. With battle lines and allegiances drawn, the war among dragonkind shakes the foundation of the world. Both sides realize they will have to make sacrifices to secure the future of their kind, sacrifices that will cascade through the ages.

©2022 Ballantine (P)2022 Random House Audio

Amazing story. You learn so much about the dragons. Makes you admire each dragon a bit more in game.

Book was great. You learn so much about the dragons. Makes you admire each dragon a bit more in game.

Very immersive story telling

Love the detail within the story telling especially during the fight scenes. Love Warcraft stories also good to listen to while working or working out. Now if only some of these books could be made into an animated series

Great story

I loved everything about it and this story did not disappoint. It could just be me but I thought Deathwing played a role in this story no full proof but just my thoughts.

Good insight into Neltharion

Really enjoyed the inner monologues for neltahrion. There were some other cool moments but he’s standout for me.

Loved it

It was amazing to hear more if the backstory of this event in history. Also seeing how Neltharion acted before his change was interesting.

Lots of uninteresting characters with a predictable plot.

Neltharion really carried the cast of the book with Malygos aiding.

Found myself zoning out through various points in the story and I’ve never missed a WoW book. Many of the main characters were quite bland and ankle deep.

Still glad I have it a read but really feel like I could of skipped this and not missed out on much.

Great WoW Companion Story

Explained a lot of background to Dragonblight game. Book also digs into Naltherions fall from grace.

It had potential, the narrator ruined it

I have read and also listen to almost all of the Warcraft books. This one was a recipe for disaster. The writing itself had a very scattered element about it, switching between settings and characters, sometimes mid page. This would not be an issue, but when
listening to the audio version, I found the narrator to be so one toned that it was impossible for me to differentiate from one character speaking to the next. There were also multiple times where the editing was so bad you could very clearly hear how in the middle of a paragraph they would go from one recording session to another. if it was done with a more versatile and skills narrator, it could’ve been great.

Should have been released earlier

The narrative is engaging, complemented by a pleasing soundtrack. Wendy Lee's portrayal of Alexstrasza (as she is also in the game) is particularly memorable, though her distinct voice can occasionally lead to some confusion when she voices other characters. A touch more variation would have enhanced the clarity and immersion. It sounds like Alexstrasza is simply retelling the entire story. Despite this minor oversight, which feels like an unexpected slip for such an experienced actress and studio, the experience remains enjoyable. On another note, the editing of the book could have been better, as several grammatical and mechanical errors slipped through, detracting slightly from the polish of the final product.

Very enjoyable!

Warcraft fans will love this one, a wonderful story from a long forgotten time in Azeroth's history. From the early days of the Aspects to the eponymous war, I was hooked. Tons of great stuff for a lore fan to sink their fangs into. Well-written and narrated, as well.