World of Warcraft: Sylvanas: World of Warcraft, Book 25

So this book exists pretty much entirely to justify actions and explain the redemption arc of the titular character within the World of Warcraft game.The book is a well written and interesting story, filling in the detail on historical events we have only heard about vaguely before. Like with all Warcraft books, it is nothing spectacular but still serves its purpose well.To those of you unaware, the character Sylvanas was started down the path by poor decisions made largely by an abusive, sexist individual who was team lead on the story for World of Warcraft at the time. The developers who came in to clean up the mess decided to attempt to justify and redeem the character's actions.Frankly they did a poor job with many aspects of it, hence the need for this book to help justify that underwhelming story arc.The author here does a respectable job, it is a good story and to any fans of Sylvanas or of the story, lore and history of Warcraft it will be an interesting and worthwhile read.I just wish it hadn't been necessary.

WoW Shadowlands has become notorious for its strange story delivery, but "Sylvanas" goes huge distances to very elegantly give some desperately needed nuance to the complex story Blizzard had attempted to tell in the game. This book reassured me that Blizzard actually knows what it's doing with the story of WoW, but for whatever reason lacks the budget to tell it in game. It's a shame that we couldn't have seen more of this nuance in World of Warcraft itself, but this book felt like it was slotting much needed jigsaw pieces into place to create a greater whole.A couple of mistakes aside, like referring to Archimonde as a dreadlord and Vereesa as human in one part, Sylvanas was a painful and beautiful tale that is essential reading for anyone who cares about WoW lore and played through Shadowlands. The book is ambitious in its attempt to summarise through the major events of over 20 years of Sylvanas history, and I couldn't help wanting to hear more from the unknown history of Sylvanas' time among the living and her family, rather than recounting steps from previous game events. But quite clearly this book exists for a purpose: to elevate Shadowlands story. In that purpose, it is utterly successful.

Sylvanas, in short, is a superlative book for a superlative character.The word which comes to mind more than any, which will seem odd, is juxtaposition.Its a story superbly well told, as are all of Christie Golden's - at a time when Sylvanas and Blizzard are at odds with their once adoring public.Its a story told at the end of arguably WoW's worst expansion, a story which for all but the worst of partisans, is enjoyable and enlightening on one of Azeroths most integral characters.Its importantly, a story about idealism and salvation. How idealism can be the downfall of even the most powerful, and how salvation with hope, can be achieved by all if they're humble enough. The irony here cannot be missed.I expect Blizzard, like our protagonist have a gargantuan task ahead of them if they are to save WoW. I for one, will be hooked either way, and will keep hold of fools hope for a happy ending.

Bought for my fiance for his birthday :) he loves it

It was an amazing read, following the path of Sylvanas.The end was a little sketchy with the last epilogue as one minute she was with the jailer and the next she wasn’t, needed a little more to fill in the gap but overall it’s one amazing read.I’ve been a follower of world of Warcraft books for years and the game itself until it became a money pincher and nothing else.If like me you like Sylvanas this book is definitely for you.

I'd been waiting to read Sylvannas' story and the perspective on which it was written was just so good. I cried multiple times. Good quality printing and the cover is just beautiful whether it's the fancy artwork sleeve or the simple matte black underneath with popping silver writing.

Absolutely loved the depth of this book. A rich telling of quel’dorei life, and what shaped Sylvanas into the villain we all know and love.The detail of her early years and family life are exceptional. Her descent into villain hood is understandable when you understand who Sylvanas actually is.Fab book, read it!

I'm a huge Warcraft fan, I have a Sylvanas tattoo to prove my loyalty to the Dark Lady, but this book was lacking.If you don't play the game and haven't read the books you'll be lost completely.I understand that when doing a 'history' of when there is so much to cover that some bits get lost but there where huge chunks that were skipped or brushed over.I wasn't impressed at all.