Pretty good journey so far, while a little disappointed with the Zul'Farrak bit but I do like that the journey Aram is taking do feel like a journey an actual warcraft player will take. Facing multiple different types threats and engaging in various activities and seeing many different locations. While not to much is revealed about the villains besides the general information and I do like that the cast does have a wide variety of races and even some that do get kind of overlooked by much of the lore of Warcraft like Gnolls and Murlocs. Manchmal ein wenig schwierig zu lesen, wenn aus der Sicht der Trolle, Oger oder gar Murlocks erzählt wird - aber spannend und aufregend und unglaublich interessant. Für WoW Spieler uneingeschränkt zu empfehlen! Paperback Lovely!
I love how was narrated and the story so far. I'm surprise by the ending. Looking forward to more Traveler books! 1338029371 DNFed this on page 302
Felt like the pacing was super off. The story would go from breakneck speed to snail pace back and forth through the whole book. Also it felt like the characters never got anywhere or did anything because they kept getting inconveniently delayed. The delays continuously felt like a path divergent just to make the story longer. I don't think a single one actually added anything to the story or characters. 1338029371 Wasn’t as captivating at the first book, but the lore was decent and the descriptions of the places were very akin to what is in-game. The Spiral Path (World of Warcraft: Traveler, #2)
I'm not quite sure what it takes to cross the line between reference-for-reference-sake/fan-service and just plain ol' storytelling which just so happens to include familiar areas, but this book toes that line daringly. The Thunderdrome in Gadgetzan - yep, it's there, but it doesn't feel tacked on. The never-ending bar brawl between the Gnomes and the Goblins on the Speedbarge - yep, it's there too, and doesn't feel tacked on. The Whale Shark...well, the diving scene did probably need some drama, but I don't think the novel quite captures the ridiculously humungous size of the Whale Shark that's in the Shimmering Deep (well, it's corpse at any rate) - but, it's in-game size is rather ludicrous, so the book may paint the scene better.
I must say that I do like where this story is heading, and the second book does seem to be a bit of an improvement over the first. I'd say it ups the age expectation of a potential reader, as well, as it makes reference to Valdread's...regret...disappointment...apathy...towards what his genitalia looks like on his decaying, undead body. I also enjoyed our visit and romp through Tanaris, Gadgetzan, and Razorfen (who hasn't brought down that Lich?). Although, again being very familiar with the game, I can easily/readily picture the areas in question.
A particular favorite of mine from this book was when the story was written from the perspective of the various characters - complete with their manner of speaking expressed in their thoughts and all. A nice touch to be a Troll or an Ogre for a change.
If I do have one criticism, it's the pod-racing scene. I know, it's a speed boat, and not a pod, but tell me that this doesn't smack of Phantom Menace...this book, like that movie, did not need a young, child protégé racing a dangerously fast vehicle around and around to win a bet to move along the story...I had an inside joke with my friends for a while when complaining about a movie where one of us would ask Do you know what this movie needs? and the other would answer Pod-racing - and we would chuckle at the absurdity. This book was too good to need pod-racing.
Oh, and the crystal in Gadgetzan...yah, just laying around up there, eh? Paperback I want to have kids just so I can read these stories to them! The author has a great sense of humor, and the book made me laugh out loud on several occasions. Paperback These books read extremely slowly for me, and I'm not entirely sure why. I typically fly through other MG/YA books with no effort but I always drag through these. I'm not sure, for that reason, I'd wholeheartedly recommend this one for kids. I definitely don't know that this particular volume would work for kids unfamiliar with the game. I think his descriptions of Thousand Needles in particular (coming from someone who has played the game since it's beginning) were a little unclear.
That being said, I didn't not enjoy it. The story was again fun to read, and I continue to appreciate that our little band of explorers are going to areas of the game I wouldn't expect. I also like the sneaky little tease at the end, though I'm concerned about the state of the third book as I can't find any mention of it anywhere. I also loved the little crew of Dryad and the Murloc in particular. So cute. English I continued with the World of Warcraft series Traveller by Greg Wiesman. This volume was called The Spiral Path. Aramar Thorne continues on his journey in this installment, along with Makasa, Murky and Hackle. They acquire a new companion, Drella, who offers fresh perspective to the motley crew.
Malus and the Hidden are still pursuing them across Kalimdor, having made a stop to speak with their Master. There are many different perspectives and back stories told in this volume, which was a lot of fun. True to the lore of Warcraft, there are many smaller side adventures that happen along the way that all contribute somehow to the larger quest that Aram has tackled. I won’t go into detail into them as that could trend into spoiler territory, but rest assured that each one has a purpose and help the crew to grow and mature.
Wiesman does a wonderful job of providing a child’s view into the adult world of Warcraft. Aramar Thorne is still firmly a child, and his views and attitude reflect that. However, he does not stagnate as a character and each step he takes the reader can see him mature and see the world from another point of view.
Speaking of point of views, the various voices and stories that are heard throughout the book are delightful. Each story is told in the voice of the narrator. The troll Zathra’s diction is consistent with her character, as is the ogre Throgg’s. While the diction may be different and, in some cases, simplistic, the complex emotions are still clear and sympathetic. My favorite story was of Baron Valdread as he crosses a river by walking on the bottom of it.
If you like the game, you will be delighted by the many Easter eggs hidden throughout the story and recognize names and places, while still finding a new story with Aram. If you are not familiar with the game, the world is still well explained so you don’t feel lost trying to keep up with the environment. It was a great book and I look forward to the next one!
This book was better than the first. Lot’s of adventure and some background story telling to better understand the characters. I don’t recommend on audiobook because then you can’t see Aram’s amazing sketches. Also there were many times I had to use the map provided to see their location.
Coolest thing if you play WoW and visit all the locations Aram and his friends have visited like if your traveling along with them.
There is a big surprise I don’t want to spoil. Would definitely recommend to anyone even children of chapter reading level. Greg Weisman
Twelve-year-old Aramar Thorne’s life was turned upside down by the sudden reappearance of his father, Captain Greydon Thorne, who took his son with him on the high seas. After several months aboard Greydon’s ship, it was attacked by a deadly band of raiders known as the Hidden, leaving Aram and Second Mate Makasa Flintwill shipwrecked. But of even greater concern are the unanswered questions his father left behind. Who are the Hidden? And what of the strange compass Greydon gave to him--the compass that doesn’t point north? Aram and Makasa are on a journey to unravel these mysteries, picking up a few friends--and more than a few foes on their travels.
Aram, a once-struggling student in the ways of the world, is now looked to for guidance by his friends as they combat swarms of undead and come face-to-face with the trolls’ mysterious gods. Can Aram be the leader his father always believed he could be?
Includes 17 all-new illustrations! The Spiral Path (World of Warcraft: Traveler, #2)
Comments
Post a Comment