Great story; bad reader

I love world of Warcraft, so I might be a bit biased, but I really loved this story. It adds a lot of lore and background to characters I love and have played with over the years. However, I am not a fan of the man who read it. He does not do a very good job with the voices - many of them sound exactly the same, and his female voices are pathetic. Another book, “Before the Storm”, also a Warcraft novel, was read by a fantastic orator who did an amazing job with the voices. This book might be better being read by yourself.

9 people found this helpful

A good slice of lore.

Great book. I'm an avid WOW player, playing since the launch of Mists of Pandaria, and was lucky enough to hit level cap in time to partake in the uprising of Voljin and the dethronement of Garrosh. It really did the game justice in serving a an in between for Mists and Warlords.

2 people found this helpful

Starts very strong, drags just a bit at the end

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Warcraft lore, absolutely. It's a great tie-in piece connecting the end of Mists of Pandaria and the current expansion, Warlords of Draenor.

What other book might you compare World of Warcraft: War Crimes to and why?

A courtroom Wow story? Not sure it compares to much else. But I love the combination of fantasy and real-life courtroom procedure. Fantastic mix.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Vol'Jin and Sylvannas, definitely. Love the voice and character provided to Vol'Jin (his time on the witness stand might be my favorite part of the book). Was also exciting seeing more character to Sylvannas, who - outside of her Arthas/Lich King story - often is left out of major lore events.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme, but there were a few chapters where I just HAD to keep listening (again, mostly around Vol'Jin's time on the stand.

Any additional comments?

Ending drags just a little bit. Felt like it took a minute too long and suddenly there were all kinds of morals and lessons being tossed my way. Aside from the last maybe twenty minutes/half hour, loved every second.

2 people found this helpful

exceptional story

this was a great book and kept me engaged and I did not want to get out of my car. it sets up just before the warlords expansion.

1 person found this helpful

Exceptional

Loved it! Great story and the character really come to life. Can't wait to listen to more!

1 person found this helpful

For Azeroth!

If you could sum up World of Warcraft: War Crimes in three words, what would they be?

Amazing, Wounderful, Amazing again

What was one of the most memorable moments of World of Warcraft: War Crimes?

Cairne Bloodhoofs back story on how we lost him

Which scene was your favorite?

Baine Bloodhoof making voljin and thrall feel guilty

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

DownFall of Garrosh Hellscream

Any additional comments?

Just Amazing! i love the fact that the tauren race actually have a front line in this book and baine being one of the focal charaters

3 people found this helpful

Great for Fans of the Game; Major Holes; Fun Read

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

Above average.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Christie Golden does an admirable job of combining the action-fantasy of World of Warcraft with a courtroom procedural. The book has this, "let's just go with it" vibe that doesn't bother me much because I read it as a fan of the game.

The premise of Garrosh Hellscream's trial for War Crimes is misexecuted, in my opinion. It isn't a trial at all, but a sentencing phase and Tyrande cares more about proving things Garrosh is involved with rather than showing how and why Garrosh cannot change. Even though Garrosh is deplorable, I spent the whole book cheering for Baine in his defense of Garrosh. Baine hates Garrosh but defends him because it is his duty and I can respect that. Tyrande just hates Garrosh. It makes it hard to probe her point of view and empathize with her.

Why there must be a Defender and why someone for the Horde must defend Garrosh is never answered; the book provides only vague pronouncements that people will think the Horde didn't give Garrosh a fair shake if they don't defend him.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Vol'jin. He did a very good job of getting the troll's speech just right.

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

Yes. Stupid work and raiding got in the way a bit.

Any additional comments?

5 people found this helpful

Stale narrator, sub-par story

Narrator has little range. I liked the story conceptually, but thought it fell flat

Interesting concept, Forced plot.

let me just note that the performance by Scott Brick was wonderful, including great enunciation and delivery of dialogue. No complaints there. However, the actual storycraft is in an odd place. The direction of the plot feels very contrived. These characters, whom we have gotten to know across a score of other novels, are well-written and genuinely fun to further explore, particularly in the courtroom setting. That being said, when taken into context with past entries in the series, this whole trial feels out of place. What's more, the final scene with the celestials is just about the worst way I can imagine to conclude this tale. It completely robs the earlier passages of meaning, in my opinion, despite the author's in-text assertion to the contrary. All in all, War Crimes is a passable entry into the Warcraft universe, thanks to its incredible characters carrying an otherwise hamfisted and forced plot. It probably won't get a reread from me, but at the same time I'm thankful I read it once. 3/5.

its ok

it's very simple, feels bare bones, kinda to get you only from point A to point B