Warcraft: The Official Movie Novelization

Review by Paul Fiander

Written by: Christie Golden
Narrated by: Toby Longworth
Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins 
Series: Warcraft: The Official Movie, Book 2
Publisher: Audible Studios

Leading directly on from the Warcraft prequel we have the movie adaptation from Christie Golden. When I say direct I really mean as we meet Durotan linking up with the Orc hoard ready to invade Azeroth. At first though we get a spot of foreshadowing that tries to let those not aware of the prequel or Orcs of this universe in on the enigma that is the chief of the Frostwolf Clan. This opening feels like a quick bite and very cinematic in its portrayal where a introductory chapter based on Durotan’s journey could have done the same thing. Oh kindly though this is a movie Novelizations so this opening makes sense.

Other than the opening there are very few points within the narration where you feel removed from the novel process. Events are explained well and not left to non-apparent visual cues, this again is to the credit of Golden as she gives us all the story we need to make the story feel whole and for the most part self contained. There are few previous stories that are eluded to by characters but these are generally a chance to create a history for the inter-relationships between the characters in question. For the most part these feel believable and help to give the later twists and turns of the narrative have more impact.

​In terms of the narration Toby Longworth gives us a great trek around the British Isles as he gives his own stamp on each character we encounter. Some like the Welsh tones of the Dwarves are cliché however the way he portrays the voice means it never feels cheap. The use of various voices does allow for  conversations to flow more naturally and the need for he said she said reduced. This is important especially in a book filled with internal politics and ideas concerned about the the nature of the human/orc condition.

One small quibble is the battle description, although these are not glossed over they can be over quite quickly. Obviously this just may be due to the brutality of the Orc’s and their quick disparaging of their enemies but being greedy I would have liked more.depth in the battle descriptions. Other than that I'm happy with the performance.

Overall this is a great entry into the World of Warcraft, it sets up the central players in Azeroth while keeping the story moving at a quick pace. The writer Christie Golden deserves a lot of credit for making this text accessible and allowing the narration by Toby Longworth to flow. If you are new to the series then could be a great entry point and along with the prequel they give all the background you could possibly need.