Fantasy, Frisson and Fun in World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
Introduction
Fantasy is a genre that, while ranging in scope, includes typically in its core unique worlds, powerful creatures and, perhaps above all else, magic. As much as behemoths The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) and Harry Potter have taken readers worldwide by storm (no pun intended… or is it?), there are myriad paths tales of fantasy can take. Acclaimed author Christie Golden’s World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King happens to utilize the aforementioned aspects in a more sinister way — and in doing so, produces a work of epic fiction that transcends the pen, page and titular online video game on which it is based.
A Brief History of World of Warcraft
Playing together is a connecting thread that has united gaming community members for decades. The prospect of either working with (cooperative play) or against others (competitive play) has indeed been a linchpin not only in the innumerable relationships gamers have formed through play but the industry at large. In fantasy games, the genre elements manifest typically in the forms of role-playing, loot collection and quest completion, among others, letting players express their joy, frustration and desires in customizable ways, much like they can modify their characters’ looks, armor, weapons and powers. This genre has become so widely played that a new term was coined to denote them: massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).
The world received one of the biggest fantasy productions in history in late 2004. With the release of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.’s World of Warcraft (WoW), an MMORPG involving adventures of characters of various sorts from all over planet Azeroth. Since its inception, WoW has become one of the most cherished and frequented MMORPGs. The numerous expansion packs, novels and 2016 film speak volumes about this franchise’s success. Arthas, being a 2009 novel about the eponymous northern king featured in Wrath of the Lich King, the 2008 and second expansion pack, falls within this period, providing exposition to explain how Arthas’ past made him the ruthless villain depicted in the game.
Story Overview: Fall of a Man, Rise of a King
Published April 2009, Arthas explains to readers how this character became the chilling ruler shown in the related expansion. Arranged in three parts, with each one building upon the previous, readers follow Arthas as he pursues Frostmourne, a runeblade with the power to save his homeland, and nears the Frozen Throne of the northern wastes, where his true destiny awaits. Arthas begins his journey at age nine in Capital City, shortly after the fall of Stormwind. Battling imaginary orcs in preparation for his future princely duties, he is inducted later as a Knight of the Silver Hand in the Cathedral of Light. Arthas’ love for and devotion to his people and doing what is right irrespective of the means required to achieve as much clashes eventually with the morals of Jaina Proudmoore, his love interest. When the two encounter a blight that has put a local population in a precarious position, Arthas makes a difficult decision. It is this choice that sets him down the path that will lead him ultimately to his destiny.
From this point forward, Golden ensures readers understand the gravity of Arthas’ transformation from prince to Lich King by emphasizing the challenges, shattered connections and moral quandaries he faces along the way. Virtually no stone is left unturned as readers witness his descent into darkness.
Strengths: Dynamic Character Dichotomy, Moral Strife, and Abundant Action
Golden excels at characterizing Arthas. Throughout this book, it is clear the to-be Lich King is no static man but rather a tormented soul who seeks salvation for those dearest to him, no matter the means. His doubt, concern and regret plagues him consistently, pulling him closer to the Frozen Throne. Seeing the move from boy to an almost tragic hero type of man is engrossing, and readers will turn the pages until the end. This fact is especially true since many fan favorites make notable appearances
This duality of moral good versus evil is common in fiction. Arthas’ development, however, raises the stakes in that his actions affect countless lives in Azeroth. He both recognizes this fact and tries make the most logical choices based on his interpretation of what is right and wrong. Each step of the way, action accompanies him, with grandiose battles and decimations being the norm. Of course, Arthas’ inner fight against his most sinister urges also exists — and is arguably the main struggle he must somehow overcome. Truly, Golden does exceptionally well at chronicling this character’s journey both physically and personally.
Weaknesses: Prolonged Transformation and Dubious Morality
There are not many negative comments to make about this novel. In fact, there are only two that stand out, and they are related. First, Arthas receives an outpouring of characterization. While this exposition is helpful in that readers better understand him as well as why he later does what de decides, it takes time to reach the first real action scene. Understandably, though, certain details are necessary if this entire story is to make sense. There is, however, a reasonable maximum point at which one can consider this information sufficient. The amount provided is acceptable, just perhaps slighly more than preferred for those who relish in reading suspenseful, action-packed scenes.
The second drawback is Arthas’ frequent doubting and questioning of himself. Really, he goes through a excessive number of instances where he is unsure of his dealings or how he should proceed. Regularly, he reminds himself all he does is for the greater good, his people and the future of the section of the world for which he is responsible. These moments are significant — and certainly dramatic, if nothing else — but not all of them feel indisputably required. Sure, Arthas is one tough man who became this way not without indecision, but there comes a time when no more is really needed. To Golden’s credit, though, she writes all these sections marvelously, and they are a collective joy to read. It can just get somewhat excessive occasionally.
Conclusion and Score
In the end, Arthas is an superb work of fantasy that pays clear homage to the WoW franchise. The path this man takes to become the Lich King is fraught with uncertainty, moral ambiguity and danger, as accentuated by the regular use of magic as the medium through which most of the action unfolds. Despite the sometimes excessive exposition and moments of indecision, Arthas’ story is one of pure fantasy, and it stands tall alongside its footwear-less, inter-familial intrigue and magic-using forebears.
Pros:
- Arthas’ good-evil duality
- Morality’s prominent role
- Suspenseful action and fan favorite appearances
Cons:
- Build-up to the action takes time
- Arthas’ consistent moral questioning can also slow pace
Score: 8/10
Book Information
- Title: World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
- Author: Christie Golden
- Publisher: Pocket Star Books
- Release Date: 21 April 2009
- Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
- Pages: 320 (Hardcover)
- ISBN: 9781416550778
- Timeline: Between Warcraft III and World of Warcraft
- Series: World of Warcraft
References/Further Reading
To learn more about this and other World of Warcraft releases, please visit the following links:
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this review as well as throughout this blog belong solely to Lord Trichechus Rosmarus of Premier Polygon Productions. Consequently, they represent the perspectives only of these entities and in no way aim to disparage the artists’ works cited.