Bookworm Speaks! - World of Warcraft: Traveler Review

Bookworm Speaks!

World of Warcraft: Traveler

by Greg Weisman and Samwise Didier

****

Acquired: Half-Price Books

Series: World of Warcraft (Book 1)

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (October 25, 2016)

Language: English

Subject: Fantasy

****

The Story: It's been years since twelve-year-old Aramar Thorne, a clever boy who is never without his precious sketchbook, has seen his father. So when Captain Greydon Thorne comes ashore and asks his son to join him at sea, it feels as if someone has redrawn Aram's entire world. At sea, Aram struggles to get along with the Wavestider's crew--especially second mate Makasa, a tough teenaged girl. Just as Aram starts to get his head above water, a band of vicious pirates attack the Wavestrider, turning his world upside down once again. As Aram and Makasa try to find their way home, they encounter creatures both terrible and wondrous, and Aram will seek to understand Azeroth's denizens as he draws them in his sketchbook. But the journey is hindered by Greydon's compass, which never points north. If the compass isn't leading Aram and Makasa home--to safety--to what destiny is it leading? Includes twenty illustrations from the acclaimed Blizzard artist, Samwise Didier.

The Review: World of Warcraft has been described as the ‘Lord of the Rings’ of video gaming in that the franchise possess such a deep, complex, far-reaching lore that one could fill an encyclopedia set trying to compile it all. To approach such a vast topic can be very intimidating for both gamer or a lore enthusiast like Bookworm. This book serves as a perfect form of introduction to the world of Azeroth. 

It is also a sign of inclusivity to include the fact the Aram has a mother and stepfather and his Dad is still alive. That is a common familial situation in today’s world, and too see a mainstream video game property acknowledge this is a step in right direction in the name of inclusivity. Another inclusive is step is that the deuteragonist is not only a girl but a dark-skinned one at that. It is uncertain whether “African descent” is really appropriate, if only for the fact that there is no “Africa” in Azeroth. The protagonist is still a white male, but to be honest, his personality is just uncomplicated enough that anyone could imprint themselves upon him. 

Not that Aram is lacking in the personality department. A very nice touch at the beginning of the book is how that Aram does not really trust his father. He has had no real presence is his life for years now and he honestly feels more of a connection to his blacksmith stepfather. This adds a touch a realism to an otherwise fantastical book. Lore is interesting but character makes it even better. 

It may seem childish, but it was a very good move on Blizzard’s part to include illustrations in the text. Warcraft, aside from the extensive lore of course, is known for being a bright and colorful place with all kinds of varying character and environment designs. The fact they are in-universe examples of Aram’s sketchbook lends the text a timeless feel that would have been lost had the illustrations been simply official artwork. 

Unfortunately, the books greatest strength is also its weakness. This book is firmly in its age group, being children and tweens. The story does not stand out to a significant degree in Bookworm’s mind. In fact, Bookworm can barely remember anything about it. Perhaps it is due to the fact that it was read quite some time ago. Even so, the fact that it did not leave a lasting impression is quite worrisome. Bookworm can remember some books that have not been touched for years, and the fact that this book, which is not even a year old at the time of this writing, can’t be remembered does not lend itself to its staying power. 

Perhaps that is the point though. It is a light-hearted adventure that is meant to serve as an introduction to the world of Azeroth and hopefully encourage to them to move on to bigger and better texts. 

Final Verdict: For a young reader wishing to explore the world of Azeroth, or an adult who wants a easy-to-digest tale about Warcraft, this is the book for you. Its basic story may not make it very memorable but it remains a light-hearted introduction to one of the most iconic game worlds in modern history.  

Rating: Four Alliance Crests out of Five

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