The conclusion of the World of Warcraft: Dawn of the Aspects: Part V
Book Description
The final installment in an all-new World of Warcraft e-novella series from New York Times bestselling author Richard A. Knaak!
The age of dragons is over. Uncertainty plagues Azeroths ancient guardians as they struggle to find a new purpose. This dilemma has hit Kalecgos, youngest of the former Dragon Aspects, especially hard. Having lost his great powers, how can heor any of his kindstill make a difference in the world?
The answer lies in the distant past, when savage beasts called proto-dragons ruled the skies. Through a mysterious artifact found near the heart of Northrend, Kalecgos witnesses this violent era and the shocking history of the original Aspects: Alexstrasza, Ysera, Malygos, Neltharion, and Nozdormu.
In their most primitive forms, the future protectors of Azeroth must stand united against Galakrond, a bloodthirsty creature that threatens the existence of their race. But did these mere proto-dragons face such a horrific adversary alone, or did an outside force help them? Were they given the strength they would become legendary foror did they earn it with blood? Kalecgoss discoveries will change everything he knows about the events that lead to the…dawn of the Aspects.
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Review
Kalec’s mind continues his involuntary journey into the far past of Azeroth in the body of Malygos the proto-dragon.
The relic belonging to Watcher Tyr has forced him to relive Malygos’ experiences and those of the former Aspects against Galakrond.
A time before the Titans blessed them to become Dragon Aspects and guardians of the world of Azeroth.
Jaina finally infiltrates the Nexus, bypassing the ward defenses of Watcher Tyr’s relic. However, she finds a unconscious Kalec undergoing the slow process of a unnatural metamorphosis.
In the past, Galakrond has nearly exterminated the proto-dragon population, and as he feeds he continues to transform and grow to unimaginable size.
This story fleshes out how these proto-dragons came closer together fighting for survival even though they were not exactly family. Friendships are born and take deep root.
Their individual abilities working in concert against Galakrond, inspired by Watcher Tyr’s strategies.
Considering the main characters are the proto-dragons we know and love at a primal stage with a reduced intelligence and limited grasp of a language, I’m impressed Richard A. Knaak managed to write this story.
There is more action in this story than dialogue. Both are balanced by the continuous point of view of Kalec glueing together the action and the conversations for a fluid story.
Toward the end, we learn how Galakrond died in Dragonblight, and the reader is surprised by how intrepid the feat of defeating such a behemoth came to fruition.
Readers will briefly glimpse into the arrival of two Watchers of Ulduar, and what seemed to be the Titans, moments before the blessing that transformed the 5 proto-dragons into the Dragon Aspects.
Tyr, the Watcher
The final pages of the e-novella hint we haven’t seen the last of Tyr in the present era.
Tyr looked like a character who has no second thoughts on leaving his brethren in order to fulfill his purpose as protector of Azeroth. This character truly inspires. I see so many parallels with Archangel Tyrael who said: “You cannot judge me. I am justice itself! We were meant for more than this! To protect the innocent! But if our precious laws bind you all to inaction … then I will no longer stand as your brother.”
Tyr is legendary. Epic. I’m totally sold on this character, and seeing his role in Norse mythology, and his role in the inspiration for the Order of the Silver Hand, I am certain Chris Metzen and the creative team has something epic in store for players in a future expansion with Tyr playing an important role.
One doesn’t need to be a telepath to understand Blizzard’s “To be Continued” signals.
We have read about Galakrond throughout all 5 parts of the story, but some aspects of the plot were left unresolved. As per the author, this was intentional. Blizzard Entertainment has plans for the future of the World of Warcraft universe.
The new 5-part e-novella format is really good. I kept looking at the calendar awaiting the next release date to get my crave fix. A trait I used to have back in the day when waiting for the next monthly comic book. At Blizzard Creative Team: Keep’em coming!
