Warcraft novels/short story reading order


Just get a new e-reader for Christmas and want to start reading the Warcraft novels, but have no idea where to begin? Here's a chronologically sorted list to help you plan your reading strat - all of the Warcraft novels, various short stories, and even a few comic/manga extras.

Note that the War of the Ancients trilogy is NOT first, even though these books take place thousands of years ago, before the Sundering. Why? Because the series actually takes place in "current time." The series is not nearly as enjoyable if you don't already understand certain WoW elements such as the original history of the Orcs, their clashes with the Humans, or even who Rhonin is, for that matter! No, in the Warcraft timeline, this series definitely takes place after Thrall has become Warchief, something that doesn't happen for a while.

As for the rest? There are a few books that have clear places in the timeline, but many are quite unclear when exactly they take place. I've grouped them together in a way that - to me - makes logical sense. If you don't agree with the order, please feel free to say so or ask in comments, and we can discuss! :D (I don't want to put my explanations in the post, as they would contain spoilers.)

The linked titles are the short stories, which are also indicated with a - sign.

Part 1 - War

Rise of the Horde - Christie Golden
The Last Guardian - Jeff Grubb
Tides of Darkness - Aaron Rosenberg
Beyond the Dark Portal - Rosenberg, Golden
Day of the Dragon - Richard A. Knaak


Part 2 - Coming of Age

Lord of the Clans - Golden
Of Blood and Honor - Chris Metzen
- Unbroken - Micky Neilson
- Vol'jin: The Judgment - Brian Kindregan
- Road to Damnation - Evelyn Fredericksen


Part 3 - Peace

Cycle of Hatred - Keith R. A. DeCandido
War of the Ancients trilogy
    The Well of Eternity - Knaak
    The Demon Soul - Knaak
    The Sundering - Knaak
Night of the Dragon - Knaak
- The War Effort
- The War of the Shifting Sands - Micky Neilson
The Sunwell Trilogy (Manga) - Knaak, illustrated by Kim Jae-hwan


Part 3.5 - Varian

World of Warcraft: The Comic, #1-14 - Walter Simonson & Louise Simonson, various artists


Part 4 - Wrath of the Lich King

Arthas: Rise of the Lich King - Golden
Death Knight (Manga) - Dan Jolley, illustrated by Rocio Zucchi
- In the Shadow of the Sun - Sarah Pine
- Garrosh Hellscream: Heart of War - Sarah Pine
- Glory - Evelyn Fredericksen
- Silver Hand, Ebon Blade - Raphael Ahad


Part 5 - Turmoil

Stormrage - Knaak
- Gelbin Mekkatorque: Cut Short - Cameron Dayton
The Shattering - Golden
- The Council of Three Hammers: Fire and Iron - Matt Burns
- Tyrande & Malfurion: Seeds of Faith - Valerie Watrous
- Baine Bloodhoof: As Our Fathers Before Us - Steven Nix
Shaman (Manga) - Paul Benjamin, illustrated by Rocio Zucchi


Part 6 - Cataclysm

- Sylvanas Windrunner: Edge of Night - Dave Kosak
- Genn Greymane: Lord of his Pack - James Waugh
- Gallywix: Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince - Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie
- Varian Wrynn: Blood of Our Fathers - E. Daniel Arey
Wolfheart - Knaak
Thrall, Twilight of the Aspects - Golden
- Charge of the Aspects - Matt Burns
- Prophet's Lesson - Marc Hutcheson

4 Responses Subscribe to comments

  1. gravatar
    Jamin

    Thanks for this Rades! I was just about to follow the WoWInsider one. However I'm glad you compiled this one, with good points behind why.

    Though, I'm sad. No Warcraft for my kindle! Check my forum post - http://eu.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3217861767#1

    - Jamin

    January 6, 2012 at 3:21 PM

  2. gravatar
    Saz

    This list is most excellent, thank you Rades! Now I know exactly what to go read : D

    January 8, 2012 at 9:08 AM

  3. gravatar
    Angelya

    Thank you so much... I've got a few of the books and it's not immediately clear what order they should be read in.. *bookmark* <3

    January 10, 2012 at 10:15 PM

  4. gravatar
    redcow

    How did you know? :D Thanks, this list is amazing!!

    January 12, 2012 at 10:03 PM