Warcraft Books
| Title | Author | Publication Date | Format | Description | Wiki | Read | Priority | Rating |
| Dawn of the Aspects | Richard A. Knaak | 2013 | Book | Ancient flashbacks to creation of the Aspects and teamwork to deal with giant dragon Galakrond, and Post-Cata dealing with their lost power. |
wiki | 4/2023 | bonus | 4.8 3.8 |
| War of the Shifting Sands | Micky Neilson | 2005 | Web Short Story | An ancient war between the night elves and the insectoid Qiraji devastates southern Kalimdor, forcing the bronze dragonflight to intervene and leading to the sealing of the Ahn’Qiraj gates. |
wiki | bonus | ||
| Rise of the Horde | Christie Golden | 2006 | Book | Pre First War story of how the orc clans were corrupted and forged into the bloodthirsty Horde that would invade Azeroth. |
wiki | 5/2023 | required | 4.6 4.2 |
| Unbroken | Micky Neilson | 2007 | Web Short Story | After the orcish genocide on Draenor, Nobundo—once a respected draenei paladin—loses his connection to the Light and discovers a new path as the first shaman of his people. |
wiki | optional | ||
| The Last Guardian | Jeff Grubb | 2002 | Book | Medivh, the last Guardian of Tirisfal, struggles with his secret corruption by the Burning Legion, leading to the opening of the Dark Portal and the beginning of the First War. |
wiki | 5/2023 | required | 4.8 3.8 |
| Tides of Darkness | Aaron Rosenberg | 2007 | Book (hard to find) | Covers the Second War: the Horde, having conquered Stormwind, launches a brutal invasion of Lordaeron, while heroes like Anduin Lothar and Turalyon rally the Alliance to defend humanity’s last strongholds. |
wiki | 4/2023 | required | 4.5 3.9 |
| Day of the Dragon | Richard A. Knaak | 2001 | Book | After the Second War, wizard Rhonin, ranger Vereesa Windrunner, and dragon Korialstrasz embark on a mission to free Alexstrasza from orc captivity, sparking a rebellion among the dragons and a decisive battle against Deathwing. |
wiki | 7/2024 | optional | 4.6 3.9 |
| Beyond the Dark Portal | Aaron Rosenberg, Christie Golden | 2008 | Book | Covers the second part of the Second War: after the Horde’s defeat on Azeroth, heroes like Khadgar, Turalyon, Alleria, Danath, and Kurdran pursue the orcs through the Dark Portal to Draenor, battling to save both worlds from destruction. |
wiki | required | 4.6 4.0 | |
| The Well of Eternity | Richard A. Knaak | 2004 | Book | War of the Ancients Book 1: Krasus, Rhonin, and Broxigar are pulled back in time to ancient Kalimdor, where they join Malfurion and Tyrande to uncover Queen Azshara’s pact with the Burning Legion. |
wiki | 8/2023 | bonus | |
| The Demon Soul | Richard A. Knaak | 2004 | Book | War of the Ancients Book 2: As the Legion’s invasion ravages Kalimdor, the heroes rally the dragonflights and witness Neltharion’s betrayal as he forges the deadly Demon Soul artifact. |
wiki | 8/2023 | bonus | |
| The Sundering | Richard A. Knaak | 2005 | Book | War of the Ancients Book 3: In a final stand against the Legion, Malfurion, Illidan, and their allies fight to destroy the Well of Eternity, triggering the Sundering that reshapes Azeroth forever. |
wiki | 4/2024 | bonus | |
| Lord of the Clans | Christie Golden | 2001 | Book | Takes place between Second and Third War. Raised as a slave by humans, the young orc Thrall escapes captivity, rediscovers his heritage, and unites the fractured orc clans to lead them toward a new future. |
wiki | 5/2023 | required | |
| Of Blood and Honor | Chris Metzen | 2000 | Book | After the Second War, Paladin Tirion Fordring struggles between duty and honor when he befriends an orc exile, leading to his exile from the Alliance and setting the stage for his future redemption. |
wiki | 4/2025 | optional | |
| Arthas: Rise of the Lich King | Christie Golden | 2009 | Book | Prince Arthas Menethil’s tragic descent from noble paladin to the dreaded Lich King unfolds as he sacrifices everything in a desperate attempt to save his people — and ultimately damns himself. Covers events prior to and into the Third War, leading into the Lich King expansion. |
wiki | 4/2023 | required | |
| Road to Damnation | Evelyn Fredricksen | 2005 | Web Short Story | The secret origin of Kel’Thuzad: a proud mage of Dalaran is seduced by forbidden necromancy, forsakes the Kirin Tor, and pledges himself to the Lich King — setting the Scourge’s dark future in motion. |
wiki | |||
| Cycle of Hatred | Keith R.A. DeCandido | 2006 | Paperback | Set between Third War and World of Warcraft, a fragile peace between the Horde and Alliance teeters on collapse as Jaina Proudmoore and Warchief Thrall confront rising tensions, hidden enemies, and the lingering scars of the Third War. |
wiki | 3/2024 | optional | |
| Illidan: World of Warcraft | William King | 2016 | book | Set after Frozen Throne and during Burning Crusade: Illidan Stormrage builds his demon hunter army, battles Kil’jaeden’s wrath, and prepares for a cosmic war Azeroth’s heroes are not ready to face. |
wiki | required | ||
| Night of the Dragon | Richard A. Knaak | 2008 | Book | Leading into Cata, as dark forces gather at Grim Batol, Korialstrasz, Vereesa Windrunner, and new allies battle to stop the twisted dragon Sinestra from unleashing a deadly new breed of draconic terror. |
wiki | bonus | ||
| Stormrage | Richard A. Knaak | 2010 | Book | As Azeroth’s heroes recover from the Lich King’s fall, Malfurion Stormrage battles the nightmare corruption spreading through the Emerald Dream, facing ancient evils that threaten to consume both dream and reality. |
wiki | optional | ||
| The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm | Christie Golden | 2010 | Book | As Azeroth faces growing natural disasters and political unrest, Thrall embarks on a journey to save the world while the Alliance and Horde struggle with leadership changes that will shape the coming Cataclysm. |
wiki | required | ||
| Wolfheart | Richard A. Knaak | 2012 | book | As the Cataclysm reshapes Azeroth, Varian Wrynn must overcome his inner demons to unite the fractured Alliance, while the worgen of Gilneas fight for a new place among their ancient kin. |
wiki | optional | ||
| Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects | Christie Golden | 2011 | Book | As Azeroth reels from the Cataclysm, Thrall journeys across shattered worlds to aid the dragonflights, confronting ancient evils and discovering his place in the world’s destiny. |
wiki | optional | ||
| Charge of the Aspects | Matt Burns | 2011 | Web Short Story | After Deathwing’s defeat, the Dragon Aspects confront the end of their ancient purpose and forge a new future for Azeroth without their godlike powers. |
wiki | |||
| Garrosh Hellscream: Heart of War | Sarah Pine | 2011 | Web Short Story | Garrosh Hellscream struggles with the burdens of Warchief, torn between forging a powerful Horde and suppressing his violent instincts — setting the tone for his dark path in Mists of Pandaria. |
wiki | |||
| Genn Greymane: Lord of His Pack | James Waugh | 2011 | Web Short Story | Haunted by the fall of Gilneas and his people’s curse, Genn Greymane struggles to hold his shattered kingdom and family together in the face of tragedy and regret. |
wiki | |||
| Gallywix: Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince | Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie | 2011 | Web Short Story | Gallywix reflects on his ruthless rise from gutter thug to Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, revealing the greed and cunning that define goblin ‘business’ on Azeroth. |
wiki | |||
| Gallywix: Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince | Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie | 2011 | Web Short Story | Gallywix reflects on his ruthless rise from gutter thug to Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, revealing the greed and cunning that define goblin ‘business’ on Azeroth. |
wiki | |||
| The Council of Three Hammers: Fire and Iron | Matt Burns | 2011 | Web Short Story | After Magni Bronzebeard’s petrification, Ironforge faces civil unrest as Muradin, Moira, and Falstad struggle to unite their fractured clans under the newly formed Council of Three Hammers. |
wiki | |||
| Magni: Fault Lines | Matt Burns | 2016 | Web Short Story | After years trapped in diamond form, Magni Bronzebeard awakens to a world changed — and hears the voice of Azeroth itself calling him to a greater destiny. |
wiki | 4/2025 | ||
| Gelbin Mekkatorque: Cut Short | Cameron Dayton | 2011 | Web Short Story | High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque faces betrayal and hard choices as he struggles to reclaim Gnomeregan and lead his people in the aftermath of its irradiated devastation. |
wiki | |||
| Baine Bloodhoof: As Our Fathers Before Us | Steven Nix | 2011 | Web Short Story | After the death of his father Cairne, Baine Bloodhoof struggles to lead the tauren people with honor while navigating Garrosh Hellscream’s aggressive new Horde. |
wiki | |||
| Tyrande Whisperwind: Seeds of Faith | Marc Hutcheson | 2011 | Web Short Story | Tyrande Whisperwind faces doubts among her people and within herself as she struggles to protect the night elves’ future in a world forever changed by the Cataclysm. |
wiki | |||
| Velen: Prophet’s Lesson | Marc Hutcheson | 2011 | Web Short Story | Prophet Velen mentors young Prince Anduin Wrynn, teaching him about patience, compassion, and the greater destiny awaiting both the Alliance and Azeroth. |
wiki | |||
| Sylvanas Windrunner: Edge of Night | Dave Kosak | 2010 | Web Short Story | After Arthas’s death, Sylvanas falls into despair, commits suicide, and forges a pact with the Val’kyr to cheat death — forever altering her fate and the future of the Forsaken. |
wiki | |||
| Varian Wrynn: Blood of Our Fathers | E. Daniel Arey | 2011 | Web Short Story | King Varian Wrynn grapples with his violent past, the burden of leadership, and his hopes for his son Anduin — striving to break the cycle of bloodshed that shaped him. |
wiki | |||
| Lor'themar Theron: In the Shadow of the Sun | Sarah Pine | 2011 | Web Short Story | Lor’themar Theron struggles with the growing tensions between Quel’Thalas and Garrosh’s Horde, questioning the blood elves’ loyalty and the future of his people. |
wiki | |||
| Velen: Prophet’s Lesson | Marc Hutcheson | 2011 | Web Short Story | Prophet Velen mentors young Prince Anduin Wrynn, teaching him patience, compassion, and the role he will one day play in shaping the fate of Azeroth. |
wiki | |||
| Li Li's Travel Journal | Graham McNeill | 2012 | Web Short Story (Multi-Chapter Serialized) | Li Li Stormstout’s whimsical travel journal recounts her adventures across Azeroth in search of her famous uncle, capturing the wanderlust and optimism that foreshadows Pandaria’s rediscovery. |
wiki | |||
| Quest for Pandaria | Sarah Pine | 2012 | Web Short Story (4-Part Serialized) | As Azeroth reels from Deathwing’s destruction, Li Li Stormstout embarks on a daring journey across the seas — uncovering lost family history and the first signs of the hidden land of Pandaria. |
wiki | |||
| Death from Above | Roberts Brooks | 2013 | Web Short Story | Sky Admiral Rogers unleashes the full might of the Alliance navy against the Horde in Pandaria, showcasing the brutal escalation of the faction war after Theramore’s destruction. |
wiki | |||
| The Jade Hunters | Matt Burns | 2013 | Web Short Story | Brann Bronzebeard and a band of adventurers race against rival treasure hunters in Pandaria to recover an ancient, powerful jade artifact. |
wiki | |||
| Bleeding Sun | Matt Burns | 2013 | Web Short Story | In the jungles of Pandaria, Sunwalker Dezco faces devastating personal loss, forcing him to find strength, faith, and hope for his people in a world wracked by war. |
wiki | |||
| Trial of the Red Blossoms | Cameron Dayton | 2013 | Web Short Story | In the hidden courts of Pandaria, master assassin Tenwu of the Red Smoke faces a deadly trial of honor, loyalty, and survival among the enigmatic Red Blossoms. |
wiki | |||
| The Blank Scroll | Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie | 2013 | Web Short Story | Lorewalker Shuchun and a daring band of explorers uncover a mysterious mogu artifact, learning that knowledge — like power — can be as dangerous as it is precious. |
wiki | |||
| Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War | Christie Golden | 2012 | Book | Between Cata and Mists of Pandaria: after the Horde’s devastating attack on Theramore, Jaina Proudmoore is forced to abandon her hopes for peace and embraces a path of vengeance that forever changes her and the course of the Alliance. |
wiki | required | ||
| Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde | Michael A. Stackpole | 2013 | Book | Set in Mists of Pandaria, after an assassination attempt leaves him near death, Vol’jin is taken to the Shado-Pan Monastery, where he must confront his doubts, heal his spirit, and choose whether to accept his destiny as a future leader of the Horde. |
wiki | optional | ||
| Vol'jin: The Judgement | Brian Kindregan | 2011 | Web Short Story | After surviving an assassination attempt, Vol’jin reflects on his loyalty to the Horde and wrestles with his destiny, setting the stage for his future as Warchief. |
wiki | |||
| War Crimes | Christie Golden | 2014 | Book | In the aftermath of the Siege of Orgrimmar (Mists of Pandaria), Garrosh Hellscream faces a historic trial in Pandaria to answer for his crimes against Azeroth. Secrets are revealed, tensions rise, and a conspiracy unfolds that will change the destiny of Azeroth and beyond. |
wiki | required | ||
| The Untamed Valley | Micky Neilson | 2013 | Web Short Story | In the fragile peace after the war for Pandaria, Taran Zhu and a band of farmers struggle to reclaim a land still haunted by the remnants of hatred and corruption. |
wiki | |||
| The Strength of Steel | Micky Neilson | 2014 | Web Short Story | In the brutal world of Draenor, Blackhand forges the Blackrock Clan’s ruthless philosophy of survival, strength, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in battle. |
wiki | |||
| Hellscream | Robert Brooks | 2014 | Web Short Story | Awaiting execution after his defeat, Garrosh Hellscream seizes a second chance when Kairozdormu offers escape — setting in motion the creation of the Iron Horde and a war across time. |
wiki | required | ||
| Gul'dan and the Stranger | Neilson, Micky | 2014 | Web Short Story | On the brink of death and disgrace, Gul’dan encounters a mysterious stranger who offers him a second chance — and a darker destiny that will change Draenor forever. |
wiki | required | ||
| Code of Rule | Ryan Quinn | 2014 | Web Short Story | Kilrogg Deadeye confronts the brutal ritual that has shaped generations of Bleeding Hollow chieftains — sacrificing an eye to glimpse the moment of their own death, and forging destiny through blood. |
wiki | |||
| Over Water | Ryan Quinn | 2014 | Web Short Story | As the Iron Horde rises, Durotan faces an agonizing decision: whether to join the bloodthirsty war machine — or stay true to the Frostwolves’ code of honor, even at the risk of annihilation. |
wiki | |||
| Apocrypha | Matt Burns | 2015 | Web Short Story | Khadgar unearths a grim truth hidden in Gul’dan’s dark past, realizing the terrifying scope of the warlock’s ambitions — and the dire threat he poses to both Draenor and Azeroth. |
wiki | |||
| Blackhand | Robert Brooks | 2014 | Web Short Story | As the Iron Horde rises, Blackhand — once a ruthless chieftain — is forged into a monstrous war machine through betrayal, ambition, and fire. |
wiki | |||
| Highmountain: The Missing Lesson | Roberts Brooks | 2017 | Web Short Story | Mayla Highmountain struggles with her doubts as new leader of the tauren tribes, seeking ancient wisdom to guide her people through the dark times of the Legion’s invasion. |
wiki | bonus | ||
| Liadrin: Blood Knight | Marc Hutcheson | 2015 | Web Short Story | Lady Liadrin reflects on the dark origins of the Blood Knights and her path to redemption, forging a new future of hope and honor for her people. |
wiki | |||
| Dark Mirror | Steve Danuser | 2017 | Web Short Story | King Greymane investigates the existence of Lo’Gosh, a feral clone of Varian Wrynn, grappling with loyalty, identity, and the nature of leadership after the Legion’s defeat. |
wiki | |||
| Before the Storm | Christie Golden | 2018 | Book | After Legion’s defeat, King Anduin Wrynn seeks peace with the Forsaken, but a devastating betrayal reignites the war between the Horde and Alliance. |
wiki | required | ||
| A Good War | Robert Brooks | 2018 | Web Short Story | Told from Saurfang’s perspective, this story recounts the Horde’s assault on Darkshore and the burning of Teldrassil — and the moral cost of the ‘good war’ Sylvanas promised. |
wiki | |||
| Elegy | Christie Golden | 2018 | Web Short Story | Told from the Alliance’s perspective, Elegy recounts the defense of Darkshore, the fall of Teldrassil, and the grief that shatters the bonds between night elves and the wider Alliance. |
wiki | |||
| Three Sisters | Christie Golden, Andrew Robinson, Matt Burns | 2018 | Web Short Story | The three Windrunner sisters — Alleria, Sylvanas, and Vereesa — reunite after years of war, death, and transformation, revealing their divided loyalties and the creeping influence of the Void. |
wiki | must_read | ||
| The Speaker | Brian Kindregan | 2019 | Web Short Story | Magni Bronzebeard grapples with the overwhelming burden of being the Speaker for a wounded Azeroth, fighting despair as he struggles to save the dying world. |
wiki | |||
| Shadows Rising | Madeleine Roux | 2020 | As tensions simmer after the Fourth War (Battle for Azeroth), Queen Talanji of Zandalar becomes the target of dark forces, forcing the new Horde Council and the Alliance to confront rising threats both old and new. |
wiki | ||||
| The Calling | Madeleine Roux | 2020 | Web Short Story | Haunted by past failures, Jaina Proudmoore reflects on grief, leadership, and hope as the Alliance faces mysterious threats looming over Azeroth. |
wiki | |||
| We Ride Forth | Robert Brooks | 2020 | Web Short Story | Bolvar Fordragon and the Four Horsemen prepare for the coming darkness, rallying their courage and loyalty for the desperate battle against the forces threatening the Shadowlands. |
wiki | |||
| Sylvanas | Christie Golden | 2022 | Book | From her days as Ranger-General of Silvermoon to her reign as the Banshee Queen, Sylvanas Windrunner’s life unfolds in a journey of loyalty, loss, and defiance that ultimately shapes the fate of Azeroth and the Shadowlands. |
wiki | 4/2022 | optional | |
| The Vow Eternal | Christie Golden | 2018 | Web Short Story | Before the wars tore them apart, the three Windrunner sisters share a heartfelt vow to always stand together — a promise destined to be tested by tragedy, death, and destiny. |
wiki | |||
| War of the Scaleborn | Courtney Alameda | 2023 | Book | Covers the backstory for Dragonflight: In ancient Azeroth, proto-dragons like Neltharion, Malygos, Alexstrasza, and Ysera battle against Galakrond’s monstrous legacy, forging the bonds and rivalries that will shape the dragonflights for millennia. |
wiki | 5/2024 | bonus | |
| Traveler | ||||||||
| Traveler: The Spiral Path | ||||||||
| Traveler: The Shining Blade | ||||||||
| Rise of the Horde & Lord of the Clans: The Illustrated Novels | comic | |||||||
| World of Warcraft Chronicles | ||||||||
| Bonds of Brotherhood | Metzen et al | 2016 | comic | pre-movie |
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki goodreads |
| Expansion | Post-Cataclysm |
| Timeline | Post-Cata, Flashbacks to Ancient Time |
| Major Characters | Kalecgos Malygos Alexstrasza Nozdormu Ysera Neltharion Galakrond |
| Description | Ancient flashbacks to creation of the Aspects and teamwork to deal with giant dragon Galakrond, and Post-Cata dealing with their lost power. |
| Rating | 4.8 3.8 |
| Have I read it? | 4/2023 |
Ancient flashbacks to creation of the Aspects and teamwork to deal with giant dragon Galakrond, and Post-Cata dealing with their lost power.
Dawn of the Aspects is a five-part serial novel set after the events of Cataclysm, where the former Dragon Aspects are adjusting to life without their godlike powers. The story follows Kalecgos, the former Blue Aspect, as he uncovers a mysterious artifact tied to the past of the dragonflights. Through visions triggered by the artifact, Kalec relives the ancient and violent history of the proto-dragons and witnesses how the five Aspects—Alexstrasza, Malygos, Ysera, Nozdormu, and Neltharion—were chosen and transformed by the titans. These glimpses into the past uncover ancient rivalries, the proto-dragons’ brutal existence, and Neltharion’s early signs of corruption. As Kalec gets pulled deeper into these visions, he must face both the burdens of legacy and the threats posed by those who would exploit the artifact’s power.
| Author | Micky Neilson |
| Publication Date | 2005 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Pre-World of Warcraft (Classic Era, linked to Ahn'Qiraj event) |
| Timeline | Long before World of Warcraft (Classic) |
| Major Characters | Fandral Staghelm Anachronos Silithid Qiraji Night Elf Sentinels |
| Description | An ancient war between the night elves and the insectoid Qiraji devastates southern Kalimdor, forcing the bronze dragonflight to intervene and leading to the sealing of the Ahn’Qiraj gates. |
| Rating |
An ancient war between the night elves and the insectoid Qiraji devastates southern Kalimdor, forcing the bronze dragonflight to intervene and leading to the sealing of the Ahn’Qiraj gates.
War of the Shifting Sands recounts the brutal conflict between the night elves and the rising threat of the Qiraji empire thousands of years before the events of World of Warcraft. Led by Fandral Staghelm, the night elves mount a desperate defense against the relentless insectoid armies spreading across southern Kalimdor. As hope dwindles, the bronze dragon Anachronos and his flight intervene, joining forces with the night elves to contain the threat. The story chronicles personal tragedy, especially the death of Fandral’s son Valstann, and ends with the magical sealing of the Gates of Ahn’Qiraj — setting up the epic world event players would later experience during World of Warcraft’s classic era.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2006 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft 1 |
| Timeline | Pre First War |
| Major Characters | Durotan Draka Gul'dan Kil'jaeden Velen Orgrim Doomhammer Ner'zhul Blackhand |
| Description | Pre First War story of how the orc clans were corrupted and forged into the bloodthirsty Horde that would invade Azeroth. |
| Rating | 4.6 4.2 |
| Have I read it? | 5/2023 |
Pre First War story of how the orc clans were corrupted and forged into the bloodthirsty Horde that would invade Azeroth.
Rise of the Horde tells the tragic and epic origin story of the orcs and the birth of the Horde, set on the shattered world of Draenor. The novel is narrated largely from the perspective of Durotan, chieftain of the Frostwolf Clan and father of Thrall. It chronicles how the once-noble orc clans lived in harmony with the elements and their draenei neighbors—until the influence of the demon lord Kil’jaeden began to twist their fate. The manipulations of Gul’dan and the Burning Legion lead to the orcs’ descent into bloodlust, fel magic, and the eventual war against the draenei. Durotan, seeing the truth behind the corruption, struggles with his conscience and loyalty to his people. The novel is a sweeping tale of honor, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of power unchecked—laying the foundation for the Horde as we know it.
| Author | Micky Neilson |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Pre-Warcraft 1 (Rise of the Horde aftermath) |
| Timeline | Shortly after Rise of the Horde |
| Major Characters | Nobundo Velen Farseer Nobundo |
| Description | After the orcish genocide on Draenor, Nobundo—once a respected draenei paladin—loses his connection to the Light and discovers a new path as the first shaman of his people. |
| Rating |
After the orcish genocide on Draenor, Nobundo—once a respected draenei paladin—loses his connection to the Light and discovers a new path as the first shaman of his people.
Unbroken is a short story that focuses on Nobundo, a once-respected draenei vindicator who loses everything after the orcs’ fel-fueled genocide on Draenor. Left crippled and broken by the destruction of the Temple of Karabor and the shattering of his people, Nobundo is rejected by the Light and by his fellow draenei. As he wanders alone in despair, he begins to hear whispers carried by the wind—spirits of the elements. These voices lead him to become the first draenei shaman, forging a new spiritual path for his people in a time when the Light had seemingly abandoned them. The story explores themes of loss, spiritual transformation, and redemption, portraying Nobundo’s journey from pariah to pioneer of elemental magic among the draenei.
| Author | Jeff Grubb |
| Publication Date | 2002 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warcraft 1 |
| Timeline | First War |
| Major Characters | Medivh Khadgar Sargeras Llane Wrynn Garona Halforcen |
| Description | Medivh, the last Guardian of Tirisfal, struggles with his secret corruption by the Burning Legion, leading to the opening of the Dark Portal and the beginning of the First War. |
| Rating | 4.8 3.8 |
| Have I read it? | 5/2023 |
Medivh, the last Guardian of Tirisfal, struggles with his secret corruption by the Burning Legion, leading to the opening of the Dark Portal and the beginning of the First War.
The Last Guardian tells the story of Medivh, the powerful and enigmatic Guardian of Tirisfal, whose tragic fall sets in motion the events of the First War. The novel is primarily told from the point of view of Khadgar, a young apprentice mage sent by Dalaran to study under Medivh in Karazhan. As Khadgar trains, he slowly uncovers disturbing secrets about his master’s past, including Medivh’s mysterious connection to Sargeras and the orcish invasion of Azeroth. The story builds a deep and suspenseful atmosphere as Khadgar grapples with loyalty, truth, and the growing darkness that threatens to consume Medivh—and the world. This novel is a crucial piece of Warcraft lore, exploring the origins of the Dark Portal and the terrible burden of unchecked power.
| Author | Aaron Rosenberg |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Format | Book (hard to find) |
| Links | wiki youtube |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warcraft 2 |
| Timeline | Second War |
| Major Characters | Anduin Lothar Turalyon Khadgar Alleria Windrunner Orgrim Doomhammer Gul'dan |
| Description | Covers the Second War: the Horde, having conquered Stormwind, launches a brutal invasion of Lordaeron, while heroes like Anduin Lothar and Turalyon rally the Alliance to defend humanity’s last strongholds. |
| Rating | 4.5 3.9 |
| Have I read it? | 4/2023 |
Covers the Second War: the Horde, having conquered Stormwind, launches a brutal invasion of Lordaeron, while heroes like Anduin Lothar and Turalyon rally the Alliance to defend humanity’s last strongholds.
Tides of Darkness retells the events of the Second War, following the aftermath of the orcs’ initial invasion through the Dark Portal. With Stormwind fallen, the newly formed Alliance of Lordaeron—led by King Terenas and heroes like Anduin Lothar, Turalyon, Khadgar, and Alleria Windrunner—rises to face the growing threat of the Horde, now led by the cunning and brutal Orgrim Doomhammer. The novel explores political alliances, massive military campaigns, and personal rivalries as both sides vie for control of Azeroth. It also delves into the moral complexity of war, the corruption of Gul’dan and his necrolytes, and the tension within the Horde itself. With epic battles, deep character development, and high-stakes action, Tides of Darkness is a foundational tale in Warcraft’s history, showcasing the chaos and valor of the Second War.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2001 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft III |
| Timeline | After Second War |
| Major Characters | Rhonin Vereesa Windrunner Korialstrasz Alexstrasza Deathwing Daval Prestor |
| Description | After the Second War, wizard Rhonin, ranger Vereesa Windrunner, and dragon Korialstrasz embark on a mission to free Alexstrasza from orc captivity, sparking a rebellion among the dragons and a decisive battle against Deathwing. |
| Rating | 4.6 3.9 |
| Have I read it? | 7/2024 |
After the Second War, wizard Rhonin, ranger Vereesa Windrunner, and dragon Korialstrasz embark on a mission to free Alexstrasza from orc captivity, sparking a rebellion among the dragons and a decisive battle against Deathwing.
Day of the Dragon follows Rhonin, a disgraced mage sent on a mission to Khaz Modan under mysterious orders. Unbeknownst to him, his true task is to free the imprisoned dragon Aspect Alexstrasza, who is being used by the orcish Dragonmaw Clan to breed draconic weapons of war. Along the way, Rhonin is joined by Vereesa Windrunner and aided by Krasus, a dragon in human form. The story intertwines political intrigue, ancient power struggles, and the return of Deathwing, whose secret manipulations could doom both dragonkind and mortals. With sweeping action and major developments in dragon lore, this novel is a cornerstone of Warcraft’s pre Warcraft III era narrative.
| Author | Aaron Rosenberg, Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2008 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warcraft 2 Expansion |
| Timeline | End of Second War, Draenor Campaign |
| Major Characters | Khadgar Turalyon Alleria Windrunner Danath Trollbane Kurdran Wildhammer Ner'zhul |
| Description | Covers the second part of the Second War: after the Horde’s defeat on Azeroth, heroes like Khadgar, Turalyon, Alleria, Danath, and Kurdran pursue the orcs through the Dark Portal to Draenor, battling to save both worlds from destruction. |
| Rating | 4.6 4.0 |
Covers the second part of the Second War: after the Horde’s defeat on Azeroth, heroes like Khadgar, Turalyon, Alleria, Danath, and Kurdran pursue the orcs through the Dark Portal to Draenor, battling to save both worlds from destruction.
Beyond the Dark Portal picks up after the Second War, as the remnants of the Horde, under the desperate leadership of Ner’zhul, reopen the Dark Portal and launch raids across Azeroth—not to conquer, but to gather powerful artifacts to fuel the creation of new portals to other worlds. In response, the Alliance sends a strike force into Draenor, including heroes like Khadgar, Turalyon, Alleria, Danath Trollbane, and Kurdran Wildhammer. As Draenor begins to collapse under the chaotic magic unleashed by Ner’zhul, the heroes must make the ultimate sacrifice to stop him and save Azeroth from destruction. The novel is packed with high-stakes adventure, character-driven drama, and the first steps toward the events that would lead to the rise of the Burning Legion and the Scourge.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2004 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft |
| Timeline | Time Travel to Ancient Times |
| Major Characters | Krasus Rhonin Broxigar Malfurion Stormrage Tyrande Whisperwind Queen Azshara Mannoroth |
| Description | War of the Ancients Book 1: Krasus, Rhonin, and Broxigar are pulled back in time to ancient Kalimdor, where they join Malfurion and Tyrande to uncover Queen Azshara’s pact with the Burning Legion. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 8/2023 |
War of the Ancients Book 1: Krasus, Rhonin, and Broxigar are pulled back in time to ancient Kalimdor, where they join Malfurion and Tyrande to uncover Queen Azshara’s pact with the Burning Legion.
The Well of Eternity kicks off the War of the Ancients trilogy, sending Rhonin, Krasus, and Broxigar 10,000 years into the past—just before the first Burning Legion invasion of Azeroth. In this ancient era, the night elves are at their peak, ruled by the beautiful and dangerously arrogant Queen Azshara, whose obsession with power opens the door for Sargeras and his demonic minions to enter the world. As the Well of Eternity’s magic is exploited, war brews across the land. The time-traveling trio must navigate unfamiliar political and magical landscapes to prevent history from unraveling. Meanwhile, young Malfurion Stormrage begins to sense the true danger of tampering with arcane magic. It’s a blend of epic battles, fateful alliances, and the rise of heroes destined to shape the world.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2004 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft |
| Timeline | Time Travel to Ancient Times |
| Major Characters | Krasus Rhonin Broxigar Malfurion Stormrage Illidan Stormrage Neltharion Alexstrasza Ysera Nozdormu |
| Description | War of the Ancients Book 2: As the Legion’s invasion ravages Kalimdor, the heroes rally the dragonflights and witness Neltharion’s betrayal as he forges the deadly Demon Soul artifact. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 8/2023 |
War of the Ancients Book 2: As the Legion’s invasion ravages Kalimdor, the heroes rally the dragonflights and witness Neltharion’s betrayal as he forges the deadly Demon Soul artifact.
The Demon Soul dives deeper into the apocalyptic chaos of the Burning Legion’s first invasion. As Malfurion and his allies scramble to unite the night elf resistance, the stakes grow higher with the emergence of Neltharion’s sinister plan to create the Demon Soul—a powerful artifact meant to destroy the Legion, but at a terrible cost. The dragons, led by the other Aspects, reluctantly agree to infuse their essence into the weapon, unaware of Deathwing’s true intentions. Meanwhile, Illidan seeks forbidden power, dangerously flirting with the Legion’s magic. As the fabric of history frays, the time-travelers—Rhonin and Krasus—struggle to walk the line between helping and preserving the future. This book ramps up the intensity, setting the stage for sacrifice, betrayal, and the catastrophic reshaping of the world.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2005 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft |
| Timeline | Time Travel to Ancient Times |
| Major Characters | Malfurion Stormrage Illidan Stormrage Tyrande Whisperwind Krasus Rhonin Broxigar Queen Azshara Sargeras |
| Description | War of the Ancients Book 3: In a final stand against the Legion, Malfurion, Illidan, and their allies fight to destroy the Well of Eternity, triggering the Sundering that reshapes Azeroth forever. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 4/2024 |
War of the Ancients Book 3: In a final stand against the Legion, Malfurion, Illidan, and their allies fight to destroy the Well of Eternity, triggering the Sundering that reshapes Azeroth forever.
The Sundering is the explosive conclusion to the War of the Ancients trilogy, culminating in the cataclysm that shattered the world—literally. As the Legion presses forward, Queen Azshara and her loyalists finalize the ritual to bring Sargeras into Azeroth through the Well of Eternity. Meanwhile, Malfurion, Tyrande, and their allies—now joined by dragons, druids, and even some unexpected heroes like Jarod Shadowsong—launch a last-ditch defense. Illidan, walking a dangerous line between savior and villain, steals vials of Well water and disappears into legend. The final confrontation is massive, tragic, and world-altering, ending with the shattering of the Well and the breaking of the continent into what will become Kalimdor, the Eastern Kingdoms, and beyond. With the timeline stabilized and the world forever changed, Rhonin and Krasus return to their own time, carrying the weight of everything they’ve witnessed.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2001 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft III |
| Timeline | Between Second and Third War |
| Major Characters | Thrall Drek'Thar Orgrim Doomhammer Aedelas Blackmoore Taretha Foxton |
| Description | Takes place between Second and Third War. Raised as a slave by humans, the young orc Thrall escapes captivity, rediscovers his heritage, and unites the fractured orc clans to lead them toward a new future. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 5/2023 |
Takes place between Second and Third War. Raised as a slave by humans, the young orc Thrall escapes captivity, rediscovers his heritage, and unites the fractured orc clans to lead them toward a new future.
Lord of the Clans tells the origin story of Thrall, the orc who would rise to reunite the shattered clans and forge a new vision for the Horde. Born to the Frostwolf Clan but orphaned as an infant, Thrall is raised in Durnholde Keep by Aedelas Blackmoore, who intends to use him as a weaponized gladiator. Despite brutal conditions, Thrall develops a sharp mind and an unbreakable spirit. With the help of Taretha Foxton, he escapes and begins a journey of discovery—finding his people, his culture, and his spiritual connection to the elements through shamanism. Thrall’s path leads him to Drek’Thar, Orgrim Doomhammer, and ultimately to leadership, as he embraces his destiny to free the orcs from demonic corruption and reclaim their honor.
| Author | Chris Metzen |
| Publication Date | 2000 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Warcraft III |
| Timeline | After Second War |
| Major Characters | Tirion Fordring Eitrigg Gavinrad the Dire Saiden Dathrohan |
| Description | After the Second War, Paladin Tirion Fordring struggles between duty and honor when he befriends an orc exile, leading to his exile from the Alliance and setting the stage for his future redemption. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 4/2025 |
After the Second War, Paladin Tirion Fordring struggles between duty and honor when he befriends an orc exile, leading to his exile from the Alliance and setting the stage for his future redemption.
Of Blood and Honor is a character-driven novella set in the aftermath of the Second War, exploring themes of honor, prejudice, and redemption. Tirion Fordring, a respected paladin of the Silver Hand, discovers an orc named Eitrigg living peacefully in the Eastern Kingdoms. When Tirion is wounded and aided by the orc, he’s forced to reevaluate his black-and-white view of the Horde. Choosing to honor the orc’s courage and integrity, Tirion defies his peers and defends Eitrigg’s life, leading to his own disgrace and exile from the Order. The story is foundational in establishing Tirion’s character—his unshakable moral compass and his eventual path toward becoming a central figure in Wrath of the Lich King. It also humanizes the orcs, showing that not all were corrupted or evil.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2009 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warcraft III + Wrath of the Lich King |
| Timeline | Spans First, Second, and Third War; leads into Wrath of the Lich King expansion |
| Major Characters | Arthas Menethil Jaina Proudmoore Uther the Lightbringer Muradin Bronzebeard Ner'zhul Kel'Thuzad |
| Description | Prince Arthas Menethil’s tragic descent from noble paladin to the dreaded Lich King unfolds as he sacrifices everything in a desperate attempt to save his people — and ultimately damns himself. Covers events prior to and into the Third War, leading into the Lich King expansion. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 4/2023 |
Prince Arthas Menethil’s tragic descent from noble paladin to the dreaded Lich King unfolds as he sacrifices everything in a desperate attempt to save his people — and ultimately damns himself. Covers events prior to and into the Third War, leading into the Lich King expansion.
Arthas: Rise of the Lich King is the definitive character study of one of Warcraft’s most iconic figures. The novel traces Arthas Menethil’s journey from a noble prince and idealistic paladin to the merciless Lich King. It explores his upbringing in Lordaeron, his romance with Jaina Proudmoore, and his early struggles with leadership and responsibility. When the undead Scourge invades, Arthas makes increasingly questionable choices—culminating in the culling of Stratholme and his obsession with stopping the plague at any cost. In Northrend, he claims the cursed blade Frostmourne, sacrificing his soul to gain power. From there, the story follows his descent into undeath, betrayal of his kingdom, and eventual merger with Ner’zhul, transforming him into the Lich King. The novel weaves together scenes from Warcraft III, Wrath of the Lich King, and even flashbacks from Arthas’s youth to show the tragic unraveling of a hero.
| Author | Evelyn Fredricksen |
| Publication Date | 2005 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Warcraft III |
| Timeline | Pre-Third War |
| Major Characters | Kel'Thuzad Ner'zhul (The Lich King) |
| Description | The secret origin of Kel’Thuzad: a proud mage of Dalaran is seduced by forbidden necromancy, forsakes the Kirin Tor, and pledges himself to the Lich King — setting the Scourge’s dark future in motion. |
| Rating |
The secret origin of Kel’Thuzad: a proud mage of Dalaran is seduced by forbidden necromancy, forsakes the Kirin Tor, and pledges himself to the Lich King — setting the Scourge’s dark future in motion.
Road to Damnation is a chilling origin story of Kel’Thuzad, one of the most iconic villains in Warcraft lore. At the height of his influence as a mage of the Kirin Tor, Kel’Thuzad grows disillusioned with the limitations and moral constraints of the Council. Drawn by dark whispers and forbidden knowledge, he becomes obsessed with necromancy. Despite warnings and mounting evidence of corruption, he follows the Lich King’s call—abandoning his post, wealth, and status to travel to Northrend. There, he pledges himself to Ner’zhul, who grants him new undeath and purpose. This story sets the stage for Kel’Thuzad’s role in corrupting Arthas, spreading the Plague of Undeath, and building the Cult of the Damned, ultimately leading to the events of Warcraft III.
| Author | Keith R.A. DeCandido |
| Publication Date | 2006 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Links | wiki goodreads |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre World of Warcraft (Classic Era) |
| Timeline | Between Third War and World of Warcraft |
| Major Characters | Jaina Proudmoore Thrall Zmodlor Neeru Fireblade |
| Description | Set between Third War and World of Warcraft, a fragile peace between the Horde and Alliance teeters on collapse as Jaina Proudmoore and Warchief Thrall confront rising tensions, hidden enemies, and the lingering scars of the Third War. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 3/2024 |
Set between Third War and World of Warcraft, a fragile peace between the Horde and Alliance teeters on collapse as Jaina Proudmoore and Warchief Thrall confront rising tensions, hidden enemies, and the lingering scars of the Third War.
Cycle of Hatred is set one year before the events of World of Warcraft and focuses on the fragile peace between the Horde and Alliance following the Third War. Jaina Proudmoore, now leader of Theramore, works to maintain diplomacy with Thrall, the Warchief of the Horde in Orgrimmar. However, tensions escalate as rogue attacks, misunderstandings, and deep-rooted mistrust begin to unravel their efforts. As each side suspects the other of betrayal, a hidden demonic force—Zmodlor—emerges, fanning the flames of conflict to reignite war. The novel highlights the emotional and political weight carried by both leaders, and the constant push-and-pull between vengeance and reconciliation. It’s a story about how peace is harder to keep than war—and how easily old wounds can be reopened.
| Author | William King |
| Publication Date | 2016 |
| Format | book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Expansion | Legion Prelude |
| Timeline | Post-Frozen Throne, During Burning Crusade |
| Major Characters | Illidan Stormrage Maiev Shadowsong Akama Kayn Sunfury Varedis Felsoul |
| Description | Set after Frozen Throne and during Burning Crusade: Illidan Stormrage builds his demon hunter army, battles Kil’jaeden’s wrath, and prepares for a cosmic war Azeroth’s heroes are not ready to face. |
| Rating |
Set after Frozen Throne and during Burning Crusade: Illidan Stormrage builds his demon hunter army, battles Kil’jaeden’s wrath, and prepares for a cosmic war Azeroth’s heroes are not ready to face.
Illidan: World of Warcraft is the definitive deep dive into Illidan Stormrage’s story following his defeat at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. Far from being a simple villain, Illidan forges a complex and dangerous plan to counter the Burning Legion, gathering an army of demon hunters, manipulating outcast allies like Akama, and waging brutal battles across Outland. Through the eyes of new recruits like Kayn Sunfury and Varedis Felsoul, readers witness the harrowing transformation into demon hunters and the internal struggle between corruption and purpose. Meanwhile, Maiev Shadowsong relentlessly hunts Illidan across dimensions, obsessed with bringing him to justice. The novel reveals hidden layers of Illidan’s motives, depicting him not just as the Betrayer, but as a tragic and desperate champion fighting a war he knows most cannot even comprehend — a war that would echo all the way into Legion and beyond.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2008 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Cataclysm |
| Timeline | Leading into Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Korialstrasz Vereesa Windrunner Sinestra Jorad Mace Zzeraku |
| Description | Leading into Cata, as dark forces gather at Grim Batol, Korialstrasz, Vereesa Windrunner, and new allies battle to stop the twisted dragon Sinestra from unleashing a deadly new breed of draconic terror. |
| Rating |
Leading into Cata, as dark forces gather at Grim Batol, Korialstrasz, Vereesa Windrunner, and new allies battle to stop the twisted dragon Sinestra from unleashing a deadly new breed of draconic terror.
In the remote mountains of Grim Batol, sinister forces stir as Sinestra, a consort of Deathwing, conducts horrifying experiments to create a new breed of dragons empowered by fel and void energies. Disguised under the name Borel, the red dragon Korialstrasz secretly investigates the growing threat and forms an uneasy alliance with Vereesa Windrunner, the human warrior Jorad Mace, and a cast of unlikely heroes. As they uncover Sinestra’s plot, they must confront not only the corrupted dragonspawn but also the dark legacy of the black dragonflight, setting the stage for even greater conflicts that will soon engulf Azeroth.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2010 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Cataclysm |
| Timeline | Pre Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Malfurion Stormrage Tyrande Whisperwind Xavius Ysera Broll Bearmantle Thura |
| Description | As Azeroth’s heroes recover from the Lich King’s fall, Malfurion Stormrage battles the nightmare corruption spreading through the Emerald Dream, facing ancient evils that threaten to consume both dream and reality. |
| Rating |
As Azeroth’s heroes recover from the Lich King’s fall, Malfurion Stormrage battles the nightmare corruption spreading through the Emerald Dream, facing ancient evils that threaten to consume both dream and reality.
In the aftermath of the Lich King’s defeat, Azeroth’s defenders begin to rebuild — but an unseen danger threatens to consume the world from within. The Emerald Nightmare, a corruption festering inside the Emerald Dream, grows stronger, pulling mortals into endless slumber and twisting nature itself into horror. Malfurion Stormrage, long trapped within the Dream, emerges to lead a desperate fight against the Nightmare’s dark master, Xavius, and ancient evil forces. Together with Tyrande, Broll Bearmantle, and new allies, he battles across shifting dreamscapes and crumbling realities. Their struggle not only frees the Emerald Dream but also heralds Malfurion’s return to Azeroth — setting the stage for the greater cataclysm yet to come.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2010 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Pre Cataclysm |
| Timeline | Pre Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Thrall Garrosh Hellscream Anduin Wrynn Magni Bronzebeard Baine Bloodhoof Cairne Bloodhoof Varian Wrynn |
| Description | As Azeroth faces growing natural disasters and political unrest, Thrall embarks on a journey to save the world while the Alliance and Horde struggle with leadership changes that will shape the coming Cataclysm. |
| Rating |
As Azeroth faces growing natural disasters and political unrest, Thrall embarks on a journey to save the world while the Alliance and Horde struggle with leadership changes that will shape the coming Cataclysm.
As the elements grow unstable and the world trembles with ominous signs, Thrall realizes that Azeroth itself is in grave danger. Relinquishing his role as Warchief of the Horde, he seeks wisdom and guidance from the shaman of the Earthen Ring to mend the world’s wounds. Meanwhile, tensions within the Horde and Alliance reach breaking points, with Garrosh Hellscream assuming leadership in Orgrimmar and deep fractures forming in Ironforge’s royal family. Baine Bloodhoof faces a grim test of leadership following tragedy, while Anduin Wrynn struggles to grow into his role as Stormwind’s prince. Their struggles, sacrifices, and shifting alliances prepare Azeroth for the devastating Cataclysm that will change the world forever.
| Author | Richard A. Knaak |
| Publication Date | 2012 |
| Format | book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | |
| Timeline | |
| Major Characters | |
| Description | As the Cataclysm reshapes Azeroth, Varian Wrynn must overcome his inner demons to unite the fractured Alliance, while the worgen of Gilneas fight for a new place among their ancient kin. |
| Rating |
As the Cataclysm reshapes Azeroth, Varian Wrynn must overcome his inner demons to unite the fractured Alliance, while the worgen of Gilneas fight for a new place among their ancient kin.
After the devastation of the Cataclysm, the Alliance stands at a crossroads. The worgen of Gilneas seek refuge and acceptance among the night elves, while old rivalries and mistrust simmer beneath the surface of the Alliance’s fragile unity. King Varian Wrynn grapples with his own internal struggle, battling the beast within to become the leader his people need. As Garrosh Hellscream’s Horde grows increasingly aggressive, Varian must forge a stronger Alliance or watch it crumble under the pressure of a world torn apart.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Cataclysm |
| Timeline | During Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Thrall Alexstrasza Ysera Nozdormu Deathwing Aggra |
| Description | As Azeroth reels from the Cataclysm, Thrall journeys across shattered worlds to aid the dragonflights, confronting ancient evils and discovering his place in the world’s destiny. |
| Rating |
As Azeroth reels from the Cataclysm, Thrall journeys across shattered worlds to aid the dragonflights, confronting ancient evils and discovering his place in the world’s destiny.
As the Cataclysm fractures Azeroth, the once-proud dragonflights stand divided and demoralized in the face of Deathwing’s onslaught. Thrall, now dedicated to the Earthen Ring and no longer Warchief, embarks on a perilous journey to aid the Aspects and heal the wounded world. Alongside allies both mortal and immortal, he confronts ancient forces of destruction, navigates his own doubts, and struggles to unite the fracturing flights. Thrall’s journey not only rekindles hope for Azeroth’s survival but also reshapes his own destiny as more than just a leader of the Horde.
| Author | Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Post-Cataclysm |
| Timeline | Post-Dragon Soul Raid (Post-Cataclysm) |
| Major Characters | Alexstrasza Nozdormu Ysera Kalecgos Thrall |
| Description | After Deathwing’s defeat, the Dragon Aspects confront the end of their ancient purpose and forge a new future for Azeroth without their godlike powers. |
| Rating |
After Deathwing’s defeat, the Dragon Aspects confront the end of their ancient purpose and forge a new future for Azeroth without their godlike powers.
Charge of the Aspects takes place after the climactic defeat of Deathwing during the Dragon Soul raid. With their titanic blessings spent to save the world, the Dragon Aspects — Alexstrasza, Nozdormu, Ysera, and Kalecgos — grapple with the loss of their immortality and the end of their cosmic stewardship. Each Aspect must find a new purpose in a changed Azeroth, while recognizing that the age of mortals has truly begun. The story also reveals the early signs of deeper cosmic threats yet to come, including hints at Nozdormu’s eventual corruption into Murozond. It’s a pivotal emotional and thematic bridge between Cataclysm and the mortal-driven conflicts of later expansions.
| Author | Sarah Pine |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm, Early Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Garrosh Hellscream Eitrigg Malkorok |
| Description | Garrosh Hellscream struggles with the burdens of Warchief, torn between forging a powerful Horde and suppressing his violent instincts — setting the tone for his dark path in Mists of Pandaria. |
| Rating |
Garrosh Hellscream struggles with the burdens of Warchief, torn between forging a powerful Horde and suppressing his violent instincts — setting the tone for his dark path in Mists of Pandaria.
Garrosh Hellscream: Heart of War provides a rare look inside the mind of the newly crowned Warchief after Thrall’s departure. While he strives to strengthen the Horde and uphold its honor, Garrosh grapples with his aggressive tendencies and brutal methods. His relationship with loyalists like Eitrigg, and enforcers like Malkorok, highlight the growing tension between tradition and militarism. The story shows how Garrosh’s idealistic vision for the Horde becomes increasingly clouded by paranoia, racism, and thirst for conquest — a psychological snapshot of the leader who would eventually plunge Azeroth into chaos during Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | James Waugh |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Genn Greymane Lorna Crowley Darius Crowley |
| Description | Haunted by the fall of Gilneas and his people’s curse, Genn Greymane struggles to hold his shattered kingdom and family together in the face of tragedy and regret. |
| Rating |
Haunted by the fall of Gilneas and his people’s curse, Genn Greymane struggles to hold his shattered kingdom and family together in the face of tragedy and regret.
Genn Greymane: Lord of His Pack explores the emotional aftermath of Gilneas’s fall to the Forsaken and the internal conflicts Genn faces as a leader and father. While trying to maintain the dignity and survival of his people in exile, Genn is plagued by guilt over his past arrogance and isolationist policies. His relationship with his daughter Lorna, now a fierce worgen fighter, and his former political rival Darius Crowley adds layers of tension and heartbreak. This deeply personal story shows Genn’s growth from a proud, stubborn king into a leader willing to fight alongside the Alliance — and sets the stage for his major role in future conflicts like Stormheim in Legion.
| Author | Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Jastor Gallywix Various goblin rivals |
| Description | Gallywix reflects on his ruthless rise from gutter thug to Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, revealing the greed and cunning that define goblin ‘business’ on Azeroth. |
| Rating |
Gallywix reflects on his ruthless rise from gutter thug to Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, revealing the greed and cunning that define goblin ‘business’ on Azeroth.
Gallywix: Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince offers a rare, brutally honest glimpse into the mind of Azeroth’s most notorious goblin tycoon. Narrated in Gallywix’s own flamboyant, self-congratulatory style, the story recounts his climb from the slums of Kezan to absolute control of the Bilgewater Cartel. Through a series of shady deals, betrayals, and bloody business rivalries, Gallywix portrays the goblin philosophy of ruthless capitalism and survival of the richest. His unapologetic greed and cunning lay the groundwork for the goblins’ uneasy position within the modern Horde — a role that will become more critical as tensions rise during Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Jastor Gallywix Various goblin rivals |
| Description | Gallywix reflects on his ruthless rise from gutter thug to Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, revealing the greed and cunning that define goblin ‘business’ on Azeroth. |
| Rating |
Gallywix reflects on his ruthless rise from gutter thug to Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel, revealing the greed and cunning that define goblin ‘business’ on Azeroth.
Gallywix: Trade Secrets of a Trade Prince offers a rare, brutally honest glimpse into the mind of Azeroth’s most notorious goblin tycoon. Narrated in Gallywix’s own flamboyant, self-congratulatory style, the story recounts his climb from the slums of Kezan to absolute control of the Bilgewater Cartel. Through a series of shady deals, betrayals, and bloody business rivalries, Gallywix portrays the goblin philosophy of ruthless capitalism and survival of the richest. His unapologetic greed and cunning lay the groundwork for the goblins’ uneasy position within the modern Horde — a role that will become more critical as tensions rise during Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Muradin Bronzebeard Moira Thaurissan Falstad Wildhammer Anduin Wrynn |
| Description | After Magni Bronzebeard’s petrification, Ironforge faces civil unrest as Muradin, Moira, and Falstad struggle to unite their fractured clans under the newly formed Council of Three Hammers. |
| Rating |
After Magni Bronzebeard’s petrification, Ironforge faces civil unrest as Muradin, Moira, and Falstad struggle to unite their fractured clans under the newly formed Council of Three Hammers.
The Council of Three Hammers: Fire and Iron tells the story of how the dwarves of Ironforge, once unified under King Magni Bronzebeard, grapple with political instability after Magni’s transformation into living stone. In the power vacuum, three leaders — Muradin Bronzebeard (representing the Bronzebeards), Moira Thaurissan (the Dark Irons), and Falstad Wildhammer (the Wildhammers) — are forced to form a council to share rule over Ironforge. The story explores their deep-rooted mistrust, cultural clashes, and fragile alliances, while highlighting King Anduin Wrynn’s influence in keeping the peace. It lays critical groundwork for the dwarves’ role in the Alliance leading into the events of Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2016 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki youtube |
| Expansion | Legion |
| Timeline | Prelude to Legion |
| Major Characters | Magni Bronzebeard Moira Thaurissan Anduin Wrynn Earthen Ring |
| Description | After years trapped in diamond form, Magni Bronzebeard awakens to a world changed — and hears the voice of Azeroth itself calling him to a greater destiny. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 4/2025 |
After years trapped in diamond form, Magni Bronzebeard awakens to a world changed — and hears the voice of Azeroth itself calling him to a greater destiny.
Magni: Fault Lines explores the awakening of Magni Bronzebeard after his transformation into living diamond years earlier during the Cataclysm. Emerging from his crystalline sleep, Magni struggles to adjust to a world that has moved on without him, and to the realization that he now serves as the living voice of Azeroth itself. Wrestling with guilt over past decisions and fear of his new role, Magni seeks guidance among the Earthen Ring and the few remaining dwarves who still believe in him. This story sets the stage for Magni’s critical involvement in Legion and Battle for Azeroth, where his connection to Azeroth becomes a key part of the struggle against cosmic threats.
| Author | Cameron Dayton |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Gelbin Mekkatorque Sicco Thermaplugg |
| Description | High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque faces betrayal and hard choices as he struggles to reclaim Gnomeregan and lead his people in the aftermath of its irradiated devastation. |
| Rating |
High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque faces betrayal and hard choices as he struggles to reclaim Gnomeregan and lead his people in the aftermath of its irradiated devastation.
Gelbin Mekkatorque: Cut Short focuses on the brilliant but burdened leader of the gnomes as he fights to reclaim the lost city of Gnomeregan. After the catastrophic betrayal by Sicco Thermaplugg, who unleashed radiation on his own people, Gelbin must grapple not only with the logistics of leading a displaced nation but also the painful emotional scars left behind. The story explores Gelbin’s moral dilemma as he faces Thermaplugg once again, forced to choose between revenge and the greater good. It’s a rare look into the depth and resilience of a leader often overlooked, setting the stage for Gnomeregan’s evolving role in the Alliance leading into Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Steven Nix |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Baine Bloodhoof Vol'jin Garrosh Hellscream Tauren of Thunder Bluff |
| Description | After the death of his father Cairne, Baine Bloodhoof struggles to lead the tauren people with honor while navigating Garrosh Hellscream’s aggressive new Horde. |
| Rating |
After the death of his father Cairne, Baine Bloodhoof struggles to lead the tauren people with honor while navigating Garrosh Hellscream’s aggressive new Horde.
Baine Bloodhoof: As Our Fathers Before Us follows Baine in the wake of his father Cairne’s death, thrust into leadership at a time of upheaval within the Horde. Baine strives to honor Cairne’s ideals of wisdom and balance while contending with Garrosh Hellscream’s growing militarism and disregard for traditional values. As Baine rebuilds Thunder Bluff and guides the tauren through uncertain times, he must balance diplomacy, strength, and adherence to his people’s spiritual roots. This story lays critical emotional groundwork for Baine’s eventual pivotal role in resisting Garrosh’s tyranny during Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Marc Hutcheson |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage Night Elf Sentinels |
| Description | Tyrande Whisperwind faces doubts among her people and within herself as she struggles to protect the night elves’ future in a world forever changed by the Cataclysm. |
| Rating |
Tyrande Whisperwind faces doubts among her people and within herself as she struggles to protect the night elves’ future in a world forever changed by the Cataclysm.
Tyrande Whisperwind: Seeds of Faith explores Tyrande’s internal conflicts and leadership challenges following the devastation wrought by Deathwing’s Cataclysm. As the night elf nation reels from the loss of lands and lives, Tyrande faces criticism from her people and even questions her own faith and decisions. Malfurion’s return from the Emerald Dream offers both hope and tension, as the two leaders must reconcile different visions for their people’s future. Ultimately, Tyrande reaffirms her strength and her unwavering belief in Elune’s guidance, setting the stage for the night elves’ role in the evolving Alliance during Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Marc Hutcheson |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Velen Anduin Wrynn Draenei |
| Description | Prophet Velen mentors young Prince Anduin Wrynn, teaching him about patience, compassion, and the greater destiny awaiting both the Alliance and Azeroth. |
| Rating |
Prophet Velen mentors young Prince Anduin Wrynn, teaching him about patience, compassion, and the greater destiny awaiting both the Alliance and Azeroth.
Velen: Prophet’s Lesson focuses on a quiet but powerful moment between the ancient draenei leader and the young Prince Anduin Wrynn. As Anduin struggles with the political tensions and looming conflicts of a changing world, Velen imparts wisdom on faith, foresight, and the necessity of hope even when darkness seems overwhelming. Their bond reveals Anduin’s growing maturity and his unique potential to unite — rather than simply rule — his people. The story highlights Velen’s long-term view of history, and how small acts of kindness can ripple forward to change Azeroth’s fate. It beautifully foreshadows Anduin’s later rise as king and a peacemaker during Battle for Azeroth.
| Author | Dave Kosak |
| Publication Date | 2010 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Post-Wrath, Pre-Cataclysm |
| Timeline | Immediately after Wrath of the Lich King |
| Major Characters | Sylvanas Windrunner The Val'kyr Arthas Menethil Bolvar Fordragon |
| Description | After Arthas’s death, Sylvanas falls into despair, commits suicide, and forges a pact with the Val’kyr to cheat death — forever altering her fate and the future of the Forsaken. |
| Rating |
After Arthas’s death, Sylvanas falls into despair, commits suicide, and forges a pact with the Val’kyr to cheat death — forever altering her fate and the future of the Forsaken.
Edge of Night is a pivotal short story that explores Sylvanas Windrunner’s descent into darkness after the fall of the Lich King. With Arthas defeated and her vengeance complete, Sylvanas finds her existence hollow and meaningless. In despair, she throws herself from Icecrown Citadel into oblivion — only to encounter the Val’kyr, who offer her a second chance to escape the oblivion of the Shadowlands. Sylvanas strikes a bargain that binds the Val’kyr to her service, allowing her to reclaim her position as the Banshee Queen and forge a new, grim destiny for the Forsaken. This story is essential for understanding Sylvanas’ motives heading into Cataclysm and beyond.
| Author | E. Daniel Arey |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Varian Wrynn Anduin Wrynn Bolvar Fordragon Lo'Gosh |
| Description | King Varian Wrynn grapples with his violent past, the burden of leadership, and his hopes for his son Anduin — striving to break the cycle of bloodshed that shaped him. |
| Rating |
King Varian Wrynn grapples with his violent past, the burden of leadership, and his hopes for his son Anduin — striving to break the cycle of bloodshed that shaped him.
Varian Wrynn: Blood of Our Fathers explores the internal struggles of King Varian as he faces the challenges of rebuilding a fractured Alliance after the Cataclysm. Haunted by the death of his father and his own brutal upbringing as Lo’Gosh in the gladiator pits, Varian reflects on how violence shaped him and fears for the future of his son, Anduin. Through conversations and memories, Varian resolves to guide Anduin toward a better path — one not marred by endless war and bloodshed. This story deepens Varian’s character, showcasing his transition from a rage-driven warrior-king to a more thoughtful and hopeful leader, laying the groundwork for his actions in Mists of Pandaria and beyond.
| Author | Sarah Pine |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Lor'themar Theron Halduron Brightwing Grand Magister Rommath Garrosh Hellscream |
| Description | Lor’themar Theron struggles with the growing tensions between Quel’Thalas and Garrosh’s Horde, questioning the blood elves’ loyalty and the future of his people. |
| Rating |
Lor’themar Theron struggles with the growing tensions between Quel’Thalas and Garrosh’s Horde, questioning the blood elves’ loyalty and the future of his people.
Lor’themar Theron: In the Shadow of the Sun reveals the inner conflicts of the regent lord of Quel’Thalas as he navigates political pressures from Garrosh Hellscream and the shifting balance of power within the Horde. While seeking to protect the blood elves’ independence, Lor’themar is forced to confront the reality that their place in the Horde may come at a terrible cost. Tensions with the Forsaken over the Ghostlands and distrust of Garrosh’s aggression create a precarious situation. This story highlights Lor’themar’s tactical mind, pride, and growing disillusionment — critical setup for his later role in Mists of Pandaria and Battle for Azeroth.
| Author | Marc Hutcheson |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria lead-up |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm |
| Major Characters | Velen Anduin Wrynn |
| Description | Prophet Velen mentors young Prince Anduin Wrynn, teaching him patience, compassion, and the role he will one day play in shaping the fate of Azeroth. |
| Rating |
Prophet Velen mentors young Prince Anduin Wrynn, teaching him patience, compassion, and the role he will one day play in shaping the fate of Azeroth.
Velen: Prophet’s Lesson focuses on a quiet but profound moment between the ancient draenei prophet and young Prince Anduin Wrynn. As tensions simmer after Deathwing’s destruction, Velen guides Anduin to understand the value of hope, patience, and unity over hatred and war. Through personal conversations and subtle foresight, Velen encourages Anduin’s growth into the kind of wise leader Azeroth will desperately need. This story adds critical emotional depth to Anduin’s character, foreshadowing his future role during Mists of Pandaria, Battle for Azeroth, and beyond.
| Author | Graham McNeill |
| Publication Date | 2012 |
| Format | Web Short Story (Multi-Chapter Serialized) |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Li Li Stormstout Chen Stormstout Strongbo Wanderbrew Family |
| Description | Li Li Stormstout’s whimsical travel journal recounts her adventures across Azeroth in search of her famous uncle, capturing the wanderlust and optimism that foreshadows Pandaria’s rediscovery. |
| Rating |
Li Li Stormstout’s whimsical travel journal recounts her adventures across Azeroth in search of her famous uncle, capturing the wanderlust and optimism that foreshadows Pandaria’s rediscovery.
Li Li’s Travel Journal is a charming, serialized story chronicling the travels of the young pandaren Li Li Stormstout as she journeys across Azeroth after the Cataclysm. With vivid illustrations and a playful tone, Li Li recounts her encounters with dwarves, night elves, goblins, and other races, all while searching for any trace of her legendary uncle, Chen Stormstout. Her observations reveal much about the world’s shifting politics and cultures in the post-Deathwing era. Beyond its lighthearted surface, the story plants crucial seeds that lead directly to the discovery of Pandaria during the Mists of Pandaria expansion. It’s both a fun, heartwarming read and an essential setup for the broader Stormstout family lore.
| Author | Sarah Pine |
| Publication Date | 2012 |
| Format | Web Short Story (4-Part Serialized) |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Li Li Stormstout Chen Stormstout Strongbo Taran Zhu |
| Description | As Azeroth reels from Deathwing’s destruction, Li Li Stormstout embarks on a daring journey across the seas — uncovering lost family history and the first signs of the hidden land of Pandaria. |
| Rating |
As Azeroth reels from Deathwing’s destruction, Li Li Stormstout embarks on a daring journey across the seas — uncovering lost family history and the first signs of the hidden land of Pandaria.
Quest for Pandaria follows the spirited young pandaren Li Li Stormstout as she journeys across a shattered Azeroth after the Cataclysm, searching for clues about her famous uncle, Chen Stormstout. With her friend Strongbo by her side, Li Li battles pirates, faces deadly seas, and ultimately finds hints of a forgotten land shrouded in mists. This four-part story bridges the events of Cataclysm and Mists of Pandaria, reintroducing the Stormstout family and offering the first glimpse into the lost continent that will soon reshape Azeroth’s destiny. It’s a lighthearted but vital prelude to the coming adventures of Mists of Pandaria.
| Author | Roberts Brooks |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | During Mists of Pandaria (post-Varian campaign) |
| Major Characters | Sky Admiral Catherine Rogers General Nazgrim Alliance Forces Horde Forces |
| Description | Sky Admiral Rogers unleashes the full might of the Alliance navy against the Horde in Pandaria, showcasing the brutal escalation of the faction war after Theramore’s destruction. |
| Rating |
Sky Admiral Rogers unleashes the full might of the Alliance navy against the Horde in Pandaria, showcasing the brutal escalation of the faction war after Theramore’s destruction.
Death from Above spotlights the ferocious escalation of Alliance aggression during the Mists of Pandaria conflict. After surviving the destruction of Theramore, Sky Admiral Catherine Rogers seeks vengeance against the Horde, leading a ruthless aerial assault against Horde forces entrenched in Pandaria. As the battle intensifies, Rogers struggles between personal hatred and her duty to her men — highlighting the moral ambiguities and bitter legacy of war on both sides. This action-driven story paints a stark portrait of the growing savagery of the Alliance-Horde conflict, laying groundwork for the tensions that will later explode into all-out war during Battle for Azeroth.
| Author | Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | During Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Brann Bronzebeard Wei Palerage Lorewalker Cho Shan Jitong |
| Description | Brann Bronzebeard and a band of adventurers race against rival treasure hunters in Pandaria to recover an ancient, powerful jade artifact. |
| Rating |
Brann Bronzebeard and a band of adventurers race against rival treasure hunters in Pandaria to recover an ancient, powerful jade artifact.
The Jade Hunters is a lighthearted adventure tale set during the Mists of Pandaria expansion. Renowned explorer Brann Bronzebeard joins forces with Lorewalker Cho and other adventurers as they search for a legendary jade artifact hidden deep within Pandaria’s wilderness. Along the way, they encounter treacherous landscapes, ancient secrets, and dangerous rivals. The story captures the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines much of Pandaria’s early narrative, blending humor, danger, and the timeless Warcraft theme of rival treasure hunters battling for glory and knowledge.
| Author | Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | During Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Sunwalker Dezco Leza The Shado-Pan The Horde Expedition |
| Description | In the jungles of Pandaria, Sunwalker Dezco faces devastating personal loss, forcing him to find strength, faith, and hope for his people in a world wracked by war. |
| Rating |
In the jungles of Pandaria, Sunwalker Dezco faces devastating personal loss, forcing him to find strength, faith, and hope for his people in a world wracked by war.
Bleeding Sun tells the moving story of Sunwalker Dezco, a tauren paladin, as he and his people venture into the wilds of Pandaria seeking a promised land. After suffering a tragic personal loss in the Valley of the Four Winds, Dezco struggles with his grief, his duty, and his faith in An’she, the sun god of the tauren. His journey becomes not only a physical survival story but a spiritual test of perseverance and leadership. The story offers deep emotional weight to the Pandaria experience, highlighting the cost of war on even the noblest heroes — and laying the foundation for the Highmountain Tauren’s lore seen later in Legion.
| Author | Cameron Dayton |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | During Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Tenwu of the Red Smoke Pandaren Assassins Shado-Pan |
| Description | In the hidden courts of Pandaria, master assassin Tenwu of the Red Smoke faces a deadly trial of honor, loyalty, and survival among the enigmatic Red Blossoms. |
| Rating |
In the hidden courts of Pandaria, master assassin Tenwu of the Red Smoke faces a deadly trial of honor, loyalty, and survival among the enigmatic Red Blossoms.
Trial of the Red Blossoms offers a rare glimpse into Pandaria’s shadowy assassin society through the eyes of Tenwu of the Red Smoke. Summoned to compete in a brutal trial that will determine the fate of a splintered brotherhood, Tenwu must navigate deadly rivalries, shifting loyalties, and a gauntlet of lethal challenges. The story explores themes of honor, tradition, and the blurry lines between justice and survival. It enriches the lore of Pandaria’s secretive orders, while showcasing the moral complexity faced by even the most disciplined and deadly warriors.
| Author | Gavin Jurgens-Fyhrie |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | During Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Lorewalker Shuchun Lorewalker Cho Mogu Spirits Pandaren Adventurers |
| Description | Lorewalker Shuchun and a daring band of explorers uncover a mysterious mogu artifact, learning that knowledge — like power — can be as dangerous as it is precious. |
| Rating |
Lorewalker Shuchun and a daring band of explorers uncover a mysterious mogu artifact, learning that knowledge — like power — can be as dangerous as it is precious.
The Blank Scroll follows Lorewalker Shuchun and a group of curious adventurers as they delve into an ancient mogu ruin in search of lost secrets. What begins as a scholarly expedition quickly turns perilous as they awaken dormant magical forces and discover that the mogu’s pursuit of absolute control left deep scars on Pandaria’s history. Lorewalker Cho’s framing commentary offers wisdom about the dangers of tampering with forgotten powers. The story blends mystery, action, and philosophical reflection, enriching the lore of the mogu and Pandaria’s ancient past, while reinforcing one of Warcraft’s recurring themes: that knowledge must be tempered with wisdom.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2012 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Between Cataclysm and Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | Post-Cataclysm, Pre Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Jaina Proudmoore Thrall Garrosh Hellscream Kalecgos Varian Wrynn Baine Bloodhoof |
| Description | Between Cata and Mists of Pandaria: after the Horde’s devastating attack on Theramore, Jaina Proudmoore is forced to abandon her hopes for peace and embraces a path of vengeance that forever changes her and the course of the Alliance. |
| Rating |
Between Cata and Mists of Pandaria: after the Horde’s devastating attack on Theramore, Jaina Proudmoore is forced to abandon her hopes for peace and embraces a path of vengeance that forever changes her and the course of the Alliance.
Tides of War chronicles the destruction of Theramore and the transformation of Jaina Proudmoore from peace-seeking diplomat to vengeful war mage. With Garrosh Hellscream leading the Horde down an aggressive, expansionist path, Theramore becomes a prime target. Despite warnings and growing tension, Jaina holds firm in her hope for diplomacy—until Garrosh uses a mana bomb, enhanced by the Focusing Iris, to utterly obliterate her city and everyone in it. The devastation breaks something inside her, and Jaina, once a symbol of peace, nearly unleashes arcane annihilation in revenge. Guided by Khadgar and her growing relationship with Kalecgos, she ultimately pulls back—but emerges hardened, determined, and forever changed. The novel explores trauma, rage, betrayal, and the thin line between justice and vengeance, while setting up future conflicts for Mists of Pandaria and beyond.
| Author | Michael A. Stackpole |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria |
| Timeline | During Mists of Pandaria |
| Major Characters | Vol'jin Taran Zhu Tyrathan Khort Chen Stormstout Garrosh Hellscream |
| Description | Set in Mists of Pandaria, after an assassination attempt leaves him near death, Vol’jin is taken to the Shado-Pan Monastery, where he must confront his doubts, heal his spirit, and choose whether to accept his destiny as a future leader of the Horde. |
| Rating |
Set in Mists of Pandaria, after an assassination attempt leaves him near death, Vol’jin is taken to the Shado-Pan Monastery, where he must confront his doubts, heal his spirit, and choose whether to accept his destiny as a future leader of the Horde.
Left for dead by assassins loyal to Garrosh Hellscream, Vol’jin is rescued and brought to the Shado-Pan Monastery deep in Pandaria, where he must face not only his injuries but also his shaken faith in the Horde. Guided by the wisdom of Taran Zhu and unlikely allies like the human warrior Tyrathan Khort, Vol’jin confronts visions of his people’s past, present, and uncertain future. As tensions between the factions escalate and ancient evils rise, Vol’jin emerges stronger and surer of his role — ready to challenge Garrosh’s tyranny and forge a new path for the Horde.
| Author | Brian Kindregan |
| Publication Date | 2011 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria aftermath |
| Timeline | Between Mists of Pandaria and Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Vol'jin Garrosh Hellscream Chen Stormstout Baine Bloodhoof Thrall |
| Description | After surviving an assassination attempt, Vol’jin reflects on his loyalty to the Horde and wrestles with his destiny, setting the stage for his future as Warchief. |
| Rating |
After surviving an assassination attempt, Vol’jin reflects on his loyalty to the Horde and wrestles with his destiny, setting the stage for his future as Warchief.
Vol’jin: The Judgement takes place after Vol’jin’s recovery at the Shado-Pan Monastery. As he regains his strength, Vol’jin is haunted by doubts about his place within the Horde under Garrosh’s brutal rule. Reflecting on the teachings of the Shado-Pan and his vision for his people’s future, Vol’jin makes a fateful decision to oppose Garrosh’s tyranny. The story explores Vol’jin’s deep internal conflict between duty, loyalty, and honor — ultimately charting the path that would see him rise as the Horde’s next Warchief during the Siege of Orgrimmar. It’s a critical emotional bridge between Shadows of the Horde and War Crimes.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria transitioning to Warlords of Draenor |
| Timeline | Post-Siege of Orgrimmar, Pre Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Garrosh Hellscream Tyrande Whisperwind Baine Bloodhoof Anduin Wrynn Thrall Jaina Proudmoore Wrathion Kairozdormu |
| Description | In the aftermath of the Siege of Orgrimmar (Mists of Pandaria), Garrosh Hellscream faces a historic trial in Pandaria to answer for his crimes against Azeroth. Secrets are revealed, tensions rise, and a conspiracy unfolds that will change the destiny of Azeroth and beyond. |
| Rating |
In the aftermath of the Siege of Orgrimmar (Mists of Pandaria), Garrosh Hellscream faces a historic trial in Pandaria to answer for his crimes against Azeroth. Secrets are revealed, tensions rise, and a conspiracy unfolds that will change the destiny of Azeroth and beyond.
War Crimes takes place after Garrosh Hellscream’s defeat in Siege of Orgrimmar and centers around his trial in Pandaria, where both Alliance and Horde leaders are forced to confront their own pasts as much as Garrosh’s crimes. The trial is presided over by the August Celestials, and evidence is presented through magical visions conjured by Chromie—allowing the characters (and the reader) to relive key moments in recent Warcraft history, from the bombing of Theramore to Garrosh’s atrocities in Pandaria. As Tyrande prosecutes and Baine defends, the trial becomes less about vengeance and more about examining the very soul of the Horde and the cost of war. Meanwhile, secret machinations unfold, especially involving Sylvanas, Wrathion, and Kairozdormu of the Bronze Dragonflight. In the end, the trial doesn’t reach a true conclusion: Garrosh escapes with Kairozdormu’s help, setting the stage for the Warlords of Draenor expansion and the alternate-timeline storyline that follows.
| Author | Micky Neilson |
| Publication Date | 2013 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Mists of Pandaria Aftermath |
| Timeline | Post-Mists of Pandaria (early recovery period) |
| Major Characters | Taran Zhu Pandaren Farmers Sha Remnants |
| Description | In the fragile peace after the war for Pandaria, Taran Zhu and a band of farmers struggle to reclaim a land still haunted by the remnants of hatred and corruption. |
| Rating |
In the fragile peace after the war for Pandaria, Taran Zhu and a band of farmers struggle to reclaim a land still haunted by the remnants of hatred and corruption.
The Untamed Valley follows Shado-Pan leader Taran Zhu and several pandaren farmers as they attempt to heal the land and restore life to a devastated valley following the fall of Garrosh Hellscream. Despite the mists lifting and Pandaria being ‘saved,’ darkness lingers in the soil, with traces of the Sha’s corruption still festering. As Taran Zhu grapples with guilt over past failures and the burden of rebuilding, the story reminds readers that peace is never easily won — and that true healing requires perseverance, humility, and courage. It’s a reflective, bittersweet piece that captures the soul of Pandaria after its traumatic rebirth.
| Author | Micky Neilson |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Blackhand Orgrim Doomhammer Blackrock Clan |
| Description | In the brutal world of Draenor, Blackhand forges the Blackrock Clan’s ruthless philosophy of survival, strength, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in battle. |
| Rating |
In the brutal world of Draenor, Blackhand forges the Blackrock Clan’s ruthless philosophy of survival, strength, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in battle.
The Strength of Steel dives into the harsh upbringing and leadership style of Blackhand, the fearsome chieftain of the Blackrock Clan. It shows how the culture of strength, dominance, and iron will becomes the foundation of the Blackrock way of life. Under Blackhand’s command, the Blackrock orcs hone their bodies and minds into weapons, embracing a brutal meritocracy where weakness is death. This story not only illuminates Blackhand’s ruthless character but also sets the stage for the militaristic brutality of the Iron Horde, making it essential background for Warlords of Draenor.
| Author | Robert Brooks |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor Prelude |
| Timeline | Immediately after Siege of Orgrimmar (Pre-Warlords of Draenor) |
| Major Characters | Garrosh Hellscream Kairozdormu Wrathion Jaina Proudmoore (brief) |
| Description | Awaiting execution after his defeat, Garrosh Hellscream seizes a second chance when Kairozdormu offers escape — setting in motion the creation of the Iron Horde and a war across time. |
| Rating |
Awaiting execution after his defeat, Garrosh Hellscream seizes a second chance when Kairozdormu offers escape — setting in motion the creation of the Iron Horde and a war across time.
Hellscream chronicles Garrosh’s final days as a prisoner in Pandaria after the Siege of Orgrimmar. Bitter and unrepentant, Garrosh awaits his trial but refuses to accept defeat. He is approached by Kairozdormu, a time-traveling bronze dragon driven by his own ambitions, who offers Garrosh a means of escape. Wrathion also looms in the background, hinting at greater cosmic manipulations. Garrosh escapes into an alternate version of Draenor’s past, where he plans to reshape history by forging the Iron Horde — free from the corruption of demons but fueled by brutal orcish conquest. This story sets the stage for the entire Warlords of Draenor expansion.
| Author | Neilson, Micky |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Gul'dan Kil'jaeden (mentioned) The Stranger (Kairozdormu) |
| Description | On the brink of death and disgrace, Gul’dan encounters a mysterious stranger who offers him a second chance — and a darker destiny that will change Draenor forever. |
| Rating |
On the brink of death and disgrace, Gul’dan encounters a mysterious stranger who offers him a second chance — and a darker destiny that will change Draenor forever.
Gul’dan and the Stranger explores the pivotal moment when Gul’dan, cast out and near death after being betrayed by his clan, is visited by a mysterious figure: Kairozdormu. Offering salvation and untold power, the stranger nudges Gul’dan toward embracing the Burning Legion’s promises with renewed zeal. The story captures Gul’dan’s desperate thirst for vengeance, power, and survival — traits that will make him a critical agent of destruction in both Draenor’s past and Azeroth’s future. It bridges Garrosh’s escape with Gul’dan’s resurgence, leading directly into the events of Warlords of Draenor and setting the cosmic stakes even higher.
| Author | Ryan Quinn |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Kilrogg Deadeye Bleeding Hollow Clan Vision Spirit |
| Description | Kilrogg Deadeye confronts the brutal ritual that has shaped generations of Bleeding Hollow chieftains — sacrificing an eye to glimpse the moment of their own death, and forging destiny through blood. |
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Kilrogg Deadeye confronts the brutal ritual that has shaped generations of Bleeding Hollow chieftains — sacrificing an eye to glimpse the moment of their own death, and forging destiny through blood.
Code of Rule explores the harsh traditions of the Bleeding Hollow clan, focusing on the young warrior Kilrogg. To ascend as chieftain, he must undergo a brutal and mystical ritual: sacrificing one of his eyes to gain a vision of his own inevitable death. Through this vision, Kilrogg accepts the certainty of his demise and the code of strength, fearlessness, and destiny that defines his people. The story provides deep insight into the savage but noble culture of the Bleeding Hollow and sets Kilrogg on the path to becoming one of the Iron Horde’s fiercest generals during the Warlords of Draenor expansion.
| Author | Ryan Quinn |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Durotan Draka Frostwolf Clan Garrosh (mentioned) |
| Description | As the Iron Horde rises, Durotan faces an agonizing decision: whether to join the bloodthirsty war machine — or stay true to the Frostwolves’ code of honor, even at the risk of annihilation. |
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As the Iron Horde rises, Durotan faces an agonizing decision: whether to join the bloodthirsty war machine — or stay true to the Frostwolves’ code of honor, even at the risk of annihilation.
Over Water follows Durotan, young chieftain of the Frostwolf Clan, as he struggles with the growing pressure to ally with the newly forming Iron Horde. While many orc clans are drawn to promises of strength and conquest, Durotan and his mate Draka remain deeply wary of sacrificing the Frostwolves’ ancient traditions of honor and balance with nature. As Garrosh’s influence spreads and war drums echo across Draenor, Durotan must choose between survival and principle. This story sets up Durotan’s pivotal role as one of the few major orc leaders to resist the Iron Horde during the Warlords of Draenor expansion.
| Author | Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2015 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor |
| Timeline | Early Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Archmage Khadgar Gul'dan Khadgar’s Apprentices |
| Description | Khadgar unearths a grim truth hidden in Gul’dan’s dark past, realizing the terrifying scope of the warlock’s ambitions — and the dire threat he poses to both Draenor and Azeroth. |
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Khadgar unearths a grim truth hidden in Gul’dan’s dark past, realizing the terrifying scope of the warlock’s ambitions — and the dire threat he poses to both Draenor and Azeroth.
Apocrypha follows Archmage Khadgar as he investigates Gul’dan’s history and the ominous forces gathering on Draenor. In secret studies, Khadgar and his apprentices uncover forbidden lore describing Gul’dan’s original pact with the Burning Legion, and the horrific costs it exacted. Through his research, Khadgar realizes that even in this alternate Draenor, Gul’dan’s hunger for power and destruction remains unchanged — posing a threat far greater than the Iron Horde alone. The story sharply elevates the stakes of Warlords of Draenor, linking Gul’dan’s new ambitions to the broader cosmic struggles that will eventually lead into Legion.
| Author | Robert Brooks |
| Publication Date | 2014 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Warlords of Draenor Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Warlords of Draenor |
| Major Characters | Blackhand Kilrogg Deadeye Grommash Hellscream Garrosh (indirect influence) |
| Description | As the Iron Horde rises, Blackhand — once a ruthless chieftain — is forged into a monstrous war machine through betrayal, ambition, and fire. |
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As the Iron Horde rises, Blackhand — once a ruthless chieftain — is forged into a monstrous war machine through betrayal, ambition, and fire.
Blackhand recounts the brutal and tragic transformation of the Blackrock Clan’s mighty leader into a living weapon of war. Originally a fierce but pragmatic chieftain, Blackhand becomes a pawn in Garrosh Hellscream and Kairozdormu’s plans to build the Iron Horde. After being betrayed and nearly killed by his own allies, he is reforged through agony, emerging as a hulking, iron-plated monster — an unstoppable warlord stripped of mercy and humanity. This grim story highlights the cruelty and cold efficiency of the Iron Horde, showcasing the loss of Blackhand’s identity in the pursuit of power and dominance.
| Author | Roberts Brooks |
| Publication Date | 2017 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Legion (Highmountain Tauren focus) |
| Timeline | During Legion |
| Major Characters | Mayla Highmountain Spiritwalker Ebonhorn (Ebyssian) Jale Rivermane |
| Description | Mayla Highmountain struggles with her doubts as new leader of the tauren tribes, seeking ancient wisdom to guide her people through the dark times of the Legion’s invasion. |
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Mayla Highmountain struggles with her doubts as new leader of the tauren tribes, seeking ancient wisdom to guide her people through the dark times of the Legion’s invasion.
Highmountain: The Missing Lesson follows Mayla Highmountain, newly burdened with leadership after her father’s death, as she seeks guidance during the Burning Legion’s assault on Azeroth. Unsure if she can live up to her ancestors’ legacy, Mayla ventures into the wilds with Spiritwalker Ebonhorn to uncover a long-forgotten story of humility, wisdom, and courage. Along the way, she learns that strength is not found in power or pride, but in understanding and unity. This gentle but important story deepens the lore around the Highmountain tauren and enriches Mayla’s role in Legion and beyond.
| Author | Marc Hutcheson |
| Publication Date | 2015 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Legion Prelude |
| Timeline | Post-Burning Crusade, Prelude to Legion |
| Major Characters | Lady Liadrin A'dal Prince Kael'thas (flashback) Blood Knights |
| Description | Lady Liadrin reflects on the dark origins of the Blood Knights and her path to redemption, forging a new future of hope and honor for her people. |
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Lady Liadrin reflects on the dark origins of the Blood Knights and her path to redemption, forging a new future of hope and honor for her people.
Liadrin: Blood Knight traces the journey of Lady Liadrin, once a proud and bitter warrior who helped found the Blood Knights by siphoning power from the captive naaru M’uru. Haunted by guilt and the shame of past betrayals, Liadrin struggles to lead her people toward a nobler path — drawing true strength from the Light rather than exploiting it. Through reflection and hard-won wisdom, she helps transform the Blood Knights into a force for good, restoring honor to the sin’dorei and preparing them to stand against the threats of the Legion. The story serves as a powerful redemption arc for Liadrin, tying her early mistakes to her vital leadership role during the Legion expansion.
| Author | Steve Danuser |
| Publication Date | 2017 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Prelude to Battle for Azeroth |
| Timeline | Post-Legion, Pre-Battle for Azeroth |
| Major Characters | Varian Wrynn King Greymane (Genn) Varok Saurfang Lo'Gosh (Varian clone) |
| Description | King Greymane investigates the existence of Lo’Gosh, a feral clone of Varian Wrynn, grappling with loyalty, identity, and the nature of leadership after the Legion’s defeat. |
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King Greymane investigates the existence of Lo’Gosh, a feral clone of Varian Wrynn, grappling with loyalty, identity, and the nature of leadership after the Legion’s defeat.
Dark Mirror explores the aftermath of Varian Wrynn’s death during the Broken Shore battle and the mysteries surrounding a surviving clone known as Lo’Gosh. Genn Greymane, haunted by guilt over Varian’s loss and the growing threats facing the Alliance, sets out to find and understand the clone — a living reflection of the late king’s savage spirit. The story examines grief, leadership, and the difficulty of moving forward when haunted by the past. Dark Mirror deepens the emotional groundwork for Genn’s role in Battle for Azeroth and further humanizes the characters struggling to uphold Varian’s legacy.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2018 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Battle for Azeroth |
| Timeline | Post-Legion, Pre Battle for Azeroth |
| Major Characters | Anduin Wrynn Sylvanas Windrunner Genn Greymane Calia Menethil Saurfang Talanji |
| Description | After Legion’s defeat, King Anduin Wrynn seeks peace with the Forsaken, but a devastating betrayal reignites the war between the Horde and Alliance. |
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After Legion’s defeat, King Anduin Wrynn seeks peace with the Forsaken, but a devastating betrayal reignites the war between the Horde and Alliance.
With the Burning Legion finally defeated, Azeroth’s leaders turn their attention to healing old wounds and forging a future for their shattered world. King Anduin Wrynn, idealistic and newly crowned, reaches out to the Forsaken in an unprecedented effort to build peace between humanity and their undead kin. Yet within the Horde, Sylvanas Windrunner pursues her own grim agenda, believing that survival demands ruthlessness. A fateful gathering between the Forsaken and their human families ends in betrayal, death, and heartbreak — igniting fresh hatred and setting the stage for the bloody conflict of the Fourth War.
| Author | Robert Brooks |
| Publication Date | 2018 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Battle for Azeroth Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Battle for Azeroth |
| Major Characters | Varok Saurfang Sylvanas Windrunner Zekhan Delaryn Summermoon |
| Description | Told from Saurfang’s perspective, this story recounts the Horde’s assault on Darkshore and the burning of Teldrassil — and the moral cost of the ‘good war’ Sylvanas promised. |
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Told from Saurfang’s perspective, this story recounts the Horde’s assault on Darkshore and the burning of Teldrassil — and the moral cost of the ‘good war’ Sylvanas promised.
A Good War offers a rare and harrowing look at the burning of Teldrassil through the eyes of High Overlord Varok Saurfang. As the Horde prepares for war against the Alliance, Saurfang wrestles with his honor, duty, and doubts about Sylvanas Windrunner’s leadership. Despite initial hopes for a swift, honorable campaign, Saurfang realizes too late that Sylvanas has far darker intentions. The story captures the personal devastation, shame, and disillusionment that Saurfang experiences as he watches Teldrassil burn — a moment that fractures the Horde and sets the tone for the moral conflicts of Battle for Azeroth.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2018 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Battle for Azeroth Prelude |
| Timeline | Prelude to Battle for Azeroth |
| Major Characters | Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage Delaryn Summermoon Anduin Wrynn Genn Greymane |
| Description | Told from the Alliance’s perspective, Elegy recounts the defense of Darkshore, the fall of Teldrassil, and the grief that shatters the bonds between night elves and the wider Alliance. |
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Told from the Alliance’s perspective, Elegy recounts the defense of Darkshore, the fall of Teldrassil, and the grief that shatters the bonds between night elves and the wider Alliance.
Elegy offers a poignant and devastating view of the Horde’s attack on Teldrassil from the Alliance’s side, focusing on the night elves’ desperate struggle to defend their homeland. Tyrande Whisperwind and Malfurion Stormrage lead the resistance, but even their efforts cannot halt the Horde’s overwhelming assault. As the World Tree burns, Delaryn Summermoon’s sacrifice and Anduin Wrynn’s profound grief over the failure to save Teldrassil define the emotional stakes of the coming war. Elegy explores themes of loss, vengeance, and the unraveling trust between the night elves and the broader Alliance, setting the tone for the conflict that dominates Battle for Azeroth.
| Author | Christie Golden, Andrew Robinson, Matt Burns |
| Publication Date | 2018 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Battle for Azeroth Prelude |
| Timeline | After Legion, Before Battle for Azeroth |
| Major Characters | Alleria Windrunner Sylvanas Windrunner Vereesa Windrunner |
| Description | The three Windrunner sisters — Alleria, Sylvanas, and Vereesa — reunite after years of war, death, and transformation, revealing their divided loyalties and the creeping influence of the Void. |
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The three Windrunner sisters — Alleria, Sylvanas, and Vereesa — reunite after years of war, death, and transformation, revealing their divided loyalties and the creeping influence of the Void.
Three Sisters explores the long-awaited reunion of the Windrunner sisters after the Legion’s defeat. Though bound by blood, each sister has followed a radically different path: Alleria has embraced the Void, Sylvanas leads the Forsaken as the Banshee Queen, and Vereesa struggles to hold onto hope for what remains of their family. Their meeting is filled with tension, hidden motives, and unspoken betrayals. The story captures deep emotional conflict, hints at Sylvanas’ future darkness, and underscores Alleria’s growing connection to the Void — critical developments for Battle for Azeroth and beyond.
| Author | Brian Kindregan |
| Publication Date | 2019 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Battle for Azeroth |
| Timeline | During Battle for Azeroth |
| Major Characters | Magni Bronzebeard Azeroth (World Soul) Earthen Ring |
| Description | Magni Bronzebeard grapples with the overwhelming burden of being the Speaker for a wounded Azeroth, fighting despair as he struggles to save the dying world. |
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Magni Bronzebeard grapples with the overwhelming burden of being the Speaker for a wounded Azeroth, fighting despair as he struggles to save the dying world.
The Speaker delves into Magni Bronzebeard’s emotional struggles during the Battle for Azeroth. Having been transformed into a living diamond and charged as the Speaker for Azeroth, Magni faces immense pressure and guilt as the planet’s World Soul cries out in pain. Cut off from those who once loved him, and burdened by a voice that few can understand, Magni works alongside the Earthen Ring and the champions of Azeroth to heal the world. Yet the physical and emotional cost of carrying this responsibility threatens to break even Magni’s indomitable spirit. The story reveals the deeply personal cost of Azeroth’s cosmic battles, grounding the sweeping war narrative in one dwarf’s resilience and heartbreak.
| Author | Madeleine Roux |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Format | |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Shadowlands Prelude |
| Timeline | Post-Battle for Azeroth, Pre Shadowlands |
| Major Characters | Talanji Bwonsamdi Zekhan Sylvanas Windrunner Thrall Flynn Fairwind Mathias Shaw |
| Description | As tensions simmer after the Fourth War (Battle for Azeroth), Queen Talanji of Zandalar becomes the target of dark forces, forcing the new Horde Council and the Alliance to confront rising threats both old and new. |
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As tensions simmer after the Fourth War (Battle for Azeroth), Queen Talanji of Zandalar becomes the target of dark forces, forcing the new Horde Council and the Alliance to confront rising threats both old and new.
Shadows Rising picks up after the fall of N’Zoth and the uneasy end of the Fourth War. As the Horde rebuilds under a new council, Queen Talanji struggles with political tension and assassination attempts, all while Bwonsamdi, the loa of death, warns of an even darker fate looming over her. Meanwhile, the Alliance watches closely as old enemies resurface and Sylvanas Windrunner’s shadowy schemes threaten to upend the fragile peace. Heroes like Zekhan, Flynn Fairwind, and Mathias Shaw navigate espionage, loyalty, and looming catastrophe, while Thrall and others must decide what kind of future they want to forge for Azeroth. The story sets the tone for Shadowlands, bridging political fallout with the supernatural war about to unfold.
| Author | Madeleine Roux |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Prelude to Shadowlands |
| Timeline | Pre-Shadowlands |
| Major Characters | Jaina Proudmoore Anduin Wrynn Genn Greymane |
| Description | Haunted by past failures, Jaina Proudmoore reflects on grief, leadership, and hope as the Alliance faces mysterious threats looming over Azeroth. |
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Haunted by past failures, Jaina Proudmoore reflects on grief, leadership, and hope as the Alliance faces mysterious threats looming over Azeroth.
The Calling explores Jaina Proudmoore’s internal struggles as Azeroth teeters on the brink of a new unknown catastrophe. As the Alliance reels from the scars of the Fourth War, Jaina grapples with lingering guilt over Theramore’s destruction, her fractured relationship with her homeland, and her role in the choices that shaped Azeroth’s bloody history. Conversations with King Anduin Wrynn and Genn Greymane reveal the shifting dynamics of leadership and the heavy emotional cost borne by those who survived. This deeply introspective story bridges Jaina’s character development from Battle for Azeroth into Shadowlands, setting the emotional tone for the challenges still to come.
| Author | Robert Brooks |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Prelude to Shadowlands |
| Timeline | Prelude to Shadowlands |
| Major Characters | Bolvar Fordragon Darion Mograine The Four Horsemen Nazgrim Thoras Trollbane Sally Whitemane |
| Description | Bolvar Fordragon and the Four Horsemen prepare for the coming darkness, rallying their courage and loyalty for the desperate battle against the forces threatening the Shadowlands. |
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Bolvar Fordragon and the Four Horsemen prepare for the coming darkness, rallying their courage and loyalty for the desperate battle against the forces threatening the Shadowlands.
We Ride Forth captures a somber yet powerful moment as Bolvar Fordragon, still bearing the Helm of Domination’s influence, summons the Four Horsemen to Icecrown Citadel. With the veil between worlds weakening and the Shadowlands beginning to tear into Azeroth, Bolvar and his knights confront their fears, doubts, and the specter of death itself. Each Horseman — Nazgrim, Sally Whitemane, Thoras Trollbane, and Darion Mograine — grapples with their own struggles, but all reaffirm their loyalty to the cause. The story highlights their grim determination to face the unknown, setting the emotional and thematic stage for the opening of Shadowlands.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2022 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Shadowlands |
| Timeline | Second War, Third War, Shadowlands |
| Major Characters | Sylvanas Windrunner Arthas Menethil The Jailer (Zovaal) Anduin Wrynn Vereesa Windrunner Alleria Windrunner |
| Description | From her days as Ranger-General of Silvermoon to her reign as the Banshee Queen, Sylvanas Windrunner’s life unfolds in a journey of loyalty, loss, and defiance that ultimately shapes the fate of Azeroth and the Shadowlands. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 4/2022 |
From her days as Ranger-General of Silvermoon to her reign as the Banshee Queen, Sylvanas Windrunner’s life unfolds in a journey of loyalty, loss, and defiance that ultimately shapes the fate of Azeroth and the Shadowlands.
Born into the noble Windrunner family of Quel’Thalas, Sylvanas rose to become Ranger-General, a hero to her people and a staunch defender of her homeland. But her tragic death at the hands of Arthas Menethil and her rebirth as a banshee marked the beginning of a long, painful descent into darkness and defiance. As leader of the Forsaken, she struggled to balance vengeance, survival, and the burden of leading a people abandoned by life itself. Driven by a vision of freedom from the cycle of suffering, Sylvanas ultimately strikes a bargain with the Jailer, setting her on a path to shatter the balance between life and death. Her journey culminates in the events of Shadowlands, where the fate of countless souls — and her own redemption — hangs in the balance.
| Author | Christie Golden |
| Publication Date | 2018 |
| Format | Web Short Story |
| Links | story link wiki |
| Expansion | Flashback; thematically tied to Battle for Azeroth and Windrunner storylines |
| Timeline | Set before Second War (Flashback) |
| Major Characters | Sylvanas Windrunner Alleria Windrunner Vereesa Windrunner Turalyon |
| Description | Before the wars tore them apart, the three Windrunner sisters share a heartfelt vow to always stand together — a promise destined to be tested by tragedy, death, and destiny. |
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Before the wars tore them apart, the three Windrunner sisters share a heartfelt vow to always stand together — a promise destined to be tested by tragedy, death, and destiny.
The Vow Eternal is a tender and bittersweet short story recounting a precious moment from the youth of the Windrunner sisters: Sylvanas, Alleria, and Vereesa. On the eve of Alleria’s fateful departure to fight in the Second War, the sisters gather in the forests of Quel’Thalas and swear a vow of eternal unity and love, no matter what the future holds. The story poignantly highlights the deep bond they once shared — a bond that will be strained and nearly broken across the coming decades as war, betrayal, undeath, and cosmic forces drive them down vastly different paths. It provides critical emotional weight for the later confrontations and choices the sisters face during Battle for Azeroth and Shadowlands.
| Author | Courtney Alameda |
| Publication Date | 2023 |
| Format | Book |
| Links | amazon wiki |
| Series | |
| Expansion | Dragonflight |
| Timeline | Ancient Azeroth, Pre Ordering of Dragonflights |
| Major Characters | Neltharion Malygos Alexstrasza Ysera Nozdormu Galakrond |
| Description | Covers the backstory for Dragonflight: In ancient Azeroth, proto-dragons like Neltharion, Malygos, Alexstrasza, and Ysera battle against Galakrond’s monstrous legacy, forging the bonds and rivalries that will shape the dragonflights for millennia. |
| Rating | |
| Have I read it? | 5/2024 |
Covers the backstory for Dragonflight: In ancient Azeroth, proto-dragons like Neltharion, Malygos, Alexstrasza, and Ysera battle against Galakrond’s monstrous legacy, forging the bonds and rivalries that will shape the dragonflights for millennia.
In an untamed Azeroth scarred by Galakrond’s monstrous rampage, the surviving proto-dragons face new threats both external and within their own ranks. As alliances are forged and shattered, figures like Neltharion, Malygos, Alexstrasza, Ysera, and Nozdormu rise to prominence, each struggling with loyalty, ambition, and the burden of survival. Their battles against ancient enemies — and their own inner doubts — lead to the eventual blessing of the Titans and the founding of the five dragonflights. Yet hidden within these victories are the seeds of future betrayals, foreshadowing the cataclysms that will one day tear the flights, and Azeroth itself, apart.
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| Author | Metzen et al |
| Publication Date | 2016 |
| Format | comic |
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| Description | pre-movie |
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pre-movie