While reading this book I read through some of the reviews, and saw that there were a lot of complaints about the book. I've played the Warcraft games and World of Warcraft, I thought I knew the entire story of Arthas when I went to read this book and I found that I clearly did not know everything. Even as I read through events I already knew, I found myself learning more about Arthas and how he felt, what he thought.

There were some complaints about how much emphasis the author placed on Arthas's horse, Invincible, to the point where someone even complained that the first thing Arthas did was raise his horse from the grave. Clearly some readers seem to miss understand and not fully comprehend the true bond between a horse and his rider, especially one that Arthas had seen born. There was a bond between them from the first moment, and it devastated Arthas so much that he not only did he cause the downfall of his steed, but failed to save him. Arthas's story is one of a young man finding himself to be only average, of not being able to come to terms with his weaknesses and realise that he had strengths that he just couldn't see. He had the possibility to be a great king of his people, instead his own doubt in his abilities took him down a dark path.

The novel isn't just about Arthas, you also learn a lot more about Sylvanas and Jaina. For those who know their roles in Arthas' life, you will know how painful it was for them - this book only emphasises it tendfold. ( )

And now for my not so stunning revelation .... it was all the orcs fault. Anybody who hates on this book must be a horde fanboy. All joking aside, I really enjoyed the book. The story of Arthas is one I know well being a seasoned warcraft player and having the some of the gaps filled in was great. Now onwards to what I imagine (or hope at least) will fill in the story of the Night Elves. ( )

Really good book that gives you the backstory of king Arthas. Made me a little sad in the end because of the desperation you get from Jaina's feelings, but because of the compassion it makes me feel for the characters as well as for the personal drama they're trying to get away from, I cannot help but love the book and accept its outcome. ( )

Spoiler alert! Arthas is the Lich King!

Ha ha, as if you didn't already know that. Arthas being my favorite wow villain, it was great hearing in detail his rise to power/ fall from grace. Many of the "scenes" feel like they did in the game- that probably only makes sense if you did the instance Culling of Strat or the quest in Dragonblight where you "found" Frostmourne.

Rest assured every fan out there, the Most Important Line ever was in the book.

Glad you could make it, Uther. ( )

I actually wanted to read this book because I have been fascinated with the story of Arthas, A hero who turned against his people. As such, i was really hoping that this book would provide me with the complete story on what happened to Arthas as he was corrupted by Frostmoure. Instead aside from a few good stories such as the raising of his horse Invincible back from the dead, the book only mimicked what was in the Warcraft 3 game. This left me very much disappointed as I really want to explore period between Arthas getting Frostmoure and his arrival in Lordaeron. I also wanted to read more of how he accomplished the fall of Lordaeron. This book did not really gave me what I was really looking for. I would have given this book 2 stars but i will give it three stars because the beginning of this book was good. I like how the author retold the story of the fall of Stormwind from Arthas' perspective. That retelling was good, complete and entertaining. Sadly, this good aspect of the book did not spill towards the other chapters. ( )