The Warcraft and World of Warcraft (WoW) universe boasts a vast array of novels that expand the rich lore of Azeroth. While many novels remain canonical, some have become semi-canonical due to retcons or narrative changes by Blizzard.

This article covers all the books in chronological order according to the in-game timeline and indicates their canonical status.

Article Contents:

• World of Warcraft Books
• World of Warcraft Comics
• World of Warcraft Books FAQs

World of Warcraft Books:

Dawn of the Aspects

• Author: Richard A. Knaak (2013)
• Setting: Prehistoric Azeroth, during the formation of the Dragon Aspects.
• Summary: This story delves into the origins of the five Dragon Aspects as proto-dragons and their transformation into Azeroth's protectors by the Titans.
• Canon Status: Canon.

War of the Ancients Trilogy

• Author: Richard A. Knaak (2004)
• Setting: 10,000 years before the events of World of Warcraft, during the first Burning Legion invasion.
• Summary: The trilogy follows three heroes—Krasus, Rhonin, and Broxigar—who travel through time to prevent the destruction caused by the Well of Eternity and the Burning Legion.

The Well of Eternity (Bk. 1): Introduces the main characters and the beginning of the invasion.

The Demon Soul (Bk. 2): Focuses on the creation of the Demon Soul, Deathwing's betrayal, and a pivotal moment in the war.

The Sundering (Bk. 3): Covers the final battle to seal the Well of Eternity, leading to the Sundering of Azeroth.

• Canon Status: Semi-canon (some elements were altered or retconned in later media, such as time travel details).

Rise of the Horde

• Author: Christie Golden (2006)
• Setting: Draenor, before the corruption of the orcs by the Burning Legion.
• Summary: Describes the history of the orcs and their transformation from a peaceful shamanistic society into the war-hungry Horde under Gul'dan's influence.
• Canon Status: Canon.

The Last Guardian

• Author: Jeff Grubb (2002)
• Setting: The Tower of Medivh, Karazhan, during the events leading up to the opening of the Dark Portal.
• Summary: This novel tells the story of Medivh's apprentice, Khadgar, as he uncovers the corruption of his master under Sargeras' influence and the impending invasion of Azeroth.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Tides of Darkness

• Author: Aaron Rosenberg (2007)
• Setting: The Second War, shortly after the First War, involving the conflict between the Alliance and the Orcish Horde.
• Summary: Describes the events of the Second War, including the leadership of the Alliance by Anduin Lothar and the rise of key characters like Turalyon, Alleria Windrunner, and Gul'dan.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Beyond the Dark Portal

• Authors: Aaron Rosenberg and Christie Golden (2008)
• Setting: The Second War, focusing on the orcs' invasion of Draenor.
• Summary: After the defeat of the Orcish Horde on Azeroth, the Alliance ventures through the Dark Portal to confront the remains of the Horde on Draenor.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Day of the Dragon

• Author: Richard A. Knaak (2001)
• Setting: During the Second War, focused on the Dragonflights.
• Summary: Rhonin, a mage, is tasked with freeing the imprisoned red dragon queen, Alexstrasza, from the orcs of the Dragonmaw clan.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Lord of the Clans

• Author: Christie Golden (2001)
• Setting: Between the Second and Third Wars.
• Summary: Describes the story of Thrall, his rise from slave to Warchief of the Horde, and his vision for a new future for the orcs.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Of Blood and Honor

• Author: Chris Metzen (2001)
• Setting: Period between the Second and Third Wars.
• Summary: The story of Tirion Fordring and his discovery of honor among the orcs, leading to his exile from the Alliance.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Arthas: Rise of the Lich King

• Author: Christie Golden (2009)
• Setting: The Third War, encompassing Arthas Menethil's downfall.
• Summary: Describes the life of Prince Arthas Menethil, his corruption by Frostmourne, and his transformation into the Lich King.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Cycle of Hatred

• Author: Keith R. A. DeCandido (2006)
• Setting: After Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, focused on the tension between the Horde and the Alliance.
• Summary: Describes the brewing tension between Jaina Proudmoore's forces and the Horde in Kalimdor.
• Canon Status: Semi-canon (some aspects were retconned in World of Warcraft expansions).

Illidan

• Author: William King (2016)
• Setting: Occurs concurrently with World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, focused on Illidan's motivations and actions.
• Summary: Describes Illidan's path to becoming a demon hunter and his mission to stop the Burning Legion.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Night of the Dragon

• Author: Richard A. Knaak (2008)
• Setting: After the events of Day of the Dragon and during the World of Warcraft timeline.
• Summary: Follows a group of heroes attempting to thwart an evil plot involving the Twilight Dragonflight.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Stormrage

• Author: Richard A. Knaak (2010)
• Setting: After Wrath of the Lich King, focused on the Emerald Dream and its corruption.
• Summary: Describes the battle to stop the Nightmare in the Emerald Dream, led by Malfurion Stormrage.
• Canon Status: Canon.

The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm

• Author: Christie Golden (2010)
• Setting: Events leading up to World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.
• Summary: Focuses on the political and social chaos in Azeroth before Deathwing's return.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Wolfheart

• Author: Richard A. Knaak (2011)
• Setting: After events of Cataclysm, focused on the Worgen and the Alliance.
• Summary: Describes Varian Wrynn's struggle to unify the Alliance, especially after the Worgen's inclusion.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects

• Author: Christie Golden (2011)
• Setting: Events after Cataclysm and Thrall's journey.
• Summary: Focuses on Thrall's inner struggle as he helps the Dragon Aspects defeat Deathwing.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War

• Author: Christie Golden (2012)
• Setting: Events of Mists of Pandaria, focusing on Theramore's fall.
• Summary: Describes Jaina's struggle after Theramore's destruction by the Horde.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde

• Author: Michael A. Stackpole (2013)
• Setting: Events of Mists of Pandaria, focused on Vol'jin's recovery and leadership.
• Summary: Vol'jin is severely wounded and recuperates in Pandaria, reflecting on the Horde's future.
• Canon Status: Canon.

War Crimes

• Author: Christie Golden (2014)
• Setting: Events of World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, focused on Garrosh Hellscream's trial.
• Summary: Describes the trial of Garrosh for his war crimes and its repercussions for Azeroth.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Before the Storm

• Author: Christie Golden (2018)
• Setting: Events leading up to Battle for Azeroth.
• Summary: Describes the rising tensions between the Horde and the Alliance leading up to the Fourth War.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Shadows Rising

• Author: Madeleine Roux (2020)
• Setting: Events leading up to Shadowlands concerning the aftermath of Sylvanas' betrayal.
• Summary: Describes the events in the Alliance and Horde following Sylvanas' escape and the arrival of the Shadowlands.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Sylvanas

• Author: Christie Golden (2022)
• Setting: The entirety of Sylvanas' life, culminating in Shadowlands.
• Summary: Describes the life of Sylvanas Windrunner, her journey from Ranger General to the Banshee Queen.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Dragonflight: War of the Scaleborn

• Author: E. L. Giles (2024)
• Setting: Prehistoric Azeroth, focused on the early history of dragons.
• Summary: The novel delves into the ancient conflict between proto-dragons and their enemies, revealing the lore of the Dragonflight.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Traveler Series (Young Adult)

• Authors: Greg Weisman (2016–2018)
• Setting: A side story in the World of Warcraft universe.
• Summary: Focused on the adventures of a young boy, Aramar Thorne, during his travels across Azeroth.

Traveler

Traveler: The Spiral Path

Traveler: The Shining Blade

• Canon Status: Canon (but targeted at a younger audience).

Exploring Azeroth Series

• Various Authors: Chronicles different regions of Azeroth in a travelogue format.
• Summary: These books provide an in-depth look at various regions, such as the Eastern Kingdoms, Kalimdor, Northrend, and more.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Chronicle

• Authors: Various (2016–2024)
• Setting: A comprehensive history of the Warcraft universe.
• Summary: A multi-volume series providing a detailed, ordered account of the history and cosmology of the Warcraft universe.

Volume 1: Origin of Azeroth and the Titans.

Volume 2: War of the Ancients to the Third War.

Volume 3: Warcraft III to World of Warcraft.

Volume 4: Events of contemporary World of Warcraft.

• Canon Status: Canon (but some areas have been retconned, such as the nature of the Titans and the Void Lords).

World of Warcraft Comics and Graphic Novels:

In addition to books, there is a series of World of Warcraft comics and graphic novels enriching Azeroth's lore through various stories unfolding within the vast Warcraft universe.

World of Warcraft #1-25 (2007–2009)

• Authors: Walter Simonson, Louise Simonson, Mike Bowden (art).
• Setting: Events occur during the Burning Crusade expansion.
• Summary: Follows a mysterious man named Lo'Gosh, who discovers he is the amnesiac King Varian Wrynn. The plot unveils his struggle and the split of his personality, including key characters like Broll Bearmantle, Valeera Sanguinar, and Thrall.

World of Warcraft: Book One (#0-7): Begins the story of Lo'Gosh's identity.

World of Warcraft: Book Two (#8-14): The mystery of Varian Wrynn deepens as he faces his dual nature.

World of Warcraft: Book Three (#15-21): Varian continues his journey to reclaim his throne in Onyxia.

World of Warcraft: Book Four (#22-25): Concludes Varian Wrynn's saga, leading to the events of Wrath of the Lich King.

• Canon Status: Semi-canon (some events and characters were altered in later expansions or not mentioned in the games, like Medivh's son, Med'an).

World of Warcraft: Ashbringer (2008–2009)

• Authors: Micky Neilson, Ludo Lullabi (art).
• Setting: Events of the Third War and Wrath of the Lich King.
• Summary: Describes the story of Alexandros Mograine, wielder of the Ashbringer sword, his fall into corruption, and his death at his son Renault Mograine's hands. The story also touches on the founding of the Scarlet Crusade.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Curse of the Worgen (2012)

• Authors: Micky Neilson, James Waugh, Ludo Lullabi (art).
• Setting: Events occur during the Cataclysm expansion, focused on the origin of the worgen curse.
• Summary: Describes the history of the worgen, from their origin with the Druids of the Scythe to the spread of the curse to Gilneas. Central is Genn Greymane's transformation and his struggle to unite his people.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria (2012)

• Authors: Micky Neilson, Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (art).
• Setting: Before the events of Mists of Pandaria, within the World of Warcraft timeline.
• Summary: Describes the journey of a young pandaren, Li Li Stormstout, as she explores Azeroth. Provides an introduction to pandaren culture and the conflicts they face.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Dark Riders (2013)

• Authors: Mike Costa, Neil Googe (art).
• Setting: Events after Cataclysm, focused on the cursed Dark Riders of Deadwind Pass.
• Summary: Follows a young druid named Revil Kost seeking a powerful artifact stolen by the Dark Riders. The story ties into Karazhan and unveils the history of the cursed riders.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn (2013)

• Authors: Doug Wagner, Jheremy Raapack (art).
• Setting: During the Cataclysm expansion, focused on the Horde.
• Summary: A group of Horde representatives from various races embark on a mission of survival and cooperation. The story emphasizes the bonds and unity formed between different Horde factions.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor (2014)

• Authors: Various.
• Setting: Events during the Warlords of Draenor expansion.
• Summary: Short stories and comics accompanying the Warlords of Draenor expansion, focused on key figures like Gul'dan, Blackhand, and Durotan, providing backstories to the expansion's plot.

Gul’dan and the Stranger: Describes the alliance between Gul'dan and the Burning Legion.

Blackhand: Describes Blackhand's rise as a chieftain.

Blood and Thunder: Focused on Durotan and the Frostwolf clan.

• Canon Status: Canon.

Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood (2016)

• Authors: Paul Cornell, Chris Metzen, Mat Broome (art).
• Setting: Events preceding the movie Warcraft: The Beginning.
• Summary: A graphic novel set in the movie's universe, focused on Llane Wrynn, Anduin Lothar, and Medivh as they forge alliances during a prelude conflict.
• Canon Status: Non-canon (part of the movie universe, which has a different canon than the game).

World of Warcraft: Legion Comics

• Setting: Accompanying the Legion expansion (2016).
• Summary: A series of comics expanding the narratives of the Legion expansion.

Magni: Fault Lines: Describes Magni Bronzebeard's awakening and his connection to Azeroth.

Nightborne: Twilight of Suramar: Focused on the Nightborne and their struggle in Suramar during the Legion expansion.

Highmountain: A Mountain Divided: Describes inner conflicts within the Highmountain Tauren clans.

Anduin: Son of the Wolf: A vision of the future where Anduin Wrynn becomes a vital figure in the battle against the Burning Legion.

• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth Comics (2018)

• Setting: Events preceding the Battle for Azeroth expansion.
• Summary: Short comics focused on characters leading up to the Battle for Azeroth expansion.

Jaina: Reunion: Describes Jaina Proudmoore's return to Kul Tiras and her conflicting emotions about her past.

Magni: The Speaker: Describes Magni Bronzebeard's role as a speaker for Azeroth.

Windrunner: Three Sisters: Focused on the reunion of the Windrunner sisters—Sylvanas, Alleria, and Vereesa—and their tense, complex relationships.

Mechagon: Describes the discovery of the lost city of Mechagon and the mechagnomes.

• Canon Status: Canon.

Warcraft Legends Series (Vol. 1-5)

• Authors: Richard A. Knaak, Christie Golden, Dan Jolley, and others.
• Artists: Varies across volumes (including Jae-Hwan Kim).
• Setting: Events after Warcraft III and during the early days of World of Warcraft, covering different times and locations in the Warcraft universe.
• Summary: This manga series features various short stories in each volume, covering characters from different corners of Azeroth. Each volume combines several narratives, some continuing through volumes, others standalone. Ongoing stories focus on characters like Trag Highmountain, a tauren death knight, and his path to redemption.

Warcraft Legends Vol. 1 (2008)

Main stories:

• Fallen: Focused on Trag Highmountain's transformation into a death knight and his journey to redemption.
• How to Win Friends: A humorous tale about the gnome mage Lazlo and his comedic interactions with orcs.
• An Honest Trade: A pirate tale involving shipwrecks and betrayal.
• Miles to Go: A story about a Forsaken trying to remember their past.

Canon Status: Semi-canon (some elements were altered or retconned in later expansions).

Warcraft Legends Vol. 2 (2008)

Main stories:

• The Journey: Continues Trag's story as he struggles against the Lich King's power over him.
• Crusader’s Blood: The story of a Scarlet Crusader questioning his orders.
• I Got What Yule Need: A festive, humorous tale about goblins and a winter holiday in Azeroth.

Canon Status: Semi-canon.

Warcraft Legends Vol. 3 (2009)

Main stories:

• The Storyteller: The tale of a wandering storyteller and his impact on listeners.
• The Death Knight: Trag continues his struggle, seeking a place in a world that fears him.
• The Thrill of the Hunt: A human and a night elf hunter pursue dangerous prey.

Canon Status: Semi-canon.

Warcraft Legends Vol. 4 (2009)

Main stories:

• Fire and Honor: A young orc warrior grapples with his family's legacy in the Horde.
• Blood Runs Thicker: A story of betrayal and vengeance among family members.
• Warrior: Divided: Follows warriors on a journey seeking redemption and a place in an ever-changing world.

Canon Status: Semi-canon.

Warcraft Legends Vol. 5 (2010)

Main stories:

• Nightmares: The conclusion of Trag's story, completing his journey and struggle with his dark past as a death knight.
• The Dark Lady: A story featuring Sylvanas Windrunner, exploring her rise as the leader of the Forsaken.

Canon Status: Semi-canon.

Dragon Hunt (2005)

• Authors: Richard A. Knaak, Jae-Hwan Kim (art).
• Setting: Events after Warcraft III, focused on the Dragonflights in Azeroth.
• Summary: The first volume of the Sunwell trilogy follows Kalecgos, a blue dragon in human form, tasked with protecting the Sunwell from dark forces. He meets a human girl, Anveena, unaware of her hidden powers tied to the Sunwell.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Shadows of Ice (2006)

• Authors: Richard A. Knaak, Jae-Hwan Kim (art).
• Setting: Continuation of Dragon Hunt, taking place in Northrend.
• Summary: The second volume of the Sunwell trilogy continues the journey of Kalecgos and Anveena. They find themselves in Northrend, facing the Scourge and the threat of the Lich King. The story explores the growing bond between Kalec and Anveena.
• Canon Status: Canon.

Ghostlands (2007)

• Authors: Richard A. Knaak, Jae-Hwan Kim (art).
• Setting: The Ghostlands region, events after Warcraft III.
• Summary: The final volume of the Sunwell trilogy. Anveena's true nature is revealed, and Kalecgos and allies must protect her from Dar'Khan Drathir, a powerful betrayer seeking to harness her powers to resurrect the Sunwell. The conclusion ties directly to The Burning Crusade expansion in World of Warcraft.
• Canon Status: Canon.

World of Warcraft Books FAQ

Which World of Warcraft book where to start?

• You can start reading the World of Warcraft books with the Warcraft Chronicle series, which tells the story of the world from the beginning, touching on the events of the games. Then proceed to the book list in this article and read them one by one.

How many World of Warcraft books are there?

• There are over 30 different World of Warcraft books, as well as various comics, short stories, manga, and more.

In what order to read the World of Warcraft books?

• If you are already familiar with the World of Warcraft universe and know its basics and most major events, you can read them in the order listed in this article.

Who wrote the World of Warcraft books?

• The World of Warcraft books were written by several authors: Christie Golden, Richard A. Knaak, Aaron Rosenberg, Jeff Grubb, Michael A. Stackpole, Madeleine Roux.

Do I need to play the Warcraft and World of Warcraft games to understand the books?

• For a better understanding of events, it's advisable to first familiarize yourself with the Warcraft and World of Warcraft game series, particularly the latter, as the canonical storyline is adapted to the latest games in this MMORPG.