World of Warcraft Books in Order
Browse Madeleine Roux's World of Warcraft books in order, with quick summaries, Azeroth background, reading order notes, and easy starting points.
Last updated:
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
World of Warcraft books in publication order
22 books
Cycle of Hatred
by Various
2006
Attacks on Durotar threaten the fragile peace between Thrall’s orcs and Jaina Proudmoore’s humans after the Burning Legion’s defeat. Investigating their origins, Jaina encounters a missing legendary wizard while both leaders struggle to prevent another war.
Rise of the Horde
by Various
2006
On Draenor, orc clans live alongside the draenei until Kil’jaeden’s schemes turn neighbors into enemies. Durotan and Orgrim Doomhammer witness the corruption of their people as the Burning Legion manipulates them into a destructive united Horde.
Tides of Darkness
by Various
2007
After Stormwind falls, Anduin Lothar leads survivors to Lordaeron and seeks allies against Orgrim Doomhammer’s advancing Horde. Humans, elves, dwarves, and trolls become entangled in the Second War as both factions struggle for control of Azeroth.
Beyond the Dark Portal
by Christie Golden
2008
The Dark Portal opens again, and Alliance heroes cross into ruined Draenor to stop Ner'zhul from tearing worlds apart. Khadgar, Alleria, Turalyon, and their allies face war, betrayal, and a mission with no guarantee of return.
Night of the Dragon
by Richard A Knaak
2008
Krasus senses a renewed evil stirring within Grim Batol, the mountain where Alexstrasza's dragons once suffered captivity. His solitary attempt to confront it intersects with other quests, exposing a threat that could bring darkness across Azeroth.
Rise of the Lich King
by Various
2009
Arthas Menethil’s story follows the prince of Lordaeron from his early life toward his transformation into the Lich King. His relationships and choices illuminate the rise of one of Azeroth’s most feared figures and the cost of his ambition.
Stormrage
by Various
2010
Corruption spreads through the Emerald Dream, trapping druids and twisting green dragons. With Malfurion Stormrage missing and nightmares reaching people throughout Azeroth, a desperate search begins to free the archdruid and confront the force poisoning the dream realm.
The Shattering
by Christie Golden
2010
As Azeroth's elementals become impossible to calm, Thrall searches for answers while Horde and Alliance tensions rise. Political conflict, dwindling resources, and a young Anduin's search for purpose signal the catastrophe to come.
Thrall
by Various
2011
Struggling with his purpose after the Cataclysm, Thrall accepts a task from the Dragon Aspect Ysera. His journey across Azeroth and its history draws him into the divided dragonflights’ struggle against Deathwing’s new weapon and an apocalyptic possible future.
Wolfheart
by Richard A Knaak
2011
As the Horde's invasion threatens Ashenvale, night elf leaders gather to consider admitting Gilneas's worgen into the Alliance. A political decision about these displaced people unfolds alongside a military threat capable of weakening the Alliance throughout Azeroth.
Jaina Proudmoore
by Various
2012
Jaina’s efforts to preserve peace unravel as Garrosh Hellscream prepares to invade Theramore. An investigation into a stolen dragon artifact brings her together with Kalecgos, while the coming assault threatens to transform the diplomat’s convictions and future.
Dawn of the Aspects
by Various
2013
After losing their immense powers, Azeroth’s Dragon Aspects struggle to find a purpose. A mysterious artifact lets Kalecgos witness their ancient lives as proto-dragons, when rivalries had to yield to a common threat: the ravenous Galakrond.
Vol’jin
by Various
2013
Nearly killed by Garrosh’s assassins, Vol’jin recovers in a Pandarian monastery alongside a human soldier. A Zandalari invasion and visions of troll history force him to reconsider old hatreds, his allegiance to the Horde, and his people’s future.
War Crimes
by Various
2014
Azeroth’s leaders gather in Pandaria to try the deposed Garrosh Hellscream after the siege of Orgrimmar. Visions expose his past atrocities, but reopening history also revives rivalries and uneasy questions about the innocence of those judging him.
Illidan
by Various
2016
Freed after ten thousand years of imprisonment, Illidan Stormrage gathers forces in Outland to confront the returning Burning Legion. His methods attract suspicion, while Maiev Shadowsong pursues the man she believes must be imprisoned again or killed.
Traveler
by Various
2016
Twelve-year-old artist Aramar Thorne joins his long-absent father’s ship, only to be stranded with teenage second mate Makasa after pirates attack. Traveling through Azeroth, they forge unlikely friendships while following a mysterious compass that never points north.
Before the Storm
by Christie Golden
2018
Azeroth is wounded after the Legion's defeat, and the discovery of Azerite threatens to restart war between Horde and Alliance. Anduin seeks peace, but Sylvanas has plans of her own as old hatred returns.
The Spiral Path
by Various
2018
Shipwreck survivors Aramar Thorne and Makasa continue searching for answers about his father’s compass and the raiders pursuing them. Encounters with undead, trolls, and their gods test Aram’s growing ability to guide the friends joining their journey.
The Shining Blade
by Madeleine Roux
2019
Aram and Makasa are still chasing the shards of the Diamond Blade, with Malus and the Hidden close behind. To stop Azeroth from tipping into darkness, they will need every ally they can find.
Rise of the Horde & Lord of the Clans
by Various
2020
This illustrated collection brings together two Christie Golden novels about the orcs of Azeroth. One explores the corruption that created the Horde; the other follows Thrall’s struggle to rise from slavery and lead his people toward freedom.
Shadows Rising
by Madeleine Roux
2020
After Sylvanas abandons the Horde, Azeroth is left shaky and suspicious. A failed attack on Queen Talanji sends Zekhan, Thrall, and others into a race to uncover a deeper threat before the next war fully begins.
Sylvanas
by Christie Golden
2022
Imprisoned Anduin Wrynn confronts Sylvanas Windrunner as she looks back on the choices that made her Ranger-General, Banshee Queen, and Warchief. Her story moves through loss, vengeance, death, and her struggle to control her own fate.
Where to start with World of Warcraft
For the Horde’s origins: Rise of the Horde
For Arthas’s story: Rise of the Lich King
For a younger adventurer: Traveler → The Spiral Path → The Shining Blade
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shape MRB and its growth.



































Comments
Did we miss something? Have feedback?
Help us improve this page by sharing your thoughts