Lacroix's illustrative work included all of the charts, maps documenting major empires and battles, and the number of drawings that spotlight his artistic range and knowledge of tribal art, scroll work, and mystical creatures. The two-page chapter spreads featured otherworldly cityscapes while the full, one-page paintings captured characters and events of the mythos – taken together, they provide a visual complement to the accompanying text. I was able to discern influences from early ancient civilizations of the Greek, Egyptians, and Incan for example, which brought a certain amount of familiarity and connection to the mythos. Thanks to World of Warcraft artist Peter Lee and illustrator Joseph Lacroix, the text comes alive via Lees' paintings and Lacroix's illustrations. If the text is engaging, the visuals are enchanting. In addition, the trio has a bewitching, melodic tone and cadence that emerge from their shared voice it felt as though a grandmaster storyteller had set quill to parchment and, with apparent ease, spun a rich tapestry from the Light and Void.
Metzen, Burns, and Brooks excel at balancing the material for newcomers to the franchise so they are not overburdened, but with enough detail that seasoned veterans will also enjoy and likely embellish with their own knowledge and playing experience as they read this volume. The writers divide the Warcraft universe into four chapters: Mythos, Primordial Azeroth, Ancient Kalimdor, and A New World. One of the issues that could plague such an undertaking of this magnitude is what to include and how much. The introductions were followed by fascinating cosmology descriptions that laid the foundation of the essential gods, elements, and cosmic locations (Emerald Dream held particular interest.) in a straightforward manner. All three voiced their long-time involvement, commitment, and passion for the Warcraft franchise. Written by Chris Metzen, Matt Burns, and Robert Brooks, this book opens with a preface from Metzen, SVP, Story and Franchise Development for Blizzard Entertainment and brief introductions from Christie Golden, author of Lord of the Clans and seven other novels, and Richard Knaak, author of several novels including Warcraft: Day of the Dragon. Epic is a word that could be used to described this first volume.
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