Warcraft: The Sunwell Trilogy Book 3: Ghostlands

Knaac and Kim's manga-styled trilogy, set in the world of the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft, wraps up in kinetic fashion with this volume. Blue dragon Kalec is sent to investigate a mysterious surge of magic; it could be the Sunwell, the pool of energy that exploded when the dark elf Dar'Khan tried to steal its powers for himself. Trapped in human form by a collar placed on him by the elf in battle, Kalec is befriended by a young girl named Anveena, who loses her parents and home in an attack aimed at the dragon. Anveena, who holds a key to the mystery of the Sunwell, is kidnapped by Dar'Khan; Kalec and his crew journey to recover her, in the process gaining the aid of the elf Lor'themar and his men. There is a massive showdown battle, with the requisite posturing and bravado banter, Dar'Khan being the worst offender—"My power shall spread beyond Azeroth, to realms merely whispered of! It will be glorious!" In its wake is an optimistic finale that leaves the drawbridge wide open for sequels to this trilogy. Kim's artwork is intricate and busy, virtually every page packed with detail. Action scenes are big and intense, often filling pages or entire spreads to make for a satisfying read. (Mar.)