World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred

World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred is a novel by Keith R. A. DeCandido based in Blizzard Entertainments Warcraft Universe. It was published by Pocket Books.

This is the first book to be released under the World of Warcraft name. It takes place between the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne and World of Warcraft. It is about the leader of the Humans (Jaina Proudmoore) and the leader of the Orcs (Thrall) uniting, once again, to fight a common foe. They also must overcome their own peoples' respective racial prejudices.


Plot summary:

Theramore and Durotar remained at relative peace for three years, though the two former archenemies were still wary of each other. Eventually, a series of minor shipping incidents led to extreme tension between the two powers, enough that the Goblins, who controlled the region's only neutral port, complained.

Despite the tension, Thrall requested Jaina's aid in relocating a herd of Thunder Lizards displaced by a mysterious logging operation at Thunder Ridge. Jaina intended to relocate the Lizards to a largely unpopulated region on the far side of Mulgore, but was astonished to discover that the area was magically warded to protect its single inhabitant: Aegwynn.

The former Guardian brushed off Jaina's admiration, but filled in the gaps of what had been happening amidst the tensions between Theramore and Durotar: a minor demon, Zmodlor had revived the Burning Blade and was playing the two powers against each other.

Jaina and Aegwynn hastily returned to Theramore, where they discovered that Jaina's own chamberlain had been corrupted by the Burning Blade, and one of Thrall's advisors was too. After dealing with the turncoat, Jaina, Lorena and Aewynn took on Zmodlor himself. Unfortunately, the demon was backed by a small cabal of Warlocks (either Eredar or Satyr, the text is unclear). After they dealt with the traitors in Jaina's ranks, and Thrall's in his, both leaders proposed a more official treaty.