World of Warcraft: Before the Storm - Christie Golden

AZEROTH'S RECKONING HAS BEGUNAzeroth is dying. The Horde and the Alliance defeated the demonic Burning Legion, buta dire catastrophe is unfolding deep below the surface of the world. There is a mortal wound in the heart of Azeroth, struck by the swordof the fallen titan Sargeras in a final act of cruelty. For Anduin Wrynn, king of Stormwind, and Sylvanas Windrunner,warchief of the Horde and queen of the Forsaken, there is little time torebuild what remains, and even less to mourn what was lost. Azeroth'sdevastating wound has revealed a mysterious material known asAzerite. In the right hands, this strange golden substance is capableof incredible feats of creation; in the wrong ones, it could bring forthunthinkable destruction. As Alliance and Horde forces race to uncover the secrets of Azeriteand heal the wounded world, Anduin enacts a desperate plan aimedat forging a lasting peace between the factions. Azerite jeopardizes thebalance of power, and so Anduin must gain the trust of Sylvanas. Butthe Dark Lady ever has her own machinations. For peace to be possible, generations of bloodshed and hatred mustbe put to rest. But there are truths that neither side is willing to acceptand ambitions they are loath to relinquish. As Alliance and Hordealike grasp for the Azerite's power, their simmering conflict threatensto reignite all-out war-a war that would spell doom for Azeroth.