Spoiler Warning: This Ghosts of Ascalon review is spoiler free only up until the indicated point.
As a gamer who loves lore and world-building, I get excited whenever my favorite titles expand their universes with supplementary media. The Guild Wars series is my longest-running game, having started with the original Guild Wars in 2004. I’m still an active Guild Wars 2 player twenty years later. Naturally I was hyped for the announcement of Ghosts of Ascalon, the first novel from ArenaNet.
During the development of Guild Wars 2, ArenaNet released two books to fill the 250-year time gap between the two games. Unfortunately, Ghosts of Ascalon left a lot to be desired, and I didn’t find it a strong first novel for the series (though The Edge of Destiny redeemed things for me).
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Writing Style & Structure
First, I found the writing style underwhelming. I’ve never been a fan of Jeff Grubb’s style, especially from his World of Warcraft novels. Even considering that the writing may be simplified for non-heavy readers, it still felt lacking.
There were awkward plot devices and writing quirks that distracted from the story. For example, a needlessly long run-on sentence describing a scribe felt out of place. Repetition also became an issue—using the word “trapdoor” five times in two paragraphs was excessive. The inconsistent grammar (“They reached the top. Dougal feeling like a supplicant in the great temple.”) was distracting and pulled me out of the narrative.
Plot Structure & Pacing
A major issue I had was with the pacing. Large plot points were often told to us through characters instead of being shown. I understand the book aims to bridge the two games, but having characters repeatedly retell critical lore through dialogue felt dull. This happened several times and slowed the narrative.
The book occupies an awkward space between trying to tell a fresh adventure and bridging 250 years of lore. The pacing only really picks up 30 or so pages from the end, which felt rushed and unsatisfying.
Characterization
Despite these issues, the character development saved Ghosts of Ascalon from being a complete disappointment. The characters, though slightly stereotypical, had enough depth to engage the reader. The varied personalities of the different races came through clearly, though some interactions felt predictable.
I’d give this book a C overall. For veteran Guild Wars players, the characterization and lore connections make it enjoyable. However, the pacing and abrupt conclusion left me feeling unsatisfied.
*Warning: Spoiler heavy beyond the jump….
Related: ‘Crusader Kings III’ Review
Dougal Keane
Dougal, the main character, had surprisingly unrealistic reactions given his traumatic backstory. On his first trip to Ascalon, a city haunted by maddened ghosts, he watched his friends get brutally ripped apart, limb by limb. He even had to mercy-kill one to save them from more suffering. Yet, despite this, Dougal seems overly composed.
We never find out what happened to his wife, Vala. I expected her to reappear since Dougal mentioned he didn’t see her die. I suspect the voice that guided him through lock-picking was her spirit or perhaps a coping mechanism.
Riona & Ember
Riona’s betrayal could have been more shocking if she wasn’t already so cold and shallow. I didn’t feel any attachment to her, so her eventual death lacked emotional impact. Dougal’s neutral response to Riona’s turn was also odd. The author told us he cried, but nothing in his actions or thoughts truly showed any distress. He got over it in seconds, leaving him feeling like a one-dimensional reluctant hero.
On the other hand, I never doubted Ember, the Charr guide. Her survival felt predictable, but the tension between her and the group worked well within the established lore. The portrayal of the Charr was faithful to their hardened, distrustful nature, but with subtle signs of evolution. The inclusion of female Charr characters and the broader goal of fighting grander foes added depth to their arc.
Grillok & Killeen
Grillok was one of the more entertaining characters. Although I didn’t recall the Norn being portrayed with a “goofball Viking” vibe in Guild Wars, I accepted the slight shift in tone. It makes sense that 250 years of interaction with other races would gradually change them. The Norn still have that reckless, bloodthirsty edge, but their portrayal as a race evolving through contact with others was well done.
Killeen, the Sylvari necromancer, was both creepy and endearing. Her childlike innocence paired with an obsession with death made for an intriguing combination. Her actions were often manipulative, yet driven by her desire to learn. The line between manipulation and morality was blurry for her, making her one of the more complex characters. Her sacrifice to save Grillok was unexpected and added weight to her arc, showing the Sylvari’s emotional development as a race.
Asura Dynamics
The dynamic between Clagg and Knaxx, two Asura characters, was a highlight. We’re familiar with the Asura’s superiority complex, and Clagg fit the stereotype. Knaxx, on the other hand, provided a refreshing contrast. His decision to abandon his work to focus on the greater plan was a significant moment. It showed that not all Asura are driven by personal triumph, and Knaxx’s eventual heroic death solidified his role as one of the more selfless characters in the story.
Conclusion
In the end, Guild Wars 2 Ghosts of Ascalon provides some enjoyable character moments and a deeper dive into Guild Wars lore. However, the book struggles with slow pacing, disjointed storytelling, and an unsatisfying conclusion. For die-hard fans of the series, it may be worth reading to better understand the universe, but casual readers may find it frustrating. Ghosts of Ascalon offers a glimpse into Tyria’s rich world, but its potential is overshadowed by execution flaws. If you’re looking to explore the Guild Wars universe further, go in with tempered expectations, but it may still provide some valuable insight.
Read my Guild Wars Edge of Destiny Book Review Here
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