A Review Of The Wildered Quest (Magic: The Gathering) by Kate Elliot

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

"The Wilds were already planning war with the Realm! Oko's plan was pointless! Therefore, the novel is dumb." If the Wilds were going to attack regardless of Oko's plot, then the novel would end with them attacking regardless of Oko's plot being foiled. Oko's plot was **NOT** to spark the Wilds to war with the Realm, but to force the Realm to war with the Wilds. The elves of the Wilds indeed had members advocating war, and it is also revealed those members were emboldened by Oko's false council as well. Ayara was also a powerful voice in quelling the calls for hostility, and in seeing their meeting, it is not absurd to think this is a common pattern: all the elves get together for the hunt, complain about the Realm and say they should attack, and then go on their hunt and chill out until next time. Had Oko's plot succeeded, war would have been a 100% certainty. Had he never done his plot, the same elapsed time would not have ended in war. When you focus on nitpicking as a means to evaluate literature, you are ignoring the more critical elements. This is akin to saying "Lord of the Rings sucks because they could have just used the Eagles!" or "Harry Potter sucks because Voldemort's plan in Goblet of Fire was beyond cartoonish and convoluted!" Sometimes plans in these things can be poked at. Sometimes Kings miss that their soldier should have a scar but doesn't. But I would argue that isn't the most important criteria to be focussing on.

[@BlaineTog]

Oko was clearly just screwing around, because that's the kind of archetype he follows: the trickster who sows discord because discord amuses him. The plan didn't actually cost him anything; he didn't have to make any personal sacrifices, attempt anything very difficult for him, or even put himself at much risk of harm. The situation between the Wilds and the Realm was tense, so he threw a match into the fireworks room to see if he could start something. Maybe it was necessary, maybe war would've happened anyway, but he placed his finger on the scale to make sure. And even if we agree that the Wilds would've attacked, that didn't guarantee that the war would've been long-lived. The Realm would defend itself and probably continue fighting long enough to give the Wilds pause should they want to attack again someday, but the war could've petered out beyond that. Engineering the assassination of the beloved king would've locked both sides into a long, bloody, hate-filled war which wouldn't have stopped until the Realm had completely subjugated the Wilds. It would've caused generational strife with echos down the centuries. So even if there would've been war either way, the outcome of that war would've drastically changed had Oka's plot not been foiled. This criticism is particularly dense because Oko's plot *also would have killed the protagonists' father*! So putting aside that it may not have been strictly necessary to start a war, our protagonists would've been subjected to incredible grief. Not every plot has to be about the end of the world. The death of a beloved parent has more than enough drama to power a narrative.

[@angrygnome44]

On the scar thing, from other reviews I have seen on the topic, wasn't the king having "a keen eye for detail" a defining characteristic, and said scar-bearer wasn't just a soldier but his best friend?

[@AsterDXZ]

Prof, while I did take a slight dig at you in my initial comment and I apologize for that because it probably hurt my overall message, my point still remains that as a critical review it’s a little irresponsible to leave out the writing blunders of the novel despite the overall message of your video being positive. While I again agree that many magic the gathering players can have drastically different opinions about a product, one of the things I enjoy about your channel is that you’re not afraid to cover the good as well as the bad when they’re appropriate. In this situation I do indeed feel that it’s important as such blunders are often tied to key parts of the story. The King for example was established to have a fine attention to detail within the story, he likes to make sure that everything goes according to plan. However like in your comment, the book seems to gloss over this fact in order to get the plot moving. This isn’t just “some soldier” that the King is meeting with, this is his personal friend and a loyal knight of the realm. The story even establishes that very few people can even become knights that they’re essentially Chads among the common folk. Knowing this much, wouldn’t you agree that the King, who is established to have a keen eye for detail would just suddenly miss such an important feature of their close friend? The scar was noticeable enough for Will and Rowen to see that it wasn’t there so why not the King? Normally yes, details like these shouldn’t harm the overall quality of the story, but literally the entire plot of the novel is based off this one event that runs contrary to what we have learned about the characters involved and the book is full of events like these that are based on contrivances and conveniences. Stuff like these ruins stories for me, and I know I’m not alone in this. Again, nobody is saying you’re not allowed to portray the book in a positive light, I’m just saying that considering we have to pay money now for our Magic lore, should we not also expect at least the stories we’re paying for to follow the rules that they themselves establish? Again, I just think it’s irresponsible to not at least mention this in a “critical review”

[@kristennorth3268]

I don't think Oko was "just screwing around" for his amusement. We have a separate pure trickster creature in Eldraine for that. I think Thief of Crowns is plural on purpose based on the hinted-at backstory and he goes from plane to plane overthrowing rulers. The scar thing is weak if the king had a chance to notice, since the author did point out his attention to detail, but wasn't the fake Cedo just trailing a long group of followers? Not walking side by side with the king.

[@BlaineTog]

@@AsterDXZ I simply assumed that Oko mind-whammied the king, and the book didn't go into it because that just wasn't necessary to show us. His disguise didn't need to fool the king at all, therefore. It just had to fool everyone else.

[@Sheriff_K]

With lore novels back, the Professor's unique set of skills can finally shine! :P

[@amdnable]

yes it's great

[@GERMrRoboto]

YES! It's an absolute pleasure to hear him talk about the book, his choice of words and his energy and passion gave me goosebumps 😍And for maybe the first time I'm not watching the whole video, but I just ask my girlfriend to get me the book from our LGS tomorrow =) So a big sorry and thanks you professor

[@johnnyvanguard8978]

Many Magic the Gathering Players ask themselves "How can I work my family photos into a youtube video?". Thanks again for another fantastic tutorial Professor

[@Rogue_Biologist]

I feel like this video is a perfect example of why you have the largest mtg channel on KZbin. This is thoughtful, engaging and delves into more of the concepts and ideas the story develops rather than just a run through of what happens. As a lover of stories I for one would have loved to have the Professor as a lecturer.

[@seanmurphy3430]

One detail in the book that I particularly liked is that the character of Queen Linden is kind of a subversion of the "evil stepmother" fairy tale trope. Despite not being the twins' birth mother, she loves them just as much as her own children, essentially rescued them from their birth mother, and is generally just a pretty great mom, as well as a loving wife and a highly capable queen. It's good that the people working on this story are using fairy tale tropes consciously and not just recycling them along with all of their baggage. ( *cough* Disney *cough* )

[@davidd.w.8681]

A great queen with 4 knighthoods, just one short of the king, and she gets to be a triple white card...

[@PetulantPuffin]

Videos like this make you remember that the professor is actually a professor

[@thefrozengoat]

The peak into your personal life through photos brought an actual tear to my eye. Thank you for sharing so much with us over the years, Professor.

[@NicolaiBolas]

It is awesome to see the Professor's skills as an actual English professor shine through here!

[@baconslasher2023]

Thank you for all you have done for this community. I'm sure I can speak for all of your followers when I say we all appreciate you.

[@GamerdevilPro]

I actually started this video yesterday, paused it a few minutes in, bought the book and read it and just now finished the video and honestly it was pretty great. I am pretty amazed at how dense it is even though it is only 200 pages long. Oko's character is really well crafted and I loved reading about Garruk and some of his past story. The book itself is a standalone and you feel the underlying colors of many characters if you know what magic is but it is perfectly fine to read it as someone who is a stranger to magic as it is pretty subtle about it and every character has distinct features apart from a color identity.

[@altromonte15]

the art on realm-cloaked giant is 11/10

[@ZippyDelta2]

Actually it's 7/7

[@JoeNokers]

@James Brincefield honestly I prefer the *poor people art*

[@haingis]

@@JoeNokers I prefer the poor people art too. The fancy pants version is really awkward looking. the composition is weird. He looks small because of the tree in the foreground and lack of tells that show he's big apart from the awkwardly colored blue face that just makes it look like he's translucent. and that pose.... that pose...... ready to shake those hips!

[@altromonte15]

@James Brincefield Personally I like the regular art better, it's more dynamic and detailed, with more vivid colours. The alt-art style makes it look flat and static. It works well for some cards, but not really for this one imo.

[@dog1783]

Man, is this guy an English professor or something?? What a great critical review!

[@ichiel1898]

the same man who can not pronounce "adephage"

[@JustACloudOfFaeries]

@@ichiel1898 You mean appendage?

[@snakeman830]

@James Brincefield recent episode of Game Knights, one of The Professor's opponents had a Giant Adephage out and was populating the tokens. Prof couldn't pronounce the name.

[@CanuckMonkey13]

@snakeman830 I might be misremembering, but I think others at the table started calling it Appendage first, and Prof may not have actually know what was on the card and so defaulted to just using the name everyone else was using.

[@MrVariant]

Pacing helps. Preview seemed decent. Maybe I'll wishlist. Just have to be a bit patient just like this vid

[@Alex-kc7tp]

Prof youre such a sweetheart your passion for learning and teaching and sharing all the wonderful pieces of the world with young inquisitive minds is so evident in every single video and the passion you put into sharing things you love never fails to bring a smile to my face. Youre a very special person, and the world is in desperate need of more people like you. Please never stop making videos and sharing your love for your passions with the hundreds of thousands of other people who tune in to every video, it never fails to brighten up our entire day.

[@KR-nd4dm]

Wait, you got a MYTHIC to preview Prof? What gives?!?

[@hirosmirnov8287]

This AND the novel being good shows that WotC is finally learning to do business!

[@KR-nd4dm]

@GamerBear THE ULTIMATE IRONY!

[@MrVariant]

44k views so fast he has more than MTG so he should always get a mythic. Takes time for big business to admit

[@takanuva6167]

Love watching the professor flex his literary muscles.

[@johnmarino3586]

The novel nicely includes the myth of the dying/sacrificed and risen King for the Land's/sun's rebirth and the Grail/cauldron, all connected to the Arthurian myth.

[@plumokin5535]

That mythic is ridiculous! You got a great preview card!

[@TheBaronDen]

I came to this with more familiarity to classical Faerie than Magic lore, and i absolutely loved it. I was also afraid it would lean too hard on the Grimm stories, but it was so much more influenced by things like Sir Orfeo and Gawain & the Green Knight. It reminded me of a type of story i didn't realize I'd been missing

[@DuncanEllis]

thank you for this. I haven't read any of Kate Elliott's work yet, but I was fortunate enough to be taught by her at a writing conference over the summer. She knows what she is doing when it comes to the writing.

[@darkkitsune7757]

This was an amazing video I love how you talk about the balance between freedom and law/order reminds of the golden mean of the neoclassical era the balance between emotion and reason in a sense. From just the way you were talking about it I want to read it myself. I felt utter joy from your thoughts about the book. Amazing video prof. Also cool preview card I'm glad you gotta a mythic this time instead of a common. No offense to the common cards though.

[@djivoodoo1751]

Well I don't like leaving videos early because you never know how KZbin's algorithm will take that. However, I must leave at about 11:07 in because I want to read this book for myself. I'll definitely come back to finish this video once I've read The Wildered Quest. Great video, Professor. I leave a like in my absence.

[@StayNPlayGames]

I am on the same boat. Loved the first half and will be back for the rest after a good read.

[@NemoTrostle]

It is a great argument to do these in two parts for sure.

[@missameliafrancis]

Yes the book out yet I can't find it to buy it

[@djivoodoo1751]

@@missameliafrancis I had trouble finding a physical copy. I purchased the Kindle version on Amazon.

[@missameliafrancis]

@@djivoodoo1751 yeah I found all the ebooks now I was looking for paper and hard cover books physical paper not electronic

[@Rewcifer]

Thanks Prof! I've seen a lot of lukewarm reviews of the book, and didn't really want to read it myself after the War of the Spark novel landed a little rough. I love classic fantasy, honor and knighthood, coming of age stories, and most importantly a story that presents different sides and lets the reader decide. I talk freedom vs. order with my family and friends ALL the time. I know quite a few plot points, but I think I still might pick this up and give it a read. Keep all the great videos coming!

[@Rewcifer]

ALSO, you mentioned a sequel, and from my understanding... . SPOILER ALERT! . A Rowan, Will, and Garruk sequel team up would be fantastic. You said it well, Garruk started off very one note, but turned into something else. I'm rooting for him now. Plus, he has new allies. He also may eventually get his vengeance with Liliana. With Nicol Bolas and the demons out of play, the last one who should kill Liliana is Garruk.

[@nevanV12]

Prof, I gotta say I love this video in particular. It has truly come full circle for you that you get to review these novels, in which I am now thrilled to read.

[@pedroluisperez3151]

This is exactly what I wanted to hear! I hope they print it. I like having a physical book rather than digital!

[@NPCJulian]

Wow this brings a whole new level of magic the gathering. Thanks Tolarian you should do this more often. Love your channel.

[@kenjames91680]

This is one of the best opening you have done. I really love the fantasy meets reality comparison. The enforcement of your own family with to that idea was great.

[@TomPope_ThePontiff]

Thanks for the intro here Prof! Love the ever small so glimpse into your life! It offers an opportunity to connect with the human behind the camera..keep up the good work!

[@williamfry7827]

Just finished the book, and I can say that I seriously agree with and appreciate your review! I can’t wait for the sequel!

[@silverfang3072]

I'm glad you enjoyed the novel. I've read a couple of Kate Elliott's novels before and thought she was a good author so I will be excited to pick this one up too.

[@Patrick-bv8gp]

I bought and read this book in one sitting- Couldn’t put it down, and this is after years of struggling to get back to my roots as a voracious reader. Very excited to see you review this, and elated that you also seemed to enjoy it!

[@CyberBuster93]

I know that this is just a review Prof, but you always eloquently inspire us, the viewers, with your words. Perhaps my own life is an adventure that I didnt view as before. Thank you!

[@omgoblins]

What a contrast to the War of the Spark review! I'm glad this was a much more enjoyable experience for you. It's clear that WotC is on to something partnering with writers like Elliot.

[@ArcticWarrior211]

Nice intro with the photos. I'd never pictured a younger Prof. I expect him to one day turn into a Gandalf.

[@danacoleman4007]

Brian, that was so nice of you to share your personal photos. You have a beautiful family! Congratulations!

[@santiagovillarroel5023]

only at 1:15 and I'm already nearly in tears. Thank you for everything you do, Professor.

[@Lucaan0102]

Something I really want more of after reading the novel are stories that focus on the Wilds. It really sucks that Wizards discontinued Magic Story on their website, because getting short stories about elves and faeries from the Wilds would have been incredible. Regardless, the book was great, and more of Will and Rowan would definitely be something I would like to see. Will in particular was a great character, having the same drive as his impulsive sister but expressing it in a different way. I'm also interested in Garruk's potential journey to track down Oko. Showing off his Planeswalker tracking skills would be really fun to see.

[@AndrewHawnt]

Hey, Prof! I'm yet to read the book but have to say this is a genuinely excellent review. It's balanced, well presented and thoughtful. I really enjoyed this video. Much respect, sir.

[@patricksebesta4565]

Great video, Prof. I too very much enjoyed the character development and the Garruk redemption arc. I found it to be a pretty breezy read in a way that fantasy often isn't. That being said, I'm not as enthusiastic about this book as you. You did a very good job of offering the novel praise, so I intend this comment to be lay out my frustrations. For one, the fantasy aspects were a little too on the nose. We're thrown into unicorns, griffins, and dragons. Even in fantasy, subtlety can be incorporated. On that same note, the end's massive deus ex machina was really frustrating. Oko was a frustrating character to me. You spoke on his motivations in your video, but I think you fleshed out his motivations far better than the book did. He came across to me as just a bad dude doing bad things. Aside from the protagonist's brief meeting in the glade in the wilds, I don't remember ever really understanding what his deal was. I also noticed a few typos in the text. I'm sure that the author was on a pretty tight schedule to get this book out, but it kind of takes you out of it. Finally, just briefly, the themes and the tropes of the book are well tread territory and I think they've been done better in different places. All that being said, context is important. This is a 200 page book that is intended as merchandise tie-in (at least from the perspective of WOTC). In this context, this is a lot more than I could have expected. It's not a perfect book, but its enjoyable, and more than I expected to receive.

[@diegomeringer3953]

better than pot meets kettle

[@Youmama187]

Kate Elliot is an amazing author who has written some amazing epic stories. She builds amazing world that feel real and lived in by the people of the story. As soon as I saw her name as the author I knew I had to read it

[@wasifrahman2048]

Seeing those photos made me smile...cool to see you grow up and build a life for yourself doing what you love.

[@prankedmama]

i am more than happy to see another novel (or mtg novel) review! im enjoying this content more than your usual mtg products review to be honest (not that the other video is bad, but this video surpass my crave of high value magic the gathering lore). very depth analysis, full of effort, excelent!

[@RL_22]

I never though K-pop would enslave Garruk

[@ferdithetank7535]

Yeah, that BTS cover boy doesn't look like a serious villain, does he?

[@elijahdavila3684]

@@ferdithetank7535 Some of the best villains in fiction aren't immediately imposing.

[@KingBobXVI]

K-pop enslaves all

[@ConjureKarp]

7:18 "Instead of characters being trusted into events,-" Me: Oh, you mean like _War Of The Spark?_

[@leonardoromero3789]

That was just the final chapter of a long series.

[@xblful]

@@leonardoromero3789 not for teyo

[@helhal]

This is one of the best videos that this channel produced. Kudos!

[@amdnable]

Ouch I did not expect such feels right at the beginning :')

[@psikker]

This sounds like a fantasy novel I would enjoy regardless of Magic association. I will definitely give it a read. Thanks for the review! (And Realm-Cloaked Giant looks like it could easily become a popular wrath in Commander)

[@VincentWolfeye]

Thank you, as someone who is moving my life around both figuratively and literally, your intro and the review of a novel I never intended to buy might have made me interested in doing so. As a person with a mild dyslexia that abhors to read anything more than facebook messages that's saying something.

[@Deraphim]

Just finished this today, and I really loved it. While I couldn't sucessfully jump into the story of the gatewatch, this was an entertaining, self-contained story that felt like a great jumping on point or relaunch. I really hope they follow it up w/ more of the same.

[@chadwerber9604]

I have been waiting for your review before I decided to purchase this. Based off your review I will be picking it up later today. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

[@evancobb6829]

My AP English teacher would appreciate this. On our presentations, he's always critiquing students on going deeper into synthesis of text, rather than just summary of text.

[@doodlejackbod]

What an incredibly endearing video, I wish I’d seen this review before I’d seen another that ragged all over the novel. Still, it’s got to be worth a retrospective read, cheers professor!

[@EpicMTGMusic]

I do love the fact that their social moratorium wasn't just a knightly act, nor a ritual... but instead, their desire of discovering the world. Even if it is a fantasy medieval world, Kate really made it look just like what teenagers actually passes, and even if it is a fantastical story, they can rely on those 2 characters as experience of independence, self-discovery and freedom of heart rather than just a " Let's kill giant interdimensional monsters from outer space/giant elder greedy dragon that is an asshole" power ranger-like gatewatchers adventures. I do love the novel, and even if i read it too fast (well... i have obligations, and one is read Nietzsche's complete works and make a report, for next month...)

[@percyjackson989tg]

Good luck for your report, I know how tough it sounds when you have to go through the whole bibliography of an author, especially philosophers ^^ anyways, good luck again!!

[@xenosuki]

I really liked the book but many things flew over my head. I like it more with the new perspective. Thanks prof!

[@DRfreehugs]

Many Magic the Gathering players got emotional with this preview. All the best Prof for you, and your family!

[@samarbrander981]

Suddenly I want to build a giant edh deck again

[@randym5824]

All edh decks are giant

[@danielbretado7660]

Kalemne can make short work of opponents. That's for sure.

[@GamerdevilPro]

I mean all relevant giant cards just spiked on card market with the revealing of that one-sided boardwipe :D

[@genie7190]

I listened to the Magic Arcanum's run through of the story last week and I really enjoyed how well they were able to TL;DR the entire book. Now, I am not saying "Go listen to that so you don't have to read the book!" because their telling of the story really made me want to read the entire thing! I heard rumblings that this book was going to be a flop, and that the writing style may be akin to that of "war of the spark" however after listening to the Arcanum's tale and then your review (btw, your "spoilers" segment had a little bit but didnt really drop a whole lot of details, so hats off there!) I think the writing of this book stands to be one of Magic's better written stories. I can't wait to get a copy and read the words myself. Side note; I enjoyed War of the Spark.

[@coreygish7516]

Thank you for the spoiler free review prof, looking forward to grabbing myself a copy!

[@treyfalk2307]

I loved this novel. It made me fall in love with this plane. Unfortunately the cards attached to the story and plane seem lackluster.

[@azraelswrd]

I feel the same after seeing the whole set. There are some cool cards and I will be picking up singles but overall, it's not for me. Maybe if I did more limited/draft/commander games but c'est la vie.

[@midnightgod123]

You and another youtuber I like both reviewed this book and tbh I like both. You're more in depth and use your background to criticize it while they critiqued it from a general book reader/mtg fan POV. And inthink both are valid

[@MygaleVelue]

5:28 speaking of unrestricted while showing an oko picture is kinda funny now that we know

[@martinolsen7183]

Great review! I feel a lot like reading it :). And Big congratz on the mythic preview card!

[@ForTheViolence]

Thank you so much for sharing your family and life with us!

[@davidpeabody3429]

You are so inspiring. Im still young and never thought that growing up was somthing to marvel

[@LorcanaControl]

You do such a great job of turning a great book review into a heartfelt emotional statement. Thank You sir.

[@kelzamfusky]

I appreciate that the Spoiler section of the review didn't go so far as to spoil tons of specific details. I'm about a third of the way through the story and really enjoying it, but my curiosity lead me to finish watching the video. I tend to enjoy a lot of media (such as the War of the Spark novel) and find myself hard pressed to be so critical as others often are, so I wanted to know what you ended up thinking of it. On another note, I honestly wish Will and Rowan could be the Planeswalker faces of Magic instead of our current lot.

[@djivoodoo1751]

A few days later and as promised I am back to finish this video. Loved the book and am now ready to hear what the professor has to say.

[@johngleeman8347]

Prof looking prim and proper as he dives into his element! :3

[@patrickvaughan5901]

Just read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's definitely one of the better MTG books to come out. Definitely recommend it!

[@nickelsbolas7887]

GREAT REVIEW AS ALWAYS, this made me wish you had another channel for fantasy/scifi novels. I've noticed a few gems in your bookcase; Mars Trilogy specifically. If you ever pursue another channel for this, please alert your viewers, as I'm sure many would also appreciate your immaculate review style for something other than tcg products.

[@SasorisPuppet]

I have just recently got myself into MTG lore. I was curious about Oko as a character. So, I picked this book up. Plus, it was less than ten bucks on Kindle. I wasn't about to pass it up. I am so glad I read this book. It had been a while since I actually picked up and fully read a book. I love how the Kenrith twins were written, and I especially loved Queen Linden, especially when some things about her were revealed. Also, the Garenbrig knights riding on bears is not an image I will forget any time soon. I really hope we see more stories from Eldraine, and I do hope we see Oko again. There's so much that has left me curious. Where he came from, a bit more of why he's the way he is. Just stuff like that. However, if thus is the only story we get from Eldraine, I will be content, too. It was a very good one.

[@jaredcovington3930]

You are a bomb story teller! I wish I had more teachers like you in college.

[@katabrokthewise596]

THIS IS "THE" MAGIC THE GATHERING CHANNEL !!! ALWAYS GREAT CONTENT!!!

[@RTRRK77yt]

I'm really glad I read this novel right when it dropped because it means I've been recognizing characters and objects and flavor text on the cards as they are spoiled. And that's fun. The first half sort of dragged for me. I have a low tolerance for spoiled rich kids. But it really picked up in the second half, as they got out of Ardenvale and we saw more of Eldraine. I would be just as interested in stories about the other kingdoms or Oko's quest to wreak anarchic havoc across the plains as I would about Will and Rowan.

[@Tha3l]

It's interesting how different this review is from Magic Arcanums. I would be really curious to see how Prof and Ryan Gomez would interact when discussing the story together.

[@ScottishBookwormQc]

I've long been a fan of Kate Elliott and her world and character building. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.

[@Commandersofthecoast]

That intro was extremely well done. Nice personal touch prof

[@VFenris6184]

are we going to see will and rowan office hours?

[@thundercade64]

Really enjoy your deep dive analysis. Thanks so much! Also, the photos during the intro - please, Wizards, please - make those alt art for a few blue wizard/scholar cards. Please?

[@Aetohatir]

3:51 someone never wore mail with long hair down. I have long hair, and that shit gets stuck in between and underneath the links of the mail. It hurts. You would probably cut your hair above the shoulder at max if you had to war mail a lot.

[@AstraRandom]

That was a really nice intro there, I'm also not opposed to Will and Rowan being the main character of more sets instead of the gatewatch

[@zerik7]

Definitely hope we see more of Rowan, Will, and Garruk! Would love a sequel.

[@MerolLord]

Just finished watching the spoiler free review, thank you for keeping it separate I am going to definitely read the novel and come back to this video to watch the other half and hear your opinions :D

[@faridrodriguez4696]

Great review proff! Sister and I will get the decks just to have fun seeing both planeswalker fight against each other ;D

[@remekflasinski196]

Many Magic: the Gathering players ask the question: Why can't we get this in paper?!

[@remekflasinski196]

The issue is that they gave us a reasonably weaker book with War of the Spark, and the better one they did not. I wholeheartedly support the idea of novels returning to fatpacks. I used to buy them fatpacks, and somehow did not get to appreciate the bundles. Yet, had they chosen to include a novel therein, I would have gladly got my hands on such a product. Even at a price increased.

[@remekflasinski196]

Well, the A group could at least get their value back (or even profit) by letting the novel go. The book on its own? I would have certainly got one. And in hard-cover. Was just looking for ways to get the novels back. Thought War of the Spark was an attempt by Wizards to probe the market, and I'm afraid that with not-so-enthusiastic a feedback the books as we knew them are well done for.

[@theturtwig50]

WotS tanking doesn't help at all.

[@ty_sylicus]

Print it yourself.

[@remekflasinski196]

I wonder if Wizards would allow for Kate Elliot to publish the book on her own accord. Doubtful.

[@gwendolynodaugherty9601]

Thank you so much, Professor. After being burned by War of the Spark I was very worried about the future of the Magic story. I was cautiously optimistic about the new novel being written by a more seasoned author than Greg Weisman, but I just couldn't bring myself to make the purchase until I heard your review of it. Again, Thank you.

[@Teifling]

I'm looking forward to reading this novel, more so than any in a long time. I've heard, not just here but from many sources that it's a strong improvement over War of the Spark. I am also really happy to see Garruk finally get his redemption. I'll be honest with you, Professor, I didn't like your video on Garruk and Liliana. I felt that your analysis and ultimate opinion of the two was bias because while you touched on Liliana's tragic past, you yadayada'd over Garruk's own tragedy and the events that put the two at odds just to conclude that "Garruk is a bully." You weren't alone in this analysis as I had come across many who would discuss Liliana's hubris leading to her brother's death and undeath but never mention Garruk's loss of his father and living as an orphan in the wilds. Honestly, given the two, Garruk's ultimate distrust of people and desire to prove his strength makes sense whereas Liliana's selfserving and often callus and dismissive treatment of others is a confusing 180^ given what led to her tragedy. In the end, while years ago I hoped that Garruk would have made it to Avacyn and been cured, leaving his vengeance quest behind, this redemption sounds like a beautiful and deserved turning point. To go from a man who originally just wanted to be left alone to one whoe now has those that he can turn to besides a great forest beast and call "friend."

[@kristennorth3268]

They really called back to Garruk's origin too. That "Anyone who can speak can lie" line was basically the last thing Garruk's father told him before their lives went to hell, so that helped bring up those emotions in him. And then following it right up with the war connection as well.

[@avidreader8521]

I'm a new player and The Wildered Quest was actually the first bit of MTG lore I had ever read. It was really, especially for how short it is, and encouraged me to get more the story and the game, which is - I think - what lore should do.

[@rossmiles5760]

Well done video, ❤️this and the time I know it took to write this script out. Keep it up prof

[@unbanrofellos5786]

This series is actually really fun, more please!

[@RobleViejo]

15:55 "It is only through our individual choices, when to disregard tradition and law, and when to adhere to it that we are free adults" Sounds weird, the message is nice

[@BostonDeadHead]

I really enjoyed this book. I have no problem with paying for MTG fiction as long as they are as good or better then Eldraine.

[@mra6454]

Thank you for this review! I look forward to reading this story.

[@Maleusification]

I love that you do story review for mtg

[@ghostware6057]

I'm dipping out to avoid spoilers, but I'm glad to hear the book was good! I was very worried about it being a cheap novelization. It's added to my TBR list!

[@AeneasMTG]

Great review, I could really feel the magic and how moving this story was and the themes that surround it. One question though, isn't it pronounced like "Wil-der-d"? (Not "Wild-erd")

[@garmatey3816]

Interesting the different takes on this novel. I like yours

[@jasonmolisani1864]

I feel a little bad stopping halfway through a video. I understand youtube's algorithm doesn't like that, but I am planning on buying this book and reading it myself. Hopefully the like and this comment will offset me not watching the spoiler part. Thanks for the preliminary review!

[@sdawg35]

I can't wait to get the book now! I usally want for 'Voice of All' to do the magic stories, but after hearing the book was that good I am going to pick it up for myself. I wonder if Wizards will ever consider bringing back the old Fatpacks that included the book.🤔

[@feelingveryattackedrn5750]

They gave you such a cool preview card! Wicked border aside, I think I prefer the normal card art over the collectors card art :)

[@ofrutsra]

Beautifully put at the end.