A Planeswalker's Guide to Alara

This was much more than i was expecting, with a lot of sketches and finished concepts. The text brilliantly supplements the images and it's done in the style you would expect a tourist booklet to be made in. Even if you do not play Magic, this is a great book. I myself am learning to draw and design all sorts of things, like props, characters, environments, and this compilation of great illustrations/sketches is an excellent source of inspiration.

The pages and binding were of exceptionally high quality. The feel is very much like that of some exotic atlas; the book is written, as the title suggests, as a tourist's guide to an entire world. There is fantastic art on every page, with well written descriptions of the world that the art depicts. My only complaint was that at 152 pages, I didn't get all the information about the setting that I wanted, though that desire for more reflects more on the quality of those 152 pages of full sized art than on any lack of cohesion or exposition.

If you enjoyt he storyline, art and or the art of Magic the Gathering then I suggest picking up this book! This book was created as something you would be holding if you were walking through the Shards(worlds) of Alara. Jund, a volcanic world full of dragons and lizard-men. A world where humans fight for survival! Grixis, like Jund it is a harsh environment to live in. Overun by the dead; zombies, undead, demons, lich lords and a multitude of other horrors! This is the worls you do not want to wake up in! Naya, a world covere dby a Jungle! Huge beasts roam that tower high above the trees! Elves and panther people live within this jungle setting and the elves hide a secret below their valley: A sleeping hydra that, if awakened, could kill them all! Esper, a world of calculation and ever rolling seas. Esper is home to humans and the vedalken, blue creatures who worship the metal etherium that they believe sould replace their own body. Finally Bant, a world of justice and everlasting kingdoms of Humans, Rhino-people and Angels. This world is full of pease and believe in helping one anothe rbefore anything else. All in all this book is full of wonderful artwork and a great, unique insight into this wonderful fantasy world! Defenitely pick this one up!

As of late Magic has been making new items that will expand the magic universe. If you like to follow the story then this is a great wey to preview the art work of the upcoming set.