Diablo III: Book of Cain [Hardcover]

Deckard Cain (Author), Blizzard Entertainment (Creator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 12, 2011 | Series: Diablo

Since the dawn of time, the Eternal Conflict has raged between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. If the Prophecy of the End Days holds true, mankind will soon find itself trapped in the middle of this never-ending war.

Here renowned scholar Deckard Cain has combined excerpts, illustrations, and firsthand knowledge to pen a history of the world of Sanctuary. His writings depict the insidious Prime Evils (Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal), shed light on Tyrael and the other archangels of the Angiris Council, and illuminate humanity's hope and enduring heroism in the face of overwhelming terror. Revealed also are the untold mysteries, from the origins of mortals and the secrets of the nephalem to the gathering darkness of the End of Days. So take heed, dear reader, and bear witness to the truths that lie within.

Known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, Starcraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and numerous Game of the Year awards.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Insight did an outrageous work with this book; it’s actually one of the prettiest looking videogame books I’ve ever opened. From start to finish the book will offer information about the world of Sanctuary, its complete history, biographies from the people that live in it, and the demons that threaten it. To accompany every biography, there is a gorgeous illustration made by Blizzard. Insight’s website doesn’t do justice to this book; every page looks quite different to what it looks like in the site. It has been a completely different experience from what I was expecting.

Insight managed to capture the dark atmosphere of the series in this 147 page book, and will give new players and fans of the series an amazing source for Diablo’s story. I definitely recommend this book for every single fan of the Diablo series, you will not regret spending your cash in it, and even if you are not a fan of the series, you should check what this book has to offer. —Just Push Start

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 148 pages
• Publisher: Insight Editions (December 12, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1608870634
• ISBN-13: 978-1608870639
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (133 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Computers & Technology > Games & Strategy Guides > Internet Games
  • #94 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Fantasy

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book for fans.... December 19, 2011

By R. Bunds

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just got my copy this morning, I have to say this is one of the nicest game companion books I have purchased over the years. Being a Diablo fan since the original game I knew I had to pick this up and it doesn't disappoint, Blizzard has a knack for making great collector items.

The cover of the book itself is a textured relief design, it's in a matte type finish and looks great. The red band you see around the book comes off and their is actually no text on the outside cover itself. The inside of the book is where it really shines however! The pages of the book have been rough cut on the edges giving them the appearance of old weathered pages, they also used a weathered yellow appearance on the pages themselves completing the ancient tome look.

The books contents are presented by the great man himself Deckard Cain, without spoiling to much of the content I will say it runs the gamut of all things Diablo. The villains, the heroes, lands and lore of Diablo's world and even hell itself is covered. Including Deckard's personal notes to his niece. And of course some of the fantastic artwork of the Diablo world is presented as old sketches.

In the back of the book was also a nice little surprise. Inside the hardcover was a envelope attached to the book sealed with a wax seal style of sticker. Inside this envelope was a small map of the Diablo world, with the same rough cut edges that make it look very cool, was a nice little extra.

Overall this book is a terrific buy and a great gift for any fan of the series, terrific job Blizzard!

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great appetizer while waiting for Diablo III December 28, 2011

By Serge

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Released before the game itself, this book is like a preface to Diablo III. Deckard Cain let us re-visit the Diablo universe, telling us the story so far.

-The physical book:
Epic in all possible ways. This hardcover is decorated with awesome textured artwork and the lack of any title (except the removable red band) make it look even more like it came right from the game. The 148 yellowish pages are thick and they have been roughly cut on the sides and to give that ancient book look and feel. As a bonus, they included an unfoldable map of Sanctuary secured in an envelope behind the back cover. This map is also roughly cut and is made of thick canvas-like paper. Overall, the quality and the presentation of this book could not be better. It's one of the best looking book in my library right now; I even gave it the honor to sit on the same shelf as my precious H.P. Lovecraft collection.

-The content:
Narrated by Deckard Cain himself, we are told the story of the Diablo universe in a narrative and personal way. Everything is in there, from the creation of the universe itself to the destruction of the Worldstone by Tyrael. We can also enjoy great descriptions of the heroes of the High Heavens and the minions of the Burning Hells. While reading it I could almost heard the voice of the famous item-identifier himself in my head. Never revealed before information is accompanied by great sketches, illustrations and side notes for his niece, Leah. It took me around 2 hours to read it from cover to cover. Note that I paused there and there to admire the finely drawn demons and angels.

Now, this is a must-have for any serious Diablo fan or anyone that can appreciate a well-made fantasy book. The only downside to it that I can find is that it made me even more impatient for the release of the game itself! Buy it without hesitation. I guarantee you will 'Stay a while and listen' to it ;)

Cheers.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're a fan of the series then you'll most likely enjoy this. December 18, 2011

By Brandon Shea

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

It has great art and good writing. Informative about the characters and parts of the story that have not been shown in the Diablo III game. I really enjoy having this and I got it for all of my friends that are fans of the Diablo game series.