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Diablo #8

Diablo III: Book of Cain

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In Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo® and Diablo II, the recurring character of Deckard Cain delivered quests, accompanied the brave adventurer, and, as the last of the Horadrim, provided a link to the greater history of the world of Sanctuary. Ever mysterious during these appearances, Cain hinted at a larger story, providing snippets of it in his notebook. Diablo III: Book of Cain is Cain’s formal record of this greater tale—a dissertation on the lore of the Diablo universe, told by one who has witnessed and participated in some of the epic events that make up the eternal conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells.

Designed as an “in-world” artifact from the Diablo universe, Diablo III: Book of Cain includes Cain’s revealing meditations, as well as dozens of sketches and color artworks depicting the angelic and demonic beings who wage constant war with one another.

148 pages, Hardcover

First published November 25, 2011

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Flint Dille

54 books12 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Behdad Ahmadi.
Author 2 books59 followers
May 22, 2016
شاید خوندن این کتاب برای هر کسی، اون معنایی که برای من داشت رو نداشته باشه. اما اگر دیابلو رو دوست داشته باشید، اگر دکارد کین رو بشناسید و اگر ماجرای تریسترام رو زندگی کرده باشید، این کتاب یکی از به یاد موندنی ترین ها برای شما خواهد بود.

این کتاب، رمان نیست. دکارد کین، یکی از شخصیت های دنیای دیابلوست، از آخرین بازمانده های فرقه ای از دانشمندها و جادوگرهای باستانی به نام هورادریم. این کتاب، از زبان و به قلم خود دکارد کین نوشته شده و به نوعی دانشنامه ی جهان دیابلو محسوب می شه که برای دخترخونده ش، لیا، به یادگار گذاشته. در این کتاب دکارد کین پیر خطاب به دخترش تمام تاریخ آفرینش رو بازگویی می کنه، افسانه ها رو شرح می ده و اسطوره های جهان رو نقل می کنه. به تاریخ معاصر می رسه و از سقوط تریسترام میگه، تا به نابود شدن سنگ جهان می رسه. و در آخر، درد دل کوتاهی با دخترش می کنه و کتاب رو بهش تقدیم می کنه و ازش می خواد که ادامه دهنده راهش باشه و این کتاب رو، با تاریخ و وقایع جهان، هرچه کامل تر کنه.

تقریبن هرآنچه که در جهان دیابلو رخ داده، از رمان ها گرفته تا داستان بازی ها، توی این کتاب ذکر شده. تمام شخصیت های مهم و اصلی توضیح داده شدن و از این نظر، کتاب کاستی ِ به خصوصی نداره.

اما چیزی درباره این کتاب هست که نمیشه ازش عبور کرد و چیزی نگفت، و اون طراحی و چاپ خارق العاده کتابه. کتاب کین درست جوری طراحی و چاپ شده که انگار یه کتاب باستانی و قدیمیه. لبه ی صفحات صاف و متناسب نیستن، کاغذ ها بسیار ضخیمن و زرد رنگ و پر از لکه، و فونت کتاب انگار که دست نویسه. جلد سخت هم به نوعی طراحی شده که به نظر می رسه از چرم و با قابی از فلز ساخته شده باشه. سر و شکل محشر کتاب، با اون جلد سخت و اون وزنِ بسیارش، باعث میشه وقتی کتاب رو دست می گیرید، احساس کنید یه متن باستانیه که درست از وسط جهان دیابلو اومده بیرون و حالا شما در دست داریدش. طراحی هایی هم از تمام وقایع مهم و شخصیت های مهم وجود داره.
در صفحه آخر هم، پاکت نامه ای مهر و موم شده قرار داده شده که توش نقشه ی جهان دیابلوست

در آخر، دو نکته به نظرم می رسه. نخست، اینکه دست گرفتن این کتاب به تنهایی یکی از حس های زیبای دنیاست، و دوم اینکه وقتی تمام داستان های مهم دنیای دیابلو رو از آغاز تا پایان یکجا بخونید، این حجم از عمق و گستردگی و پیچیدگی داستان، شما رو بی تردید به وجد میاره.
Profile Image for Avery.
122 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2014
What was really neat about this book is that it was written as if it was the actual item that appears in the game. From Deckard Cain’s point of view, it contains information on the High Heavens and the Burning Hells as well as the key players throughout history, presented as the ongoing research Cain collected throughout his life.

I’d never played a Diablo game before D3, but rather enjoy D3 when I just want to kill some pixel-people without having to think. Because of that, I was really unfamiliar with the lore in the game. This book is perfect for getting acquainted with that. As a mythology/folklore fanatic, I also really appreciated the amount of thought that went into developing this lore. Besides obvious parallels in Abrahamic traditions, the roles assigned to the various angels and demons turned it into a very interesting story.

The writing itself was pretty eh. Especially for a scholar of Cain’s level in the games, I would have expected it to be a little less straight-forward. But I guess that’s consideration for the audience as well, and in turn it was pretty readable. The margins contained seemingly hand-written notes for the reader (Leah, in the game, is the assumed reader of those notes), which was a nice creative touch for making this book feel realistic.

But first and foremost, I see this as more of an art book. Just about every other page was a full print, and the entire thing had a background print that made you feel as if you were in fact flipping through an old well-used journal. Even the page cut was uneven to add to the effect. Presented as very well-done sketches (apparently Cain is an artist as well?), this art is what made this book awesome.

Full review posted at The Book Cat.
Profile Image for Conrad Zero.
Author 3 books143 followers
December 28, 2017
I do love it when authors create a unique backstory for their worlds. I love it even more when they flesh them out into an entire mythology. And better still when they present it with style, design and artwork that you'll find in The Book Of Cain.

This book is a journey through time (presented in a journal format) that starts at The Capital-B Beginning, and covers aeons of demonic/angelic creation, wars, marches, purges, betrayals, forbidden romances, and even the creation of the universe you'll explore in Diablo. Each of the angels and demons are listed, described and illustrated in all their heavenly/hellish glory.

Typically, the fight between good and evil is assumed. Demons want to kill you because, well, they're demons! But The Book of Cain does an amazing job of setting up humanity to be a point of contention between the two sides. I appreciate the engaging backstory, and bonus points for including a foldout map in the back.

I've never played any of the Diablo series, but this fascinating trip through the mythology of the world makes me want to check it out. (too bad the game isn't on Steam...)
Profile Image for Richard Houchin.
400 reviews41 followers
December 25, 2011
This reads like an extended old Blizzard game manual. I remember reading the manuals for WarCraft I and Diablo I cover to cover for all the story and artwork. Book of Cain delivers with wicked illustrations that have the power to define a whole style of imagining. And not only that, the writing has just the right balance of character and source-book style to give teasing hints at a great story that leaves enough undefined and contradictory to fuel the speculation.

It feels like they are building out the world of Diablo for more, be it an mmo or something else. The Diablo universe is far from done!
Profile Image for Jason Ray Carney.
Author 40 books78 followers
February 7, 2022
This was a fun presentation of a lot of Diablo lore. It is written as a book found in the Diablo world by Deckard Gain (the NPS who identifies your magic items). It surveys a lot of the background mythos of Diablo I and Diablo II and sets up some of the conflicts in Diablo III. The illustrations are the highlight, really beautiful and evocative pencil drawings in a sketchy style. The text itself is kind of a slog. It consists of unreal history and cosmology and includes a lot of place names, character names, cultural concepts, etc., that can get confusing. If you like the Diable games, reading this will enrich your experience.
Profile Image for sally.
18 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2024
very informative mimo ze wiem emmm... praktycznie wszystko 🫶 mimo tego bardzo enjoyowalam bo to prawie taki artbook meets mitologia diablo bestiariusz
Profile Image for MrJsPancakeHouse.
52 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2011
Diablo III: Book of Cain is narrated by none other than Deckard Cain. He is writing this "tome, journal, etc" in hopes that Leah his profound "niece/daughter" will study and continue his works.

The content packed in this book is not necessarily lacking, however there is no real depth or attachment to the summarized events that go on in the universe of Diablo. The first half of the book contains background stories on creation of the universe, eternal war as well as the main powers of heaven and hell, and including the creation of sanctuary. It further explains events such as the sin wars, dark exile, mage wars. Followed by stories of sanctuary etc etc.

Where this book shines is in the well placed art pieces that really bring together this book. Without the art, most likely this work would consist of only 80 or so pages of actual reading. It's certainly not a lengthy read by far, but it does immerse you slightly into the backgrounds as well as upcoming events with possibly foreshadowing in affect.

An overall quick fun read, if you are a veteran Diablo fan, or a new up and coming fan such as myself. However if you truly want to be immersed I suggest diving into the actual novels surrounding each events that are briefly touched upon in this book.
Profile Image for Aarohi Brar.
Author 1 book43 followers
March 24, 2020
Diablo was my favorite video game growing up. I loved the story line. So naturally, when I discovered that the makers had come out with books for those of us eager to take a deeper dive into the world of angels, demons and mortals, I had to pick this up.
The illustrations are fantastic and keep you wanting more. I really enjoyed the story of creation and history of the three factions.
I loved how the protagonist urged the readers to form their own opinion. It was quite clever.
Profile Image for Ken.
188 reviews30 followers
February 6, 2012
Diablo III: Book of Cain is written from Deckard Cain's point of view. The book is intended as a legacy to his niece Leah, who after reading this book, would have the knowledge to continue the work of the Horadrim before the coming apocalypse.

This book is packed with gorgeous artworks and lore that give the reader a better understanding of the Diablo universe. The first half of the book goes through the history of Sanctuary, including the eternal conflict between the High Heavens and Burning Hells, its creation, the Sin War, Mage Wars and the trapping of the three Prime Evils. The second half of the book goes through the story of the first two games including their expansions and foreshadows the things to come in the long awaited third game of the series.

My favourite parts of the book are the sections on the Angels and Evils. Each character comes with a beautifully rendered sketch along with their description and for the Angels, there are further information on the weapons they wield. My only gripe with this book is that the Dark Wanderer has been changed from the player to Prince Aidan, son of the mad King Leoric in the first game.

On the whole, the book is a fun quick read. Each entry is only a few pages long and provides just enough to wet the reader's appetite. If you are interested in the Diablo universe and want to dig deeper into the story, I would recommend reading the tie-in books.

Book of Cain comes in a solid hardback, printed on quality paper and also contains a map of Sanctuary in the back envelope. This book is well worth its price and is a must have for fans of the Diablo series.

(Repost from http://www.paperlessreading.com/2012/...)
Profile Image for Parka.
797 reviews479 followers
November 15, 2012

(More pictures on my blog)


This is a beautifully designed book.

There's a short book jacket ribbon across the cover. Beneath it is a gorgeous illustration embossed on both the front and back covers. The 148 pages have a yellow tinted look and a rough cut edge treatment that gives it an impression of some old tome. It's a nice idea executed well.

I've not played Diablo before but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the book. I can understand from reading why the game has such a huge following.

The book is written in first account by Deckard Cain, a helper character and lore-master in the game. It starts right from the beginning, the creation of the universe and covers the world of Diablo, its history, the significant events and the characters. For fans, it's going to provide a deeper understanding, and a recap on what has happen. For non-players like me, it's still an intriguing read. It's good fantasy writing.

The illustrations featured are beautiful and detailed sketches of characters, creatures and a few locations. There's usually one piece of art for every two pages. They remind me of pencil sketches for comic panels just before the inking. The art is great with really good hatching. I'm not sure who drew them but the credits at the back mention the art direction from Glenn Rane, Doug Gregory and Jeremy Cranford, with additional art from Trent Kaniuga and John Polidora.

Also included right on the back cover inside a sealed envelope is the map of Diablo.

It's a wonderfully crafted book. Highly recommended to all fans of Diablo, and to those who love to read fantasy.
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,299 reviews32 followers
October 8, 2016
'Diablo III' by Insight Editions came to me as an ebook that was releasing this month. My review is based on the review copy they gave me which is only 23 pages long. I think it's enough to give me an idea of what the rest of book contains.

The book is told by Diablo III's narrators, Deckard Cain. The book has the feel of a journey with notes and drawings from the game. The chapter I was giving discussed the greater evils (Diablo, Baal, Mephisto) and lesser evils (Duriel, Andariel, Azmodan, and Belial) that one encounters in the game.

It would have been helpful in such a short snippet to have a table of contents so that other content was something I could see. What I got was a decent read, and the illustrations were really good. The book is hued in sepia tone. It looks like it was previously released when Diablo III was new, so I'm unsure why this is releasing again, but it is a great game. A fun add on for fans of the game.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Insight Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Profile Image for Reg.
320 reviews112 followers
October 22, 2017
This book is a great companion for those intending to play Diablo 3 or have played the prior Diablo games. There is enough information that hints at but doesn't give away on what would happen in Diablo 3. The illustrations are gorgeous and it also comes with a folded map of Sanctuary which I think would look nice framed on my wall.

The book is written in Deckard Cain's perspective. Being the last of the Horadrim, Cain "wrote" and compiled this book addressing it to his niece, Leah, in the event that he is no longer alive and the information may be of use. Information about the Prime Evils and Lesser Evils, the Anigris Council, and history of the world of Diablo is written along with beautiful illustrations. Some of the information supplemented what I already know from playing the game and clarified some though I think there were some information that could only be found from reading this book. I doubt it affects the game experience much though but it was an enjoyable read.

I'm a huge fan of the Diablo series thus the wave of nostalgia while reading this book was very much welcomed. I even read it in Deckard Cain's voice haha!

For those who aren't fans or aren't familiar with Blizzard's Diablo series, I believe they will still enjoy the illustrations but most would not be able to appreciate the book as much. However, some might be encouraged to pick up the game which I suppose is Blizzard's aim.
Profile Image for Lorewarden.
160 reviews1 follower
Read
January 10, 2026
This book was a lot of fun, and if you let yourself you can really get into the mindset of a scholar reading Deckard Cain's earnest warnings about dangers to come in Sanctuary. The book is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to understand the world of Diablo, and it covers the base cosmology and history up through Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction. As someone who has played Diablo games for 25 years this was an excellent refresher and helped fill out some lore gaps that developed over time as I was less attentive to the storyline as a younger gamer. And, of course, it's an "in universe" book, so it's literally printed to feel like it came from Sanctuary.

I don't know who Flint Dille is - the Book of Cain was very obviously written by Deckard Cain 👴👹
Profile Image for Hell.
Author 3 books3 followers
April 21, 2019
On then insistence of my best friend, who is an avid gamer and loves the Diablo games, I finally knuckled down and read this after she gifted it to me.
I love mythology and learning lore about certain things, so getting a fictional but well thoughtout and highly detailed account of this game series was really interesting.
I knew bits and pieces about the lore from what she's told me and when I've watched her play Diablo III, but getting an in-depth look at the history of the cultures and beings was fantastic, especially with the accompanying illustrations.
I look forward to reading the Book of Tyrael (which I'll have to nab back from her) and eventually the Book of Adria.
Profile Image for Nuno Almeida.
Author 19 books36 followers
November 8, 2019
Um excelente acompanhamento à série, escrito na primeira pessoa pelo icónico Deckard Cain e apresentado como sendo o seu próprio manuscrito, acompanhado de excelentes ilustrações como o artwork oficial dos jogos já nos tinha habituado.

Nem todas as seções serão igualmente interessantes, e muito do lore parece um pouco forçado, uma tentativa artificial de acrescentar carne aos ossos de uma série que até agora pouco mais tinha para apresentar que os próprios eventos do Diablo 1 e 2.

Vale sobretudo pela excelente apresentação visual e será mais de interesse para fãs de longa data já bastante investidos neste universo ficcional.
Profile Image for Kaushal  Gadkari.
9 reviews
September 27, 2019
As a huge fan of both the games and the lore of Diablo, the Book of Cain is amazing!

Extremely beautiful and haunting art, excellent character profiling of a lot of key players in the Diablo universe and really good storytelling make this a great novel.

I honestly wish I could have read this book before I played the campaign of Diablo III as it seems to align perfectly to the events just before you start Act 1 in the game.

A must read/own for any Diablo fan and a really good looking coffee table book!

Kaushal.
Profile Image for Ray.
45 reviews5 followers
October 31, 2019
This is the sort of book that wouldn’t interest anyone not already interested in the intellectual property, but that’s a common trait of art books and companions. As a literary supplement to a universe developed primarily through games, it does its job rather well. In particular, the way that it remains “in character” as a tome of knowledge written by a scholar and given to his adopted niece is charming and well executed. The way the information within is sometimes speculative or of uncertain origin makes for a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Overall: great for fans of the franchise.
4 reviews
January 27, 2021
Amazing lore book

This isn't any normal book its more like a text book of lore for people who have played the video game series Diablo. If you have like I have over the years play Diablo and you want to know more this book is just amazing. I have learned so much from reading this. I am going to end up reading it again, again, and again just to make sure I remember everything I possibly can about the lore of Diablo.
Profile Image for Roger Sandri.
Author 1 book26 followers
June 2, 2021
The lore for the Diablo games, and the artwork in this tome, are worthy of a fifth star, but the quality of the book itself is sorely lacking. For the paperback binding to come apart after a single reading is quite abysmal.

Still, it’s highly recommended for fans of the Diablo game series since there’s so much lore presented here, as if it were recorded by Deckard Cain with notes to Leah. It certainly has me wanting to read more in the Diablo universe, if I can ever get my TBR under control.
Profile Image for Luke.
30 reviews
February 16, 2018
Elegantly constructed, beautifully illustrated, and rich in lore... I mean REALLY rich.

I've been playing the Diablo franchise for some years and though I loved it, I never made heads or tails of the lore. This past month, this book and the Book of Tyrael (a sort of companion book), not only cleared up the history, but enriched it beyond what I ever expected!
Profile Image for Felipe Freitas.
1 review
September 17, 2018
Awesome book.
Like a diary style by Cain with a good glimpse of what is going on in the Diablo world summarizing the main points of this universe.
There are some artworks of the main passages to illustrate and explain how Cain depicts what he tells.

Imo the ideal and best book to start off before diving into Diablo’s book series.
Profile Image for Captain Comic Book.
186 reviews
March 15, 2021
I loved everything about this book. I am biased because the Diablo franchise means a great to me, but I went into this wary and was rewarded. It was a great way to take in so much lore without it feeling dry. It still a story despite there being no overarching plot. Plus, I read it in my head in Deckard Cain's very distinct voice.
Profile Image for Alistair Gill.
4 reviews
June 11, 2017
As a fan of the games I found this book and the lore contained interesting and nostalgic. In some parts I'd have liked more detail, but overall the writing is good and does a fine job of setting up the Diablo universe if you weren't around for the earlier games in the series.
Profile Image for Andrew Geczy.
Author 17 books2 followers
July 21, 2021
It was fine

It was totally fine, a little boring but it takes you through the history of the first two games, and dramatizes it fine. Not as strong as the ones the did for Warcraft, even though the setting is arguably as strong or stronger.
Profile Image for Melanie.
286 reviews9 followers
February 6, 2017
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the Book of Tyrael because it covers much more of the Darkening of Tristram and the backgrounds of the Prime and Lesser Evils.
Profile Image for Joe Cavanaugh.
70 reviews
July 23, 2019
I actually thought this was really good. The lore is fun, and it's written with an academic style that makes it seem very Deckard Cain. Worth reading if you're into the Diablo franchise.
Profile Image for Tao.
23 reviews
August 30, 2019
Beautiful illustrations. The stories were like a background for the game, barely relevant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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