Publisher: Insight Editions

Author: Various

Release Date: 12/12/2011

Pages: 148

MSRP: $39.99 (Hardcover)

Recommended Audience: Adult

If the game’s story can’t explain itself well enough or with enough depth, always leave it to a book. The Book of Cain does this in a very unique way by telling Diablo’s entire history via a tome written by Deckard Cain himself. The tome is beautiful, with handwritten notes to Leah at the beginning and end of the book, which is actually quite touching. The illustrations and the way the book is written make it feel ancient or just border-lining on the words of a mad man.

The book actually makes a lot of sense and answers so many questions about Diablo’s universe that the games didn’t quite get across well enough. While this book is more of a sum total of all events in the timeline, it still brings to light many things. starting with how the universe was created. A diamond exploded; this diamond was the original god Anu, and its many faces turned into demons and angels. The book goes into great length about explaining each of the Prime Evils as well as the Lesser Evils and the Archangels as well.

After explaining how all this began, the book goes into explanations of the many wars throughout history, such as the Sin Wars, The Search for the Three, and even the Darkening of Tristram. Many major characters in all three games are talked about in depth and their roles in Sanctuary’s dark history. I just love how well-paced this book is and how Deckard’s writing style just sucks you in. Sometimes the book gave me goosebumps with how morbidly macabre and dark it was. Deckard’s constant fear of the end times and knowing it will happen just sends chills down my spine.

The book even talks about many areas in the games and the many realms you trek through. After finishing The Book of Cain, I am just glad I don’t live in that universe. There’s no happiness, no hope, and always fear and hate. With that said, if you are a fan of Diablo, this book is a must-read, if not for the great information but for the beauty of the book itself.