Caine Black Knife
![]() 2008 cover | |
Author | Matthew Woodring Stover |
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Language | English |
Series | Acts of Caine |
Genre | Science fantasy |
Publisher | Del Rey |
Publication date | 2008-10-01 |
Pages | 368 |
ISBN | 0-345-45587-8 |
OCLC | 191922659 |
Preceded by | Blade of Tyshalle |
Followed by | Caine's Law |
Caine Black Knifeis a2008science fantasynovel by American writerMatthew Stover.It is labeled as the third of theActs of Caine,and is act one of theAtonementstory arc. It is published by the Ballantine Books division ofDel Rey.This is the third book in "The Acts of Caine" series, followingHeroes DieandBlade of Tyshalle.
Setting
[edit]The story takes place on a futuristic Earth, and the parallel dimension world called Overworld. The futuristic Earth is a strictly caste-based society, the reason of which is explained inBlade of Tyshalle.After the discovery of Overworld, Actors are sent there to entertain Earth's population, by "putting their lives in danger in interesting ways". Overworld is a fantasy world, featuring an array of Tolkien-inspired races, such as "primals" or "feys" (elves), "stonebenders" (dwarves), "ogrilloi" (orcs), ogres, and trolls.
Summary
[edit]The novel is split between the adventure that made Caine a star (Retreat from the Boedecken) and events in the present day. Both events take place in the same area, and both involve theOgrilloBlack Knife clan who roam the Boedecken Wastes. A twenty-five-year gap separates the two timelines.
The arc was completed inCaine's Law(earlier working title: "His Father's Fist" ), released April 2012.
Reception
[edit]Publishers Weeklygave the novel a somewhat mixed review saying, "Stover has a gift for brutal, detailed action sequences, and Caine is at his most enthralling when he's fighting or discussing tactics, but the high levels of (occasionally creative) profanity and the cliffhanger ending may put off some readers."[1]
References
[edit]External links
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