Heroes Die: The First of the Acts of Caine (Unabridged) [Audio Download]

Matthew Woodring Stover may just be the most underrated contemporary Scifi/Fantasy author.

Although he's best known for his work in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (`Traitor' and `Shatterpoint' becoming highly touted amongst fans) his true mastery is revealed in both this novel and its sequel, `Blade of Tyshalle'. This novel is tightly plotted and possesses virtually nothing superfluous to the total design -- Stover's style is heavily evocative and often features short and compact sentences to maximise drama at key scenes. What really elevates this novel to the same level as authors such as George R.R. Martin, however, is the characterisation. Known for his intently psychological penetration, Stover creates one of the most magnetic anti-heroes (if such a label can even be used here) of contemporary fiction in that of Caine. There is no clearly established good or evil -- there are no grumpy but gold-hearted dwarves, elegant and refined elves, or incredibly powerful dark lords plotting to destroy-life-as-we-know-it. There are simply characters and their motivations, as it should be -- the reader isn't dictated or preached to, merely -shown-.

Most, however, may feel turned off at the highly (and I really do stress the word `highly') graphic violence and action sequences that play throughout the entire journey of the protagonist. If you're not too squeamish, the scenes resonate with a surprising level of verisimilitude -- the author is a devout martial artist, and understands the nature of combat to a level highly uncommon to the majority of authors in the field. Fight scenes are short, bone-shatteringly vicious and utterly believable. The shocking detail isn't simply gratuitous, however -- it is a key part of reinforcing the reflection on violence as a concept that is at the heart of the novel.

Highly recommended to all but the squeamish, who may want to pass. For the rest of you -- treat yourselves, let it sink in for a while, and then move on to `Blade of Tyshalle' before joining the rest of us in a wait for `Caine Black Knife'.

Normally I'm not a big one for SF or fantasy. I was pleasently surprised when I got "Heroes Die" on a whim and as it turns out I loved it. I'm not sure I agree entirely with Stover's rather dismal view on our society's future, but it's possible. The characters of the story were very well written and surprisingly versitial. One of the aspects of the book I liked the most was the fact that people (both heros and villians) didn't do things just because they were good, evil etc. They had motives for their actions and weren't just radomly good or evil as the plot needed them to be. The settings and plot twists (there were many of those) were believable and entertaining. In my humble oppinion, this book was an all around good read. Can't wait for the sequal! Hint, hint, publishers.

I've been reading Sci Fi and Fantasy for twenty years and it takes a lot to impress me but Stover blew me away...If you want edge of your seat action/suspense/adventure set in two great backdrops/worlds this is your book. The characters really hold your interest (always a problem for me) and the action/fighting sequences will satisfy even the most blood-thirsty fan...Bravo Mr. Stover, can't wait for the sequel!