Pierced Heart
Pierced Heart is a 1996 novel published by Atlas Games.
Plot summary
[edit]Pierced Heart is a novel in which a murder mystery is blended with philosophical inquiry and subtle science fiction. Set in the surreal Mediterranean city of Al Amarja, the story follows Alex, a woman grappling with the death of her sister and the strange, often unsettling forces surrounding her quest for meaning. The novel offers a literary exploration of themes like divinity, suicide, family, and existential purpose. The narrative includes intense combat scenes and a mysterious drug called "Communion," which may offer a direct connection to God. As Alex navigates her journey, she is drawn into a web of characters whose relationships evolve and unravel.[1]
Publication history
[edit]Pierced Heart, Robin Laws' debut novel published by Atlas Games, uses the setting for the Over the Edge game.[1]
Pierced Heart was responsible for bringing Laws to the attention of Bill Jemas at Marvel Comics, which led to his run on Iron Man.[2]
Reception
[edit]Pyramid magazine reviewed Pierced Heart and stated that "It's not a gaming novel. Throw that idea right out. Gaming novels have genre-based characters, situation-oriented plots and copious references to arcane mechanics. Pierced Heart just happens to be set in the same world as a game, and just happens to be written by an author of game books. Got that? You certainly don't have to know the On/Over the Edge universe in order to enjoy it."[1]