Rating: 
Summary: Clever re-telling
Review: This is a very clever re-telling and re-visioning of the BEOWULF tale. EATERS OF THE DEAD is also a return to Crichton's style in THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN. That is, Crichton's technique is to make fiction seem absolutely real -- sometimes boringly so -- and when he's good at this, he's the best. Ibn Fadlan was an actual person who did write about his travels, but remember that in THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN Crichton invented footnotes and bibliographical entries that appeared real and true, even though they weren't. The mix of historical fact with fiction, the mundane with the fantastic, is expertly done. The recent movie that is based on this book, THE THIRTEENTH WARRIOR, also does that quite well. (If folks are interested in more interpretations of BEOWULF, they might want to take a look at John Gardner's GRENDEL.)
Rating: 
Summary: Another big hit!
Review: When you first start this book, it begins with a boring introduction to the story, explaining the historical foundation for the book. (I'm not totally convinced that this was based on history-but I'm not sure!-which is another fascinating aspect of the book.) When you get through that part, which is pretty interesting if you give it a chance, you get to the really good stuff. I'm sure you have read the other reviews and the synopsis of the book, so I will only add one other thing to help you decide if you want the book or not. The book has many levels, and I chose to focus on the relationship between Ibn Fadlan and the vikings. Underneath the obvious story lies lessons about death and life. Ibn Fadlan, a man who is afraid of death and, of course, avoids it as much as possible, is sent on a quest with men who deal with death everyday. Also, his relationship on a cultural level with the vikings. He was so much the opposite of them, and you get to see his transformation as he discovers their world. The book is beautifully written (maybe the writing is a little wierd for people since it was written as journal entries from a man who only liked to write down the facts). The only thing I didn't like was that it wasn't longer! It's a great buy and it is action-packed and very funny! warning: There are a couple of words where you need a dictionary. (but just a couple)
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Summary: susie in hampstead
Review: I have to admit I found this book interesting and enjoyable. Its not one I would have bought for myself given its subject but someone recommended it and I had some free time. Anyway, it turned out to be much better than expected. The description of the lifestyle in that period, (right down to their bathroom habits) was interesting indeed.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Historical Fiction
Review: Michael Chrichton wrote this extremely well: to the point where he couldn't tell if some parts were his, or parts of the original. The people that said that his work was not original, go finish the book. You didn't read the afterword.
Rating:
Summary: Eaters of the Dead
Review: A pretty good novel. It kept my attention - I read the whole thing in one day, and it had a lot of action-adventure in it. The writing was a bit strange though. Although all in all, not a bad book. Not very light reading though... beware of what you're getting into.
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Summary: David's review of Eaters of the Dead
Review: Eaters of the dead takes place around 922 A.D. The Caliph of Baghdad sends a court member named Ahmad Ibn Fadlan to deliver a message to the King of Bulgars. During his journey, Fadlan stays at a Viking village. Then a lone warrior comes from the North and tells of a terror that kills the Vikings in the night under the cover of night and the mist. Fadlan is then enlisted to fight this horror, against his will. He protests, but to no avail. He journeys to the North with 12 other warriors to Rothgar's Kingdom and helps to defend it form the attacks by the barbaric mist warriors. Then, the group goes on the offensive to slay the mother. Ibn Fadlan makes this book more interesting and fun to read because he is the total opposite of the Vikings, with whom he stays. He is apalled by their barbaric customs because he is a civilized Arab and the Norsemen are uncivilized. Throughout the story these contrasts are evident. This book proceeds without talking about one subject for too long. I never got bored and there is never a break in the action. The suspense also never stops. I would definitely recommend this book because it gives a great look into the Viking culture while being very entertaing. You won't be able to put it down. Crichton's writing is very fast paced, so this is a great read on a good subject.
Rating:
Summary: Good, light read. Central mystery kept the pages turning.
Review: First of all, to the guy who claimed the book was merely a translation and not an original work, he needs to go back and finish it. That's part of the game! This book was very entertaining, if a bit weak at the end. I actually felt the movie tweaked the ending for the better, which was a surprise. Don't believe what your friends tell you, think for yourself. This book and the movie that was made from it are both worth your time, in my opinion.
Rating: 
Summary: Major Michael Crichton Let-down
Review: When I ordered this book I was expecting to find something of an action/suspense novel that was with the Jurassic Park "ballpark." I hadn't seen the movie due to bad reviews and a strong no-no from everyone I asked about it. When I opened the book I found that it was merely a translation of a military report with Crichton's occasional fun fact and historical background. He hardly even wrote it! It goes step by step without going into great detail or even appearing to resemble a novel or a good story. This book is definately not Crichton's best "work" if you could even call it that much. If you're looking for a good novel, for your own sake, don't look to The 13th Warrior for it.
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the money!
Review: If you like short novels, I can't recommend this one enough. I read it in one sitting due to the constant action. Definately worth the cash.
Rating: 
Summary: Good story with a disapointing let down in the end
Review: I enjoyed this book very much, but was disappointed with the creature in the end. It seemed like a fairly realistic story of the past, with good action. Then at the end he puts in this creature. It is still good and worth reading.
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