Rating: 
Summary: One of his best books ever written
Review: I was mesmerized. I would classify this book as one of his best works. I felt like I was there. I highly recommend this book, especially historians...it is very entertaining.
Rating: 
Summary: He's gone too far, and must be stopped!
Review: First, and I think you'll agree, Mr. Crichton has a mesmerizing way of pulling you into a story and making it so believable that only later will you say, "Was that non-fiction?" The skillful way he will construct quasi-factual sources is often done very well (e.g., *Andromeda Strain's*" "Project Scoop" papers, cited in the Bibliography).HOWEVER, this can be overdone. When the author gets so wrapped up in carefully crafting background to "cite," he will sometimes cross the line into the absurd (not to mention the confusing; some of us DO read non-fiction too). Mr. Crichton has done it this time. Exhibit A: the footnotes. I admit, it started out impressively. However, after a couple of half-page footnotes, and some that included Arabic characters, it hits you that this is neither fun fiction nor believable reference. It's something else... *cue Psycho music* Exhibit B: Mr. Crichton's own words in the appendix/whatever that was at the end. He admits himself that upon re-reading, he couldn't remember what he'd based on reality and what was fiction he'd made up. Sometimes that's fun. Not this time. Exhibit C: the interest in sex, the uneven descriptions that vacillate between "translation-esque Middle English" and modern concepts, and discussion of modern thinking (including stereotypes). It doesn't play well. Synopsis: this is a Beowulf-meets-Piers Anthony semi-fantasy sword-and-sorcery-and-perversion epic work... of mediocrity. Sorry, Mr. Crichton; I love your other novels (except for *Lost World*). =^)
Rating: 
Summary: A novel of a tenth century Islam diplomat and Vikings.
Review: Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, a representative of the ruler of Baghdad, is traveling up the Volga River on a diplomatic mission in the year 922 (although the "Encyclopedia Britanicca" says 921). He soon meets a Viking chief, Buliwyf, who is attempting to return to his homeland to fight beings or monsters who are apparently attempting to conquer his land. The author is obviously structuring his book on the epic of "Beowulf" (but, the historical Beowulf lived in the sixth century, not the tenth). The book shows some nice interplay between two widely different cultures. In a way, I viewed the second half of the novel not so much as a version of "Beowulf," but simply as a conflict between the Vikings and a strange Neolithic people (possibly the last of the Neanderthals?). Although not appreciated by many of Dr. Crichton's fans (as witnessed by many of the earlier comments), I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing tapestry of mystery, barbarism--and humanity.
Review: Mr. Crichton's most compelling and imaginative story to date may well be Eaters of the Dead. Compared to the clunky, commercial "Sphere" and "Congo" offerings, "Eaters" is a work that pours forth the impressive passion and power this author can bring to his craft when he writes to tell a story rather than merely sell a story. If your mind can reach beyond the fifteen second news spot, if your understanding of the human adventure soars beyond Sociology 103, take a turn at this rich, rewarding journey into the unknown. This is a tale that fully deserves to come to the screen as the "Thriteenth Warrior".
Rating:
Summary: A story of trans-cultural respect and friendship
Review: While fans of historical and myth-oriented stories have praised this book for its superb melding of the historical ben Fadlen manuscript with the Beowulf saga, no mention has been made of the rich characterizations and growth of the educated, refined narrator and his superstitious, barbaric captors. Far beyond a merely "male-bonding" blood-and-guts Viking adventure this is a moving story of friendship reaching across cultures and religions--"Eaters of the Dead" has the intellectual generosity that marks the best of Crighton's books. I hope this quality is not lost in the up-and-and coming film, but hiring the director of "Die Hard" for the cinematic version of this novel is not encouraging.
Rating:
Summary: This book is amazing!
Review: Eaters of the Dead is not only an excellent book for what it contains, but also for what it is. It is pieced together from history and is a most remarkable work.
Rating:
Summary: I think the book was great.
Review: I read the book just a couple of days ago. It is fantastic. The way the action and adventure is. I also liked the traditions and cultures of every village. The fighting was fantastic. My favorite part was when the one guys head gets cut off in the battle.
Rating:
Summary: This book is excellent!!!
Review: This was the most intensive book i have ever read and i do not read that many books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense or just to read a good book.
Rating:
Summary: best mix of truth and finction!
Review: great history book. The accounts of the rituals used for the dead, the descriptions of the Norsemen, and many of the smaller points were spot on. I always enjoy reading about my past blood, and this is the best book ive read yet. Wish they were all this good. I am proud to know were i came from.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring!
Review: This book is so boring! I can't believe I ever got through the whole thing. Don't get it. Read "Congo" or "Sphere" instead. They're way better than "Eaters of the "Dead". I definitely don't recommend this for kids or teens.
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