Rating: Summary: A great book for a lazy Sunday Review: Crichton's simple but charming and action-packed retelling of Beowulf is a first-rate light read in many respects. The characters are well drawn, the more barbaric aspects of primitive life are not flinched from, and though some found them tedious I must admit that I enjoyed the 'scholarly' material in the introduction, footnotes, and appendix. The handling of the 'dragon' was a nice touch.The fault that prevents this book from getting five stars from me, though, is that the climax is rather underwritten. After all the difficulties, terrors, and carnage inflicted by the mist-monsters it seems that the final confrontation is over too quickly. Other than that, this is a fun little book.
Rating: Summary: Great Read Review: I enjoyed the movie (13th Warrior) and wanted to see if the book was better (as these things usually are). In this case, my surprise when that wasn't true was a pleasant one. The book was as good as the movie, but different enough to make a unique experience. I particularly enjoyed some of the insights into both Viking and Arab lifestyles that wouldn't have fit the movie very well (too expository). All things considered, I enjoyed both just about equally, with just a slight edge to the book.
Rating: Summary: Different, But Good Review: This is not your typical Crichton thriller, but it is good nevertheless. Now, Crichton is famous for writing his books documentary style and making them believable, but with this one he takes it to a whole other level. Besides his usual methods of describing every little thing, etc., this time he evens goes so far as to include a lengthy preface, an about the author section (the story is told through the eyes of Ibn Fadlan, who was an actual person, but never made contact with the Vikings), and even footnotes. Unlike most of his books, there is no extreme suspense, no matter how bad the situation gets, you know how it is gonna come out because it is told in first person about the past. That said, it is still a very entertaining book. Reccommended, but read some other books of Crichton's first.
Rating: Summary: The characters make it work Review: This book was very good not only because of the story, but because of the characters. These barbaric vikings were brutal in battle and exceptional warriors, but they also seemed to have a side to them that the reader can care about. Ibn Fadlan depending on Herger the translator, Buliwyf showing courage through the journey while still accepting Fadlan, an outsider, into his clan, and the rest of the warriors fighting against evil and enjoying it are examples of how I gained interest in their personalities. I almost wanted to jump in and fight with them against the monsters of the mist. I don't want to give anything away, but I almost felt sorry for the vikings at the end. They were bloodied, battered, and exhausted, yet it was part of their duty to finish the job.
Rating: Summary: Faced paced, Viking saga Review: Too many people are hung-up on whether the contents of this book are true or made up as some big hoax. Either way Michael Crichton tells a great story. His choice of writing style makes the story more believable. Crichton stays true to his style of fast paced action and it is difficult to place this book down, once it is opened. Crichton uses explicit descriptions of orgies, sacrifices and battles wounds through-out the book. These descriptions are a necessary part of the book, for it gives the reader the full picture of the lifestyle of the Vikings. I read this book, prior to viewing the movie _The 13th Warrior_ and I re-read it afterwards. As the old cliché line goes: "I prefer the book to the movie." The book focuses on the daily life and routines of the Vikings, through the eyes of an outsider who considers their actions "truly barbaric." This outsider is a representative from Baghdad on a mission from his king. On his mission he meets the "barbarians" and becomes entangled in a mission to stop the evil that comes to destroy villages and the people of the North.
Rating: Summary: The hazy mist-ery... Review: I enjoyed this movie in the theatre, and when I saw it was based on a Crichton book, I of course immediately went to check it out. I also study Vikings and Viking culture on my free time, so the subject matter is curious to me. This book is a quick read; most readers can finish it in one day (if not one sitting). In the end, I must say it is a good and interesting story, especially if you like Vikings. Fact? Historical and archaeological accuracy? You decide when you read the ending. Please don't let this book or the movie define Viking culture for you. Do your own research as well.
Rating: Summary: Great creepy tale! Review: This is very reminiscent of Beowulf. It is a story of a Arab warrior exiled from his land only to be caught up on an adventure with Vikings against an unknown enemy. I highly reccommend it.
Rating: Summary: The Worst Michael Crichton, But still a good book Review: I thought that this was an execellently written book, but crichton could've done better. I don't reccomend one reads it. The croosing of Fadlan and Beowulf is interesting, but that's about it.
Rating: Summary: Can you smell the Beowulf? Review: Yes, when you read both Beowulf and EotD you can see the vast similarites. Even the hall of Hurot stays the same basically. Anyway, this book was a great quick read for anyone interested in the Norsemen days of old.
Rating: Summary: Eaters of the Dead was great, so was the movie Review: I really liked the book, I have read some Beowulf before and it does remind of that particular story. Nevertheless, I still loved. The story is captivating and I was soon sucked in. Micheal Crichton is a great author, I can't wait for to read more of his work. I would recomend this to anyone who loves a great story.
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