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prof_chronotis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
kb_johnstone's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Academic style books are not my usual fare and this read halfway between a study of the actual original Ibn Fadlan manuscript and a fiction book. Knowing that the book was entirely fiction didn’t keep the nonfiction sounding parts from coming off as a bit dry. A very interesting concept and very well done, just not really my thing.
awwcripes's review against another edition
5.0
great read. almost more fun than the story itself is Crichton's reason for writing it: to prove that Beowolf could be made interesting. although this was a far departure from the tale of Grendel, it is an interesting and enjoyable journey in that world. really appreciated how the manuscript was set up and got a kick out of the blurred lines between Crichton's actual research and the fictional research of the story.
I wish I had read this before seeing the movie adaptation (the 13th warrior). not that I dislike the movie, but I was unable to read anything said by the main character without hearing the voice of Antonio Banderas.
I wish I had read this before seeing the movie adaptation (the 13th warrior). not that I dislike the movie, but I was unable to read anything said by the main character without hearing the voice of Antonio Banderas.
prab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is surprisingly good. I expect nothing when I’ve started this book but wow this is full of surprises. The story of Norseman has always intrigue me.
The villian, Wendol is so well constructed and was so damn scary in my head. However, after so much build up, the abrupt ending has ruined it. But overall, this is a thrilling book and I can’t wait to start another book of Crichton
The villian, Wendol is so well constructed and was so damn scary in my head. However, after so much build up, the abrupt ending has ruined it. But overall, this is a thrilling book and I can’t wait to start another book of Crichton
corprew's review against another edition
5.0
This is the only book of Crichton's that I'd recommend reading, and I recommend it heartily. In some ways a modernist retelling of beowulf.
daswampthing's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
gsheffy's review against another edition
main character says he would rather have sex with a woman on her period than climb down a cliff 👍🏻 so true king
ok i didn’t enjoy like at all, very suspenseful, but hated everyone… maybe i’ll have something more insightful to say after beowulf class
ok i didn’t enjoy like at all, very suspenseful, but hated everyone… maybe i’ll have something more insightful to say after beowulf class