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awwcripes's review
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
4.0
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
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
ladyethyme's review
2.0
I almost never say this but….the movie was much, much better. Had humour, better storytelling, better pacing.
This book was basically a bored, dry scholar’s recount of an interesting story….
And frankly if I have to hear the word ‘verily’ or ‘I saw with my own eyes’ ONE MORE TIME I’m going to VERILY KILL SOMEONE WITH MY OWN HANDS myself. THREE TIMES in two paragraphs….and it goes on like this through the entire book.
And the constant references to slave girls being banged wherever/whenever the men pleased got gross real fast. A whole ‘village’ where the men kept nothing but sex slaves? Critchton seems fine with this and delightedly refers to it over and over and over…
This book was basically a bored, dry scholar’s recount of an interesting story….
And frankly if I have to hear the word ‘verily’ or ‘I saw with my own eyes’ ONE MORE TIME I’m going to VERILY KILL SOMEONE WITH MY OWN HANDS myself. THREE TIMES in two paragraphs….and it goes on like this through the entire book.
And the constant references to slave girls being banged wherever/whenever the men pleased got gross real fast. A whole ‘village’ where the men kept nothing but sex slaves? Critchton seems fine with this and delightedly refers to it over and over and over…
thomasr417's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
schuster_s's review
3.0
Not my usual choice of Crichton book, but not horrible. I had to look up if it was real or not because it is so well sourced. Overall pretty good, but I won’t read it again anytime soon. To the shelf to join the Crichton collection!