Not always historically accurate, but definitely a quick and entertaining read. The concept of the book is interesting but I think I would have liked more detail, especially since the book echoes a lot of classical hero's journeys (especially Beowulf). I think perhaps I am not a fan of Crichton's writing, but I would definitely be interested in re-reading a re-vamped version by another author who really could've added a lot more historical and cultural details.

That was a clever ending,

Крайтон - прекрасний та талановитий автор. Він майстерно поєднує історичний епос про Беовульфа, наполовину втрачений реальний рукопис написаний Ібн Фалданом в Х сторіччі про свою вимушену мандрівку на північ, сучасні антропологічні дослідження та часточку авторського вимислу, щоб створити неймовірно реалістичний світ. Такий, що подекуди дуже важко сказати що власне зараз перед твоїми очима - Вигадка чи Переклад Рукопису, особливо коли це підкріплене посиланнями на сторонні дослідження чи переклади (які часто вигадані!).

І тільки післямова розставляє все, на свої місця. При тому книга не припиняє будоражити уяву щодо певних аспектів, описаних на сторінках роману.

Обовʼязково до прочитання. А кому лінь читати, але таки хоче ознайомитись з цим твором, то можу запропонувати глянути екранізацію 1999-го року "13-й воїн", з Антоніо Бандерасом.

Having read my fair share of medieval sources, I appreciate the authenticity of making this sound like a historical account. I was a little put off by the narrator's description of the viking customs (yuck) but I appreciate the friendships that develop and his humility in realizing that despite being really different from him, he appreciated a lot about their culture and eventually thought of them as brothers. Like the movie, in some places the plot moved too fast so it feels like an abridged story that leaves out some character development at the expense of telling the storyline. I appreciated the ending with the anthropologists arguing about what he saw.

Two stars is mean but I'd swear there's two weeks' work in it, for Michael Crichton. If I starred him for Ibn Fadlan's travel account I'd go much higher. It's told me I need to track down Ibn Fadlan -- unless this is more or less the whole of what we've got, in which case I thank Michael Crichton. Don't ask me about the Beowulf bits. Beyond a crude outline of the plot, Beowulf isn't home. So maybe I'm a sore-headed Beowulf fan.

Sorry. Ibn Fadlan is seriously groovy and I think I'm in a mean mood because Michael Crichton is sitting on his shoulders here. Selling books. And after Ibn Fadlan runs out he only has to think up a scientific -- if farfetched -- explanation of the Beowulf plot. Two weeks' work, I tell you.

This book is about an Arab observer, Ibn Fadlan, who travels north to the land of the Vikings. Once there, he starts observing their customs and traditions. These Vikings end up riding for battle which Ibn takes a role in. This book is basically a version of the poem Beowulf as seen thru an outsider.

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. There is no real connection to any characters as this book is more of a journal than an actual story. That being said I enjoyed the content of this novel as it was captivating. I loved how this book showed the differences of the two cultures and how members of these cultures accepted each other. I haven't read the poem this novel was based on as I am not a fan of poetry. But this opened up my eyes as this had a fantasy element to it. Even the author's notes fascinated me as he explains that Ibn is an actual historical figure and the author placed him in a fictional setting. He also explains how this fictional account could be based on actual events. After reading this I felt like I learned something new.

This is a very quick read that entertained me throughout. If you enjoy fantasy novels with historical aspects this novel is for you.

This book was everything I have been looking for lately.

Violence? Check.



Great story but not overly done background stories nor weighed down by unnecessary details? Check (while I love these things usually, sometimes you gotta take a break).



Motherfucking Vikings? Check



(I really want to watch this show!!)

This book was a lot different than his usual stuff that I have read, but still really enjoyable.

Thanks Sarah! :D

Though at face value it sounds like it would be boring, I thought this fictional historical manuscript was pretty fascinating. It’s narrated rather plainly, and I’m obviously aware it’s fiction, but the first person account of Viking culture and cannibal Neanderthals was a really captivating read for me. Suspending disbelief, it was quite fun to imagine that some thousand years ago this Muslim adventurer from Baghdad made his way to the Scandinavian land of Norse gods.

So I was watching E.R. on NBC, when in the begining a former original cast member came on (Dr. Benton) and expressed condolences for the late Michael Chriton. What? He's dead? I just sat there and cried. This man takes science and makes it accessible and plausable. If you were to take any of his plots, lets say Jurasic Park, and just look at it; you would at first think "Dino's coming back to earth. Yes, it is absurd in a science fiction kind of way." But as you read on you think, "Holy crap! Can this actually happen?" That is because Chriton is not afraid of explaining things to you. Not only are you being entertained by Dino DNA, but you are kind of learning somthing. He explains things in "Regular Joe" language. Next thing you discover is that the secret to the universe is 3.149 - and you understand why! Check out his bio. The man was smart and hung out with smart people.

Eaters of the Dead was not his original story. I believe it was based on some ancient Arabian warrior's tale. See "The 13th Warrior" (really violent) with Antonio Banderas. That's the other thing about Chriton. He wasn't afraid to expand on other peoples ideas and experiences. He gave a voice to the "smarty pants" community and actually made it cool to like Pi. He will be sorely missed.

Ιδιαίτερο βιβλίο, ή πιο σωστά: ο τρόπος που είναι γραμμένο είναι ιδιαίτερος. Έχει πολλά στοιχεία για τη ζωή των Βίκινγκ, αλλά ενώ στην αρχή μου άρεσε που είχε πολλές σημειώσεις στο τέλος με κούρασαν.

3.75⭐️

“Animals die, friends die, and I shall die, but one thing never dies, and that is the reputation we leave behind at our death”

I never would’ve picked this for myself, but damn Crichton knows what he’s freakin doing. Literally one of the most captivating story tellers. Took me a few days to get fully invested, but picks up once you get used to the language and vibe of the story and the past two days I couldn’t put it down. I am not big into history and mythology and beowulf all that, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the story it told. The history / background behind this story (discussed in the appendix) made this story even better!!! I literally hated Beowulf in school and as I’m reading this I’m like huh this story sounds familiar (I’m dumb) & once I read the appendix

Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder but in how the beholder views. If the beholder can appreciate the blend of epic poetry, history and fiction, Eaters of the Dead may be considered a masterpiece. Even if read for casual enjoyment, the book is nothing short of excellent.