Book Review: Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton

I came to this after Sphere by MC - so I was really hoping for more of the same. I’ve been aware of the book and its ties to one of the best movies ever (13th warrior) but had left it TBR for way too long,

Honestly, I picked up Eaters of the Dead expecting something more traditional from Crichton, maybe a historical adventure with a sci-fi slant, and what I got was something weirder, darker, and far more atmospheric than I was prepared for. And I mean that as a compliment. Well, and an insult in a couple of ways I guess.

Told through the eyes of a 10th-century Arab diplomat swept into a Viking saga he barely understands, this book plays out like a half-translation, half-hallucination of Beowulf—only it’s filtered through a lens of anthropology, myth, and brutal realism. It’s a clever framing device, and while it takes a few pages to adjust to the formal tone and faux-historical style, once you’re in, it kind of all falls into place. That being said, it’s easy to switch off in some places because, well, it can get a little tedious. But then again, it’s a short book, so I cant really complain too much on that front!

The pacing isn’t what you’d call fast, but there’s something incredibly immersive about the way Crichton weaves fact and fiction until you’re not sure what parts you should be Googling and which ones he just made up to mess with you. (Spoiler: probably both.)

The battles are gritty, though there’s not much action as far as I’m used to, the monsters are ambiguous, and the whole thing has this eerie, dreamlike quality—like you’re watching something ancient unfold through a cracked lens. And while it’s not heavy on character depth or emotion, the sheer atmosphere of it makes up for that. You’re not here for emotional monologues or an epic fantasy story; you’re here for misty forests, bone-shrouded beasts, and cold iron clashing under dying suns.

In the end, it’s a short, strange little book—but a memorable one. It’s Crichton doing something bold and different, and I found myself genuinely impressed by how well it worked. Definitely not your typical historical adventure, nor is it going to scratch that fantasy itch, but if you’re in the mood for something mythic and unsettling, this one’s worth your time.

You can get the book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4iGon17 (affiliate link)