Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tight as a drum, fast as an eagle, April 8 2002
This review is from: Martyrs (Paperback)
I got to read this in manuscript, and am delighted to see it now for sale. The plot is as tight as a drum, and the pacing is as fast as an eagle. Van Belkom draws on his own Catholic heritage for this tale of an archeological dig in Northern Ontario. In lesser hands, this could have been a predictable, standard book, but van Belkom brings freshness, and genuine creepiness, to this novel. It'll be a great summer read for when you're out in the country -- just don't forget to look behind yourself from time to time.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Tight as a drum, fast as an eagle, April 8 2002
By Robert J. Sawyer "Science Fiction writer" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Martyrs (Paperback)
I got to read this in manuscript, and am delighted to see it now for sale. The plot is as tight as a drum, and the pacing is as fast as an eagle. Van Belkom draws on his own Catholic heritage for this tale of an archeological dig in Northern Ontario. In lesser hands, this could have been a predictable, standard book, but van Belkom brings freshness, and genuine creepiness, to this novel. It'll be a great summer read for when you're out in the country -- just don't forget to look behind yourself from time to time.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Solid but a bit predictable, Sep 13 2007
By Henry W. Wagner - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Martyrs (Paperback)
After years of studying and teaching theology at St. Clare College, a small Jesuit school located in the heartland of Ontario, regent Karl Desbiens must now face a question he has long avoided, specifically, whether or not he should enter the priesthood. Although it is an option he is seriously considering, he still has his doubts. Seeking diversion from his internal struggle, Karl requests permission from his superior, Father Dionne, to pursue a long standing personal goal: to engage in an archeological dig on the site of a Jesuit mission erected nearly three centuries ago, a site which was abandoned, according to legend, when the religious who occupied it were massacred by indians. Anxious to keep Karl happy, Dionne accedes to his wishes.
After recruiting several students, Karl and his team set off into the woods with high hopes. Unfortunately, the ill-fated expedition seems cursed, encountering numerous roadblocks as it is hindered by injuries to the team and severe inclement weather. When a particularly virulent thunderstorm makes even the simplest tasks impossible, Karl terminates the expedition early. What Karl doesn't know is that one of his crew has been possessed by an evil entity, one that is returning to civilization with them with plans making our world his own.
Your enjoyment of Martyrs will vary according to how many Mummy movies you've seen and ancient burial ground stories you've read over the years. For those with little exposure to this type of material, Martyrs will provide a pleasant and exciting diversion. van Belkom, a solid, talented writer, delivers a well crafted, highly readable tale, rich with well wrought characters, brisk pacing, and realistic dialogue. For those with a bit more familiarity with this sub genre, Martyrs might seem a bit tired, a reworking of oft used plot elements with a predictable (but still satisfying) ending.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved it!, Mar 20 2005
By Melissa Lamberth "Mel" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Martyrs (Paperback)
Edo Van Balkom's Martyrs, was one of the best books I've ever read. Its obviously not for everybody and some content could be taken offensively... however, I still think its worth reading. As for predictable... I hardly agree! Some aspects are obvious yes, but what book doesn't have obvious scenes?
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