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Book Reviews of The Book of Skulls

The Book of Skulls
The Book of Skulls
Author: Robert Silverberg
ISBN-13: 9780553230574
ISBN-10: 0553230573
Publication Date: 12/1982
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 9

3.8 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: Bantam Books (Mm)
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

3 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

paxtonholley avatar reviewed The Book of Skulls on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I got this based solely on the premise: Four college students discover a manuscript in their library archives that tell of a cult in the Southwest desert whose members have discovered the secret of immortality. The manuscript tells them that if they can find the cult, and participate in the cult's initiation ritual as a group of four, they will also gain the secret of immortality. However, to make it to the end of the ritual, two of the four must die.

Great premise, however the execution of this premise is less than stellar. The writing is good, but muddled. And the ending is open ended. While this is considered a classic, I thought it was not as good as the premise promised.
reviewed The Book of Skulls on + 10 more book reviews
Reissue of early Silverberg - originally out in 1972. If you know the guy's work and like it, you really should read this one; it's excellent and although dated, a fine example of the work of a master.
rocher avatar reviewed The Book of Skulls on + 22 more book reviews
Setting takes place in the Arizona desert after four college student find an ancient manuscript. They are trying to gain immortally; but to obtain this only two will find it, one will commit suicide, and one must be murdered. I found it kind of dark, going into the minds of the four men. Book was a great read, one of Silverberg's best and I would read it again.