The Holy

By: Daniel Quinn

Narrated by: John McLain

They knew us before we began to walk upright. Shamans called them guardians, mythmakers called them tricksters, pagans called them gods, churchmen called them demons, folklorists called them shape-shifters. They've obligingly taken any role we've assigned them, and, while needing nothing from us, have accepted whatever we thought was their due? love, hate, fear, worship, condemnation, neglect, oblivion. Even in modern times, when their existence is doubted or denied, they continue to extend invitations to those who would travel a different road, a road not found on any of our cultural maps. But now, perceiving us as a threat to life itself, they issue their invitations with a dark purpose of their own.

In this dazzling metaphysical thriller, four who put themselves in the hands of these all-but-forgotten Others venture across a sinister American landscape hidden from normal view, finding their way to interlocking destinies of death, terror, transcendental rapture, and shattering enlightenment.

©2002 Daniel Quinn (P)2011 steerforth press llc

Critic reviews

“Quinn presents an electrifying, provocative, and dryly amusing thriller with cosmic dimensions.” ( Booklist)

“ The Holy should keep readers turning its pages long into the night, searching for answers.” ( Rocky Mountain News)

Narrator Doesn't Always Know How to Pronounce Words

Not a huge problem hut I find it distracting, and wonder if narrator's rehearse with assistance. I've found this with other books except those read by more accomplished actors. Performance in an audio format should be more consistently fluent, and that includes pronunciation. Ok story, but not mind blowing-- which is what I was hoping for.

a must read for Quinn fans

a marvelous romp through the relationship between humans and the spirits!!!
Quinn is a master storyteller!

Many twists and turns

The story ended well though at times the action seemed disjointed. Good character development. Many questions left unanswered.

A Must Read for Every Introspective Personality

Some writers give you an imaginary world to escape to. Others take you back in time. Quinn takes you on a tour of your own consciousness, with his characters as your guides to show you every belief you've taken for granted, presenting them in a new and different way. Why do you hold this belief? why are you afraid to question it? how would you see the world differently if you did not embrace this idea? what are the alternatives, and how would you live differently if you embraced those ideas instead? if you're the type to silently ponder questions like these, you'll find a kindred spirit in Quinn, an amiable articulate and philosophical friend to keep you thinking long after you've finished reading.

Great story, medium-good narration

It was a slowly unfolding, gradually encompassing tale, a la The Stand. The narrator was really good until he mispronounced a word and brought the whole illusion to a halt. Multiple times. All in all, a provocative and interesting listen.