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)

Many twists and turns

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

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!

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.

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.

Wisdom is Wealth

Reading is the first step towards building an understanding of who we are on your journey towards true wisdom. As a student of history I find that his writing has historical views that seep through his writings as a storyteller’s guide into deeper understandings and research towards unraveling the religious and political secrets that are impacting our collective survival.

Quinn never disappoints!

I would highly recommend reading any of Daniel Quinn's books but don't start this book expecting Ishmael. It is vastly different and highlights another fasset of his depth of storytelling and curiosity about the world around us. I was delighted when this book reminded me of another favorite author Neil Gaiman. If you liked American Gods this book might have an automatic warm spot in your heart like it did for me!

immaculate

From start to finish a thrilling path that is flawlessly delivered from Quinn. Well tied together and thrilling, with great narrative performance to punctuate the essence.
Im not sure the description of the book captures the story, as the Holy is just the framework for this investigation of human spiritual history.

Excellent fiction dramatizing the occult

It’s rare to find such a good book that fictionalizes occult concepts without skewing the true meaning of the symbolis. This book is an incredible feat of detective work, that brings you through its own initiation of the fools journey. This is seriously one of my favorite books and will probably pick it up periodically through my life.

Eye oropening

This book is not for the close minded, nor for the extremely religious. It will set your mind on fire, though.