Play Audiobook Sample
Unholy Night Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.01) - 3,394 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
From the author of the New York Times bestselling Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, comes Unholy Night, the next evolution in dark historical revisionism.
They're an iconic part of history's most celebrated birth. But what do we really know about the Three Kings of the Nativity, besides the fact that they followed a star to Bethlehem bearing strange gifts? The Bible has little to say about this enigmatic trio. But leave it to Seth Grahame-Smith, the brilliant and twisted mind behind Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies to take a little mystery, bend a little history, and weave an epic tale.
In Grahame-Smith's telling, the so-called "Three Wise Men" are infamous thieves, led by the dark, murderous Balthazar. After a daring escape from Herod's prison, they stumble upon the famous manger and its newborn king. The last thing Balthazar needs is to be slowed down by young Joseph, Mary and their infant. But when Herod's men begin to slaughter the first born in Judea, he has no choice but to help them escape to Egypt.
It's the beginning of an adventure that will see them fight the last magical creatures of the Old Testament; cross paths with biblical figures like Pontius Pilate and John the Baptist; and finally deliver them to Egypt. It may just be the greatest story never told.
Download and start listening now!
"This is an audacious retelling of the events surrounding the birth of the baby Jesus, from the point of view of one of the Wise Men, who is, in actuality, a thief trying to escape his date with the hangman. It has compelling characters, and a complex understanding of the politics of the time. It walks a surefooted path with its material to create a story that most Christians, agnostics, and atheists can enjoy. It's respectful without being preachy. It explores the notions of faith and doubt without telling the reader how they should think. And it has a rollicking plot line. I expected a wonderful book from the author of the magnificent _Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter_ and the author delivered in high style."
— Tina (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Narrator Peter Berkrot has a rough-and-tumble yet conspiratorial voice that perfectly fits the book’s frequent violence. Even as he’s savoring the earthy language, he softens his tone to help keep the atrocities at arm’s length. The text is not irreverent, and Berkrot’s narration is deft and engaging.”
— AudioFile -
“Grahame-Smith manages the neat trick of providing a satisfying and moving new ending to a story that has been recounted untold times.”
— The Washington Post -
“Unholy Night is certain to generate both strong interest and intense controversy.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review -
“Peter Berkrot provides an enjoyable performance.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Grahame-Smith…hones his writing chops in this latest take on history’s mysteries.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“A rollicking, swords-and-sandals yarn.”
— Booklist
Awards
-
A New York Times bestseller
Unholy Night Listener Reviews
-
" This was a very quick read and it was a funny, entertaining twist on the story we all know. "
— Mia, 2/12/2014 -
" It just wasn't my type of novel. I'll read it again later on in life. "
— Paige, 2/10/2014 -
" WOOHOO....Great story. I was totally not sure how this story was going to play out but it was fantastic! It is funny, warm-hearted, dark and sweet. Highly recommend the story....Enjoy. :) "
— Rachael, 2/6/2014 -
" Balthazar indeed "
— Kellee, 1/28/2014 -
" I loved this book. The ultraviolence was okay, the characters were great. It's a very creative take on an old Biblical story that seems to make the history seem more human than mythical. No complaints about the excellent writing or anything. Just a good, solid read. "
— Dennis, 1/19/2014 -
" I really like Seth Grahame-Smith! He has a unique take on stories. This is the 2nd book of his I have read "
— Pepi, 1/18/2014 -
" An interesting twist on the Biblical story of "The Three Wise Men"! "
— Kathy, 1/18/2014 -
" I enjoyed this book. Seth Grahame-Smith is a good writer and balances a fast-paced storyline with vivid description and interesting characters. This is a very gory book, blood everywhere. "
— Lawrence, 1/2/2014 -
" While I like the plot idea, I wasn't a big fan on the character portrayal of Mary and Joseph. It was an entertaining read that part aside and I would still recommend it. "
— Sandra, 12/28/2013 -
" I liked it. Unconventional way of looking how Jesus escaped egypt but i liked the new perspective. a good read. "
— Elizabeth, 12/20/2013 -
" Grahame-Smith has done it again, this time creating a great action story, a retelling of the 3 wise men, and humor (of course). Beautifully crafted, fun to read, and fully cements him in the category of "I'll read anything he writes". "
— Erikka, 12/16/2013 -
" Interesting way to look at the Magi/Kings/Wise Men part of the Christmas story. Most of it is fantasy/historical fiction, but there is enough biblical content to give a hint of authenticity. It brings to life the real peril that Mary, Joseph and Jesus were in as they fled from Herod to Egypt. "
— Leslie, 12/4/2013 -
" very awesome read. Gave a twist to what you thought you knew about the night of Jesus's birth. "
— Stephan, 11/28/2013 -
" A fast entertaining read! Not much substance but didn't expect much. "
— Linda, 10/25/2013 -
" i think I'm done with revisionist history for a while... "
— Tina, 5/19/2013 -
" Don't worry that this book is blasphemous, I didn't feel that it was. For the most part, just a fun little read, although there were some bad people that did some bad things. Would be highly adaptable to film, imagine that. "
— Mica, 3/1/2013 -
" Great Christmas read :-) "
— Valois, 10/29/2012 -
" Fun book. Liked it. "
— Amy, 9/22/2012 -
" I thoroughly enjoyed this creative yarn spun around the visit of the magi. "
— Jim, 8/26/2012 -
" I really like Seth's Abraham Lincoln book, but this book didn't live up to my expectations. "
— Chris, 8/20/2012 -
" I really enjoyed this book from an adventure perspective. How he weaved the biblical part of the story in was masterful. I took no offense to my religious beliefs at all. Well done. "
— Larry, 7/3/2012 -
" A much more interesting take on the the Nativity story - complete with real human beings, for once. Very entertaining tale. "
— Natalie, 5/23/2012
About Seth Grahame-Smith
Seth Grahame-Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. In addition to adapting the screenplay for Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, he also wrote Tim Burton’s film Dark Shadows. He lives in Los Angeles.
About Peter Berkrot
Peter Berkrot, winner of Audie and Earphones Awards for narration, is a stage, screen, and television actor and acting coach. He has narrated over 450 works that span a range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, thriller, and children’s titles. His audiobook credits include works of Alan Glynn, Eric Van Lustbader, Nora Roberts and Dean Koontz. In film and television, he appeared in Caddyshack, America’s Most Wanted, and Unsolved Mysteries. He performs in regional and New York theaters and directs the New Voices acting school.