The Beast Within (Gabriel Knight) [Paperback]

Jane Jensen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1998

Just as Gabriel Knight is finally settling into his ancestral home in Germany, he is called upon in his role as schattenjagger, or "shadow hunter", to help solve the savage killing of a young girl. The authorities claim it was a wolf escaped from the zoo, but the townspeople say it is a werewolf. Gabriel soon becomes certain the answer lies within an exclusive hunting club in Munich that celebrates the nature of the beast. As his loyal assistant Grace delves into the past to discover the truth, Gabriel finds himself ensnared in a sinister trap, in which the beast within himself becomes the greatest threat of all!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Horror writer Gabriel Knight travels to Germany to claim his inheritance?as the Shadow Hunter, a supernatural protector of humanity. His first outing takes him to Munich, where he uncovers the dark secrets behind a mysterious "hunt club" and confronts his own inner beast. Based on a popular series of CD-ROM interactive adventures, this tie-in novel features gothic horror tempered with mystery. Jensen's fluid prose and narrative talent make this title a good choice for most fantasy collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Roc (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451456211
• ISBN-13: 978-0451456212
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #773,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it, even if you've finished the game., May 6, 1999

By 

William A. Osborn (Fort Worth, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beast Within (Gabriel Knight) (Paperback)

I confess that I almost didn't buy this book because (a) I generally don't care for murder mysteries; and (b) I'd previously finished the PC game from which the book is derived, and so I already knew the ending. But that would have been my mistake, for the book itself is so very entertaining. And as a collector of about 200 titles on werewolves and lycanthropy, I can attest that this is one of the better-written examples of that genre.

Moreover, the book has broad appeal: it is a murder mystery with a complex plot, and with understated, yet undeniably sensual, sexual overtones (for both straight and gay sensibilities).

And historical fiction fans will enjoy the book's imaginative twist on the death of a fascinating and rather misunderstood historical figure, King Ludwig II, who played a significant role (albeit a tragic one) in the creation of the German state.

So, even if you've already played the computer game of the same name, please go buy this book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the first novelization, August 14, 2000

By 

"swordmaster" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beast Within (Gabriel Knight) (Paperback)

I was a bit hesitant to purchase The Beast Within novelization after reading Sins of the Fathers novel by the same author (based on the first Gabriel Knight computer game), but eventually decided to get it due to the storyline which includes subjects that interest me -- Wagner and lycantrophy, for instance. Fortunately, The Beast Within works much better in the non-interactive form than the first in the series and makes a suspenseful reading, admirably mixing real-life facts and characters with pure fiction. The book also explains things that were skipped in the game (or that at least didn't catch my eyes or ears). Highly recommended for the fans of the game series.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for the next installment, November 24, 1999

By 

Allison Long (The Hoosier State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Beast Within (Gabriel Knight) (Paperback)

I thought this book was excellent. Even though I played the game the book was far more detailed in explaining the background of the story. I am in the process of ordering Millenium Rising. Mrs. Jensen is truely a gifted artist.