Dead Space - Martyr

by Brian Evenson

A prequel to Dead Space, the novel focuses on the birth of Unitology. In this novel set centuries before the events of the main series, geophysicist Michael Altman investigates an alien artefact called The Black Marker.

We have seen the future.
A universe cursed with life after death.

It all started deep beneath the Yucatan peninsula, where an archaeological discovery took us into a new age, bringing us face-to-face with our origins and destiny.

Michael Altman had a theory that no one would hear.

It cursed our world for centuries to come.

This, at last, is his story.

Genres: Horror

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Brian Evenson is an American academic and writer of both literary fiction and popular fiction, some of the latter being published under B. K. Evenson.

Reviews

[Eric Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got really distracted with life halfway though so it took ages to read but hey! Finished the spooky book right before Halloween and it’s solid. I honestly think it would be an amazing read for somebody not already very familiar with the setting as it could really pull of the suspense better. But overall another win for the year of trying scifi.

[Danté E. Corrales · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a story based on the gaming franchise, I can say anyone who loves horror sci-fi can read this without knowing anything about Dead Space. It's a very interesting look at what happened even before the very first game takes place, and adds more context to the very thing that causes everything in the franchise. I enjoyed it for what it was and ultimately had me playing the game again. Solid 3. Good, not great, but nonetheless fun

[Odalys Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

I lost my physical copy in a fire years ago so when I heard that this and Catalyst were getting reprints including Kindle, I did not hesitate to grab them. This first book really sets up how Unitology in the Dead Space universe really was based on a lie and one man's attempts to understand what the Marker was. It was great to reread this again and I can't wait to read Catalyst for the first time.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start (up to about 50%) but then picks up pace as The Marker's influence starts to exert itself. This is a good prequel to the Dead Space games, giving background on The Marker, Unitology, and Michael Altman. I did find some of the story a bit of a slog but because it's the Dead Space universe I persisted and was rewarded by the end. The last 25% of the book is pure Dead Space terror.

If you're a fan of the games then I'd definitely recommend you give it a go.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic read! The action really ramps up at around 80% completion, and the ending really leaves you jarred as the word "Martyr" really hits home. I highly recommend this one if your a fan of horror sci-fi, or even the game itself! Now I'm onto the next one, Dead Space: Catalyst, which I look forward to being just as good!

[Derek Weisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead space dark beginning

Highly recommended for any Dead Space Fan. Simple but effective horror. Must read for anyone who wants to know the origins of "Altman be praised ".