Dead Space - Martyr

by Brian Evenson

The second tie-in novel to the hugely popular video game Dead Space. Written by B.K. Evenson who wrote the first novel Dead Martyr.

Genres: Horror

432 pages, Paperback

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 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.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

1) Dead Space the video game looks way too scary for me
2) This book probably would’ve made a lot more sense if I’d done more in preparation for it than watch one trailer for the game
3) Brian Evenson can do no wrong but it’s clear he was working under a lot of constraints here and thus could not operate at Peak Evenson™️
4) Ignoring 1-3, this book was pretty decent. give me a book about sci fi and religious fanaticism and I’ll eat it up

[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 ".