Summer of Night - Dan Simmons

Summer of Night

By Dan Simmons

  • Release Date: 2011-07-05
  • Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
4.5 Score: 4.5 (From 295 Ratings)
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Description

This masterfully crafted horror classic, featuring a brand-new introduction by Dan Simmons, will bring you to the edge of your seat, hair standing on end and blood freezing in your veins

It's the summer of 1960 and in the small town of Elm Haven, Illinois, five twelve-year-old boys are forging the powerful bonds that a lifetime of change will not break. From sunset bike rides to shaded hiding places in the woods, the boys' days are marked by all of the secrets and silences of an idyllic middle-childhood. But amid the sundrenched cornfields their loyalty will be pitilessly tested. When a long-silent bell peals in the middle of the night, the townsfolk know it marks the end of their carefree days. From the depths of the Old Central School, a hulking fortress tinged with the mahogany scent of coffins, an invisible evil is rising. Strange and horrifying events begin to overtake everyday life, spreading terror through the once idyllic town. Determined to exorcize this ancient plague, Mike, Duane, Dale, Harlen, and Kevin must wage a war of blood—against an arcane abomination who owns the night...

Reviews

  • Brilliant right until the ending.

    3
    By frjeffgatlin
    I do not understand how an author’s book can be so well crafted, keeping you on the edge of your seat with fear; then have a silly, completely non frightening ending. Just when you think some horrifying evil is going to leap out of the dark Mr. Simmons gives a monster that is as frightening as a bowl of jello. No discussions about what the evil is just a mishmash of bits and pieces that don’t add up.

  • Classic old school horror

    4
    By mjm11983
    A great story that took me back to my childhood. Well done!

  • Exceptional

    5
    By Palerider417
    Read this book many, many years ago. I don't have the words to describe it. Suffice it to say, it is one of the very best books I have ever read! If you like horror, this is one to get. But it goes deeper than that. Book raises the horror genre into the lofty realm of literature that only a few have done in the past. Bradbury did it with "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (which it shares similarities with). Straub did it with "Ghost Story". And McCammon did it with "Swan Song". Of course, there are others, and this is only my opinion, but for me, this book IS that good.

  • Fantastic book

    5
    By Kal L
    Summer of Night by Dan Simmons is one of the best novels I've ever read in my life. As a matter of fact it is my favorite book and the only one I've read three times. :) When I saw that it was available for my iPad I knew it was time for number four! The first time I read it was in 1992, and as I was reading it I found myself in the library researching a lot of the real world history that Mr. Simmons put into this book. To actually have some real world history in the book that could be expanded upon was a great addition to the story. One of the few books you won't be able to put down.

  • Summer of Night

    5
    By Willieworks
    Just another great story from Dan Simmons. He never disappoints. If horror/suspense aren't your thing try his Hugo award winning Sci-fi epic Hyperion. But beware...his stuff is addicting.

  • Summer of Fright

    5
    By G/342
    Filled with characters you care about thrust into the most terrifying situations. You root for, and sometimes cry for, the heroes in this book. Each page DARES you to put it down.

  • Great book!!

    5
    By JustSchaf06
    I love the horror genre of books. Other than The Shining and Pet Semetary I haven't found one that has been able to strike terror in my bones. Summer of Night truly surprised me. There were parts that raised my hair and made me shudder during the day. I found most of it hard to read at night and I'm 26! The book is fast paced and I found it more terrifying than King's IT. I could relate to the boys and found myself enjoying the simple, yet horrifying style and description of writing Simmons used throughout the book. Bottom line: if you're looking for a quality horror novel, this is a must read!

  • Good,but a little longwinded

    3
    By JLB2003
    Great story, but the author takes forever describing the scene. 1960's small town. Think stand by me in a horror show. Still worth the price.

  • Summer of Night

    4
    By Lou1964Tenn
    "Summer of Night" was a book that I hated to see end. It compares with "A Boy's Life" by Robert R. McCammon, "It" by Stephen King, even "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury. This was the first book by Simmons I have read but it won't be the last.

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