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 veinsIt’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 … 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…
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This book was really scary. Dan Simmons is an amazing author in any genre. This and Song of Kali are two of my favorites.
This review is being written several years after I read the book. Every now and then, this book pops into my head as being one of the best horror novels to keep me up all night since my early experiences with the writing of Stephen King. I read the sequel to this book a couple of years before I read this book; I didn’t know there was an earlier …
The first time I read this book, I was in high school. I am a lover of Stephen King and this book seemed to be along the lines of what I enjoy reading. Plus, it was nominated for a British Fantasy Award in 1992. Little did I know, I would become completely captivated by this book and the characters who journeyed through this haunting story. My …
Tightly woven plot with excellent, believable characters.
A haunting book that in some ways reminded me of King’s IT. The same feel, I don’t know, maybe it’s just the group of kids meeting the evil of their lifes. Anyway, the part about the harvester … you are going to remember that.
I’ve read this book at least a dozen times. Rich in nostalgia, similar to some of King’s books, this book captures what it’s like to be a 12 year-old in the 20th Century. The book is set in the early 1960s, a bit before my time, but I shared so many experiences with the characters. Horror isn’t usually my gig, and admittedly, the final act …
Strange. Liked the beginning better than the end.
If I’d actually read Summer of Night instead of listening to the Audible version, I never would have made it across the finish line. This is a LOOOONG novel. A beast of a book, one might say. And it’s a worthy investment, this “beast”.
You are welcomed into 1960’s Elm Haven, a small and not even approaching middle class town in rural Illinois. …
Quick read for a fairly long book. Loved the characters. I love all of Dan Simmons books, whether it is horror, science fiction or historical fiction.
Great story. Found myself tooling up right alongside the gang!
This is definitely a must read.
another one of Dan Simmons Great books! you care about the character’s and what happens to them.The story is reminiscent of Stephen King’s IT
very good
A page turner until the end and I loved these characters! I’d love follow up books on the adults they become.
Loved this book! The characters were beautiful and sad and soulful and I really fell in love with them. The story is great, lots of action, and an overall amazing read!
Coming of age story that stands up with IT and Boys Life. One of Dan Simmons’ best books. Along with Carrion Comfort…
Summer of Night and the terrifying sequel A Winters Haunting are two of my great horror novels. Great and well plotted scares accompanied with brilliantly crafted atmosphere.
It is 1960 and school is finally out. It is supposed to be a summer of fun for the kids of Elm Haven. Instead for a group of boys, it is a nightmare summer. I am thankful for the slow moments in this book since it allowed the reader to catch their breath before having you jump into even more intense action. This had me crying, gasping in fear, and …
What a treat this book was. There was nothing I didn’t like, from the evocative cover photo, to the well-developed characters and plot. Simmons has created a horror masterpiece, one that I will happily reread in the future.
In a sleepy little Midwestern town, five 12-year-old boys are growing into devoted friendships. Their easygoing days and …