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Summer of Night

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About this listen

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 childhood. But amid the sun-drenched 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-peaceful 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....

©2011 Dan Simmons (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary

Critic reviews

“Impressive...combines beautiful writing and suspense into a book for which Dan Simmons deserves the bestseller status of King and Koontz.” ( The Denver Post)
“One can only wonder what Simmons will do next, now that he’s shown us he can do everything the best writers in horror and science fiction can do.” ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)
“It stands with the best of King and Straub in the traditional modern horror genre.” ( Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
All stars
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Good story but I found it a little slow. I felt the story could have been reduced slightly, but overall ok

Ok

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I'd heard a lot of high praise about this, and it was nothing more than an average book, for me.
Maybe I was only disappointed because of all the high ratings and recommendations. It's basically just a mediocre version of IT, with some differences. I loved King's IT, and I would have enjoyed a similar story if it had been written better.
All that said, this wasn't a bad book at all. It's good enough to listen to. Just don't expect to be blown away.

Not the classic I was lead to believe it was.

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brilliant story and nara to took me back to 60's and my childhood school days

brilliant

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Great story and characters. Really enjoyed the narration and frequently sucked in to listening for another half an hour. Not a genre I often listen to or read, but as a fan of the Hyperion books I gave it a try. Glad I did. Really enjoyed it.

Totally engaging

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The narrator took some getting used to, a different style to what I made used to.

Entertaining

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