Horror Aficionados discussion

This is the thread for the August 2023 Group Read #2, The Terror by Dan Simmons.

Read this several years ago and it is just *chef’s kiss*. Want to try to join you with a reread!

I just got a copy of this so I’m excited to participate in my first group read!

I still have an unread copy of this one in my TBR....I may join in after the first one if time allows.

I read this several years ago. Its completely worth the page count. Such great atmosphere. And a side note, I live in Alaska and the cold comes through in this novel in a very authentic way.

This book is so good! This will be my second reading of The Terror.

Jennifer wrote: "I read this several years ago. Its completely worth the page count. Such great atmosphere. And a side note, I live in Alaska and the cold comes through in this novel in a very authentic way."

I'm REALLY thinking I should squeeze this one in finally! LOL!

Read this years ago. It starts out a little slow but gets sooo good. There are scenes I still remember and they are still terrifying.

I was so happy when I saw this is available at my local library! Can't wait!

WendyB wrote: "Read this years ago. It starts out a little slow but gets sooo good. There are scenes I still remember and they are still terrifying."

Sold. Those books are the most worthwhile in my opinion!

I've been wanting to read this a while but needed some group motivation! Happy for this pick!

I read this a few years ago, but the favorable memories remain. Admiration for the writing style - - reads like historical fiction, iced with realism. Just think if the Shackleton arctic expedition ran afoul of a Lovecraftian monster. Plenty of suspense and good characterization. I'll be interesting in reading your comments here.

I have been wanting to read this for quite a while, I was planning on saving it for the winter, but may join in!

I was considering reading this again with the group because I loved the book. After looking at my previous review to help me make that decision, I realized that I gave my copy away to a friend.
Some of you may be pondering whether to jump on board due to the hardy length of this novel (approx. 700 pages). I will tell you that it's a worthy journey.
My review is mostly spoiler-free except for the final paragraphs that don't reveal the specifics but hint at an outcome I was satisfied with. I think it's safe to read about 80% of my review and then stop.
. . . . . . . . . .
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Michael wrote: "I was considering reading this again with the group because I loved the book. After looking at my previous review to help me make that decision, I realized that I gave my copy away to a friend.
S..."

Great review, Michael!

I tried reading this book a few years ago and it was a DNF for me. I am going to try again!

Michael wrote: "I was considering reading this again with the group because I loved the book. After looking at my previous review to help me make that decision, I realized that I gave my copy away to a friend.
S..."

The length of this book is why I've been putting it off for years. I've seen the mini-series workup of this book, and thought it was a bang up job. I'm looking forward to reading the novel now.

Got this book just after I watched the series. Haven't picked it up yet because the length is pretty daunting, hope a group read will keep me going 😁

I just read this book last winter so I'm not quite ready to tackle it again, but it was really an excellent novel!

I read this a few years ago and really liked it, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what y’all think!

I loved this book and pretty much everything else Dan Simmons does. If you really like this novel, check out the AMC show they made based on the book, also called The Terror (season One).

@Sharon I agree, the miniseries was excellent.

I'm in! Just got started...

Picked up a copy from the library and just got started. This one never crossed my radar before so thanks to the group for turning me onto something new, looking forward to it! (Also this is my first attempt at a group read)

I read this book a few years ago and loved it. If you enjoyed the sailing and exploration parts of this book, then another similar book I would recommend is This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson which is a historical novel about the 2nd voyage of the HMS Beagle (yes, the one Darwin was on). There's no monster in it though.

Roberto wrote: "Picked up a copy from the library and just got started. This one never crossed my radar before so thanks to the group for turning me onto something new, looking forward to it! (Also this is my firs..."

Welcome aboard, Roberto!

I am a Dan Simmons fan in general, and this book in particular is my favorite of his. Simmons is adept at various genres, but he has carved out such an interesting niche here, specializing in what you might call Historical Horror Fiction. This includes his books "Drood," and "The Abominable" and "The Terror," in which he offers true, carefully-researched events then puts a supernatural spin on them. I'll give no spoilers, just a little push: yes, it's long, but get into the rhythm of it, learn--and be creeped out. What a great combination.

I want to read both picks this month 😬🤦🏽‍♀️

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I read this book a few years ago and loved it. If you enjoyed the sailing and exploration parts of this book, then another similar book I would recommend is This Thing of Darkness by ..."

Oh gosh, yes, This Thing of Darkness is amazing. I read it about 10 years ago with an IRL book group and loved it. I've never heard anyone ever mention it. I would highly recommend it!

Christine wrote: "I want to read both picks this month 😬🤦🏽‍♀️"

IMO I'd read this one first, it's a way better story. But, the other one is really short in comparison.

I read this one a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Almost finished and what a great read, so detailed and interesting and he does an amazing job with the historical/real aspects of the time and place. I’m also enjoying all the cold in this very warm summer!

Just finished this book. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and this was full of interesting tidbits!! I quite enjoyed it even if it took most of the month to get through in my limited spare time.

This wasn't really my cup of tea, but I have major respect for the sheer amount of research Simmons must've done to include so many details. The freezing atmosphere and tension-building were A+ though!

I read this years ago and it's still one of my favorites! Dan Simmons is an atmospheric master.

I thought I would 'read it real quick' before my Libby loan expired - not realizing the ebook is 937 pages. I found it on my shelf, and the physical copy is only 766 pages, so I'm working my way through.

Simmons is a great writer. He had me from the first page. I'm about 40% through and loving it. It's so bleak, desolate, heartbreaking. If it wasn't for this group I wouldn't have grabbed it quite yet, so thank you!

Heather wrote: "I thought I would 'read it real quick' before my Libby loan expired - not realizing the ebook is 937 pages. I found it on my shelf, and the physical copy is only 766 pages, so I'm working my way th..."

I've found some of my "now favorite" books because of this group!

Well I only made it about 65% through by the end of the month. My reading time isn’t as abundant as it once was. Definitely a good book and I intend to finish it, so I’ll sit out the September group reads so I can finish this. It’s definitely a chilling story - no pun intended - and I’m looking forward to the conclusion. Probably should’ve picked a shorter book for my first group read haha.

I enjoyed reading this one again after several years. I'd forgotten many details, for sure. The length is a challenge, but I encourage you to persevere. It's an unexpected and strangely hopeful ending. Best wishes.