Carrion Comfort

Good Book

This book's premise is truly frightening.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it was a long, long read. 760+ pages with small print.

Also, it was difficult to keep some of the characters "straight in my mind" for about the first 300 pages.

Dan Simmons has a great mind, but probably needs a better editor to consolidate, move the story along.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Wasn't as terrifying as I had expected

I bought the novel because the quote on the cover said it was one of the 3 greatest horror novels of the 20th century. I just wasn't horrified. The characters are well developed with layers upon layers of depth. The plot is original and disturbing. I was very interested in the circumstances surrounding the meeting of the 2 main characters in Nazi Germany. I felt that the storyline lost some momentum & I began to lose interest about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way through the book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is a reprint of an exciting 1980s vampire thriller with sidebars showcasing the ability of Dan Simmons

In 1942 in Chelmno, Saul Laski knows he lies in a death camp having his two former roommates already dead and many to follow; he vows to live although the SS and the Oberst came every third Thursday in the month. Saul eventually realizes the SS stand perfectly still and soon learns why. The Oberst not just rape your mind, they control your body. He vows once again to live for now he has a mission to kill these mind controlling Nazi vampires; a mission that enables him to emotionally survive the horror of the mind rape domination.

Almost four decades later, Dr. Saul Laski remains a hunter of the Oberst who hunt humans as nonentities for their entertainment. His prime target all these years since the concentration camp von Borchert remains elusive. However, in Charleston he has a clue as he meets with Natalie Preston, whose father died when he met vampire Melanie Fuller, an offspring of billionaire Barent, who resides on a Florida barrier island where he hosts an annual game of deadly human chess. As Sheriff Bobby Joe Gentry investigates serial killings, Fuller goes Hollywood with Laski following her.

This is a reprint of an exciting 1980s vampire thriller with sidebars showcasing
the ability of Dan Simmons. However, the key to the thriller is the Mind Vampires especially the diversity in their personalities come across as genuine. With a strong exhilarating prime plot in which the audience anticipates the rematch between Saul and the Oberst who dominated him back in the Third Reich, fans will relish this fine saga while also wishing it was about a third to a half shorter as pruning the Hollywood cul de sacs would have helped.

Harriet Klausner

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

It kept me interested

and it was a very unique story, it also had some strange twist to it. I liked it however, I would have enjoyed it even more if about 200 pages would have been cut out of it. A little drawn out but over all very good.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Very enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book all the way through and was disappointed when it ended because I was enjoying it so much. I don't mind a long book if the content is strong like this one is.

If you like horror fiction, you will most likely enjoy this book. I'm glad I read it.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Awful

This book is absolutely terrible. The writing I must admit is good well enough for a horror book and the idea is somewhat original. However, the way in which the violence against women is approached is despicable. After the first misogynistic act violence, I felt hopeful that perhaps this was just a one time event and that in some way the author would balanced things again. This was not the case. The following terrible act of violence against women was detailed in such a way that can only be described as a cheap way to inspire fear. I feel this author lacks the imagination and professionalism to truly write a horror book without the use of vulgar and disgusting writing. I am very ashamed to have actually purchased this and given even a cent to this so-called author.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Great twist on vampirism

One would have to agree with Stephen King's summary "one of the three geatest horror novels of all time". Now, granted I tend to read Stephen King. I just happened to pick this up- maybe I was caught by the cover..? I thought Dan's twist on classical vampirism to what he calls "mind vampires" was a captivating, hard to put down read. The basic premise was believable enough to be a little scary (if you get too carried away). I was caught up in the story from start to finish. It leaves me wanting to read more of his work. Highly recommended!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The best vampire novel and one of the all-time greatest works of fiction!!!

CARRION COMFORT is amazing. I read this book 20+ years ago and I have re-read it several times since then. It is a terrifying epic that spans decades and continents--the characters are ones that you will immediately feel are a part of you. This is the only novel I have ever given as a gift--I gave it to my stepfather, who is a avid but very selective reader, one year for Christmas. He couldn't put it down once he started it and he said is was on of his favorites as well. I think this book should be required reading for anyone who enjoys great Horror/Fiction.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of the best books I have ever read.

Dan Simmons really is the new prince of horror and this book proves it! This book is so entertaining i could hardly put it down. Simmons, keep up the good work!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of, if not the BEST book I have ever read (and I have read hundreds)

Not since Lord of the Rings has a story so compelled me. Once you get past page 100, you CANNOT put this one down. The articulation and characterization, as well as plot twists are gripping. When I finished this book for the first time, I re-read the entire thing again!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Interesting but too long

This book has an interesting premise and I think Simmons is a competent writer but it was much too long. This isn't 'War and Peace' after all, just nice escapist fiction. At least Simmons knows how to create genuine suspense unlike a lot of horror writers.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Give Me One Reason Dan Simmons Is NOT The Best Writer Virtually Ever

Two (2) words...beyond good.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A truly mesmerizing book.

This book was my introduction to Dan Simmons and I must say it is a glorious book. I couldn't put it down. The characters come alive and the premise is intriguing. Simmons is a wonderful writer.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

To Long

Not a scary read, and about 400 pages to long. Certain chapters get you hooked, and then fell asleep the next 2. Struggled to get through the last 200 pages.

Absolutely out of CONTROL!!!

...see Stephen King's review. This book is ridiculously good....Good Lord!!!

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.