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lauraborkpower's review against another edition
3.0
*add a half star to this review*
Simmons begins his story with an eerie description of the Old Central school, the architectural linchpin of the plot. I loved this beginning and much of what comes after: the story of a group of children (mostly boys but I can't omit the terrifically weird Cordie) on the cusp of adolescence who must fight a supernatural force in their rural Illinois town.
I'd love to give this four stars, but there are a couple of scenes (the stand-off with the Congdon kid, and the campfire hot dogs) that are a bit too reminiscent of Stephen King's "The Body." Yes, Simmons's story is central Illinois, not Maine, and yes, his story is a fantastic adventure, not a quiet realistic coming of age journey; but the time period, the group of boys (including not one, but two aspiring writers), and some of the atmosphere is enough to draw easy comparisons.
But the boys are a great gang of characters (though Kevin is underdeveloped and really only there because of what we need from him [and his father] for the plot) and Simmons does action very well: his Molotov-cocktail/truck scene and the final action sequence are fast and exciting. It's an enjoyable, well-written adventure and I'll definitely read A Winter Haunting and Children of the Night, which feature our characters all grown up.
Simmons begins his story with an eerie description of the Old Central school, the architectural linchpin of the plot. I loved this beginning and much of what comes after: the story of a group of children (mostly boys but I can't omit the terrifically weird Cordie) on the cusp of adolescence who must fight a supernatural force in their rural Illinois town.
I'd love to give this four stars, but there are a couple of scenes (the stand-off with the Congdon kid, and the campfire hot dogs) that are a bit too reminiscent of Stephen King's "The Body." Yes, Simmons's story is central Illinois, not Maine, and yes, his story is a fantastic adventure, not a quiet realistic coming of age journey; but the time period, the group of boys (including not one, but two aspiring writers), and some of the atmosphere is enough to draw easy comparisons.
But the boys are a great gang of characters (though Kevin is underdeveloped and really only there because of what we need from him [and his father] for the plot) and Simmons does action very well: his Molotov-cocktail/truck scene and the final action sequence are fast and exciting. It's an enjoyable, well-written adventure and I'll definitely read A Winter Haunting and Children of the Night, which feature our characters all grown up.
tbeachey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mariamwebster's review against another edition
4.0
it’s a perfect horror story for me,
it has everything i love about horror. the author is exceptionally good at building suspense and luring the reader in. ate it upppp
it has everything i love about horror. the author is exceptionally good at building suspense and luring the reader in. ate it upppp
tyfighter's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
julia11's review against another edition
5.0
This book is chunky! It's a big book but it was really good. I will admit it took me forever to read, but it had nothing to do with the book and everything to do with me committing to buddy reads and book clubs and having to read multiple books at once because I have no self control. But even when I was reading one of my other reads, I was still wondering what was going on with Duane, Mike, Dale and the boys. This had major Stephen King's "IT" vibes- Just something about children fighting an unseen evil.
I almost stopped reading at the first chapter as it took 3 pages explaining a school and I thought it was going to be too descriptive for me.. but then within 30 pages I was afraid to read it alone at night. Dan Simmons did such an amazing job creating an ominous vibe throughout this book. The suspense that was built up, the way everything unfolds and comes together.. it was amazing. He was so consistent in his descriptions, I think I could draw a map of Elm Haven right now. It was funny in some spots, super scary in others. It really felt like the way these kids would talk, think, act. I really have nothing negative to say about this book. I will 100% be reading more by Dan Simmons very soon.
I almost stopped reading at the first chapter as it took 3 pages explaining a school and I thought it was going to be too descriptive for me.. but then within 30 pages I was afraid to read it alone at night. Dan Simmons did such an amazing job creating an ominous vibe throughout this book. The suspense that was built up, the way everything unfolds and comes together.. it was amazing. He was so consistent in his descriptions, I think I could draw a map of Elm Haven right now. It was funny in some spots, super scary in others. It really felt like the way these kids would talk, think, act. I really have nothing negative to say about this book. I will 100% be reading more by Dan Simmons very soon.
rosies_elfhame's review against another edition
5.0
I really, from the bottom of my heart, recommend this book to any fan of the horror genre! From the very beginning it just forces you into this world and the tension! Dan Simmons is amazing with words and all of the detailed descriptions! I really had a hard time putting this book down! It might have made me scared to leave my room in the dark!
annie_jay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The first half of the book is very slow. The story basically doesn't start until you're halfway through, but after that the pace moves quicker. Overall enjoyed it but could've been a shorter read. Loved the atmosphere.
nighthawks13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
2ez4u2c's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75