For every fan of horror and/or Stephen King, it is essential.

I like Dan Simmons more and more with each passing day. How well that son of a bitch writes.

Dan Simmons has a unique talent for creating terrifying and captivating stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into a world of horror and mystery.

Whether it's his masterful use of atmosphere, his well-developed characters, or his ability to build suspense, Simmons always delivers a memorable reading experience.

If you're a fan of horror or just looking for a great read, I highly recommend checking out Dan Simmons' work. You won't be disappointed.

The summer of 1960 turns out to be a truly rough one for Elm Haven, Illinois. An ancient evil has decided to terrorize the town's youth. There are sentient holes, spindly apparitions, and a practically demonic rendering truck. While the idea of pitting a group of eleven-year-old boys against an abandoned school full of toothy, viscous ghouls seems quite organic, Simmons perhaps spreads himself too thin with his overly ambitious imagination.

There is indeed a great deal of variety in the horror presented in this novel. However, Simmons fails to give his fiends distinct personalities. This omission takes away from the level of tension and satisfaction that a reader should experience as the nature of the novel's threat escalates in conceptually interesting ways. It's rather odd to ask for more from a book that already has hundreds of pages filled with nostalgia-drunk passages focusing on the fleeting freedom of youthful play.

The handful of boys who are the novel's protagonists are likable enough, although they are somewhat broadly sketched. And while it's clear that Simmons is charmed by them more than anyone, he has enough sense as a storyteller to know that their adolescence doesn't make them immune. I understand that the fear of adulthood looms as the context of this novel's horror. But what makes seemingly unknowable adults even scarier? It's the glimpses of their fallibility, their mean-spiritedness, and their individual petty wretchedness.

While the 20+ page introduction showcases how highly Simmons thinks of his own artistry, it's evident that he made some lackluster narrative decisions. These decisions prevent this from being the coming-of-age epic that it aims to be, one that could rival Stephen King's It. There are several gripes, such as some annoying repetitions that should have been cut by an editor, a subplot involving a bully that fizzles out, and two late-game narrative shifts that seem only there to add more incident in the blockbuster climax. Why do we step into Kevin's shoes so late? Why focus on this nebbish adult when a certain heartbroken father would have been far more interesting and made more thematic sense? Also, novelist Edward Lorn points out some plot points that are irritating in his review. And yet, I still find myself desiring to like this novel more.

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4.5 Stars

This book might have "summer" right in the title and be set during that magical childhood time when kids are liberated from the school's confines for a few months. But let me tell you, it's the perfect read for more than just the summer season.

When Tubby Cooke vanishes on the last day of school, the rendering truck appears to be chasing people, a man dressed as an old-timey soldier starts wandering the streets, and a long-forgotten bell tolls in the dead of night, it triggers the suspicion of a group of 12-year-old friends. Mike, Duane, Dale, Harlen, Kevin (and little Lawrence, we can't forget Lawrence) soon realize it's up to them to save their town before they all fall prey to the growing evil.

There's nothing quite like reading a book set in a fictional place near the town where you grew up. It's even better when that town is in the middle of nowhere farm country. And although this story took place in the 1960s, the sense of freedom until the streetlights came on or your mom yelled it was time for dinner was very much the vibe of my youth in the 1980s.

The obvious comparison of Summer of Night will be to King's It. However, in my opinion, Summer is far superior. It's rich in both characters and setting, with an ending that doesn't disappoint. (Maybe Simmons wasn't completely crazy when he wrote his version *shrug*). The fact that I flew through all 600 pages of this book in one day speaks volumes. I was completely captivated (and often on the edge of my seat with anxiety) by this story, these children (especially sweet Mike - the most perfect child in fiction), and solving the mystery behind Tubby's disappearance and all the other creepy happenings. Your mileage may vary if you're a reader who gets bored or bogged down in details and doesn't want to fully immerse yourself in the environment and atmosphere.

I'm not entirely certain that I would go so far as to state that Dan Simmons' Summer Of Night is an absolute "must read" for every single horror fiction enthusiast. In fact, it took me forty years before I even heard about this particular book.

What I will assert is that I find it almost criminally negligent that this captivating coming of age horror story is so relatively unknown. I am truly grateful to the friends I have on Goodreads for enlightening me about Simmons. The very first book of his that I read was the astonishingly intricate and brilliant Carrion Comfort, which is indeed a "must read." This particular novel, Summer Of Night, should be devoured by anyone who relished works such as It, Boy's Life, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and others of their kind.

I must admit that this is a novel with a rather slow pace. It is more about creating an atmosphere than being filled with non-stop action. However, for me, the pacing felt absolutely perfect. There is an abundance of creepiness throughout the entire narrative. And let me tell you, the last 100 pages were unrelentingly exciting.

I absolutely loved it.

This book is extremely dense.

If you decide to pick it up and start reading, be prepared to be completely transported into Elm Haven, Illinois in the year 1960.

The first half of the book has a magical quality that will immerse you deeply into the lives of the kids who are at the very heart of this captivating story.

You'll find yourself getting to know them, their hopes, their dreams, and their daily struggles.

And then, as you turn the page and enter the second half of the book, it will steal all of your moments.

You'll be clamouring, almost desperate, to find out how the kids make out in the end.

It's an absolute heck of a lot of fun to read this book.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a truly great read that will keep them engaged from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, adventure, or just a good story, this book has something for everyone.

5 Stars

This book is truly in the same "vein" as Boy's Life and It.

When it comes to the tone of the book and the coming-of-age aspect, they share a certain similarity. This is a genuine horror novel that contains some extremely creepy elements that really freaked me out.

The novel begins at a pleasant, slow pace and gradually ramps up with each passing chapter. The build-up is nice and gradual, until the pressure becomes overwhelming. Then it's a situation where every boy, or girl for that matter, is on their own.

It was an absolute delight to read this book, and I really hated having to put it down. I am eagerly anticipating reading the next installment. This is a highly recommended horror novel that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The experience was just as exciting and creepy the second time around.

It was truly remarkable how the story managed to maintain its hold on me, even after I had already witnessed it once before.

The characters, too, were just as memorable. Each one had their own unique personality and backstory, which made them feel real and relatable.

From the brave protagonist to the menacing antagonist, every character added depth and complexity to the narrative.

However, a full review is still pending. There are many aspects of the story that I need to further analyze and consider before I can provide a comprehensive assessment.

Nonetheless, based on my initial impressions, I can say that this is a story that is well worth experiencing, whether it's for the first or second time.

I've seen this book recommended countless times in diverse groups and book clubs throughout the years. I'm truly glad that I eventually decided to give it a read. Summer of Night is a classic horror novel that pits a small town against a supernatural monster. It's a book that you can really sink your teeth into. The pacing is slow, which allows for excellent character development. As the story progresses, around the midway point, it really starts to pick up speed and had me completely invested in the characters, rooting for them to overcome the terrifying odds. As Stephen King so aptly says, quoted on the cover, "It is one of those must-read books." This book truly earns its 4.5

3.5 stars

I found this to be a rather mixed bag. On one hand, there are numerous aspects that are truly appealing. The characters, such as Mike and Duane, have a certain charm that draws you in. They seem real and relatable, making it easy to invest in their stories. However, on the other hand, there are a few things that I didn't quite care for. Some of the descriptions of actions and events, especially those involving the kids playing games, were overly long and didn't seem to serve any real purpose. They felt like filler and detracted from the overall flow of the story.

It's quite evident that this book is heavily influenced by It. There are similarities in the themes and the way the story is told. But at the same time, the author is trying to make it its own unique tale. Summer of Night is definitely in the same vein as It, but it falls short in terms of depth. It is a masterwork because it delves deep into the human psyche and explores themes of fear, trauma, and friendship in a profound way. Summer of Night, while still an enjoyable read, doesn't quite reach that level.

I'm currently undecided about reading another book in the Seasons of Horror collection of standalone novels. These books revisit some of the kids from Summer of Night as adults. Part of me is curious to see how their stories have developed, but another part of me is a bit hesitant after my experience with this book. It's a tough call, and I'll probably need to think about it some more before making a decision.

Verano de 1960.

In the small town of Elm Haven, Illinois, five pre-adolescent twelve-year-olds spend their days under sunsets on bicycles, being very "IT", playing games and making discoveries typical of a peaceful childhood in an idyllic place. Everything is very beautiful.

However, it doesn't last. After the disappearance of a classmate, their eagerness for adventure will lead them to discover much more than they expected: a parallel world in which reality and fantasy are hardly distinguishable.

An unforgettable summer...

This is a style of story that we see from the hand of the master Stephen King, but Dan Simmons really managed to catch me with this one. It is very well done. It catches and does not disappoint. Those of us who have read other books by Dan Simmons, some are a delight, others not so much. In this one, I chose to enjoy it.

The only flaws would be that at the beginning it cooks slowly but not without interest, and that the ending, which it has, leaves room for new and terrible adventures.

I think it's an undervalued book in the genre. I learned of its existence fortunately, and that's because I really like the author in CF. Simmons created for this fascinating story believable characters in a small town that we visit every corner of, feel and live through everything and everyone.

Besides a plot that catches without requiring too many pages. It's a long book that couldn't feel lighter and that says it all. What I liked and praise are situations that today are considered a cliché. Shadows under your bed, shapes in the window with a tree in front, the stairs or even a cemetery. And yet Dan Simmons manages to integrate them into the story in such a way that you feel that small exciting shiver.

It's not the ingredients but how to use them to catch the reader, interest them and catch them either by the plot, characters or setting. Everything is well done to my taste and satisfaction.

Sometimes it's not in the old clichés or using things that have been so overused, but how to do it. An undervalued and curiously "unknown" Dan Simmons.. ✍️

The soft glow that emanated from the pole light gently illuminated the turnaround and extended to the first ten yards of the driveway. Duane, in a crouched position, patiently waited.

He was acutely aware that his heart was pounding at a rate faster than normal. Sensing this, he took a series of deep, slow breaths. With each inhalation and exhalation, he focused on calming his racing heart until it gradually slowed down and returned to a normal rhythm.

This story is a fantastic period piece that delves into the realm of coming of age horror. It has the remarkable ability to transport readers back to those final days of school, just before the onset of summer. During that time, you and your friends seemed to have an abundance of free time, filled with anticipation and a sense of adventure.

For fans of the horror genre, this is a highly recommended read. It combines the elements of a bygone era with the thrills and chills that horror enthusiasts crave. Prepare to be captivated by its unique charm and engaging narrative.

I just completed my review, and to my great dismay, it vanished into thin air. I can't even begin to count how many times this frustrating incident has occurred to me on this website! I truly don't understand it.

It was an outstanding review, too. It detailed how the book is so substantial, so expansive, and that I managed to read it in a mere four days. It described how it's a hair-raising tale filled with kids in peril, and how it remains true to its time period (1960) when rural and semi-rural kids (much like myself) were permitted to roam freely with relatively little interference from parents and other adults.

However, I simply cannot rewrite all of that again! Suffice it to say that it's a horror story on a grand scale, with kids in trouble, yet they will ultimately save the day. Its cast of major characters - mostly boys aged 11 - 13 - are a mix of smart, clever, stupid, and resourceful. Although some of them don't make it to the end. There's an evil bell in the old school that they all despise (and which is slated to be shut down over the summer). The adults? For the most part, they are clueless and unhelpful, much like in many books written with a similar theme. (Think of 'It' by Stephen King.) But the book has a unique flavor and elegance all its own, and I devoured it.

Ummm, just like certain underground 'things', a big spooky school, and a few assorted semi-dead things seem to want to do to this charming group of boys. (And there's one girl, of course, gotta have one girl, but she's no Hermione Granger, that's for sure.)

This book is an absolute must for horror fans.