Prayers to Broken Stones by dan simmons

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Because Dan Simmons writes across genres, deciding which Simmons to recommend to a neophyte can be a challenge.

Perhaps Prayers to Broken Stones might be a good choice. It's a collection of short stories, beginning with his first published work. In this collection, Simmons showcases his remarkable ability to handle language and mood. Each story is a unique exploration of different themes and emotions, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged until the very end.

Lovedeath, a later collection of novellas, might also be an excellent choice for a starting point. The novellas in this collection are longer and more in-depth than the short stories in Prayers to Broken Stones, allowing Simmons to develop his characters and plotlines more fully. The themes explored in Lovedeath are often darker and more complex, dealing with issues such as love, loss, and the human condition. Overall, both Prayers to Broken Stones and Lovedeath are great introductions to the work of Dan Simmons and are sure to appeal to readers of all genres.

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aseray

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Dan Simmons has assembled a truly remarkable collection of short stories.

Each and every one of these stories is a delight to read, offering unique and engaging narratives. What makes this collection even more special is the inclusion of the story "Carrion Comfort" before it was expanded into a full-fledged novel. It's fascinating to see the early version of this captivating tale.

In addition to "Carrion Comfort," the collection also features "The Death of the Centaur," which has connections to the Hyperion universe, another of my favorite series. This connection adds an extra layer of depth and interest for fans of Simmons' work.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-written short stories. It showcases Simmons' talent as a storyteller and offers a diverse range of stories that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end.

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defestore

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

He has his own unique way of working with the dark.

It's truly remarkable. He seems to have an innate understanding of how to navigate and harness the power that lies within the shadows.

Perhaps it's his creativity that allows him to see the potential in the darkness, to find the hidden beauty and meaning.

Or maybe it's his courage, his willingness to face the unknown and explore the uncharted territories of the dark.

Whatever the reason, his work with the dark is nothing short of good stuff.

It has the power to captivate and inspire, to make us look at the world in a whole new light.

We can only wonder what other amazing things he will discover and create as he continues to work with the dark.

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Xie_lim15

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Early Simmons, a collection of short stories, presents a rather mixed bag. This is almost inevitably the case with collections of this kind, particularly in the early stages of a writer's career. For me, it's a bit of a completionist exercise. What makes it notable, however, is that it is considered "Hyperion Cantos 0.5" and it also features an introduction from Harlan Ellison that is truly something special.

The stories within this collection likely offer a diverse range of themes, styles, and voices. They may showcase the writer's early experimentation and growth, perhaps hinting at the greater works that would follow.

The classification as "Hyperion Cantos 0.5" gives it an added layer of significance, suggesting a connection to a larger and perhaps more well-known body of work.

And Harlan Ellison's introduction, no doubt, adds an element of prestige and intrigue. Ellison is a respected figure in the world of literature, and his words are likely to draw readers in and set the stage for what lies within the pages of Early Simmons.

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SoyMia

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

2.5 Stars

I'm really not feeling this at all. I've finished 4 of the short stories, but I don't really feel compelled to push through and read the rest.

To be honest, I don't think this collection has aged well. It seems a bit outdated and I couldn't envision many of the younger generations enjoying it.

However, it's evident that Simmons has the writing chops. His prose is engaging and well-crafted. But most of the time, I'm just not sure if I like the plot or the message behind the story.

Maybe it's a matter of personal taste, but for me, this collection just didn't quite hit the mark. I was hoping for something more captivating and thought-provoking, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver.

I'm sure there are others who will enjoy Simmons' work, but for now, I think I'll be moving on to something else.

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nerdmeetslife

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

There are a bunch of truly excellent short stories here. Each one is filled with unique charm and creativity, capable of captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning. However, when it comes to my personal preference, I have to admit that I much prefer his novels. Novels offer a more in-depth exploration of characters and plotlines. They allow the author to develop a more complex and detailed world, enabling the reader to fully immerse themselves in it. With his novels, I can get lost in the story for hours on end, completely forgetting about the outside world. The characters come to life on the page, and I find myself emotionally invested in their fates. In conclusion, while the short stories are great, his novels are truly my favorite.

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Nyappon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

It’s extremely rare that I find myself hating a book written by Simmons. However, this particular instance was one of those times. The story titled “Iverson’s Pits” is truly one of the most excruciatingly boring stories I have ever had the misfortune of reading.

From the very beginning, it failed to capture my interest and instead, it completely turned me off from reading the book any further. I simply could not bring myself to engage with the plot or the characters.

I have decided that I will revisit this book at some point in the future when I am in the mood for short stories. Maybe then, with a different mindset, I will be able to appreciate it more. But for now, I can only give it a rating of 2/5.

It’s a shame because I usually have high expectations for Simmons’ work, but this one really missed the mark for me.

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elrond99

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Simmons' work in this collection alternately showcases him at his absolute most brilliant and at his rather dullest. Even within the least inspired stories, such as the first and last ones which are particularly mediocre, there is still a certain level of craftsmanship in the prose that manages to lift it above the average. However, the good stories are truly amazing. "Remembering Siri," "The Death of the Centaur," and especially "Iverson's Pits" are outstanding. Simmons' penchant for including grounding details and those small, quiet moments of resigned horror is fully on display here. His excellent grasp of human emotion and psychology is also evident. Moreover, this collection serves as the perfect introduction to Simmons' broad genre interests, spanning from science fiction to horror and then back again through fantasy. It is a treat that will delight both newcomers to his work and longtime fans alike.

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Hyperion Cantos #0.5

Prayers to Broken Stones

dan simmons

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