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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is an extremely strong collection of short stories.

It contains several stories that are truly outstanding.

One of them, "Death of a Centaur," has an ending that gave me goosebumps.

The author's writing style is engaging and vivid, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in each story.

The characters are well-developed and the plots are full of twists and turns.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for any fan of short stories.

It will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end and leave you with a sense of satisfaction.

Whether you're looking for a quick read or something to sink your teeth into, this collection has something for everyone.

I highly recommend it.

I'm not really a big fan of this collection.

To be honest, I disliked the majority of the stories in it. The only story that was set in the Hyperion universe just didn't do it for me. It wasn't what I would consider great or even all that relevant.

Dan Simmons is a very talented writer and he has written plenty of truly great stories in the past. However, for me, these particular stories in this collection just don't measure up.

Maybe others will have a different opinion, but for me, this collection was a bit of a disappointment. I was hoping for more from Simmons, especially considering his previous work. But unfortunately, this collection just didn't deliver.

I'll still be looking forward to his future work, as I know he has the ability to write amazing stories. But as for this collection, it's not one that I'll be recommending or revisiting anytime soon.

My all-time favorite book of short stories is truly a work of pure magic <3.

It is a collection that transports me to different worlds and introduces me to a diverse range of characters with every turn of the page. Each story is like a precious gem, shining with its own unique charm and beauty.

The author's writing style is captivating, drawing me in from the very beginning and keeping me engaged until the very end. The vivid descriptions and rich imagery bring the stories to life in my mind, making it easy for me to visualize every scene and feel as if I am a part of the action.

Whether it's a heartwarming tale of love and friendship, a thrilling adventure, or a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, this book has something for everyone. It has the power to make me laugh, cry, and everything in between.

I have read this book countless times, and each time I discover something new and wonderful. It is a book that I will cherish forever and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good story.

This is an outstanding collection. I have always been a huge fan of Dan Simmons, and it is truly wonderful to encounter his work here, featuring familiar and captivating stories such as Hyperion and Carrion Comfort. The writing style is sharp and the pacing is rapid, without any cumbersome exposition.

I do understand the necessity of introducing each story and providing a bit of context or background for it. However, I chose to skip all of those introductions. I have a habit of never reading introductions initially. Only when I am confused by something within the body of the work do I refer to the introduction as an appendix. Nevertheless, this is an excellent book. It is a great collection that offers readers an immersive and engaging experience.

Overall, I highly recommend this collection to all fans of Dan Simmons and those who appreciate well-written and thrilling stories. It is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating literary journey.