It is quite nice indeed. However, when it comes to 8-eyed pigs that eat souls, I seem to have a strange weakness. I find myself inexplicably drawn to such奇特的 creatures. There is something about them that intrigues me deeply. Maybe it's the mystery surrounding their existence and their unusual abilities. The thought of an 8-eyed pig devouring souls is both terrifying and fascinating at the same time. It makes me wonder what kind of world these creatures inhabit and what their purpose might be. Despite the fact that it sounds rather荒诞, I can't help but be a sucker for these 8-eyed pigs that eat souls.

This was my second reading of this novel.

It takes place in the beautiful and enchanting Hawaii.

My first reading had such a profound impact on me that it made me yearn to visit the islands.

Therefore, in anticipation of my upcoming visit, I decided to reread it.

The novel is rather interesting, especially if you have a penchant for Hawaiian mythology.

It features elements such as dogs with human teeth and giant talking pigs, which add a touch of奇幻 and excitement.

However, I must admit that I won't be reading it for a third time.

Although it has its merits, it's not that outstanding to warrant multiple readings.

Nonetheless, it has served its purpose in whetting my appetite for my visit to Hawaii and giving me a taste of the unique mythology and culture of the islands.

Polynesia is a really interesting part of the earth. There are nearly a hundred islands, each with its own mythology and pantheon. Only the Hawaiian or Sandwich Islands are 24 (by the way, let's not confuse Hawaii with Haiti, the two are even in different oceans). Some time ago, I was immersed in part of the mythology, mainly related to their shark gods, and it turns out that Simmons is indebted in the mythology next to their largest volcano. The differences are simply immeasurable.

Somehow I couldn't feel that love of Simmons for classical literature being transferred to the little-known mythology of Kilauea. I would even speculate that the main idea put in the second plot line with Mark Twain and then added the modern one to connect things with Elm Haven.

Anyway.

Elenor is a professor at a university and has chosen a rather strange place for vacation. A resort of an extravagant millionaire where a series of mysterious disappearances of people occur. The motive is also an old diary of her great-grandmother, in which the mystical adventures of the same place more than a century ago are described. Together with her new friend Cordy Stumpf, they will delve deep into the world of the island's mythology (literally) to save the island and maybe the world.

The second plot line runs in the epistolary form of the aforementioned diary, where Mrs. Stuart gets to know a young journalist - Samuel Clemens and has to face the underground world of the volcanic island in person.

In the book, there is also an extravagant and breakthrough millionaire who is modeled after Trump even before he became president (after all, it was published in 1994) and I can say that it has aged quite well. He manages to turn a rather engaging horror story into a horror comedy. There are lightly touched on quite a few of the problems of Hawaii, both in the 19th century and today. There is also quite a bit of science about volcanoes, which is a plus for an old fan of fantasy who likes to learn something new with each read book. And of course, quite a bit of mythology.

Cordy Cook was very likable to me even in "The Summer of Fear" and I'm glad that 40 years later she is still the strongest character of the girls there. She even manages to almost steal the main role from under the feet of Elenor, which is a bonus as the professor is boring.

Must read if you've read Summer of Night.

It is truly a captivating piece that stands on its own merits. Even if you haven't delved into the world of Summer of Night, this book is still an absolute gem. It has the power to transport you to a different realm, filled with mystery, excitement, and heart-pounding moments. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover what lies ahead. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own unique personalities and backstories that add depth and complexity to the narrative. The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the story. Whether you're a fan of horror, mystery, or just a good read, this book is sure to satisfy. So don't miss out on this wonderful literary experience.

I'm starting my reading adventure in 2021 with a really great horror novel. For a while, I have to admit to myself that the Hawaiian pantheon seemed a bit overdone to me, and thus the rating started to lean towards 4. However, the final scenes made me thrill with excitement and with a clear conscience, I awarded a 4.5.

Dan Simmons once again demonstrates in-depth research and preparation. The two storylines - from the past and the present - perfectly complemented each other. And the traditional insertion of real historical personalities in the author's books, in this case - Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an additional enjoyable bonus.

This novel not only kept me on the edge of my seat with its spine-chilling horror elements but also provided a fascinating exploration of different time periods and historical figures. It was a truly engaging read that I would highly recommend to any horror enthusiast or lover of historical fiction.

This Hawaiian adventure was truly one of the outstanding spin-offs from Summer of Night.

Cordie Cooke's description, although bordering on the outright grotesque, didn't diminish her likability. In fact, she seemed even more charming than in her initial appearance. There's just something about her bluntness that is endearing.

I particularly enjoyed the way Simmons wove in the historical aspect of Mark Twain's visit to Hawaii through Aunt Kidder's journal entries. It added a fascinating layer to the story.

The adventure was full of excitement, and with the cameo appearance of Mike O'Rourke, it made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Basing the story on Hawaiian mythology made it even more unique. Despite the presence of giant pigs, sharks, and volcano eruptions, it made me long to visit Hawaii again.

This is a fun and summery adventure that is a welcome addition to Simmons' diverse bibliography. Simmons is undeniably talented, but he truly excels in the historical sections. Summer of Night

A truly outstanding fantasy-horror novel is set in the beautiful yet mysterious land of Hawaii. It delves deep into the rich mythology and complex history of the region, both before and after the American occupation. The story weaves a captivating mystery, with a fanciful and imaginative supernatural backdrop that adds an extra layer of intrigue. The real suspenseful horror elements are so well-crafted that they had me constantly turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next.

Moreover, Simmons employs one of his favorite literary devices by introducing one of his beloved writers as a character. In this instance, it is the renowned Mark Twain. This unique addition not only adds a touch of authenticity but also creates an interesting connection between the fictional world and the real literary great.

Highly recommended for those who have a passion for both Simmons' historical fantasy works like Olympos and his pure horror masterpieces such as Carrion Comfort. This novel is truly first rate and is sure to leave readers enthralled and satisfied.

Just now, I read a short review and noticed that I have also read this novel - although a long time ago - and have not yet entered it on GR.

There are two levels, both of which are set in Hawaii, especially the main island. In the past level, the protagonist is Samuel Longhorn Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. In the present, it is a terminally ill elderly woman who wants to spend her last days here. Both have fantastic events that are based on Hawaiian mythology. In the present, it is also about the threats to these paradisiacal islands. And of course, the volcanoes also play a role.

I was fascinated by the exoticism and Simmons is indeed a very good storyteller. I remember the novel as a mostly exciting read. It's not Simmons' best novel, I liked others better, but it's still good entertainment.

Overall, this novel offers an interesting combination of history, mythology, and current events, set in the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii. It's a book that can transport readers to another world and keep them engaged from beginning to end.

After finishing this novel, I'm still not entirely certain about my thoughts on it.

To begin with, the story is set in Hawaii, a place I've never visited and don't know much about. There's a significant amount of Hawaiian mythology in the book, and I'm not sure if Simmons fabricated it all or not. Kudos to him if he did, as it sounds quite plausible as Hawaiian mythology. Simmons' writing style is of high quality, but there are some elements that slightly detract from the overall book.

The one-paragraph synopsis is as follows: A huge resort was constructed in Hawaii by a rather despicable businessman named Trumbo. He's destroyed a fair amount of nature to build the place and now wants to sell it to a group of Japanese buyers. They all gather at the resort to finalize the deal, but unfortunately, two local volcanoes start erupting, and people begin disappearing and reappearing in pieces. Trumbo's soon-to-be ex-wife, soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, and current fling all show up, making matters worse for him. Add in a professor with a diary from her distant relative that seems to follow a similar series of events from over a hundred years ago, a plump little housewife from the Midwest with a gun and a foul mouth, and an assortment of other guests, and you have a diverse mix of personalities. The lava starts flowing, business negotiations heat up, and the number of people in the resort decreases while a select few attempt to solve the "mystery" using the diary.

First, this book is marketed as horror, but aside from people disappearing and parts of them reappearing at inconvenient times, it didn't really feel like a horror book. So if you're seeking a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, look elsewhere. Second, it becomes quite evident what's going to happen about a chapter before it occurs, so there are no surprises. Maybe I've simply read too many horror novels and developed a "sixth sense" for them, but nothing in this book shocked me. My biggest gripe with the book is that the "present-day" characters are almost ridiculously stereotypical. It almost reminded me of "Scooby Doo 2" (the live-action one). You have the big, bad businessman, his three stereotypical women, the blatantly obvious good guys, the standard plethora of henchmen, and the native people who want to protect their lands. The most interesting parts of the book were the diary excerpts; unfortunately, their placement in the main story left something to be desired. Not only were the breaks between the two stories at inopportune times, but the diary chapters pretty much told you exactly what would happen in the following "present-day" chapter. I was rather disappointed by that.

I'm aware that I've pointed out a lot of negatives, but I've still given the story 4 stars. Simmons is a brilliant writer; his words (even the profanities) flow beautifully, and even if you don't like the story or despise the characters, you can't help but admire his prose. I don't think this was one of his better books, but overall, I still think it was an excellent read.

I have never had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, yet an intense desire to go has always resided within me. After delving into Dan Simmons's "Fires of Eden", that longing has skyrocketed. It's not a typical nonfiction travelogue; rather, it's a horror novel, and one of the most amusing ones I've ever come across. Strangely enough, it has made me eager to visit the islands. Additionally, it has left me with a rumbling stomach, but that's beside the point.

The story unfolds on the Big Island, specifically on a colossal resort named the Mauna Pele along the Kona Coast. The owner of this establishment is a seedy, obscenely wealthy individual named Byron Trumbo, who is clearly inspired by Donald Trump. He is desperately attempting to finalize the sale of the resort to a Japanese buyer before the media catches wind of the alarming rate at which guests keep disappearing or meeting their untimely deaths.

Apparently, vengeful Hawaiian male deities such as Kamapua'a, Pana-ewa, and several others with far too many syllables have been summoned and are brutally ripping the souls from the bodies of numerous guests. They are incensed at humans for desecrating the land by constructing tacky hotels and golf courses.

The goddess Pele, who is also not overly pleased with the so-called "progress" but still safeguards the island, is under assault. It falls upon the timid, not-quite-old-maid college professor Eleanor Perry and her newfound friend, Cordie Stumpf, to assist Pele and rescue the island. And perhaps even the world. They are ostensibly on vacation (sort of), but they have come prepared to do battle with demons and gods.

This is a delightful and lighthearted read from an author who, in my opinion, can do no wrong. There is an abundance to relish in this novel, from the vivid descriptions of the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery, to the captivating tales of Hawaiian folk lore and legends, to Simmons's heart-pounding suspense, to his charmingly lovable and believable characters. There is even a parallel story involving Samuel Clemens, who visited Hawaii in 1866. If you're not a devotee of Dan Simmons, this might not be his most exemplary work. However, it is an entertaining supernatural suspense thriller-comedy (think "Ghostbusters" set in Hawaii) that will transport you on a mental vacation for a few hours.

Dan Simmons is a renowned author, but this particular work might be considered one of his weakest.

However, it is still readable due to its concise writing style. The use of Hawaiian mythology in the story was rather overwhelming for me. I found myself getting lost in all the details and eventually losing interest in that aspect.

Thankfully, the parallel strand involving Mark Twain was a saving grace. It added an interesting dimension to the book and made it somewhat worth reading.

Overall, this book is probably only for die-hard Simmons fans who are willing to overlook its flaws and focus on the redeeming qualities. Others may find it a bit underwhelming.

Read in 1995, this novel takes the history and mythology of Hawaii as its central theme, intertwined with some supernatural overtones.

It delves deep into the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, exploring the ancient tales and legends that have been passed down through generations.

The story weaves together elements of history, such as the arrival of different cultures and the impact of colonization, with the神秘的 world of the supernatural.

Readers are transported to a world where gods and goddesses, spirits and demons, interact with the human characters, adding an extra layer of excitement and mystery to the narrative.

The author skillfully blends fact and fiction, creating a captivating and engaging story that not only entertains but also educates about the unique history and mythology of Hawaii.