Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 80 votes)
5 stars
23(29%)
4 stars
30(38%)
3 stars
27(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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80 reviews
July 15,2025
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Each of the stories presented here delves into the complex intertwining of sensual passion and the real-life terrors that often accompany it. Simmons has long been well renowned for his vivid and detailed depictions of historical times, and these particular stories truly showcase him at the top of his game. In my opinion, "The Great Lover" stands out as the best, with its powerful setting during WW1 and the horrors that emerged during that era. It manages to capture both the intensity of passion and the backdrop of war-induced terror in a truly captivating manner.


On the other hand, "Flashback" was perhaps the weakest of the bunch, yet it still packed a grueling punch that left an impact. However, it must be noted that Simmons' personal political and racial views did make reading this collection cringe-worthy in more than a few ways. There were moments when his perspectives seemed to overshadow the literary merit of the stories. Nevertheless, I am glad that I read them for the value they held in terms of his unique writing style. His ability to create vivid atmospheres and develop engaging characters is undeniable, even if some of his underlying views were less than palatable.

July 15,2025
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The book I read recently had a rather uneven quality.

Out of all the stories, there were only two that I truly found enjoyable. They were "Dying in Bangkok" and "Sleeping with Teeth Women". These two tales had a certain charm and kept my interest throughout.

However, the final and longest story was a bit of a letdown. It seemed to drag on and on, and I found myself losing patience. The rest of the stories also had their flaws to varying degrees.

Overall, while the book wasn't terrible, it was definitely the worst thing I've read by Simmons. I much prefer his longer format works, as they tend to have more depth and complexity.

I'll probably think twice before picking up another short story collection by him in the future.
July 15,2025
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The original text seems to be rather short and perhaps a bit unclear. However, I will do my best to rewrite and expand it as requested.

Let's consider the number that has been raised to 3.25. This could refer to a variety of mathematical operations or real-world scenarios. For example, if we have a base number, say 2, and we raise it to the power of 3.25, we are essentially performing an exponential calculation. The result would be 2^3.25, which is approximately 9.51. In a different context, perhaps in a financial or scientific model, raising a value to 3.25 could have significant implications. It might represent growth, decay, or some other relationship. Understanding the concept of raising a number to a particular exponent is fundamental in many areas of mathematics and its applications. By exploring and analyzing these operations, we can gain deeper insights into the underlying patterns and behaviors.



I hope this meets your requirements. If you have any further questions or need additional clarification, please let me know.
July 15,2025
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This is a solid collection of horror novellas that truly captivates the reader.

Each novella within this collection offers a unique and spine-chilling experience. Some of them are simply brilliant, with masterful storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The authors have managed to create vivid and terrifying worlds, filled with unforgettable characters and heart-pounding moments.

Whether it's a haunted house, a supernatural entity, or a psychological thriller, there is something for every horror enthusiast in this collection.

The writing is engaging and atmospheric, drawing you into the stories and making you feel as if you are right there in the midst of the terror.

Overall, this collection of horror novellas is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare. It will leave you trembling with fear and eager for more.
July 15,2025
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A couple of really good ones,

a couple of so-so ones.

Entropy's Bed at Midnight was truly excellent. It had a unique charm and a captivating storyline that kept the reader engaged from start to finish.

Dying in Bangkok was a pretty dang good twist on the vampire theme. It brought a fresh perspective to the well-known concept and added an exciting element of mystery.

Flashback had interesting Sci-Fi elements that added depth to the collection. The different stories in this collection offered a variety of genres and styles, making it a good overall collection.

Whether you're a fan of horror, mystery, or Sci-Fi, there's something in this collection for everyone. It's a great read for those looking for a diverse selection of short stories.
July 15,2025
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This is a remarkable collection that consists of five extremely well-written horror-based novellas.

True to its title, it delves into the themes of love and death, exploring the profound relationship between the two.

Some of the stories even incorporate a mild science fiction element, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Throughout the collection, there is also an (occasionally graphic) erotic content, which further enriches the overall experience.

It seems to me that this book serves as a significant milestone, marking the beginning of Simmons' transition from a genre writer to a literary/mainstream one.

It offers a challenging and thought-provoking read, not meant for those seeking light entertainment.

Rather, it demands the reader's full attention and engagement, as it delves deep into the complex and often disturbing aspects of the human psyche.

Overall, it is a unique and captivating collection that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who dare to venture into its pages.
July 15,2025
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I truly adored this collection.

"Dying in Bangkok" was by far my absolute favorite. It had a certain charm and allure that simply captivated me from the very beginning.

Next in line was probably "Flashback". What made it quite funny was the fact that the novella of "Flashback" written many years ago had a more left-leaning political stance, while the recent novel was very much on the right. It was extremely interesting to observe how his views had shifted over the same concept. It really made me think about how people's perspectives can change over time.

However, the Native American novella was the only one that I didn't quite take a liking to. For some reason, I just could not seem to get into it. Maybe it was the subject matter or the writing style, but it just didn't resonate with me in the same way as the other stories in the collection.

Overall, though, I still found this collection to be a very enjoyable read and would highly recommend it to others.
July 15,2025
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Great collection! "Entropy's Bed at Midnight" and "Sleeping with Teeth Women" are truly my favorites. However, every single piece in this collection is good. Each story has its own unique charm and吸引力. The author has a remarkable talent for creating vivid characters and immersive settings. The plots are engaging and keep the reader hooked from start to finish. Whether it's the mysterious atmosphere of "Entropy's Bed at Midnight" or the complex relationships in "Sleeping with Teeth Women", there is something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves a good read. It's a must-have for any bookshelf.

July 15,2025
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Stephen King is a highly regarded and influential figure in the world of literature. When he recommends an author, it often garners significant attention and interest from readers.

The author recommended by Stephen King is likely to possess certain qualities that have caught his discerning eye. It could be their unique writing style, engaging storytelling, or the ability to create vivid and memorable characters.

Such a recommendation can have a profound impact on the author's career. It can introduce them to a wider audience and open doors to new opportunities. Readers who trust Stephen King's judgment are likely to give the recommended author a chance, eager to discover the new literary talent.

In conclusion, being recommended by Stephen King is no small feat. It can catapult an author into the spotlight and bring their work to the attention of a large and enthusiastic readership.
July 15,2025
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In "Lovedeath", Dan Simmons presents us with five remarkable novellas. These range from the unrelentingly horrifying to the heart-warmingly romantic, and at times, they manage to embody both. It is a strange, beautiful, and satisfying overlapping of Eros and Necros that could only originate from the mind of one of the finest writers in any genre today.

"Dying in Bangkok" tells the story of a man's erotic journey to find and recapture what he lost during the Vietnam War: his soul. "Sleeping with Teeth Women" is a humorous campfire tale narrated by an old Native American grandfather. He is angry at how his people have been romanticized in poor-quality Hollywood films like "Dances With Wolves" and is ready to set the record straight with a disturbing "true story" of his noble ancestors. The book's best story, "The Great Lover", is an excerpt from poet Richard Edward Harrison III's war-time diary. The young Harrison vividly recounts the battles he miraculously survived in France during the First World War and the hauntingly beautiful and mysterious Lady in White who would visit him at night to make passionate love and disappear before morning. Is she a ghost? A vampire? Or something beyond time and space?

All five of the novellas in this book are truly fantastic. Published in 1993, this book is currently out of print. So, if you come across a copy of it at a second-hand bookstore, be sure to grab it. It is a literary gem that is well worth reading and珍藏.
July 15,2025
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I only have clear memories of the last story in this collection.

However, that novella, titled The Great Lover, was truly an amazing account.

It vividly depicted the horrors and realities of trench warfare during World War 1.

The details and descriptions were so intense that they made the reader feel as if they were right there in the trenches.

The author's ability to bring this historical event to life was remarkable.

Despite only remembering this one story clearly, it was more than enough to make the entire book worth the price.

The Great Lover stood out as a powerful and engaging piece of literature that left a lasting impression on me.

It made me appreciate the sacrifices and hardships endured by those who fought in the war.

Overall, it was a great read and a valuable addition to any collection.
July 15,2025
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His story "Dying in Bangkok" was brutally raw and unrelenting. It brought back flashbacks to "Song of Kali". His vivid depiction of Bangkok and Calcutta was so vivid that it would surely deter anyone from wanting to visit.


"Sleeping with Teeth Women" was written beautifully, exploring the theme of coming of age. The mystical Indian visions were supernaturally horrifying, yet captivating. I truly enjoyed this story.


In "Entrophy", Dan places the father's fear for his daughter at the forefront of all fathers' worries. He does this well, with references to insurance cases that intensify the father's imagination of what could happen to his daughter.


Once again, a flashback showcases his mastery of description, painting a bleak future. For me, it evokes the song "In the Year 2525".


"The Great Lover" delves into the horrors of WW1 and trench warfare. It's a wonder that any survivors returned sane. Simmons' writing immerses all his readers in the chaos and horror.


I have read most of his work and have never been disappointed. I enjoyed all the stories, each one offering a unique and engaging experience.

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