The Terror - Dan Simmons

The Terror

By Dan Simmons

  • Release Date: 2007-03-08
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 573 Ratings
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Description

Based on the true story of two ice ships that disappeared in the Arctic Circle during the Sir John Franklin Expedition in 1845, The Terror is a meticulously researched and fascinating account of 19th century seafaring life.

"Masterfully chilling." —Entertainment Weekly

The men on board the HMS Terror—part of the 1845 Franklin Expedition, the first steam-powered vessels ever to search for the legendary Northwest Passage—are entering a second summer in the Arctic Circle without a thaw, stranded in a nightmarish landscape of encroaching ice and darkness. Endlessly cold, they struggle to survive with poisonous rations, a dwindling coal supply, and ships buckling in the grip of crushing ice. But their real enemy is even more terrifying. There is something out there in the frigid darkness: an unseen predator stalking their ship, a monstrous terror clawing to get in.

“The best and most unusual historical novel I have read in years.” —Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe

Reviews

  • Its good???

    3
    By Persipanic
    Listen. Listen. I liked the book. I did. But the way this man describes most women feels like sexual harassment. I just can't give it more than a 3 Also the racism present, which I just figured was meant to be historical realism, also wasn't my favorite.

  • nobody mentions the racism/sexism?

    3
    By dragon slayer wife
    jesus christ almighty there are tons of five star reviews but nobody mentions the horrible writing about the native people in this book. called heathens and savages, and sexualized beyond belief including a REAL native girl, greenstockings. dan simmons what is wrong with you

  • Amazing Journey!

    5
    By ronf8991
    This was an incredible read from start to finish; now one of my all time favorites!

  • One of my favorite books!

    5
    By Speedyslvr
    A real page turner!

  • Well conceived but too long

    4
    By Gatehall
    Excellent story based on fact and nicely developed. But so many superfluous aspects of this made it a long and tough read. Nevertheless, a good book.

  • Read this!

    5
    By Nena54321
    This book wasn't the easiest read, it was dense and heavy; however, it was worth my time and my life stopped until it was finished. I loved it. I loved every page, it stays with me.

  • Darkly atmospheric and suspenseful

    5
    By Rrowz
    During the hot Key West summers, I love to read stories about polar expeditions. This book is a good adventure story with historical detail, engaging characters and a way of pulling the reader into the bleak chill of desolate landscape.

  • A good thrill ride that limps to the finish

    3
    By Deraj mantup
    Simmons' Terror winds up well, using multiple perspectives and jumps in time to keep the pace moving. Character development is well done for Crozier and Goodsir, while the rest are underdeveloped or shallow. That said, it's a great ride for the first 80% of the story. Unfortunately, it peters out at the end, as the bridge between Native Arctic Forklore and the reality of how Sir Franklin's crew ends up leads to an unsatisfactory, unbelievable ending that attempts fictional closure in a still unresolved mystery. In the end, you won't regret the read, but you might feel a little cheated given the investment in time and emotion needed to finish this book. (note this is not an uplifting story; those looking for inspiration or redemption most likely will feel cheated.)

  • two thumbs up!

    5
    By indigo-child
    i loved this book! I am already looking forward to reading another story from this author.

  • Terror

    3
    By Mia444
    .....Is an apt Title for this monstrosity. This would have been better if it had been related short stories instead of this rambling mess of a novel.

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