One year I read "Drood" during the fall and "The Terror" during the winter. Oh Yeah! Of course Terror got me practically obsessed with the Franklin Expedition. They actually found both ships under the ice not too long ago.
Currently 500 pages into The Terror. It is absolutely enthralling. I appreciate the depth of the character development/backstory of the characters that Simmons serves us. Also the depth of the nautical knowledge which is dove into really puts you right there on the ice with the men. And the monster horror is some of the most terrifying I have ever read.
I reas Carrion Comfort so many decades ago and I have re read it over and over. I still remember every scene. Amazing. That’s my number one. Thanks for this video.
Hello mate. Just found your channel. Youve inspired me to re-read through my entire Simmons collection and i pretty much have them all. Easily the Greatest living writer imo. He hasnt rekeased a novel in some years though...heard he had a head injury...hes about the same age of Stephen King too mid 70's. The Terror is my number 1. The Hyperion cantos in at 2. Drood at number 3. Love all his novels though. Dude can write classics in any genre.
Great video!! SO glad to see someone who has Ilium and Olympos up toward the top. I have ten 1st editions signed from Simmons and Ive given Ilium away to so many people! So glad I stumbed across your review!!
I just finished Summer of Night and IT and gotta go with Summer of Night as my favorite. It has me pumped for more Dan Simmons. Thanks so much for giving these guys attention!
I was about to lose it when you put Hyperion way up there but yes you are right about fall of Hyperion being better, I spend a lot more time thinking about it and all the wild things that happen in it. Great list my man!
You're missing Song of Kali. His first novel and it's great. What actually got me into Simmons. He was master of atmosphere building since the beginning.
Awesome list! I love Carrion Comfort and The Terror is on my tbr list. Keep up the great content and huge respect, as an ex teacher, for the work that you do!
You have the widest range of Interest I have ever seen. And your vids are dope. While I seldom am on same page with your assessments your enthusiasm for books in general is inspirational.Oh, and I am so jealous of your Malazan collection. I gave up trying to find then in hardback, It is a crime that no full set is for sale.
Reading The Fall of Hyperion currently. The pilgrim stories in the 1st book blew me away. The cruciform and Remembering Siri were personal favorites. Have also read The Abominable and The Terror. Both excellent. Slight edge to The Terror as I found the North West Expansion time period to be fascinating. Also maybe too much bromancing in Abominable between JC and the main character. Borderline.
Just added a few more books to my wanted list, thanks Brian... But I should say thanks to you as I plan on reading Cryptonomicon (thanks to your Stephenson vid) on my flight tomorrow, when I should be sleeping. Bah jet lag! If I manage to get through that monster I have the Caves of Steal and the next Joe Pickett for the flight back.
You're killing me?...You missed my favorite Dan Simmons novel. "Song Of Kali"...Set in Calcutta. The nasty atmosphere of that place will not leave you. You couldn't pay me to go to Calcutta. Tremendous setting for a creepy novel...Now you have to read and review this baby! Published in 1985 and it won the 1986 World Fantasy Award...I loved it...
I read Song of Kali about 15 years ago. I shouldn't have liked it that much because much of the supernatural stuff was only hinted at (in fact, you could make an argument that there wasn't anything supernatural in it at all) and I prefer more overt stuff - but the novel still captivated me! Years later I stayed in the outskirts of Kolkata for a couple of weeks where I visited a friend. Unfortunately, I had arrived with a cold (I was on my way back home from an assignment in Myanmar and couldn't choose the time travel) so I stayed mostly in the suburbs but on one trip into the city I even went to a Kali temple! And here's the funny thing: only later did I remember that Song of Kali was set in Kolkata! Don't know why I hadn't thought of the book at the time. (Probably because a lot had been going on in real life.) Apart from my being under the weather most of the time, I really enjoyed the stay. Kolkata is a modern (Indian) city. It's not the nightmarish place that you read about in the book. So if someone should offer to pay you to go to Calcutta/Kolkata, you should definitely take up that offer! 😉 PS: I should mention that I was there in the winter (January/February).
Dan Simmons is possibly my favorite author. Carrion Comfort is my No.1. And his science fiction novels are some of the best out there. You may wanna read Fires of Eden since it's tied to Summer of Night, Children of the Night and A Winter Haunting. And Song of Kali, which is very good.
I didn't like Children too much. And Song of Kali (very overhyped because of that Stephen King reference),the only thing it left me is that i will never ever go to Calcutta...
Wow ok, I’m going to have to read the Terror. I’ve only read the Hyperion duology so far, and they are brilliant. I, too, liked Fall of Hyperion the best. I consider the two books one story though. It’s my second favorite sci-fi ever. I still need it read Endymion though. I had no idea he’d written so many books.
What about Song of Kali? I think is a unique book. It contains an exotic terror and an interesting analysis about the clash between western and eastern civilizations.
Totally agree!! Carrion Comfort is just plain awesome and needs to be rediscovered.. So cool.. Hyperion Cantos (the 4 together) is in my top 5 all time. If you ever want a signed first edition HC of Summer of Night, let me know.. Great job again!
I've read around 10 of Dan's books but must say I like " Summer of Night " the best. As you said, right up there with King and McCammon. Ever few years I like to read it again.
Yeah you're right. As far as vampires go, Carrion Comfort might be the best of them, though I haven't read every vampire novel ever written - there's simply too many of 'em, lol. Song of Kali was good, & actually won the World fantasy Award, probably because of the metaphor he attached to the ending... Summer of Night, Children of the Night, & Hyperion were all very good as well - the guy's level is remarkably consistent, considering his output. Looking forward to reading The Terror this year, & exploring more of his works.
If Dan Simmons has indeed stopped writing, then he's left an incredible legacy behind. Though, I do hope he manages to release Omega Canyon, whenever that comes out.
Such a great writer. If he has any weakness, it would his characters - never really connect with them. But boy, the breadth and scope of the worlds and ideas Simmons creates is stellar.
I’m surprised Song of Kali, his first Novel, isn’t even mentioned. Harlan Ellison called it the greatest first novel that he had ever read, and it won the World Fantasy Award. Also missing are Phases of Gravity and Fires of Eden., which, while not top drawer Simmons, are certainly worthy works of fiction., as are his several short story collections and his superb novella, “Muse of Fire”.
How do you like tad Williams and Robert Jordan? I know Jordan but have never heard of Williams. I haven’t read either. I love Simmons so I’m wondering about these two.
I think you missed Song of Kali but no matter, that was a very average novel with only one very good scene. Hyperion and Fall of H (i see both novels as one) are my favorite scifi books of all time. Loved The Terror and Summer of Night, damn, i even ended up googling the freaking Borgia Bell jaja. Good video.
Love your top books of authors! Love ur channel brian! Starting your books next month ❤ Are u going to do any peter straub content in the near future? I have almost read all of he's works and like them a lot, feels like not many talking about him a ranking of peter straub would be epic (for me atleast xD) Anyway have a great week Love from sweden
The only thing I took issue with Terror about was the fact that the temperature was constantly 50 to 60 degrees below zero. Humans die in that environment
Nice list. The Terror may be the best work of fiction I have ever read. I could not finish Drood. Which irritated me because it’s the only book of his I have not liked. Carrion Comfort was my intro to Simmons. Perhaps one of the best concepts in horror ever put to paper.
I sometimes wonder if Dan Simmons is a 'secret collective of writers ' , not just one man . His stories can be so different .Not only in quality, genre, etc . But also stylistic . He can be brilliant , good, , a bit boring or just plain horrible ! Must be a conspiracy ! 😅
Those people seem to take issue with his personal political opinions but from what I understand the book is not a political statement, it’s just a story that surrounds the main narrative and the themes he’s trying to get across. I could be wrong though, maybe Simmons really is an extreme right wing nut like they say.
I thought Fall of Hyperion was a complete turkey of a novel - nowhere near as good as the first book. I might rank Song of Kali above The Terror or at least very close. Flashback made me angry with the author.
I don't think the Hyperion books are as good as everyone says they are ... I just don't see it personally. The pace, the character dialogue, the evolution of the characters is all very mid.
I just discovered Dan Simmons by accident and he is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
The Terror read during the Winter will freak you out. It is captivating. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
One year I read "Drood" during the fall and "The Terror" during the winter. Oh Yeah! Of course Terror got me practically obsessed with the Franklin Expedition. They actually found both ships under the ice not too long ago.
I too read the Terror in the winter. Amazing novel in the perfect chilly setting.
@@elizabethmcfadden466same here! 🥶
I love seeing The Terror at the top. I loved that book and don’t think enough people talk about it.
I dont know what I would do without you and your videos
Excellent books. I love how you’ve kept all your books so pristine looking.
"Hyperion" is the only book I've read by Dan Simmons. I loved it, and I not usually a sci-fi guy, but I thoroughly enjoyed that one.
I have read Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion back to back 3 times. My favorite scifi books.
Read " Summer of Night " if you like old school horror. My favorite book by Dan.
Currently 500 pages into The Terror. It is absolutely enthralling.
I appreciate the depth of the character development/backstory of the characters that Simmons serves us.
Also the depth of the nautical knowledge which is dove into really puts you right there on the ice with the men.
And the monster horror is some of the most terrifying I have ever read.
I reas Carrion Comfort so many decades ago and I have re read it over and over. I still remember every scene. Amazing. That’s my number one. Thanks for this video.
Hello mate.
Just found your channel.
Youve inspired me to re-read through my entire Simmons collection and i pretty much have them all.
Easily the Greatest living writer imo.
He hasnt rekeased a novel in some years though...heard he had a head injury...hes about the same age of Stephen King too mid 70's.
The Terror is my number 1.
The Hyperion cantos in at 2.
Drood at number 3.
Love all his novels though.
Dude can write classics in any genre.
Great video!! SO glad to see someone who has Ilium and Olympos up toward the top. I have ten 1st editions signed from Simmons and Ive given Ilium away to so many people! So glad I stumbed across your review!!
I just finished Summer of Night and IT and gotta go with Summer of Night as my favorite. It has me pumped for more Dan Simmons. Thanks so much for giving these guys attention!
I was about to lose it when you put Hyperion way up there but yes you are right about fall of Hyperion being better, I spend a lot more time thinking about it and all the wild things that happen in it. Great list my man!
You're missing Song of Kali. His first novel and it's great. What actually got me into Simmons. He was master of atmosphere building since the beginning.
ya i had that one but did not like it so gave it away
Won The World Fantasy Award, and his 1st novel.
Awesome list! I love Carrion Comfort and The Terror is on my tbr list. Keep up the great content and huge respect, as an ex teacher, for the work that you do!
You have the widest range of Interest I have ever seen. And your vids are dope. While I seldom am on same page with your assessments your enthusiasm for books in general is inspirational.Oh, and I am so jealous of your Malazan collection. I gave up trying to find then in hardback, It is a crime that no full set is for sale.
Yea! Another "new to me" author. Thank you!!
Really nice video! May not agree with the list, but love your enthusiasm! Simmons is my favorite author
Nice, you had Carrion Comfort up so high. Top vampire list is a good idea.
I believe “Terror” was a tv series too.
Yes and it was superb
Yes, I saw that and it was excellent
Reading The Fall of Hyperion currently. The pilgrim stories in the 1st book blew me away. The cruciform and Remembering Siri were personal favorites.
Have also read The Abominable and The Terror. Both excellent. Slight edge to The Terror as I found the North West Expansion time period to be fascinating. Also maybe too much bromancing in Abominable between JC and the main character. Borderline.
Just added a few more books to my wanted list, thanks Brian... But I should say thanks to you as I plan on reading Cryptonomicon (thanks to your Stephenson vid) on my flight tomorrow, when I should be sleeping. Bah jet lag! If I manage to get through that monster I have the Caves of Steal and the next Joe Pickett for the flight back.
You're killing me?...You missed my favorite Dan Simmons novel. "Song Of Kali"...Set in Calcutta. The nasty atmosphere of that place will not leave you. You couldn't pay me to go to Calcutta. Tremendous setting for a creepy novel...Now you have to read and review this baby! Published in 1985 and it won the 1986 World Fantasy Award...I loved it...
I read Song of Kali about 15 years ago. I shouldn't have liked it that much because much of the supernatural stuff was only hinted at (in fact, you could make an argument that there wasn't anything supernatural in it at all) and I prefer more overt stuff - but the novel still captivated me!
Years later I stayed in the outskirts of Kolkata for a couple of weeks where I visited a friend. Unfortunately, I had arrived with a cold (I was on my way back home from an assignment in Myanmar and couldn't choose the time travel) so I stayed mostly in the suburbs but on one trip into the city I even went to a Kali temple!
And here's the funny thing: only later did I remember that Song of Kali was set in Kolkata! Don't know why I hadn't thought of the book at the time. (Probably because a lot had been going on in real life.)
Apart from my being under the weather most of the time, I really enjoyed the stay. Kolkata is a modern (Indian) city. It's not the nightmarish place that you read about in the book. So if someone should offer to pay you to go to Calcutta/Kolkata, you should definitely take up that offer! 😉
PS: I should mention that I was there in the winter (January/February).
"Fall of hyperion" was also my favorite of the four
I really need to start to read this guy! Thanks for the review . Just Win Baby !
Carion Comfort is one of my favorite books of all time.
Reading it now, can’t put it down!
I really need to get into some of these soon.
Excellent Review ! Dan Simmons is one kick A$% and prolific writer !
Durfee, my man, when we gonna get a Top “10” Western Novels of All Time?
Good question
I loved The terror ! I Just read it recently, it’s now one of my favorite all time !!!
Dan Simmons is possibly my favorite author. Carrion Comfort is my No.1. And his science fiction novels are some of the best out there.
You may wanna read Fires of Eden since it's tied to Summer of Night, Children of the Night and A Winter Haunting. And Song of Kali, which is very good.
I didn't like Children too much. And Song of Kali (very overhyped because of that Stephen King reference),the only thing it left me is that i will never ever go to Calcutta...
Wow ok, I’m going to have to read the Terror. I’ve only read the Hyperion duology so far, and they are brilliant. I, too, liked Fall of Hyperion the best. I consider the two books one story though. It’s my second favorite sci-fi ever. I still need it read Endymion though. I had no idea he’d written so many books.
What about Song of Kali? I think is a unique book. It contains an exotic terror and an interesting analysis about the clash between western and eastern civilizations.
Totally agree!! Carrion Comfort is just plain awesome and needs to be rediscovered.. So cool.. Hyperion Cantos (the 4 together) is in my top 5 all time. If you ever want a signed first edition HC of Summer of Night, let me know.. Great job again!
I have two copies sitting on my shelf right now!! So awesome!!
I've read around 10 of Dan's books but must say I like " Summer of Night " the best.
As you said, right up there with King and McCammon. Ever few years I like to read it again.
Yeah you're right. As far as vampires go, Carrion Comfort might be the best of them, though I haven't read every vampire novel ever written - there's simply too many of 'em, lol.
Song of Kali was good, & actually won the World fantasy Award, probably because of the metaphor he attached to the ending...
Summer of Night, Children of the Night, & Hyperion were all very good as well - the guy's level is remarkably consistent, considering his output.
Looking forward to reading The Terror this year, & exploring more of his works.
Nice ranking!!@
The Song of Kali is one of the scariest books I read of his. Like you I have them all, in paperback, hardback and a lot of them signed.
Awesome list, loved loved the terror whenever I read it I physically feel cold, awesome writer :)
If Dan Simmons has indeed stopped writing, then he's left an incredible legacy behind. Though, I do hope he manages to release Omega Canyon, whenever that comes out.
Such a great writer. If he has any weakness, it would his characters - never really connect with them. But boy, the breadth and scope of the worlds and ideas Simmons creates is stellar.
Summer of Night was one of my first horror novels. I was hooked on Simmons since
Hello sir thanks for the reviews I have to say I have never heard of this author . I did Like the book cover graphics ❤️
Simmons can write anything and do it well.
Looooove Dan Simmons
I’m surprised Song of Kali, his first Novel, isn’t even mentioned. Harlan Ellison called it the greatest first novel that he had ever read, and it won the World Fantasy Award. Also missing are Phases of Gravity and Fires of Eden., which, while not top drawer Simmons, are certainly worthy works of fiction., as are his several short story collections and his superb novella, “Muse of Fire”.
Very interesting 🤔
How do you like tad Williams and Robert Jordan? I know Jordan but have never heard of Williams. I haven’t read either. I love Simmons so I’m wondering about these two.
Carrion Comfort is one of my top 5 stories of all time.
Hey Brian! What is your favorite non-Dan Simmons book?! First time viewer
Have you read his earliest novels, The Song of Kali, and Phases of Gravity?
Have you ever read his Fires of Eden and song of Kali?
I think a top 10 vampire list is a great idea
When do we get another?
I read the terror then Abominable a few years ago. This year I started the Hyperion Cantos then later found out it was the same writer.
I was introduced to Dan Simmons when I read Ilium and Olympos at age 13. I've been a science fiction fiend ever since.
Do you think you might have liked it, 'The Fifth Heart' if it had been Dan's own character?
No song of Cali or Fires of Eden?
Let’s all just face facts. Dan’s grocery list is more interesting than most people’s novels. He is just excellent. Great list!
haha the Sacred Shopping List. that's for another Canticle.
Your Raiders shirt misspelled "Las Vegas"
I think you missed Song of Kali but no matter, that was a very average novel with only one very good scene. Hyperion and Fall of H (i see both novels as one) are my favorite scifi books of all time. Loved The Terror and Summer of Night, damn, i even ended up googling the freaking Borgia Bell jaja. Good video.
Love your top books of authors!
Love ur channel brian! Starting your books next month ❤
Are u going to do any peter straub content in the near future? I have almost read all of he's works and like them a lot, feels like not many talking about him a ranking of peter straub would be epic (for me atleast xD)
Anyway have a great week Love from sweden
The only thing I took issue with Terror about was the fact that the temperature was constantly 50 to 60 degrees below zero. Humans die in that environment
I grew up in Fairbanks Alaska where it was often 50-60 below. Im still alive. Now you will die in that environment if you aren't dressed properly.
Nice list. The Terror may be the best work of fiction I have ever read. I could not finish Drood. Which irritated me because it’s the only book of his I have not liked. Carrion Comfort was my intro to Simmons. Perhaps one of the best concepts in horror ever put to paper.
Simmons like David Morrel moved on to a different genre as he moved forward and of course that paid off big for him
Are you a Raiders fan?
mos def
Oh you still need to read Song of Kali.
Yes. There are some others that he hasn’t gotten to, but Song of Kali is the best.
@@chrisw6164 my favorite is Carrion Comfort but I downplay the vampire aspect because it’s a pretty loose vampire concept. I loved that book.
I sometimes wonder if Dan Simmons is a 'secret collective of writers ' , not just one man . His stories can be so different .Not only in quality, genre, etc . But also stylistic . He can be brilliant , good, , a bit boring or just plain horrible ! Must be a conspiracy ! 😅
What about Song Of Kali? It's not on your list.
I'm a little mystified about how one can read a 700 page hardcover in one night?
I was 14 and read Order Of The Phoenix in one night
I like that you didn't shit on Flashback those of liberal bent hate that boo so much gives them the vapors
Those people seem to take issue with his personal political opinions but from what I understand the book is not a political statement, it’s just a story that surrounds the main narrative and the themes he’s trying to get across. I could be wrong though, maybe Simmons really is an extreme right wing nut like they say.
I thought Fall of Hyperion was a complete turkey of a novel - nowhere near as good as the first book. I might rank Song of Kali above The Terror or at least very close. Flashback made me angry with the author.
TERROR ☠
Why no illium?
It’s there, top five even
I don't think the Hyperion books are as good as everyone says they are ... I just don't see it personally. The pace, the character dialogue, the evolution of the characters is all very mid.
Just finished The Terror…was pretty disappointed….
The ending sucks but the book up to that point was thrilling
It’s a CZcams channel on the internet, it’s not a television program.
it is what i say it is
@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS Hilarious.
@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS if it makes you feel better
No way, this is a tv show just like Oprah