Summer of Night: A Novel

Dan Simmons

Jul 2011 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this ebook

This masterfully crafted horror classic, featuring a brand-new introduction by Dan Simmons, will bring you to the edge of your seat, hair standing on end and blood freezing in your veins

It's the summer of 1960 and in the small town of Elm Haven, Illinois, five twelve-year-old boys are forging the powerful bonds that a lifetime of change will not break. From sunset bike rides to shaded hiding places in the woods, the boys' days are marked by all of the secrets and silences of an idyllic middle-childhood. But amid the sundrenched cornfields their loyalty will be pitilessly tested. When a long-silent bell peals in the middle of the night, the townsfolk know it marks the end of their carefree days. From the depths of the Old Central School, a hulking fortress tinged with the mahogany scent of coffins, an invisible evil is rising. Strange and horrifying events begin to overtake everyday life, spreading terror through the once idyllic town. Determined to exorcize this ancient plague, Mike, Duane, Dale, Harlen, and Kevin must wage a war of blood—against an arcane abomination who owns the night...

Ratings and reviews

I was born in 1960, so these kids adventures reminded me of the freedoms I had on the playground. Well written and fun to read. I recommend it.

Its a little clunky to start, things are introduced that seem to not find footing right away. Fans of the novel "It" will immediatly note the initial similarities. But when the novel gets going it really does wonders to differentiate itself from King's novel. The horror becomes palpable and leaves a distinct atmosphere that lingers with the reader. Suspensful, exciting, and managing to hurl itself at a wonderful pace towards the second half. I highly reccomend Summer Of Night to any horror fan, especially in the way it creates a memorable and interesting take on the "kids on bikes" story we've seen so many times. Great Read.

I read this book when I was close in age to the characters. One reviewer summarized the book perfectly: "Stand by Me" meets the monsters of our childhood. Another comparison that comes to mind for me, is Stranger Things - it has a certain feel about it.

About the author

Dan Simmons is a recipient of numerous major international awards, including the Hugo Award, World Fantasy Awards, Bram Stoker Awards, and the Shirley Jackson Award. He is widely considered to be one of the premier multiple-genre fiction writers in the world. His novels include the Hyperion Cantos and the New York Times bestsellers The Terror, Drood, and Black Hills. He lives along the Front Range in Colorado and has never grown tired of the views.