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The Terror

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Set in the 1800s, 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons follows the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror as they search for the Northwest Passage through the Arctic. The story is a blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, incorporating themes of survival, exploration, and the mysterious creature that stalks the crew, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. Simmons intricately weaves in elements of Inuit mythology, adding depth and a fresh perspective to the well-known historical event.

Simmons' writing style in 'The Terror' is described as detailed, immersive, and atmospheric, capturing the harsh conditions of the Arctic and the psychological struggles of the characters with precision. The novel keeps readers engaged with its mix of historical accuracy, nautical elements, and fantastical elements, making it a unique and captivating read that blurs the lines between reality and myth.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, each revealing different facets of human nature under extreme duress, with memorable roles that emphasize their varying responses to terror.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is richly detailed and atmospheric, effectively capturing the bleakness and desperation of the Arctic landscape while shifting narratives among the crew.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intertwines the historical events of the Franklin Expedition with a supernatural horror element, exploring the dire circumstances faced by the crew in the Arctic.

Setting:

The bleak and harsh Arctic setting is a character in itself, enhancing the feeling of isolation and dread that permeates the narrative.

Pacing:

While the pacing varies, with a slow start, it gradually accelerates, culminating in a gripping, albeit uneven, conclusion.
Captain Crozier comes up on deck to find his ship under attack by celestial ghosts. Above him — above Terror — shimmering folds of light lunge but then quickly withdraw like the colourful arms of aggr...

Notes:

The Terror is a fictionalized account of the Franklin Expedition, which attempted to locate the Northwest Passage in the Arctic during the 1840s.
The expedition involved two ships, the HMS Terror and the HMS Erebus, which were trapped in ice for years without rescue.
The book blends historical fact with supernatural horror elements, featuring a mysterious creature that stalks the crew.
Dan Simmons' extensive research into the historical context of the expedition adds depth to the story.
The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, including that of Captain Francis Crozier and Dr. Goodsir.
The novel explores themes of desperation, survival, and the horrors of isolation in extreme conditions.
Simmons uses Inuit mythology to enhance the supernatural aspects of the story.
The book details the psychological effects of confinement and starvation on the crew, leading to madness and cannibalism.
Despite the horror elements, the true terror lies in the frigid environment and the crew's struggle against nature.
The Terror was adapted into a television series by AMC, which was well-received and closely followed the novel's themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include graphic descriptions of death, starvation, cannibalism, mental illness, violence, and historical racism.

From The Publisher:

Hailed by STEPHEN KING as 'a brilliant, massive combination of history and supernatural horror'.

Now a chilling 10-part TV series from RIDLEY SCOTT on BBC2 and iPlayer

The most advanced scientific enterprise ever mounted, Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition in search of the fabled North-West Passage had every expectation of triumph.

But for almost two years his ships HMS Terror and Erebus have been trapped in the Arctic ice. Supplies of fuel and food are running low. Scurvy, starvation and even madness beging to take their toll. And yet the real threat isn't from the constantly shifting, alien landscape, the flesh-numbing temperatures or being crushed by the unyielding, frozen ocean. No, the real threat is far more terrifying.

There is something out there in the frigid darkness. It stalks the ships and snatches men. It is a nameless thing. At once nowhere and everywhere, this terror has become the expedition's nemesis . . .

Readers are gripped by The Terror:

***** 'One of the best books I have ever read. I couldn't put it down!'

***** 'A tremendous weighty achievement in atmosphere and storytelling.'

***** 'So beautifully written and well researched. I can't praise this book highly enough.'

Ratings (81)

Incredible (23)
Loved It (27)
Liked It (16)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (228):

Read It (82)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (114)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (28)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 month

This book had some beautiful imagery and touching moments. I also disliked all of the point of view characters and any time they thought about minorities

 

About the Author:

Winner of the Hugo, Nebula and Word Fantasy awards, DAN SIMMONS is the author of a number of acclaimed and bestselling novels across a range of genres - from suspense and science fiction to fantasy, horror and the supernatural. These include The Song of Kali, Darwin's Blade, Hyperion, Ilium, Olympos and The Terror, Drood, Black Hills and The Abominable. He lives in Colorado. His website is www.dansimmons.com

 
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