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Summer of Night

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Summer of Night

Written by: Dan Simmons
Narrated by: Dan John Miller
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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 childhood. But amid the sun-drenched 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-peaceful 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....

©2011 Dan Simmons (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Paranormal Fiction Fantasy
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What the critics say

“Impressive...combines beautiful writing and suspense into a book for which Dan Simmons deserves the bestseller status of King and Koontz.” ( The Denver Post)
“One can only wonder what Simmons will do next, now that he’s shown us he can do everything the best writers in horror and science fiction can do.” ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)
“It stands with the best of King and Straub in the traditional modern horror genre.” ( Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

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All stars
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Give it a chance, it's a slow start and drags a bit with the narrative at times. But the story is worth it.

Worth the listen

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I read Summer of Night years ago and loved it then. Upon recently listening to it, I love it more. It's a poignant yet thrilling coming-of-age story that captures the angst of pre-teen boys - and one odd girl - as they deal with family dynamics and as they are plunged into supernatural horrors that only such kids can overcome. The characters are sympathetic - young and old - and the story line is gripping from the first chapter. Dan Simmons is a fabulous writer and I am now a fan of Dan John Miller as a narrator.

Loved this book!

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the baddies were my least favorite part, but that didn't matter, as the protagonists, the setting, and the plot were all great

great storytelling

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This book is amazing! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There was always something happening.
The narrator was not my favourite, but he was not awful. It didn’t ruin the book for me.

Clever and Original

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Very exciting listen. I like all the characters and they were well developed. I must admit the story reminded me of Stranger Things which I’m a fan of, so it was easy to give 5 stars.

Edge of my seat!

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