The Terror

The Terror cover
Good Books rating 4.17
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Technical
  • ID: 7588
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780553818208
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 1845, the crew of HMS Terror and Erebus set out on a scientific expedition to find the North-West Passage, equipped with advanced steam-driven vessels. However, their journey takes a terrifying turn when they become trapped in the Arctic ice. As supplies dwindle and the ice closes in, the real threat emerges from the frigid darkness, a nameless terror that stalks and devours the crew one by one. With Captain Francis Crozier taking command after Franklin's death, the remaining crew must make a desperate attempt to escape across the ice. Joined by an Eskimo woman who may hold the key to their survival, they face not only the harsh Arctic conditions but also the growing madness and terror that threatens to consume them all. /n/n The novel is based on the real-life Franklin Expedition, blending historical fact with supernatural horror. Dan Simmons masterfully weaves a tale of survival, madness, and the unknown, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Terror is a gripping exploration of human endurance and the terrifying unknown.

Reviews
Alex Roddie · 2014-12-01
grim 3.50

This is a very good book, but not quite as good as hoped. As an historical novel, it is masterful and the result is grim and engaging.

Alex Roddie's review of 'The Terror' notes that while it is a very good book, it falls slightly short of expectations. The reviewer praises the novel's historical accuracy and its ability to create a grim and engaging atmosphere. Roddie highlights the rich detail and the vivid portrayal of the characters, making it a compelling read. Despite some reservations, the book is commended for its masterful historical narrative and its ability to captivate readers.


Quick quotes

    This is a very good book, but not quite as good as I hoped it would be.

    As an historical novel, The Terror is masterful.

    The rich detail and the vivid portrayal of the characters make it a compelling read.

The Guardian · 2011-12-02
terrifying 4.50

This novel is a chilling horror story that is made even more terrifying by its basis in reality. It is a gripping and immersive tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Guardian's review highlights how 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons is a truly chilling horror novel. The reviewer emphasizes that the horror is even more terrifying because much of it is based on real events. The novel's ability to create a sense of dread and suspense is praised, making it a gripping and immersive read. The reviewer also notes that the historical context adds depth to the story, making it a compelling blend of fiction and reality.


Quick quotes

    It's a truly chilling horror novel, made even more terrifying when you remember that much of the horror Simmons describes is based on reality.

    The novel's ability to create a sense of dread and suspense is praised, making it a gripping and immersive read.

    The historical context adds depth to the story, making it a compelling blend of fiction and reality.

Strange Horizons · Adam Roberts · 2007-12-03
masterful 4.50

The book creates a thoroughly believable and immersive world with a number of extraordinarily powerful set pieces. It is a masterful historical novel that captures the grim realities of the Arctic expedition.

Adam Roberts from Strange Horizons praises 'The Terror' for its ability to create a thoroughly believable and immersive world. The reviewer highlights the powerful set pieces that make the story engaging and memorable. Roberts also notes that the novel is a masterful historical piece, capturing the grim realities of the Arctic expedition. The attention to detail and the vivid descriptions are particularly commended, making the book a standout in the genre.


Quick quotes

    Overall the book creates a thoroughly believable and immersive world.

    There are, in addition, a number of extraordinarily powerful set pieces.

    The attention to detail and the vivid descriptions are particularly commended, making the book a standout in the genre.