Okay, I’m late to the party on this one, but I kept seeing Dan Simmons, and namely Carrion Comfort show up on every must-read list where horror was concerned - epic novels, vampire stories, monster tomes, you name it. Beginning at the beginning, this book had one of the longer introductions I’ve come across but understanding Simmons’ trek through the perils of the publication industry and helped me understand that was I was about to read would be the author’s unedited, untouched vision.

The root of this novel is about power. The monsters or vampires exert a power over their victims, which helps them to survive. The victim is left powerless and without the ability to control their choices, their actions, and even their own bodies. This relatively simple premise stirs such relatable feelings of empathy and terror in the reader. What could be more horrifying than being physically forced, against your will, to participate in sexual and violent acts while being a passenger in your own mind. The monsters display an extreme callousness and lack of regard toward human life.

Arguably, the overarching storyline is bigger than the characters. Overall, the main characters are pretty one dimensional, and even Saul, the main protagonist is pretty one-note. The most likable character is surprisingly dispatched pretty quickly, leaving us with a third act that is pretty black and white, good versus evil storytelling.

Following the many who came before me, I certainly put this book in the category of required reading, if only for its’ unique take on the vampire novel. I also found the insertion of these monstrous, vampiric individuals into horrific events in history very interesting and a great addition to the story. I look forward to more books by Simmons, including Summer of Night and Hyperion.