Rating: 
Summary: Well written but a disapointing story.
Review: What an excellent book. This is a brilliant concept and story line, kind of a smart man's horror read. What if the outrages that have happened in this world, (i.e. war, Hitler, murders, etc.) have been a direct result of mind vampires? People with super powers who can manipulate others to do their bidding. What if these people get into their own war with each other? This is the basis for this book. I was so impressed with the depth of this book, the complex characters and the vivid descriptions. Simmons writing reminds me of Stephen King, only better. Highly recommend this book for an interesting, exciting read!
Rating: 
Summary: My eighth and last DS book. I give up. -20
Review: It's a tribute to the writing skills of Dan Simmons that "Carrion Comfort" manages to hold your interest in spite of its almost 900 pages, and it's wandering development. The concept of "mind vampires" is quite unique, and the shifting points of view, along with the first person narrative of Melanie Fuller, combine to make an almost perfect horror novel. There are some marvelous characters including the sheriff, Rob Gentry; the heroine, Natalie Preston; and even the over-used Saul Latski. I say overused only because Simmons employs a little too much reminiscing and self-pity in dealing with Saul. Indeed, most of the flashbacks incurred by the characters, tends to slow the pace down, making you want the author to get back to what's going on now. For instance, the first human chess games is novel and tense; when we go to the climaxing chess game, it seems very repetitive, tedious, and not as gripping as I imagine Simmons wanted it to be. There are tons of villains, and at times, it's hard to keep up with them. The main villain, the Oberest, Willie Borden, is such a shadow figure that when we finally meet him again, he doesn't truly live up to the expectations you have of him. The character of Tony Harod, the movie producer, is so despicable that you want him out of the book long before he gets his just desserts.
But, if you stick with it, persevere with the immensity of the book itself, it is a rather major accomplishment. The ending is sort of a surprise, and it's open-endedness smelled of a sequel, which I don't think Simmons ever gave us?
Anyway, plan to spend a few days with this book.
RECOMMENDED
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