Carrion Comfort

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: Mel Foster, Laural Merlington

"Carrion Comfort is one of the three greatest horror novels of the 20th century. Simple as that." (Stephen King)

"Epic in scale and scope but intimately disturbing, Carrion Comfort spans the ages to rewrite history and tug at the very fabric of reality. A nightmarish chronicle of predator and prey that will shatter your world view forever. A true classic." (Guillermo del Toro)

"Carrion Comfort is one of the scariest books ever written. Whenever I get asked the question Who's your favorite author? my answer is always Dan Simmons." (James Rollins)

"One of the few major reinventions of the vampire concept, on a par with Jack Finney's Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Richard Matheson's I Am Legend, and Stephen King's Salem's Lot. (David Morrell)

THE PAST...

Caught behind the lines of Hitler's Final Solution, Saul Laski is one of the multitudes destined to die in the notorious Chelmno extermination camp. Until he rises to meet his fate and finds himself face to face with an evil far older, and far greater, than the Nazis themselves...

THE PRESENT...

Compelled by the encounter to survive at all costs, so begins a journey that for Saul will span decades and cross continents, plunging into the darkest corners of 20th century history to reveal a secret society of beings who may often exist behind the world's most horrible and violent events. Killing from a distance, and by darkly manipulative proxy, they are people with the psychic ability to "use" humans: read their minds, subjugate them to their wills, experience through their senses, feed off their emotions, force them to acts of unspeakable aggression. Each year, three of the most powerful of this hidden order meet to discuss their ongoing campaign of induced bloodshed and deliberate destruction. But this reunion, something will go terribly wrong. Saul's quest is about to reach its elusive object, drawing hunter and hunted alike into a struggle that will plumb the depths of mankind's attraction to violence, and determine the future of the world itself...

©2009 Dan Simmons (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

A classic

This is one of the all time classic horror novels. Well read, thought it would be long but I wanted more. Fascinating concept.

Really Good!

After listening to Hyperion and reading The Terror, I picked up Carrion Comfort and was treated to perhaps the original Dan Simmons horror novel. Fantastically paced, spectacularly acted, with interesting characters and an absolutely chilling story about human morality and violence. Usual Dan Simmons criticism applies, though, namely that it is very overlong. An editor could've shaved 10-hours-worth of listening time off this and not lost much. Regardless, Carrion Comfort is a spectacular listen and well-worth the time investment.

Not for the squeamish but a Grade A thriller!

This is easily one of my top horror books/audiobooks of all time. It is graphic and nauseating at times but the writing is nothing short of brilliant, and Dan Simmons takes a unique spin on 'vampire' like human-monsters to the highest level.
The performance of the audiobook is fantastic, though I was initially hesitant of two narrators switching off between chapters.

If you aren't completely turned away by violence, gore, rape, and all manner of abuse this is a must-have in a horror collection.

Long but engaging

Well written, kept me hooked, and made me think! Recommend if you have the time

Superbly disturbing. A great story + horror.

The first time I listened to this book, I had to give it up after getting halfway through. It took a few months for me to feel like I could finish it. It wasn't gore or tastelessness that drove me away, but rather the supremely disturbing nature of the story. Even now, over the past week of listening, I have had nightmares about this story.

Nonetheless, I stuck it out and I'm glad that I did. Dan Simmons has yet to disappoint me. Mel is great. Laural is wholly unsettling in the best possible way.

Where to begin

It’s hard to know where to begin in describing this book. I can say that the violence leaves Steven King in the dust and the foul language is prominent throughout. The narration is awesome, very easy to follow whose talking. It’s one of the longest books I’ve ever read and sometimes I started to nod off. I think it’s worth the time to finish to the end, but it does take patience

Carry On Comfort

"Carrion Comfort" by Dan Simmons is a monstrous novel in every sense of the word. Its intricate plot, diverse characters, and deeply disturbing themes make for an intense and unforgettable reading experience. Simmons' writing is exquisite, flowing effortlessly from one scene to the next, and his ability to evoke emotions is masterful. The novel's exploration of power, morality, and the darkest aspects of human nature is both chilling and thought-provoking.

Simmons' portrayal of the mind-controlling "mind vampires" is particularly impressive, as he delves deep into the intricacies of their abilities and the psychological effects on their victims. The novel's action scenes are also thrilling, with the stakes always high and the tension palpable.

Overall, "Carrion Comfort" is not a book for the faint of heart, but for those willing to brave its darkness, it is a masterpiece of horror fiction that will leave a lasting impression.

Loved it!

It was recommended and so glad I was able to read it. Well written, not formulaic and well paced.

Supernatural human control

Dan Simmons’ Carrion Comfort is a supernatural horror tale where a unique set of humans can control other humans with their mind. This mind control offers some degree of enhanced longevity. There are two main groups of controllers, a triad that has been playing a game of this for decades and another led by a powerful controller who is a multibillionaire, influencing heads of state. In addition to these groups, there is a group of susceptibles led by a former Holocaust victim, who is now a psychiatrist searching for one of the controllers from his WWII experience. The action takes place in several locations with losses along the way with the final denouement occurring on an island where one of the controller groups plays their deadly games.

Simmons creates a terrifying scenario of mind control with graphically depicted consequences. He also offers some scientific basis that forms an attempt at resistance. Interestingly, he offers various perspectives on how someone could react if they were to possess the ability.

The narration is well done with the dual roles. Character distinction is more than adequate. Pacing is smooth and measured.

I’m a word, amazing.

I decided to read this after it came up on a bunch of top horror/ mystery novels of all time and I wasn’t disappointed. Granted, it’s long, but Dan Simmons manages to find a different take on the vampire concept. Now it’s one of my top horror novels of all time.