The Terror

A Novel

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: Tom Sellwood

The men onboard HMS Terror have every expectation of finding the Northwest Passage. When the expedition's leader, Sir John Franklin, meets a terrible death, Captain Francis Crozier takes command and leads his surviving crewmen on a last, desperate attempt to flee south across the ice. But as another winter approaches, as scurvy and starvation grow more terrible, and as the Terror on the ice stalks them southward, Crozier and his men begin to fear there is no escape. A haunting, gripping story based on actual historical events, The Terror is a novel that will chill you to your core.

©2007 Dan Simmons (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The best and most unusual historical novel I have read in years." (Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe)

" The Terror is both dazzling history and a sparkling chiller." (Caroline Leavitt, People)

" The Terror is nothing less than a revelation. Dan Simmons is a giant among novelists, and I am in awe of his achievement." (Lincoln Child)

Finally in Unabridged Form!

I've been waiting for years for this in unabridged format. Dan Simmons tells a gripping story of courage and perseverance amongst the crews of HMS Erebus and Terror. Fascinating historical detail mixed with all kinds of horror. One of my all-time favorites expertly narrated by Tom Sellwood.

I thought it would never end.

I was exhausted from their trudging on the ice. Good narrator but I did not care for the story.

Not my cup of tea.

I guess I was expecting something a little more realistic. It just wasn't my kind of book.

Interesting but far too long

This book is interesting but far too long. The end was confusing for me. Perhaps it’s better to read than listen to? I managed to get through all 28 hours, but not confident I would recommend it to anyone. I do like the theme of historical fiction, however.

Slow burn, some worthy horror, kinda weird ending

Started slowly, grew into some truly frightening horror, then took an odd left turn. I thought another book crashed into the one I was reading... Then, about a half hour later, saw where it was going. I'll never forget this book, but I will also never re-read it. Narrator is FABULOUS. I cannot believe the range of voices and accents he can do. Outstanding! I'm not sure whether to recommend this or not. If you are partial to historical fiction, you'll love it. If you're just up for a fast moving horror story, maybe you should pass on this one.

Great Story

It's a long book but it keeps moving and the way the story is wrapped up is thorough and complete. While the story is not a documentary of the failed discovery service exploration its a good mix of fiction and fact.

Excellent narration

I’ve listened to some great Audible books, and I have to give Tom Sellwood props. He is a one-man show playing about twelve different characters with distinctive voices for each character. Although this book is over 28 hours long, I was never bored with either the story or the storytelling. Although listening to this in 80-degree F weather in sunny Florida made the experience somewhat surreal given the icy atmosphere of the story, Dan Simons has a way of making one feel the chill of the Arctic winds and the cracking ice as Tom Sellwood breathes life into the characters.

Perfect, save for one thing!

I loved this story. For evermore, the phrase, it reminded me of "The Terror" will pique my interest, and inflame my curiosity!

There was one particular part that I skipped. I did. And in a way, it's a credit to Mr. Simmons, but still, the scenario rendered that portion unreadable for me.

Other than that, this book was perfect!

The unabridged version! More to the Story!

Though the narrator in this version is good, he does not compare with the other versions, narrator

Narrator Sellwood vocal performance is Outstanding

Enjoyed the story, grew on me as it went along. The narrator's performance of all the various characters regional accents and verbal subtleties was highly entertaining and easily the best vocal performance heard yet on this platform.