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Seasons of Horror #3
Fires of Eden
Billionaire Byron Trumbo wants to sell his posh Hawaiian resort to a Japanese investor but must make it appear prosperous while the deal is being struck. Due to the high prices, guests have been scarce. Unfortunately, they are becoming even scarcer as someone or something is kidnapping and murdering them. Drawn by the sketchy news accounts, Eleanor Perry has come to Mauna Pele on a sort of pilgrimage, using her aunt Kidder's 1866 travel diary as a guidebook. The events Kidder chronicled-tales of demons conjured up to rid the island of missionaries-seem to parallel the current events. As volcanoes erupt and vengeful gods and demons become more violent, Eleanor and her fellow guest, the indomitable Cordie Stumpf, attempt to get to the bottom of things.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
23 people are currently reading
2426 people want to read
About the author
Dan Simmons
287 books13.5k followersDan Simmons is an American science fiction and horror writer. He is the author of the Hyperion Cantos and the Ilium/Olympos cycles, among other works that span the science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres, sometimes within a single novel. Simmons's genre-intermingling Song of Kali (1985) won the World Fantasy Award. He also writes mysteries and thrillers, some of which feature the continuing character Joe Kurtz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 2, 2022
Yet another compelling and seemingly very well researched book by Dan Simmons. I am still recovering from the atrocious rationale behind 'Flashback', but his writing is so good in this, that I'm back in his stan already! An Hawaii set story told in two time zones - in the past told via letters by the adventurous travelling single woman Miss Lorena Stewart coming across Sam Clemson (essayist and travel writer) as the volcanoes are about to blow in the mid 19th century; and in the 1990s where a property tycoon is trying to sell his albatross of a very high-end elite holiday resort before the volcanoes blow. Stewart's descendent Eleanor Perry and free holiday competition winner Cordie Stumpf are our protagonists caught up in the drama.
What brings these tales together? Murder, rape, gods, ghosts, lava, volcanoes and more!! And somehow, despite my lack of interest in ghost stories, this supernatural tale tied to native Hawaiian deities works wonderfully well; as does telling the tales using different formats; as does making the main protagonists women in their 40s and 50s! It's something I've just began to realise with Simmons so many of his leading protagonists are outside the norm, of age, body shapes, genders etc. Anyways another very interesting Simmons' jam which also introduces, to the lesser informed readers like me, native Hawaiian mythology :). 8 out of 12, straight up Four Star read.
Here's a GIF of some of the lava runs from the actual Kilaeua volcano in this book:
2019 read
What brings these tales together? Murder, rape, gods, ghosts, lava, volcanoes and more!! And somehow, despite my lack of interest in ghost stories, this supernatural tale tied to native Hawaiian deities works wonderfully well; as does telling the tales using different formats; as does making the main protagonists women in their 40s and 50s! It's something I've just began to realise with Simmons so many of his leading protagonists are outside the norm, of age, body shapes, genders etc. Anyways another very interesting Simmons' jam which also introduces, to the lesser informed readers like me, native Hawaiian mythology :). 8 out of 12, straight up Four Star read.
Here's a GIF of some of the lava runs from the actual Kilaeua volcano in this book:
2019 read
October 6, 2025
I have never been to Hawaii, but I really want to go. After reading Dan Simmons's "Fires of Eden", I really REALLY really want to go. It's not a nonfiction travelogue. It's a horror novel. It's one of the funniest horror novels I've ever read. And it made me want to visit Hawaii. It also made me hungry, but that's neither here nor there.
The story takes place on the Big Island, the island of Hawaii, on a mega-resort called the Mauna Pele on the Kona Coast. The owner of the resort is a sleazy super-rich dude named Byron Trumbo (clearly modeled after Donald Trump) who is trying to finalize the sale of the resort with a Japanese buyer before the press gets wind of the fact that guests keep disappearing or getting killed at an alarming rate.
Apparently, the vengeful Hawaiian male gods Kamapua'a, Pana-ewa, and a few others with way too many syllables have been summoned and are ripping the souls out of the bodies of numerous guests. They are upset at humans for destroying the land by putting up tacky hotels and golf courses.
The goddess Pele, who is not so happy about the so-called "progress" either but nevertheless protects the island, is under attack. It's up to the timid not-so-old-maid college professor Eleanor Perry, and her new friend, Cordie Stumpf, to help Pele and save the island. And the world. They're on vacation (sort of), but they've come prepared to battle demons and gods.
This is a fun and silly read from an author who, in my estimation, can do no wrong. There is a lot to enjoy in this novel, from the descriptions of the beautiful Hawaiian scenery, to the stories of Hawaiian folk tales and legends, to Simmons's break-neck suspense, to his wonderfully lovable and believable characters. There is even a parallel story involving Samuel Clemens, who visited Hawaii in 1866. If you're not a fan of Dan Simmons, this may not be his most exemplary work. It is, however, an entertaining supernatural suspense thriller-comedy (think "Ghostbusters" in Hawaii) that will take you on a mental vacation for a few hours.
The story takes place on the Big Island, the island of Hawaii, on a mega-resort called the Mauna Pele on the Kona Coast. The owner of the resort is a sleazy super-rich dude named Byron Trumbo (clearly modeled after Donald Trump) who is trying to finalize the sale of the resort with a Japanese buyer before the press gets wind of the fact that guests keep disappearing or getting killed at an alarming rate.
Apparently, the vengeful Hawaiian male gods Kamapua'a, Pana-ewa, and a few others with way too many syllables have been summoned and are ripping the souls out of the bodies of numerous guests. They are upset at humans for destroying the land by putting up tacky hotels and golf courses.
The goddess Pele, who is not so happy about the so-called "progress" either but nevertheless protects the island, is under attack. It's up to the timid not-so-old-maid college professor Eleanor Perry, and her new friend, Cordie Stumpf, to help Pele and save the island. And the world. They're on vacation (sort of), but they've come prepared to battle demons and gods.
This is a fun and silly read from an author who, in my estimation, can do no wrong. There is a lot to enjoy in this novel, from the descriptions of the beautiful Hawaiian scenery, to the stories of Hawaiian folk tales and legends, to Simmons's break-neck suspense, to his wonderfully lovable and believable characters. There is even a parallel story involving Samuel Clemens, who visited Hawaii in 1866. If you're not a fan of Dan Simmons, this may not be his most exemplary work. It is, however, an entertaining supernatural suspense thriller-comedy (think "Ghostbusters" in Hawaii) that will take you on a mental vacation for a few hours.
July 17, 2022
2.5 stars. For the first time… Dan Simmons has let me down. This was not good
January 16, 2015
Dan Simmons is one of my favorite writers and has been for many years now. I found his novels “Drood”, “Endymion” and “Hyperion” excellent in every way rating them five stars for each. “The Terror”, “Illium” and “The fall of Hyperion” all received four stars out of five. Yet even the best of authors such as Mr Simmons occasionally can write a novel that will not entertain as much as many of his others.
This, I am afraid, is one of those. It is still a good novel and had it been from an author that was new to me this would have had a great review but Mr Simmons has written so many excellent novels that perhaps I just expect a little more from him.
This comedic horror novel, spans two centuries and is set in Hawaii where the gods of the mountain decide to wreak revenge upon unsuspecting Japanese businessmen on holiday.
Add into this, roiling cauldron, Mark Twain’s female companion upon another trip to the island. The story is told deftly (as you would expect from an author of such great stature) and It is certainly worth noting that Mr Simmons has conquered yet another genre in the writing of this novel. Not his best novel but still very enjoyable, well written, planned and executed. To anyone that has not read one of Mr Simmons books, you will love this, it is excellent but when you read another of his (and you will) you will realize that this novel is on one of the lower rungs of the authors lofty and impressive list of books.
This, I am afraid, is one of those. It is still a good novel and had it been from an author that was new to me this would have had a great review but Mr Simmons has written so many excellent novels that perhaps I just expect a little more from him.
This comedic horror novel, spans two centuries and is set in Hawaii where the gods of the mountain decide to wreak revenge upon unsuspecting Japanese businessmen on holiday.
Add into this, roiling cauldron, Mark Twain’s female companion upon another trip to the island. The story is told deftly (as you would expect from an author of such great stature) and It is certainly worth noting that Mr Simmons has conquered yet another genre in the writing of this novel. Not his best novel but still very enjoyable, well written, planned and executed. To anyone that has not read one of Mr Simmons books, you will love this, it is excellent but when you read another of his (and you will) you will realize that this novel is on one of the lower rungs of the authors lofty and impressive list of books.
September 26, 2020
This is one of Simmons' lesser known novels despite it's (somewhat tenuous) connection to the season/night books. It's set in Hawaii and follows two narratives, an epistolary past that includes Samuel Clemons, and a current (the book was published in 1994) narrative which includes what may be a Donald Trump analog. Simmons does a good job of including Hawaiian mythology and history in the story, subjects about which I knew very little. The plot develops at a more leisurely pace than many of his more adventure-oriented books, but it's an interesting and engaging story, as well as a thoughtful picture of the native culture. For a hot time in the old town tonight...
November 29, 2021
Полинезия е доста интересна част от земното кълбо. Близо сто острова от които всеки си има собствена митология и пантеон. Само Хавайските или Сандвичевите острови са 24 (апропо, нека не бъркаме Хавай с Хаити, двата са даже в различни океани). Преди известно време се бях потопил в част от митологията, основно свързана с боговете им акули, а се оказва, че Симънс е задълбал в митологията покрай най-големия им вулкан. Разликите са направо неизмерими.
Някак не можах да усетя онази любов на Симън към класическата литература да се прехвърля на малко известната митология на Килауела. Дори бих спекулирал, че основната идея е положила втората сюжетна линия с Марк Твен, а после е добавил съвременната, за да свърже нещата с Елм Хейвън.
Както и да е.
Еленор е професор в университет и си е избрала доста странно място за почивка. Курорт на екстравагантен милионер, на който се случват серия мистериозни изчезвания на хора. Мотивът и е стар дневник на нейна пра-леля, в който са описани мистични приключения на същото място преди повече от век. Заедно с новата ѝ приятелка Корди Стъмпф ще се впуснат дълбоко в света на островната митология (буквално), за да спасят острова и може би света.
Втората сюжетна линия върви в епистоларната форма на въпросния дневник, където госпожица Стюард се запознава с млад журналист - Самюел Клемънс и се налага да се сблъскат челно с подземния свят на вулканичния остров.
В книгата има още екстравагантен и пробивен милионер, който е моделиран по образа на Тъмп още преди да стане президент (все пак излиза през 1994) и мога да кажа, че е остаряла доста добре. Той успява да превърне доста сполучливо хорър историята в комедия на ужаса. Има засегнати леко доста от проблемите на Хавай, както през 19 век, така и в наши дни. Има и доста наука за вулканите, което си е плюс за стар фен на фантастиката, който обича да научава по нещо ново с всяка прочетена книга. И естествено доста митология.
Корди Кук ми беше много симпатична още в "Лятото на Страха" и съм доволен, че 40 години по-късно все още е най-силния образ от хлапетата там. Дори успява почти да измъкне главната роля изпод краката на Еленор, което е бонус, професорката е скучна.
Някак не можах да усетя онази любов на Симън към класическата литература да се прехвърля на малко известната митология на Килауела. Дори бих спекулирал, че основната идея е положила втората сюжетна линия с Марк Твен, а после е добавил съвременната, за да свърже нещата с Елм Хейвън.
Както и да е.
Еленор е професор в университет и си е избрала доста странно място за почивка. Курорт на екстравагантен милионер, на който се случват серия мистериозни изчезвания на хора. Мотивът и е стар дневник на нейна пра-леля, в който са описани мистични приключения на същото място преди повече от век. Заедно с новата ѝ приятелка Корди Стъмпф ще се впуснат дълбоко в света на островната митология (буквално), за да спасят острова и може би света.
Втората сюжетна линия върви в епистоларната форма на въпросния дневник, където госпожица Стюард се запознава с млад журналист - Самюел Клемънс и се налага да се сблъскат челно с подземния свят на вулканичния остров.
В книгата има още екстравагантен и пробивен милионер, който е моделиран по образа на Тъмп още преди да стане президент (все пак излиза през 1994) и мога да кажа, че е остаряла доста добре. Той успява да превърне доста сполучливо хорър историята в комедия на ужаса. Има засегнати леко доста от проблемите на Хавай, както през 19 век, така и в наши дни. Има и доста наука за вулканите, което си е плюс за стар фен на фантастиката, който обича да научава по нещо ново с всяка прочетена книга. И естествено доста митология.
Корди Кук ми беше много симпатична още в "Лятото на Страха" и съм доволен, че 40 години по-късно все още е най-силния образ от хлапетата там. Дори успява почти да измъкне главната роля изпод краката на Еленор, което е бонус, професорката е скучна.
July 12, 2022
Auch ich hatte den Roman damals gelesen und hatte ihn tatsächlich nicht ihn GR aufgenommen. Das ist auch deshalb verwunderlich, weil Dan Simmons mein absoluter Lieblingsautor war und ist und weil gerade dieser Roman dafür verantwortlich war, dass ich seinerseits einen Urlaub auf Hawaii verbracht habe.
Dabei habe ich die Schauplätze besucht, die auch Dan Simmons mit seiner Romanfigur Mark Twain besucht hatte, ich bin beiden noch immer unendlich dankbar, für den besten Urlaub meines Lebens, bei dem dieses Buch Pate gestanden hat...
Dabei habe ich die Schauplätze besucht, die auch Dan Simmons mit seiner Romanfigur Mark Twain besucht hatte, ich bin beiden noch immer unendlich dankbar, für den besten Urlaub meines Lebens, bei dem dieses Buch Pate gestanden hat...
November 28, 2021
Пламъци в рая – и гневни богове също: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/p...
Тази чудата история е построена върху хаитянската митология, в която има много вулканична страст и причудливи свръхестествени същества, вкопчени във вековно противоборство – а местните жители си разказват от поколение на поколение своите колоритни предания. В романа на Симънс обаче тези чудати фантазии са си съвсем реални – в което се убеждават неговите герои, които са се оказали по една или друга причина в свръхскъпия курорт “Мауна Пеле”, създаден да задоволи и най-изсисканите вкусове. Негов собственик е безмилостният Байрон Тръмбо, който мрази да бъде сравняван с Доналд Тръмп, но също като него е изпаднал в сериозна бизнес криза и трябва да продаде на всяка цена своя курорт на японски инвеститори.
Издателство "Изток-Запад"
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/p...
Тази чудата история е построена върху хаитянската митология, в която има много вулканична страст и причудливи свръхестествени същества, вкопчени във вековно противоборство – а местните жители си разказват от поколение на поколение своите колоритни предания. В романа на Симънс обаче тези чудати фантазии са си съвсем реални – в което се убеждават неговите герои, които са се оказали по една или друга причина в свръхскъпия курорт “Мауна Пеле”, създаден да задоволи и най-изсисканите вкусове. Негов собственик е безмилостният Байрон Тръмбо, който мрази да бъде сравняван с Доналд Тръмп, но също като него е изпаднал в сериозна бизнес криза и трябва да продаде на всяка цена своя курорт на японски инвеститори.
Издателство "Изток-Запад"
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/p...
November 19, 2022
Me gustan muchísimo algunos libros de Simmons, otros me parecen del montón y algunos otros no me gustan para nada. Este está a medio camino entre las dos últimas categorías.
La parte que transcurre en la actualidad es una novela de fantasía/horror best-selleresca pasable pero la trama paralela que ocurre en el siglo XIX y tiene como protagonista a Mark Twain me pareció un embole mayúsculo y me costó muchísimo leerlo. No voy a mentir si digo que me salté unas cuantas páginas...
En promedio, no me pareció tan bueno. Al fin lo terminé hoy en una interminable espera para hacerme un procedimiento médico casi tan tedioso como este libro.
La parte que transcurre en la actualidad es una novela de fantasía/horror best-selleresca pasable pero la trama paralela que ocurre en el siglo XIX y tiene como protagonista a Mark Twain me pareció un embole mayúsculo y me costó muchísimo leerlo. No voy a mentir si digo que me salté unas cuantas páginas...
En promedio, no me pareció tan bueno. Al fin lo terminé hoy en una interminable espera para hacerme un procedimiento médico casi tan tedioso como este libro.
December 31, 2021
Приключвам читателската си 2021 с наистина класен хорър роман. По едно време, признавам си, хавайския пантеон ми дойде леко нанагорно, та оценката започна да клони към 4, обаче финалните сцени ме накараха да цвиля от кеф и с чиста съвест заковавам 4,5.
Дан Симънс отново демонстрира задълбочена проучвателна подготовка, двете сюжетни линии - от миналото и настоящето - перфектно се допълваха, а традиционното за книгите на този автор вмъкване на реално съществували исторически личности, в случая - Самюъл Лангхорн Клемънс, беше допълнителен удоволствен бонус.
Дан Симънс отново демонстрира задълбочена проучвателна подготовка, двете сюжетни линии - от миналото и настоящето - перфектно се допълваха, а традиционното за книгите на този автор вмъкване на реално съществували исторически личности, в случая - Самюъл Лангхорн Клемънс, беше допълнителен удоволствен бонус.
August 16, 2021
The plot was too plane, none of the characters got developed or were interesting, except for Byron Trumbo who was a ton of fun to read, and the story was overwhelmingly filled with Hawaiian mythology that mostly consisted of just sitting around and talking about it, which started interesting but became too much. It gets very boring at times, but I carried through the end nonetheless.
The writing was very good tho, and I'm excited to read a good Dan Simmons book.
The writing was very good tho, and I'm excited to read a good Dan Simmons book.
October 13, 2017
This is one of Dan Simmons' trickiest books to read. Not that it's written in any difficult style, or following a particularly difficult plot. It's simply that it's well... different. I expected the expected from the author after reading the synopsis. Mega-serious scary thriller. Reading the book with this mindset left me puzzled for its first third, as all things were... wrong.
So I decided that Dan Simmons must've visited Hawaii in the early 90's and lost a bet there, and was thus forced into writing a novel about the archipelago's mythology. Dan Simmons being Dan Simmons just couldn't help it, and had to include a historical character (like he does in most of his novels). And, since the bet had not indicated the type of tone he had to use, he decided on writing a picaresque novel, and who better to include than Mark Twain.
So there are going to be scenes of Mark Twain surfing (yea. surfing.), exploring volcanoes, stripping naked and rescuing lost souls from the underworld. Why not?
And a whole slew of other cardboard characters, typical of the picaresque novel: the cold and calculated billionaire with three 'wives' put face-to-face with supernatural forces, the vengeful ex-wife with her attorney, the super-hot and gullible bikini dame, the young and single female history professor traveling the world, etc.
With this change in mindset I immediately starting liking the novel. Using his fast-paced style the author does not let you put the book down for too long periods. His research in Hawaii history and mythology is, as always with his research, very thorough. Obviously, can't tell if it's correct or not, but who cares? The novel is also surprising in its ending sequence, especially when it comes to choice of heroic characters.
Overall, a pleasant read, and a worthy addition to Dan Simmons' bibliography.
Later, if you read the synopsis of 'Drood' and intend to read it, you're going to think it's another one of these 'trap / picaresque' novels of Dan Simmons'. Charles Dickens instead of Mark Twain, and more supernatural forces. Well... no! 'Drood' just couldn't be more different.
So I decided that Dan Simmons must've visited Hawaii in the early 90's and lost a bet there, and was thus forced into writing a novel about the archipelago's mythology. Dan Simmons being Dan Simmons just couldn't help it, and had to include a historical character (like he does in most of his novels). And, since the bet had not indicated the type of tone he had to use, he decided on writing a picaresque novel, and who better to include than Mark Twain.
So there are going to be scenes of Mark Twain surfing (yea. surfing.), exploring volcanoes, stripping naked and rescuing lost souls from the underworld. Why not?
And a whole slew of other cardboard characters, typical of the picaresque novel: the cold and calculated billionaire with three 'wives' put face-to-face with supernatural forces, the vengeful ex-wife with her attorney, the super-hot and gullible bikini dame, the young and single female history professor traveling the world, etc.
With this change in mindset I immediately starting liking the novel. Using his fast-paced style the author does not let you put the book down for too long periods. His research in Hawaii history and mythology is, as always with his research, very thorough. Obviously, can't tell if it's correct or not, but who cares? The novel is also surprising in its ending sequence, especially when it comes to choice of heroic characters.
Overall, a pleasant read, and a worthy addition to Dan Simmons' bibliography.
Later, if you read the synopsis of 'Drood' and intend to read it, you're going to think it's another one of these 'trap / picaresque' novels of Dan Simmons'. Charles Dickens instead of Mark Twain, and more supernatural forces. Well... no! 'Drood' just couldn't be more different.
February 28, 2019
A very good fantasy-horror novel set in Hawaii and dealing with its mythology and history both before and after the American occupation. A good mystery, a fanciful and imaginative supernatural background and real suspenseful horror which kept me turning pages. As well, Simmons uses one of his favorite devices - introducing one of his favorite writers as a character. In this case, it's Mark Twain. Highly recommended for those who love both Simmon's historical fantasy (Olympos) and pure horror (Carrion Comfort). First rate.
December 27, 2021
A solid four-and-a-half stars. I friggin love Cordie Strumpf and am so pleased that my favourite character from "Summer of Night" returned. Eleanor and Miss Lorena Stewart were super awesome too - - I just have a special place in my heart for Cordie's chaotic brand of awesomeness.
All in all I really enjoyed the book, I just wish it was a little longer and more fleshed out--in particular I wanted a bit more resolution with Paul. But otherwise, a really engaging and exciting read.
All in all I really enjoyed the book, I just wish it was a little longer and more fleshed out--in particular I wanted a bit more resolution with Paul. But otherwise, a really engaging and exciting read.
July 11, 2025
2,4 ⭐
Традиционно през летните месеци, обичам да експериментирам книжно, но тази история на Дан Симънс някак не беше за мен…
Книгата предлага две сюжетни времеви линии, екзотиката Хавай със своята култура, вулкани и лава, лазурен океан, стари богове, призраци…и един Марк Твен за разкош. Атмосферата е завладяваща, но всичко останало, герои, случки, диалози и т.н. просто не ми допадна…
Традиционно през летните месеци, обичам да експериментирам книжно, но тази история на Дан Симънс някак не беше за мен…
Книгата предлага две сюжетни времеви линии, екзотиката Хавай със своята култура, вулкани и лава, лазурен океан, стари богове, призраци…и един Марк Твен за разкош. Атмосферата е завладяваща, но всичко останало, герои, случки, диалози и т.н. просто не ми допадна…
March 10, 2019
This novel involves dual time-streams. In the present, billionaire Byron Trumbo has built an ultra-posh golf resort on the slopes of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, but it's now losing money hand over fist as his guests disappear, or wind up dead in strange circumstances. His goal? Sell it off to Japanese investors while ducking his wife, his girl friend AND his new girl friend, who converge on the resort like the Three Furies. One of his guests is Dr. Eleanor Perry, who arrives armed with a journal her aunt wrote about her 1866 visit to the Sandwich Islands and the volcanoes, and her encounters with a brash newspaperman named Samuel Clemens as well as a raft of Hawaiian supernaturals, including Pele herself. Perry soon joins forces with another guest, Cordie Stumpf, who is full of surprises in her own right, including a loaded .38 in her tote bag. Together, they soon discover that Trumbo's modern day problems are directly related to those of 1866, and ending them will require, as it did then, a trip into the Hawaiian realm of the dead through doorways hidden inside lava tubes. This is not one of Simmons' best known works, but I enjoyed an unusual take on the supernatural feuds involved, and found Simmons' portrayal of Mark Twain a great deal of fun. Byron Trumbo threatened to become a cartoon figure of the very rich man/asshole type, but ended up redeeming himself in a fairly surprising yet satisfactory manner that could used more nuance but did achieve its major goals. The three women involved, Cordie and Eleanor Perry and her Aunt Kidder, were far more interesting, each with many more levels of complexity than the men and are the true heroes of the tale. My main complaint? Cordie Stumpf has a major problem which is not resolved by the end of the book, and I see that as a missed opportunity.
July 12, 2022
Gerade eben einen kurzen Review gelesen, und gemerkt, dass ich diesen Roman auch - wenngleich vor längere Zeit - gelesen habe, und noch nicht bei GR eingetragen habe.
Es gibt zwei Ebenen, beide haben als Schauplatz Hawaii, insbesonders die Hauptinsel. In der Vergangenheitsebene ist Samuel Longhorn Clemens, besser bekannt als Mark Twain der Protagonist, in der Gegenwart ist es eine unheilbar kranke ältere Dame, die hier ihre letzten Tage verbringen möchte. Beide haben fantastische Elebnisse, die auf der hawaianischen Mythologie beruhen. In der Gegenwart geht es auch noch um Bedrohungen dieser paradisischen Inseln. Und die Vulkane spielen natürlich auch eine Rolle.
Ich war fasziniert von der Exotik und Simmons ist ja auch ein sehr guter Erzähler. Ich habe den Roman als überwiegend spannende Lektüre in Erinnerung. Nicht Simmons bester Roman, andere gefielen mir besser, doch gute Unterhaltung allemal.
Es gibt zwei Ebenen, beide haben als Schauplatz Hawaii, insbesonders die Hauptinsel. In der Vergangenheitsebene ist Samuel Longhorn Clemens, besser bekannt als Mark Twain der Protagonist, in der Gegenwart ist es eine unheilbar kranke ältere Dame, die hier ihre letzten Tage verbringen möchte. Beide haben fantastische Elebnisse, die auf der hawaianischen Mythologie beruhen. In der Gegenwart geht es auch noch um Bedrohungen dieser paradisischen Inseln. Und die Vulkane spielen natürlich auch eine Rolle.
Ich war fasziniert von der Exotik und Simmons ist ja auch ein sehr guter Erzähler. Ich habe den Roman als überwiegend spannende Lektüre in Erinnerung. Nicht Simmons bester Roman, andere gefielen mir besser, doch gute Unterhaltung allemal.
February 2, 2019
so much potential, so much waste. I thought it was going to be a fun trashy novel about demons next to volcanoes in Hawaii, even though the novelist was not other than Dan Simmons, who wrote one of my favourite books (Hyperion). In fact, it takes about 200 pages for the events to kick in, and about 400 for the monsters to appear. Simmons invests so much energy in teaching about mythology and the fictional resort, that the characters just keep wondering without purpose and only face the monsters when nobody cares anymore. Also, from a writer like Simmons I was expecting to make a more tolerable villain than Trumbo, a billionaire proven douchebag so many times it is hard to believe he survives this long. I mean, even Dennis Nedry died in the first pages of Jurassic Park
August 1, 2017
I was extremely impressed by Fires of Eden. It is an adventure story set in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii today) well plotted with well-drawn characters, including a fictional Samuel Clemens. A fun read from start to finish.
October 2, 2019
Dan Simmons prose is stark and vivid. This book made me feel like I am really in Hilo, Hawaii.
January 23, 2022
Well, unlike the boring and uneventful shift, during which I bing-read this book, Fires of Eden was quite good.
It wasn't something special, but still - it was original in a typical Simmons way, masterfuly crafted and overall just very enjoyable.
Definitelly not as good as Children of Night, but better than Summer of Night. 6,5/10. Seems like Dan Simmons just can't miss.
It wasn't something special, but still - it was original in a typical Simmons way, masterfuly crafted and overall just very enjoyable.
Definitelly not as good as Children of Night, but better than Summer of Night. 6,5/10. Seems like Dan Simmons just can't miss.
February 8, 2024
3,5⭐️ Después de haber leído “El terror”, del mismo autor, iba concienciada de lo que me iba a encontrar; una lectura que se cuece a fuego lento, donde tal vez te encuentres alguna parte más pesada, pero que te va dando la información suficiente como para que te sientas intrigada y que, una vez terminada y valorada en conjunto, te deja buen sabor.
Lo que menos me ha gustado son las partes de narrativa epistolar, me sacaban constantemente de la historia y al ser dos historias paralelas donde en ocasiones sucedían situaciones parecidas, se me ha hecho un poco repetitivo.
Aún así, lo dicho, me ha dejado buen sabor y se lleva un aprobado.
Este thriller sobrenatural forma parte de “Seasons of Horror”, una serie de libros de la cual sólo he visto que estén traducidos este y “Un verano tenebroso”.
🟢Contenido sensible sobre animales.
Lo que menos me ha gustado son las partes de narrativa epistolar, me sacaban constantemente de la historia y al ser dos historias paralelas donde en ocasiones sucedían situaciones parecidas, se me ha hecho un poco repetitivo.
Aún así, lo dicho, me ha dejado buen sabor y se lleva un aprobado.
Este thriller sobrenatural forma parte de “Seasons of Horror”, una serie de libros de la cual sólo he visto que estén traducidos este y “Un verano tenebroso”.
🟢Contenido sensible sobre animales.
November 11, 2018
Enjoy this as you would a grand myth re-telling, except here the myth is--I think--a fabrication from many genuine folk fragments, some added horror of the author's imagination and a narrative glue of his making. This is like much fantasy that evokes myths in a retelling, except here the first iteration must also be told. To allow this the narrative flips back from the original 19th century to the parallel contemporary story. Also like a telling or retelling of a myth, characters are reduced, which will displease readers hoping for a character-based novel. I found the key reduced characters quite sufficiently complex for my reading pleasure.
The myth he constructed from fragments was of outsider contact and insider reaction, an opposition that echoed that of other juxtaposed natural and supernatural actors.
A reader will smile at some of the reminiscences and remarks attributed to the character of Samuel Clemens--they include the oft heard one about sulfur smells and sinners. The 20th century analog is a farce surrounding the sale of a resort. These comic scenes and their characters offset the doings of grotesque monsters; were the latter truly frightening there wouldn't be balance, which is part of the novel's mythic theme.
The myth he constructed from fragments was of outsider contact and insider reaction, an opposition that echoed that of other juxtaposed natural and supernatural actors.
A reader will smile at some of the reminiscences and remarks attributed to the character of Samuel Clemens--they include the oft heard one about sulfur smells and sinners. The 20th century analog is a farce surrounding the sale of a resort. These comic scenes and their characters offset the doings of grotesque monsters; were the latter truly frightening there wouldn't be balance, which is part of the novel's mythic theme.
March 22, 2017
There are Hawaiian Gods, Mark Twain, rituals, blood, and mysticism. This is an explosive mixture that generates wonderful memories after reading the Fires of Eden. There is beautiful story and unusual thoughts. The imagery of the main characters and villains are well opened in a novel. Have the greatest impression of the God of a shark and a Dog. And now I love Hawaii with their ancient culture and history.
After reading this very interesting and unusual works of Dan Simmons, I discovered a lot of new things. I advise to read this novel to everyone who loves mysticism and intrigues of the Gods.
After reading this very interesting and unusual works of Dan Simmons, I discovered a lot of new things. I advise to read this novel to everyone who loves mysticism and intrigues of the Gods.
October 26, 2011
Probably the weakest of Dan Simmons's writing, but readable for the concise writing style. I got lost in all the Hawaian mythology and lost interest in it after a while. The parallel strand involving Mark Twain was what made the book worth reading. Only for die hard Simmons fans.
December 9, 2019
I practically worship Dan Simmons so it’s with great sadness that I give this three stars. The story is engaging and exciting but not very thrilling. The feelings of fear and suspense just weren’t there for me. The end felt very rushed.
May 29, 2022
Por lo general está novela se vende como un libro de terror. No lo es en el sentido estricto. Digamos que es una fantasía con elementos de terror sobrenatural que siempre está presente. La novela se centra en la mitología hawaiana, sus criaturas, fantasmas y espíritus demoníacos que ahora acechan un complejo hotelero en las faldas del volcán Mauna Loa que se encuentra activo y en europcion. Mientras turistas y gente del complejo desaparecen de forma misteriosa, el millonario B. Trumbo busca deshacerse de su hotel de superlujo vendiendoselo a un grupo de japonés empresarios y para lograrlo tiene que evitar a toda costa que estos se enteren de los sucesos tetricos que se están manifestando en el lugar... El mismo lugar donde hace casi cien años hubo una matanza sobrenatural espantosa en la que estuvo inmiscuido nada menos y nada más que... ¡el escritor Mark Twain .
La verdad, la novela me mantuvo volteando la página y tiene ese sabor que solo las películas ochenteras tienen.
La verdad, la novela me mantuvo volteando la página y tiene ese sabor que solo las películas ochenteras tienen.
February 15, 2013
Dan Simmons is a good writer. However, that is only hinted at in Fires of Eden. The story started well, but I found it growing growing increasingly tiresome as the pages wore on. The villain was cartoonishly greedy and vulgar. Another primary protagonist was barely more believable. And Simmons attempts mixing horror and farce with the result being neither scary nor funny.
I like Dan Simmons because many of his books betray deep historical and literary research on his part (e. g. the Franklin Expedition in The Terror, Greek mythology in Olympos, Charles Dickens in Drood). The research behind this novel involved Hawaiian mythology, but the writing accompanying it sometimes seems so pulpish that I was tempted to think in spots that Simmons had only done the book as a toss-off to justify his research trips to Hawaii as a tax write-off. (Glaring example of sloppy writing: in one instance a security man asks whether he should consult with the local police and "Five-O." Doesn't Simmons know there is no such thing as "Five-O" except in a television show? The security guy might as well ask whether he should send for Magnum P. I.)
Having spent some time on the Big Island of Hawaii myself, I enjoyed Fires of Eden inasmuch as it made me nostalgic for my sojourn there. Simmons describes the setting well. But unless one wants to engage in similar nostalgia, I can't really recommend the book to anyone else.
I like Dan Simmons because many of his books betray deep historical and literary research on his part (e. g. the Franklin Expedition in The Terror, Greek mythology in Olympos, Charles Dickens in Drood). The research behind this novel involved Hawaiian mythology, but the writing accompanying it sometimes seems so pulpish that I was tempted to think in spots that Simmons had only done the book as a toss-off to justify his research trips to Hawaii as a tax write-off. (Glaring example of sloppy writing: in one instance a security man asks whether he should consult with the local police and "Five-O." Doesn't Simmons know there is no such thing as "Five-O" except in a television show? The security guy might as well ask whether he should send for Magnum P. I.)
Having spent some time on the Big Island of Hawaii myself, I enjoyed Fires of Eden inasmuch as it made me nostalgic for my sojourn there. Simmons describes the setting well. But unless one wants to engage in similar nostalgia, I can't really recommend the book to anyone else.
August 22, 2022
"... No alien land in all the world has had any deep, strong charm for me but that one, no other land could so longingly and so beseechingly haunt me, sleeping and waking, through half a lifetime as that one has done. Other things leave me, but it abides; other things change, but it remains the same."
That sums up my love affair with Hawaii. Mahalo, Dan Simmons for putting it into such perfect words. I adored this book and had a completely unforgettable staycation in your pupule universe. The only way I could have possibly enjoyed it more would've been to actually have read it in a guest room somewhere in the Sandwich Isles.
And an extra special shout out to my friend David D. for birthday gifting me with the signed first edition hardcover of this book. Mahalo for taking me to Hawaii when I needed it most. My uhane has sensibly decided not to return. Aloha!
That sums up my love affair with Hawaii. Mahalo, Dan Simmons for putting it into such perfect words. I adored this book and had a completely unforgettable staycation in your pupule universe. The only way I could have possibly enjoyed it more would've been to actually have read it in a guest room somewhere in the Sandwich Isles.
And an extra special shout out to my friend David D. for birthday gifting me with the signed first edition hardcover of this book. Mahalo for taking me to Hawaii when I needed it most. My uhane has sensibly decided not to return. Aloha!
April 3, 2022
Ultimately this was just kind of boring. I really liked all the other Seasons of Horror books in Simmon's series, but this one just didn't land for me. First, it's way more of an adventure book than a horror book, so it really really gets out of the genre it should be in. Second, the relation to the other 3 books is nonexistent other than character names. The returning characters could as easily simply be named something else, and then there'd be literally no connection here. The plot revolves around a new hotel being built, and you never really care about it. You just have to watch all the poorly constructed plot devises play out in a very common very repetitious and generic way. It's not a fun one.
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