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wulfwyn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ashp208's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
runjohnnyrun845's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
This is a hauntingly atmospheric novel that expertly combines supernatural elements, psychological depth, and a gripping narrative. As the second installment in Simmons' seasonal quartet, the novel follows Professor Dale Stewart, who returns to his hometown of Elm Haven to confront the demons of his past.
The story begins with Stewart reluctantly agreeing to participate in a documentary about his life, a decision that sets the stage for a chilling journey into the heart of darkness. As Stewart grapples with his traumatic memories and personal demons, a malevolent force begins to emerge in Elm Haven. Simmons skillfully uses Stewart as a narrator, his ghostly perspective adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the unfolding events.
Stewart's return to Elm Haven is fraught with tension and unresolved emotions. The novel navigates between past and present, revealing the profound impact of the characters' shared history on their present lives. Simmons' characterization is impeccable, capturing the nuances of human relationships and the complexities of the human psyche.
The supernatural elements in "A Winter Haunting" are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. As the mystery unfolds, Simmons masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The haunting manifestations in Elm Haven serve as a backdrop for the deeper psychological horror that Stewart faces within himself.
Spoiler Alert:
The ending of "A Winter Haunting" is a brilliant culmination of the novel's themes and mysteries. As Stewart delves deeper into the supernatural occurrences and his own haunted past, the layers of the narrative are peeled back to reveal a profound interconnectedness. The malevolent force haunting Elm Haven is revealed to be a manifestation of Stewart's own guilt and unresolved trauma.
In a climactic and emotionally charged moment, Stewart confronts the ghostly presence and makes a sacrificial decision to put an end to the haunting. The resolution is both cathartic and poignant, showcasing Simmons' ability to blend horror with profound emotional resonance. As Stewart finds closure and redemption, the novel leaves readers with a haunting sense of the complexities of the human condition.
The beauty of the ending lies in its ability to satisfy the narrative arc while leaving room for introspection. The supernatural elements are not neatly tied up in a bow but are instead interwoven with the psychological threads of the story. Simmons crafts an ending that resonates on multiple levels, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of guilt, redemption, and the ghosts that linger in the recesses of the human soul.
In conclusion, "A Winter Haunting" is a tour de force that showcases Dan Simmons' narrative skill and ability to craft a story that transcends traditional genre boundaries. With its evocative prose, well-developed characters, and a finale that is both chilling and emotionally resonant, the novel stands as a testament to Simmons' storytelling prowess. It is a must-read for those who appreciate a thought-provoking and beautifully executed exploration of the supernatural and the human psyche.
I really want to read the rest of his seasonal quartet!
4.5/5
The story begins with Stewart reluctantly agreeing to participate in a documentary about his life, a decision that sets the stage for a chilling journey into the heart of darkness. As Stewart grapples with his traumatic memories and personal demons, a malevolent force begins to emerge in Elm Haven. Simmons skillfully uses Stewart as a narrator, his ghostly perspective adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the unfolding events.
Stewart's return to Elm Haven is fraught with tension and unresolved emotions. The novel navigates between past and present, revealing the profound impact of the characters' shared history on their present lives. Simmons' characterization is impeccable, capturing the nuances of human relationships and the complexities of the human psyche.
The supernatural elements in "A Winter Haunting" are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. As the mystery unfolds, Simmons masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The haunting manifestations in Elm Haven serve as a backdrop for the deeper psychological horror that Stewart faces within himself.
Spoiler Alert:
The ending of "A Winter Haunting" is a brilliant culmination of the novel's themes and mysteries. As Stewart delves deeper into the supernatural occurrences and his own haunted past, the layers of the narrative are peeled back to reveal a profound interconnectedness. The malevolent force haunting Elm Haven is revealed to be a manifestation of Stewart's own guilt and unresolved trauma.
In a climactic and emotionally charged moment, Stewart confronts the ghostly presence and makes a sacrificial decision to put an end to the haunting. The resolution is both cathartic and poignant, showcasing Simmons' ability to blend horror with profound emotional resonance. As Stewart finds closure and redemption, the novel leaves readers with a haunting sense of the complexities of the human condition.
The beauty of the ending lies in its ability to satisfy the narrative arc while leaving room for introspection. The supernatural elements are not neatly tied up in a bow but are instead interwoven with the psychological threads of the story. Simmons crafts an ending that resonates on multiple levels, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of guilt, redemption, and the ghosts that linger in the recesses of the human soul.
In conclusion, "A Winter Haunting" is a tour de force that showcases Dan Simmons' narrative skill and ability to craft a story that transcends traditional genre boundaries. With its evocative prose, well-developed characters, and a finale that is both chilling and emotionally resonant, the novel stands as a testament to Simmons' storytelling prowess. It is a must-read for those who appreciate a thought-provoking and beautifully executed exploration of the supernatural and the human psyche.
I really want to read the rest of his seasonal quartet!
4.5/5
uearthen's review against another edition
2.0
This was an odd book. The plot aside, the way the author jumps between scenes and jumps back and forth in time in the middle of a page without any transition is very jarring.
I’d skip this one, it literally took me two years to finish and I mostly skimmed the last half.
I’d skip this one, it literally took me two years to finish and I mostly skimmed the last half.
hrisbooks_'s review against another edition
1.0
uwielbiam wiele książek autora, chociażby Terror i Abominacja nie tylko opowiadają świetne historie, ale bardzo dużo nauczyłam się z tych książek o lodzie albo ekstremalnej wspinaczce górskiej, ale książka Zimowe nawiedzenie po prostu mnie zawiodła
główny bohater próbuje poradzić sobie z ciężką depresją i wraca do swojego rodzinnego miasteczka i wynajmuje dom, gdzie przed laty wydarzyło się wiele tragedii — od przemocy, po napaść, po okropną śmierć jednego ze szkolnych kolegów. bohatera nawiedzają wspomnienia tych minionych zdarzeń i nie potrafi odróżnić co jest rzeczywistością, a co złudzeniem; mamy tutaj także motyw walki ze starożytnym złem
to mogła być naprawdę dobra historia i sięgnęłam po książkę bo uwielbiam czytać małomiasteczkowe horrory, byłam ciekawa morderstwa, ale ta historia jest niesamowicie nudna, a Dale jest po prostu nie do polubienia; główny bohater obwinia o swoje porażki wszystko i wszystkich wokoło, podczas gdy to on sam zniszczył sobie życie, mając chociażby romans ze studentką. ją też obwinia o to, że z nim zerwała, a sam był po prostu narzekającym na wszystko dupkiem
jednocześnie nieustannie opisuje kobiety tylko poprzez pryzmat ich walorów i krągłości klatki piersiowej; naprawdę niczego więcej o postaciach kobiecych nie można się dowiedzieć... w narracji użyto też bardzo wulgarnego języka, a scena w której bohater usprawiedliwia chęć n4p4ści na koleżankę nawiedzeniem przez ducha jest po prostu żałosna
nie polecałabym tej książki nikomu, jest wiele lepszych horrorów dziejących się w małych miasteczkach, które nie są tak denne i bezmyślne; no i sam autor ma na swoim koncie o wiele lepsze książki
główny bohater próbuje poradzić sobie z ciężką depresją i wraca do swojego rodzinnego miasteczka i wynajmuje dom, gdzie przed laty wydarzyło się wiele tragedii — od przemocy, po napaść, po okropną śmierć jednego ze szkolnych kolegów. bohatera nawiedzają wspomnienia tych minionych zdarzeń i nie potrafi odróżnić co jest rzeczywistością, a co złudzeniem; mamy tutaj także motyw walki ze starożytnym złem
to mogła być naprawdę dobra historia i sięgnęłam po książkę bo uwielbiam czytać małomiasteczkowe horrory, byłam ciekawa morderstwa, ale ta historia jest niesamowicie nudna, a Dale jest po prostu nie do polubienia; główny bohater obwinia o swoje porażki wszystko i wszystkich wokoło, podczas gdy to on sam zniszczył sobie życie, mając chociażby romans ze studentką. ją też obwinia o to, że z nim zerwała, a sam był po prostu narzekającym na wszystko dupkiem
jednocześnie nieustannie opisuje kobiety tylko poprzez pryzmat ich walorów i krągłości klatki piersiowej; naprawdę niczego więcej o postaciach kobiecych nie można się dowiedzieć... w narracji użyto też bardzo wulgarnego języka, a scena w której bohater usprawiedliwia chęć n4p4ści na koleżankę nawiedzeniem przez ducha jest po prostu żałosna
nie polecałabym tej książki nikomu, jest wiele lepszych horrorów dziejących się w małych miasteczkach, które nie są tak denne i bezmyślne; no i sam autor ma na swoim koncie o wiele lepsze książki
sandygx260's review against another edition
5.0
A vastly underrated book. It was a love letter to a character DS loved in a previous book and killed off all too soon. You sense the act bothered him. If not him it sure as hell bothered me.
I hope someday DS writes a sequel to this sequel.
I hope someday DS writes a sequel to this sequel.