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The Terror

the novel that inspired the chilling BBC series

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The Terror

By: Dan Simmons
Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
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$8.99/month after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends on 29 July 2026 at 11:59 AEST.

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Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Terror by Dan Simmons, read by Tom Sellwood.

Stephen King hailed Dan Simmons' bestselling novel as 'a brilliant, massive combination of history and supernatural horror' and it's now a chilling 10-part AMC Original TV series from Ridley Scott.

The most advanced scientific enterprise ever mounted, Sir John Franklin’s 1845 expedition in search of the fabled North-West Passage had every expectation of triumph.

But for almost two years his ships HMS Terror and Erebus have been trapped in the Arctic ice. Supplies of fuel and food are running low. Scurvy, starvation and even madness beging to take their toll. And yet the real threat isn’t from the constantly shifting, alien landscape, the flesh-numbing temperatures or being crushed by the unyielding, frozen ocean. No, the real threat is far more terrifying.

There is something out there in the frigid darkness. It stalks the ships and snatches men. It is a nameless thing. At once nowhere and everywhere, this terror has become the expedition’s nemesis . . .

‘Simmons has created a chilling supernatural novel . . . the horrific trials of their impending icy deaths are vividly brought to life.’ Daily Express

Genre Fiction Ghosts Historical Fiction Horror Sea Adventures Scary Fiction Haunted Polar Region
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Critic Reviews

A brilliant, massive combination of history and supernatural horror. (STEPHEN KING)
Simmons has created a chilling supernatural novel . . . the horrific trials of their impending icy deaths are vividly brought to life.
One of the most remarkable things I've read . . . nothing short of a masterpiece. It is a bona fide tour de force.
A revelation . . . Simmons is a giant among novelists. (LINCOLN CHILD)
Go out and buy this book . . . a fantastic achievement. Gripping, well-observed, and at times genuinely frightening.
Dramatic and vivid . . . Simmons has given us a host of colourful, believable characters caught up in a driving, hell-bent narrative. The Terror is a tour de force. (KEN McGOOGAN, author of Lady Franklin's Revenge)
Meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined . . . a dramatic and mythic argument for how and why Franklin and his men met their demise . . . a compelling read.
The best and most unusual historical novel I have read in years . . . a haunting, precisely imagined fictional solution to one of history's most disquieting mysteries . . . brilliantly executed.
??Dan Simmons is brilliant. (DEAN KOONTZ)
Brilliant . . . Simmons takes this 19th-century tragedy and crafts an imaginative hybrid tale. It's a historical horror novel . . . the kind of rich epic that requires a touch of patience at the beginning but amply rewards the reader by the end.
All stars
Most relevant
I never thought I would like horror novels but ‘The Terror’ was a great introduction to the genre. Dan Simmons never disappoints. The narrators’ performance was very good as well. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Great novel

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I surprised myself by listening to such a long story. I'm really pleased I persevered because it's worth it. Disappointed with the ending though because it's a bit of a non event but its a great story and I would recommend it to anyone who has the time to listen. The narrator is brilliant

verrrry lonnng........Marilyn

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Amazing performance by reader. Each charecter had a voice but not exaggerated or annoying. Incredible book too, author is gifted at immersion.

Best audiobook so far

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Occasionally bogged down in sermons and chants etc that became annoying fast. But an interesting tale with a clever twist.

Dark and dangerous atmosphere.

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I have to say that this book captivated my for 27 hours of the 28.5 hours. The story beautifully and skilfully weaves numerous engrossing storylines with a cast of characters that you come to care about. The atmosphere that Simmons creates is a perfect backdrop for the horrors that lie inside of the crew and from the terror that stalks them. I The Terror, but

SPOLIER ALERT...

That ending?! I completely get it, but after so much build up... the monster gets a very brief origin backstory and the last chapter felt like a disappointing come down.

But all in all, I will probably listen to this again as it was thoroughly enjoyable and Tom Sellwood's narration was first class.

Riveting... but

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