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  • The Terror

  • By: Dan Simmons
  • Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
  • Length: 28 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (176 ratings)

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The Terror

By: Dan Simmons
Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
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Publisher's Summary

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...

©2018 Dan Simmons (P)2018 Random House Audiobooks

Critic Reviews

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

"A brilliant, massive combination of history and supernatural horror." (STEPHEN KING)

What listeners say about The Terror

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great novel

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Riveting... but

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK! I'M OBSESSED!

Ok, i first thought that this long-as historical story would be boring. Boy was I wrong! The story was RIVETING! Extremely well-written to the point that I was Googling if this story was actually real etc (turns out, it's *sorta* true) and this story made me subscribe to Amazon Prime *JUST* so i could watch the film adaptation!!

The narrator did a splendid job with mood, speed, different voices and accents (even Inuit! I dont speak Inuit, but it sounded bloody convincing to me!). It was so engaging such that I was yelling my responses to the car radio (on which I was listening to this Audible on) like a crazy person, liie "No!!! Dr Goodsir! Dont dieeee!!!" Yes, I just did a spoiler there, but seriously, everyone had a bad time on the voyage, so it's kinda expected.

So yeah, DEFINITELY one to download. I cannot recommend this enough!
Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to binge watch the tv series again :)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

This is an epic work in every sense of the word, yet I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. The performance was also wonderful. Up there with my favourite Audible experiences.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The Terror! The Terror!

A wonderful book. It transports the reader through time and space. You will find yourself 170 years in the past and lost in a hostile frozen wilderness. The narration is magnificent. I had seen the Television adaptation before reading this. The series is also excellent. But I found this to be much more satisfying. Particularly the closure of the Crozier character arc. I now feel I much better understand his motivations. I feel both haunted and so very moved.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Drink Deep

Dan Simmons bring horror and mysticism together in this fantastic read. The Terror will take you on a bleak ride through the horror of being a man as much as what is out there on the ice.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Historic Arctic Sea Adventure

Based on true historical events, this story takes the reader from planning the voyage, setting out and then getting into real trouble in Arctic sea ice. The author adds twists with unexpected terrors, interactions with eskimos, and treachery. Easily the best sea adventure story I’ve read/listened to.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

yeah not bad

slow in parts, then when it got good and fast it slowed. I enjoyed it but not as much as others have

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An interesting combination of the mystical and the historical

Though at times perhaps a little too meandering, the story is ultimately an intriguing, albeit dark, journey into history. Even without the mystical elements there is plenty to contemplate and consider.

The characters, though not at all always likeable (purposefully so), are well suited to the time and tone of the story.

At first I honestly found the mystical elements to be a little much, but they really do tie the story together well and make for a thoughtful and satisfying ending.

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Absolutely wonderful

This book was at the beginning very hard to get into. However with patience became a wonderful gruesome tale of survival. A very good listen. Narrator was excellent. Highly recommend.

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