Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is an American author known for his work in science fiction, horror, and fantasy. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the World Fantasy Award. Some of his most notable works include the Hyperion Cantos series and the novel 'The Terror'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Hyperion

    The book is a science fiction narrative that weaves together the tales of seven pilgrims as they journey to the distant world of Hyperion on the eve of interstellar war. Each pilgrim has their own reason for undertaking this pilgrimage to the Shrike, a mysterious and feared creature that resides in the Time Tombs, which are moving backwards through time. As they travel, they share their stories, revealing personal quests, humanity's complex relationship with technology, and the overarching mystery of the Shrike and Hyperion itself. The novel combines elements of space opera with a frame story structure reminiscent of "The Canterbury Tales," exploring themes of love, religion, politics, and art, all set against the backdrop of an impending catastrophe.

    The 2469th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Carrion Comfort

    This novel delves into the chilling concept of psychic vampires who manipulate their victims' minds to commit acts of violence, feeding off the fear and turmoil they create. Set against a sprawling backdrop that spans decades and continents, the story follows a diverse group of characters, including the monsters themselves and those determined to stop them. As the narrative weaves through various perspectives, it explores themes of power, manipulation, and the human capacity for both evil and resilience. The intricate plot, rich in suspense and horror, challenges the reader to confront the darkest aspects of human nature and the terrifying notion of predators hidden within society, capable of influencing their prey from the shadows.

    The 3147th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Song Of Kali

    The book is a chilling tale of horror set in the labyrinthine streets of Calcutta, where an American poet journeys with his wife and infant daughter in search of a legendary poet who has reemerged with new work after years of presumed death. The city's oppressive heat and mystique envelop the family as they become entangled in a nightmarish plot involving a cult dedicated to the goddess Kali, whose followers may have sinister intentions for them. As the protagonist delves deeper into the city's dark underbelly, he is confronted with the true face of evil and must fight to save his loved ones from the clutches of a terrifying power.

    The 3509th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Terror

    "The Terror" is a historical fiction and horror novel that follows the ill-fated Franklin Expedition. The crew of two British Royal Navy ships are trapped in the Arctic ice, where they face not only the harsh environmental conditions but also a mysterious and brutal monster that stalks them in the endless night. The novel combines historical and survival themes with supernatural horror, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere.

    The 4932nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. A Winter Haunting

    In this chilling tale, a man named Dale Stewart returns to his childhood hometown in rural Illinois to confront the ghosts of his past and recover from personal turmoil. Renting the farmhouse of his deceased friend, Dale finds himself enveloped in a haunting atmosphere filled with eerie occurrences and unsettling memories. As the winter deepens, he grapples with both supernatural forces and his own inner demons, blurring the lines between reality and the spectral. The story weaves psychological suspense with elements of horror, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the inescapable nature of one's past.

    The 12701st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Fall of Hyperion

    In this sequel to a science fiction saga, the story continues as a group of pilgrims trapped on the planet Hyperion face the looming threat of the Time Tombs, which are traveling backward through time. Meanwhile, the interstellar Hegemony they once belonged to is on the brink of war with the Ousters, a group of spacefaring barbarians. As the complex political machinations unfold, the pilgrims' personal tales intertwine with the fate of the universe, revealing their connections to the mysterious Shrike—a creature that may hold the key to humanity's salvation or its ultimate destruction. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, exploring themes of memory, destiny, and the nature of intelligence.

    The 13559th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. Ilium

    In this science fiction epic, classical literature and futuristic technology collide as scholars from a distant future resurrect the events of Homer's "Iliad" on an alternate Mars. The narrative intertwines the lives of ancient Greek heroes, sentient robots from Jupiter's moons, and the last remnants of humanity on an Earth transformed by post-human beings of immense power. As the reenacted Trojan War unfolds with god-like beings intervening, the separate storylines converge to reveal a complex tapestry of time manipulation, existential threats, and a quest for knowledge that could unravel the very fabric of the universe.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 8. Summer Of Night

    In a small Illinois town during the summer of 1960, a group of young friends discovers that a malevolent force is lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic community. As they encounter strange and terrifying occurrences, they realize that an ancient evil tied to the town's history is awakening. The children must confront their deepest fears and band together to unravel the mystery and combat the sinister presence threatening their lives and the town itself. Through courage, friendship, and resilience, they face the darkness in a gripping tale of suspense and supernatural horror.

    The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 9. The Rise of Endymion

    In this science fiction epic, the final installment of a series, the narrative follows the journey of a man tasked with protecting a young girl who has the potential to influence the fate of humanity. Set in a far-future universe where the Catholic Church has become a dominant spacefaring entity, the pair travels through various worlds, evading the Church's forces and its leader, who seeks to harness the girl's unique abilities for his own ends. The story weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle against oppressive powers, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the course of human evolution and the true nature of the cosmos.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
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  10. 10. The Abominable

    Set in the early 1920s, the story follows a daring expedition to Mount Everest, where a group of climbers, including a young mountaineer, a seasoned guide, and a war hero, embark on a perilous journey to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of a previous expedition. As they ascend the treacherous slopes, they encounter not only the brutal forces of nature but also sinister human threats, leading to a gripping tale of survival, courage, and the relentless pursuit of truth amidst the chilling backdrop of the world's highest peak.

  11. 11. Hyperion Cantos

    In a universe teetering on the brink of chaos, seven pilgrims embark on a perilous journey to the distant world of Hyperion, each driven by their own mysterious motives and haunted pasts. As they traverse the enigmatic landscape, they unravel tales of love, loss, and redemption, all while confronting the ominous presence of the Shrike, a mythical creature that holds the fate of humanity in its grasp. Their intertwined stories weave a rich tapestry of intrigue and philosophical exploration, challenging the boundaries of time, technology, and the human spirit.

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  12. 12. Children Of The Night

    Set against the backdrop of post-Communist Romania, this gripping tale intertwines the realms of science and the supernatural. A determined American doctor, who adopts an orphaned infant, soon discovers the child possesses a unique genetic anomaly that could hold the key to curing a deadly disease. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a chilling connection to the ancient legend of Dracula, leading her into a dangerous world of intrigue and dark secrets. The story masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and historical fiction, exploring themes of power, immortality, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.

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  13. 13. The Hyperion Omnibus

    Set in a distant future where humanity has colonized the stars, this epic tale follows a diverse group of seven pilgrims on a journey to the distant world of Hyperion. Each pilgrim harbors a unique story and a personal agenda, all intertwined with the mysterious and deadly creature known as the Shrike. As they traverse the galaxy, their narratives unfold, revealing a tapestry of love, loss, and existential questions that challenge the very fabric of human existence. The story weaves together elements of science fiction, mythology, and philosophy, creating a rich and complex narrative that explores the nature of time, faith, and the human condition.

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  14. 14. Olympos

    In a breathtaking fusion of science fiction and mythology, this novel transports readers to a future where the ancient gods of Olympus have returned, wielding advanced technology and engaging in epic battles that echo the Trojan War. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, a diverse cast of characters, including scholars, warriors, and artificial intelligences, navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals. The narrative weaves together themes of destiny, power, and the enduring human spirit, culminating in a thrilling confrontation that challenges the boundaries of reality and imagination.

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  15. 15. Flashback

    Set in a dystopian future where the United States has crumbled under economic collapse and societal decay, the narrative follows a former detective who becomes embroiled in a complex investigation while addicted to a powerful drug that allows users to relive their past experiences. As he navigates a world rife with political corruption and social unrest, he uncovers a conspiracy that could alter the course of the nation's future. The story delves into themes of memory, loss, and the consequences of escapism, painting a grim yet compelling portrait of a society on the brink of ruin.

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  16. 16. Drood

    Set in the murky streets of Victorian London, this gripping tale follows the intertwined lives of two famous authors as they become embroiled in a dark mystery. After surviving a horrific train accident, one of the authors becomes obsessed with a shadowy figure named Drood, who is rumored to dwell in the city's underbelly. As the line between reality and madness blurs, the narrative delves into themes of obsession, rivalry, and the supernatural, weaving a complex web of intrigue and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

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  17. 17. Piąty Kier

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  18. 18. Wydrążony Człowiek. Muza Ognia

    Set in a dystopian future, the narrative follows a protagonist grappling with the haunting remnants of a once-vibrant world now overshadowed by chaos and decay. As society crumbles under the weight of its own technological advancements, the story delves into the depths of human resilience and the quest for meaning amidst the ruins. The protagonist's journey is marked by encounters with enigmatic characters and the relentless pursuit of a mysterious force that promises salvation or destruction. Themes of identity, power, and the essence of humanity are intricately woven into a tapestry of suspense and philosophical inquiry.

  19. 19. Dzieci Nocy

    Set against the backdrop of post-Communist Romania, this gripping novel weaves a tale of suspense and horror as it delves into the dark legends of the Carpathian Mountains. The story follows a determined hematologist who uncovers a chilling secret about a mysterious orphaned child with an unusual blood disorder. As she delves deeper into the enigma, she finds herself entangled in a web of ancient myths and modern-day conspiracies, where the line between science and superstition blurs. The narrative explores themes of power, immortality, and the haunting legacy of the past, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its blend of historical intrigue and supernatural elements.

  20. 20. Olympo

    In a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and mythology, the narrative unfolds on a future Earth and Mars, where the ancient Greek gods have been resurrected and are embroiled in a cosmic conflict. As the gods' war threatens the fabric of reality, a diverse cast of characters, including scholars, warriors, and artificial intelligences, must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals. Their intertwined destinies reveal profound truths about humanity, divinity, and the nature of existence itself, culminating in a breathtaking climax that challenges the boundaries of imagination.

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  21. 21. Ilión

    Set in a distant future where the gods of Olympus have returned, this epic tale intertwines the fate of humanity with the legendary events of the Trojan War. As scholars from Earth are mysteriously resurrected to witness and document the unfolding drama, they uncover the truth behind the gods' powers and their own existence. Meanwhile, on Mars, a group of sentient robots embarks on a journey to understand their origins, leading to unexpected alliances and revelations. This intricate narrative weaves together themes of mythology, technology, and the enduring quest for knowledge and identity.

  22. 22. Orphans Of The Helix

    Set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the stars, the narrative follows a group of space-faring pilgrims who encounter a mysterious alien artifact. As they delve into its secrets, they are confronted with profound questions about their own existence and the nature of the universe. The story explores themes of exploration, identity, and the interconnectedness of all life, weaving a rich tapestry of science fiction and philosophical inquiry.

  23. 23. The Endymion Omnibus

    Set in a richly imagined universe, this epic narrative unfolds in a future where humanity has spread across the stars, governed by a powerful religious entity known as the Pax. The story follows the journey of a young man named Raul Endymion and a mysterious girl, Aenea, who holds the key to humanity's future. As they traverse through breathtaking worlds, they are pursued by relentless forces determined to control Aenea's destiny. Themes of faith, love, and the essence of human existence are explored, weaving a complex tapestry of adventure, philosophical inquiry, and the struggle for freedom against oppressive powers.

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  24. 24. The Fifth Heart

    A dual-timeline mystery that intertwines a late-period investigation by an aging Sherlock Holmes with a modern scholar’s probe into a string of brutal murders and an unsettling legacy from the 19th century; as both narratives peel back layers of secrecy, they reveal a dark, supernatural conspiracy and long-buried betrayals, blending forensic deduction, gothic horror, and literary pastiche into a single, tense thriller.

  25. 26. Die Hyperion Gesänge

    Sieben Pilger machen sich auf den Weg zu den rätselhaften Time Tombs auf dem Planeten Hyperion, um dem furchteinflößenden, zeitmanipulierenden Wesen Shrike gegenüberzutreten; auf dem Weg erzählt jeder von ihnen seine persönliche Lebensgeschichte—ein Kaleidoskop aus Liebe, Verrat, Glauben, Krieg, künstlicher Intelligenz und politischen Intrigen—das nach und nach ein weitverzweigtes, episches Bild einer fragilen, interstellaren Zivilisation und ihrer existenziellen Krisen entfaltet.

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