the library ladder | Why Dan Simmons Is Essential Reading, Part 1 of 3: Overview @thelibraryladder | Uploaded January 2023 | Updated October 2024, 3 hours ago.
Dan Simmons is perhaps best known for his science fiction Hyperion Cantos, horror novels Summer of Night and Carrion Comfort, and historical fiction The Terror. But what about the other 18 novels and three short fiction collections he's published in various genres over the past four decades? How do they stack up against his better-known works?

This is the first of three videos I'm making about Simmons. In this one, I provide an overview of his works, his influences, some of the recurring themes that appear in his books, why I think he's essential reading for fans of almost any genre, and why at times he can be frustrating to read.

The other two videos in which I review and tier rank his works:
Part 2: Tier ranking his horror and science fiction - youtu.be/SO-DYjZ6Vjc
Part 3: Tier ranking his literary fiction, crime thrillers, historical fiction & short fiction - youtu.be/eEPw4qFFu3w

1:42 Diverse literary output and awards
2:30 Writing influences and hallmarks
5:59 Themes
7:30 Why I think he's essential reading
10:29 Occasional frustrations

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Cyberpunk 2077
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