I admit I'm a slow reader. I've been reading this novel for several weeks. I also admit that Dan Simmons is one of the few writers I will read without putting the book down because it covers a topic I have no desire to learn anything about. Since I'm afraid of heights, because I fell 100 feet into a ravine when I was 14 and survived with just three fractured ribs, I don't understand the desire to scale vertical mountains where there is little oxygen and nothing to look forward to except death. I've learned more about climbing mountains in 1925 then I ever thought possible. I'm on page 375, and so far the Yeti have not made an appearance. I'm sure they will at some point. Dan Simmons does detail like no one else that I've ever read. I hate complex detail because I'm one of those writers who strips everything down to bare bones. I depend on action because I don't have the patience for page after page of detail. Yet, I keep reading without skimming. Simmons has a real gift that forces me to keep reading. There is no sex, no real violence so far, not much action, and I would normally put down this book. But I won't and I can't. That's messed up. Dan Simmons is that good. I may be pissed when I get to the end, but so far I'm locked into the story.

I'm waiting for the trade paperback, but I can't wait to read this one. While I'll never climb something like, say, Everest, hiking/climbing mountains is my passion. It's hard to say what it is, exactly, but once you've done it, it's more addicting than drugs, alcohol, etc.

But yeah, very excited to read this one!

I really liked the Terror, and this one has also been a great reading adventure so far. If you like climbing, you'll love this one.

I loved The Terror, but I was shocked I couldn't get into Drood.

Going to give this one a try, though. I love Everest stories, Mallory etc.

I'll probably finish the book this week, and then I'll post a review on Amazon about it without spoilers. It is for sure a trip to a place I knew existed, but didn't realize what was involved in getting there.