Children of the Night

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: George Ralph

Length: 14 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

In a desolate orphanage in what remains of post-Communist Romania, a desperately ill infant is given the wrong blood transfusion - and flourishes when he's supposed to die. The discovery of his unique immune system may hold the key to the long-awaited cure for cancer and AIDS.

For a dedicated American doctor, he promises the medical breakthrough of a lifetime, as well as a very special love she's never been able to find. But he also conceals a shockingly intimate link to a clan of vampires and their legendary leader - the fiend the world calls Vlad Dracula, who, for centuries, has triumphed over countless rival tyrants, including death itself.

©2008 Dan Simmons (P)2008 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Count Dracula kicks off the coffin lid again in this updated vampire tale....the book offers a mesmerizing tour through the ghostly, gray tatters of Romania." (Publishers Weekly)
"Neatly ties the vampire legend into political history to create a new and clever twist to the idea of the vampire's craving for blood." (Library Journal)
"Toothsomely well written." (Kirkus Reviews)

Solid concept, mediocre execution

I loved the descriptions of post-communist Romania. The scientific take on vampires was neat too. For me the main drawback were the cringy sex scenes. They didn’t add to the plot and were obviously written by a guy trying to write through the eyes of a woman. I say this as a a pretty basic dude so you know they must be pretty bad.

Children of the night

I really enjoyed this book. Dan Simmons has a terrific way of creeping you out.This is a different king of vampire book.There is just SO much going on,it is hard to keep track at times. George Ralph was a fine narrator.

Creative scientifically oriented take on vampirism

Difficult to finish, but satisfying ending. it left the possibility of future encounters with Vlad the Impaler.

Too much science

This is a great tale of vampires. My only issue was when the author went into minute detail when discussing scientific subjects.

Not his best

I struggled with this book. I never really found any of the characters believable

Vampire Novel With A Different Perspective

I read my first Dan Simmons, Carrion Comfort, book several months ago based on the exuberant accolades of another listener whose reviews I follow. I will say the reviewer did not lead me astray as that story was gripping & one of the few horror books I consider really terrifying.

That lead me to listen to Children of the Night. I admit I like a good vampire book - not the fluffy ones where the vamps are really good ( you know deep down inside) with a Harlequen romance vibe. I want a mix of mystery & the unknown with vampires that are ruthless & heartless & that's what this book brings to the table. Simmons takes a different approach to explain the existence of these creatures. This is not Simmons best work but a solid book worth a listen.

needs a different reader

I read the print version a few years ago & quite enjoyed it. When I got the audiobook, I was looking forward to many hours' worth of chores being vastly more entertaining....but. The audio version bogs down occasionally, such as during the longer, more detailed CDC research discussions (& I'm a biologist & researcher myself!). The real problem with the audio version is the narrator. Mr Ralph has one of those whiskey/smoky gruff voices which I usually like, but his leaves me wanting to cough & clear my throat repeatedly. Also, he never pauses at appropriate spots --such as when between chapters or drastic scene jumps-- and it can leave the listener disoriented for a moment. Worst of all, when he alters his voice for the male characters, some end up sounding just like Rodney Dangerfield. I kept waiting for ex-husband Tom, who shows up a lot, to say "I don't get no respect!" or "Take my wife --please!" Jerks one out of the dark, suspenseful world of the book, to say the least.

Lots of history and violence

Too violent for my taste, but because the episodes of violence were well-researched and based on historical accounts, I stuck with it to the end. Dan Simmons is a master story-teller, so the history-based tale of Vlad Dracula and Romania is woven into an engaging story of the 20th century “family.”

A good book!

this book was really interesting and well researched for a work of fiction. enjoyable listen

Not bad

I absolutely love Dan Simmons, and while this was interesting it definitely isn't one of his best works.