Song of Kali

Winner of the World Fantasy Award (1986).

Kali, Goddess of Death and destruction, eight-armed, eternal, her song is the sound of death. In a novel both shocking and appallingly real, a powerful new storyteller, Dan Simmons, weaves a terrifying tale of vilolence and psychological horror about the ultimate violation, the raising of the dead to life to bring more death into the world.

In the steaming, shuttered city of Calcutta, a Westerner, Robert Luczak, seeks to meet with M. Das – a poet not seen for over ten years, reported to have been found alive after all this time. Travelling with his half-indian wife, Amrita, and their infant baby girl, Luczak is determined to find Das so that he may interview him on assignment from The New Yorker.

But nothing is simple in Calcutta. A routine assignment turns into a nightmare of terror as Luczak is alternately fed lies and half-truths by those who aren't who they claim to be, and buffeted by official indifference when he seeks help from the authorities.

He is subjected to the bizarre and unreal story of one who claims to have been a recruit of the cult of Kali, a secret and outlawed sect. The cult, says the man, still exists and has brought back to life the dead poet M. Das, in a bloody and grisly ceremony of human sacrifice.

Luczak just wants to interview Das and take his family back to U.S.A., but he is caught instead in the dark design of forces ancient and inexorable, in a vortex of violence that threatens to engulf not only him and his family, but the entire world, in an apocalyptic orgy of death.

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Horror Mythology Ancient Mythology World Fantasy Award

Release date: 1985

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Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons, 1948-2026, was a writer who thrived on weaving together elements of science fiction, horror, and historical fiction into intricate narratives that explore the depths of the human experience. Known for his mastery of atmospheric tension and philosophical depth, Simmons built a career centered on the hauntingly imaginative and intellectually stimulating. His works blur the lines between genres, blending speculative fiction with thought-provoking explorations of fear, ambition, and existential questions.

Born in Illinois, Simmons grew up with a love of books and an early fascination with storytelling. His background as a teacher and a voracious reader would later shape the way he approached his writing, blending rich historical detail with speculative world-building and a distinct philosophical lens. From his early works, he established a reputation for creating complex characters and worlds where the human condition is placed under a magnifying glass.

Simmons first achieved wide acclaim with The Hyperion Cantos, a groundbreaking series that introduced readers to a universe of interwoven tales, each exploring different aspects of the human psyche against the backdrop of an expansive, far-future world. The Hyperion series is often cited as one of the defining works of modern science fiction, earning Simmons both critical recognition and a devoted following. His ability to juxtapose high-stakes space opera with deeply personal stories has made his work resonate far beyond the confines of any one genre.

Throughout his career, Simmons has delved into a variety of genres, often experimenting with narrative structures, as seen in works like The Terror and Carrion Comfort. These stories showcase his ability to infuse historical events with supernatural elements, and to delve into the darkest corners of the human mind. Whether writing about an expedition to the Arctic, a war between mental powers, or a haunted future, Simmons’s writing always carries a sense of dread and wonder, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of reality itself.

His accolades are as vast as his range, with multiple Hugo, Bram Stoker, and Locus Awards gracing his career, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and respected voices in contemporary speculative fiction. Yet, beyond the awards and critical acclaim, it’s the lingering sense of mystery and the deeply introspective themes in Simmons’ work that truly define him. His stories never just entertain—they challenge, they provoke, and they leave a lasting impression.

Simmons once said, “The best stories have layers and textures, ones that speak to the reader at multiple levels.” This is the ethos that defines his writing, drawing readers in with layers of complexity and worlds both wondrous and terrifying. His work will continue to haunt and inspire those who dare to explore the depths of his extraordinary imagination.