Prayers to Broken Stones

★ 6.66 / 3

A woman returns from the dead with disastrous results for the family who loves her... An old-fashioned barbershop is the site of a medieval ritual of bloody terror... During a post-apocalyptic Christmas celebration, a messenger from the South brings tidings of great horror...

From a ghostly Civil War battlefield to a combat theme park in Vietnam, from the omnipotent brain of an autistic boy to a shocking story of psychic vampires, journey into a world of fear and mystery, a chilling twilight zone of the mind.

Contents:

The River Styx Runs Upstream (1982)
Eyes I Dare Not Meet in Dreams (1982)
Vanni Fucci Is Alive and Well and Living in 'Hell' (1988)
Vexed to Nightmare by a Rocking Cradle (1985)
Remembering Siri (1983)
Metastasis (1988)
The Offering (1987)
E-Ticket to 'Namland (1987)
Iverson's Pits (1988)
Shave and a Haircut, Two Bites (1989)
The Death of the Centaur (1990)
Two Minutes Forty-five Seconds (1988)
Carrion Comfort (1983)

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Updated 04/08/2025

Category: Horror, Short Stories, Bram Stoker Award

Release date: 1990

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who thrives 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 has 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.