Science fiction

Anybody read Dan Simmons? If you like sci fi, I can heartily recommend him. I previously read The Terror, a fictionalised account of Franklin's lost expedition aboard HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and I thoroughly enjoyed that. Then I found this in a charity shop and took it home, really excited. The first few pages disappointed me - but then the narrative settled and I can report only good things: at times, unputdownable - and what better accolade can one give a piece of fiction?