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Showing posts with label Shape Shifter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shape Shifter. Show all posts

Twilight Eyes Review

Dean Koontz, American, Crime, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Thriller

Twilight Eyes

Published: 1987
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Twilight Eyes is a novel written by Dean Koontz that was first published in 1985 by Land of Enchantment and then extended in 1987 by Berkley. Throughout the novel, a character known only as "Slim MacKenzie" used his psychic abilities to pursue Goblins, a type of creature that appears to be capable of impersonating humans.

I am a huge Dean Koontz fan, and I truly mean it since I have read practically all of his works, as well as those of Stephen King, Anne Rice, and many other greats. I've read some really good and some really bad novels, but I've never read a bad novel by any of the great authors I've just mentioned or many others that I did not. Yes, it's true that sometimes a story or two can feel bad even if it isn't because readers expect a perfect experience every time, which is humanly impossible to provide.

This book is fantastic!! I generally read novels more than once but owing to time restrictions, I just finished it for the third time in audio format. I enjoy these characters, the setting, and the story, which never gets old. I'd love to see this made into a picture, but I'm glad Mr. Koontz turned down those who didn't want to create the story as it is. Maybe it can still happen... the current "IT" adaptation by Stephen King was wonderful and so faithful to the original novel, so I have confidence!

I've grown so accustomed to Dean Koontz in recent years; his newer work, in my opinion, leaves a lot to be desired and is unduly sanctimonious to boot. I have a stronger fondness for his early work, particularly Twilight Eyes. 

This is one of those rare novels that I can revisit every few years and like it just as much as the first time I read it. It distinguishes out from the majority of Koontz's writing, mostly because he avoids most of the hallmarks that he brings to practically everything he writes.

The majority of Koontz's books are set in California, feature protagonists in their thirties, a dog, particularly a Golden Retriever, which Koontz appears to believe is the most noble being in the animal kingdom, and a psychopathic human villain whose point of view is elaborately depicted, with extensive justification for his atrocious acts. 

Instead of Koontz's usual thirty-somethings, the hero and heroine in this story are just out of their twenties, and the action takes place on the east coast, mostly in the Pennsylvania coal-mining region. 

Not only does the action take place outside of Koontz's preferred southern California setting, but it is also set in the past: the early 1960s, most likely due to the impossibility of having a freak show in this carnival if it had been set in the 1980s when such attractions were no longer considered socially acceptable. 

One of his hallmarks that he does use here is the "heroine with the tragic childhood," as well as the "patient and understanding hero who helps the heroine overcome her traumatic background." Nonetheless, these traits are less heavy-handed than in some of his earlier writings, and he's not quite as sanctimonious as he became later in his career.

The story itself is intriguing, with the teenaged hero sensing the presence of beings he refers to as "goblins," who can perfectly disguise themselves as ordinary humans but are filled with hatred and loathing of humanity, and derive their sole pleasure from the anguish and suffering they inflict on the ordinary humans around them. 

After killing one of them in his hometown, the main character flees to join a traveling carnival, eternally cutting himself off from "straight" society and forcing him to forge a life for himself among the carnies. This eventually comes in handy for him throughout his war against the goblins.

The carnival atmosphere also helps to distinguish this novel from Koontz's normal fare and makes it intriguing in its own right. The reason for the presence of the goblins is scientific rather than magical, and even though it is extremely unlikely, one can easily suspend disbelief and enjoy the narrative. Overall, I suggest it as one of Koontz's most odd and amusing stories.

This book was published in two distinct editions. The original hardcover publication only included the first half of the narrative. The whole text was published in paperback for the first time in America. The hardcover was initially produced in a limited edition with four variants:
-1- Trade Hardcover
-2- Collector's Edition - # 1 through 50
-3- Signature Edition - # 51 through 250
-4- Lettered Edition - 24 copies marked A through Y

The trade hardback was released without the patterned leatherette slipcase that accompanied the numerous autographed versions. 

The Signature Edition, Collector's Edition, and Lettered Edition all have a limitation page signed by Dean Koontz and illustrator Phil Parks. 

The Collector's Edition was the same as the Signature Edition save for a special inscription by Koontz and an original drawing by Parks. Koontz, Parks, and publisher Christopher shared the 24-copy Lettered Edition.


Final Thoughts

This is a thrilling rollercoaster ride. Dean Koontz transforms the ills of reality into demon monsters from our dreams, displaying the basic frailty of the human condition. 

He transmits the light and power of our better selves in his stories without leaving out our flaws, providing relief from the realities of our existence. 

You can almost imagine yourself in the scenario from his descriptions. As always, I enjoy his works' mystical elements. This one was no different. The narrative was fantastic.

Twilight Eyes was the first of numerous books by Koontz that I read. I came across the book in an antique and used book store, and the cover immediately drew my interest. After becoming a Koontz fan, I discovered that the author has been interested in carnivals since boyhood, and it shows in this novel. 

The plot revolves around Slim MacKenzie, a young man with the talent of Twilight Eyes. The novel draws you into the lives of a carnie and a youngster who sees what few can, the actual identity of those who live on Earth. 

After the first chapter, Koontz pulls you straight into the plot, something he excels at. The carnival and its characters are "rich" and authentic. You can smell the cotton candy and feel the dust from the carnival pathways in your lungs. 

The "Demons" are also well shown, and the excitement of conflicts between Slim and these terrible things is high. 

The plot progresses at a leisurely and steady pace, and while the finale may have been better, this is still one of my favorite Koontz novels to date. 

If you enjoy carnivals as I do or want to go into Dean Koontz's universe, I definitely recommend this book.

Twilight Eyes, Lightning, Darkfall, Odd Thomas series, and The Bad Place are among a few of my personal favorites. Twilight Eyes' narrative premise is not only intriguing but it is also thought stimulating. 

Twilight Eyes is highly recommended. There are some sections of the work that are vividly and nearly visually explicit. Simply read it, and I'm confident you'll appreciate it.


Synopsis

“In this chilling thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz, the carnival is coming to town—and it's like nothing you've ever seen.

Slim MacKenzie is no ordinary man. With eyes the color of twilight, he’s been blessed with a psychic gift: premonitions. He’s also been cursed, for Slim can see the monsters hiding among us, feeding on our suffering...

And when Slim joins a traveling carnival seeking sanctuary, what he’ll find is a hunting ground—with humanity as the prey.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Ability To See, Highly Recommend, Joel Tuck, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Second Half, Slim Mackenzie, Stephen King, Years Ago, Young Man


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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Phantoms (1998) (R)

The Servants Of Twilight (1991) (R)

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Brother Odd Review

Dean Koontz, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Thriller

Brother Odd

Published: 28, November 2006
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Thriller
Book 3 of 7: Odd Thomas

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Dean Koontz wrote the novel, Brother Odd. It is the third novel in Koontz's series about Odd Thomas, a young man. Koontz's work is marked by excellent characterization and meticulous planning, and this narrative about the triumph of modesty over arrogance is extraordinary on both counts. A work that is both lively and amusing, as well as having the proper heart.

I like Koontz, Odd Thomas, and Anton Yelchin, who played him so wonderfully in the movie adaptation. He was very young at the time of his sad death. Anton Yelchin was the first actor I saw after reading the novels who matched my expectations. Rest in Peace 

It's fantastic to cheer for a genuinely good man who prioritizes others before himself and just feels that's how it should be. He's terrified, humorous, humble, and unassuming. In any case, this series stimulates. shocks, draws you in, makes you talk to the characters out loud, and offers insights that will serve you well.

Another exciting Odd Thomas novel. I had intended to download the series and read them while on the go, but I had to switch to audio because it was difficult to read while moving. I'm nearly halfway through the third book again and I'm completely captivated!

These are what I'd term Paranormal Murder-Mysteries. It's not too out of the ordinary, but it's also not too out of the unexpected. 

My only gripe has been that they are a touch overly wordy, and I thought it was a little long for the real narrative matter, but I still like it and wanted more.

Brother Odd does not fail in the mystery department: as it begins with Odd in the Monastery, you wonder how Mr. Koontz can tell a good story at a monastery?! But it completely works. 

The colorful monks provide color to the narrative. For me, the saddest aspect of the novel was the ending, when someone dies. That came as a surprise to me. 

Don’t forget to buy the next book Odd Hours because as soon as you are done with it, I am sure you'll get crazy about reading the next one.

The first book Odd Thomas was fantastic, deserving of the start of a completely new character-based series. Unfortunately, the second book Forever Odd felt forced and would never have made it to market if it had been a stand-alone book, but only if it had been compared to the first one, as I previously noted in the review for Forever Odd, otherwise it was a wonderful read.

In some ways, the ending of Brother Odd is reminiscent of Dean Koontz's earlier novel of an extraterrestrial invasion, The Taking, except that it is done in reverse. I can't say much more without giving anything away, but if you've read The Taking and applied its ending, but in reverse, to this novel, you'll be able to figure out who the villain is, but I'm probably being too vague.

This novel makes up for the second novel Forever Odd by providing us with a reason to keep Odd Thomas around. It's highly enjoyable, and while it's a little predictable, it's still engaging, and the characters are folks you'd like to spend a few hours with.

Koontz has progressed from being a pure horror writer to crafting novels with a larger meaning. According to several of my friends who have read this book, it is not what they were searching for. 

This book is classified as a moral lesson. I prefer his religious undertones, so that's okay with me, but not everyone will love his anti-science stance. 

I believe the morality is intended to be more about seizing power and wanting to become a deity than it is about being anti-science and anti-scientist. Overall, this book is well worth the time you'll spend reading it.

Dean Koontz has created a tale with complex characters and intriguing circumstances, as he usually does. 

Odd Thomas has a special place in my heart because he's scrupulously honest, loyal, and hardworking, and he struggles with the responsibilities he's assigned when they don't appear to match his values. 

Mr. Koontz's characters that surround Odd are well-developed and give him with both aid and amazement, which keeps the reader entertained. 

If you appreciate Dean Koontz's work in general, you will likely enjoy this book and the series as well. If you're new to Dean Koontz, I recommend starting with the first book in the series Odd Thomas and working your way forward; keeping in mind that Odd has a name for a reason! And if you're a fan of Odd Thomas, you should absolutely read the entire series. I'm about to complete this book again on audio, and I'm already excited for the next one!

Odd Thomas' third novel had me intrigued once more by Koontz's extraordinary mastery of wit, language, and vision.

A more concentrated tale than the last one called Forever Odd, I could readily imagine the events within the Monastery and the thought bending bone creatures. It's always a pleasure to feast on the creativity of a skilled wordsmith.

Dean Koontz has been writing for a long time and is well-versed in his craft. He's even written how-to books on it. Here, the master storyteller expertly builds an engrossing storyline that will have you flipping pages long after the sun has gone down. 

In the midst of all the horrific events, Koontz instills a sense of hope, humor, and wonder, and the author has created a protagonist in Odd Thomas who is immensely likable and admirable, to the point where Koontz may be making Odd too saintly (The title of the seventh book, fittingly, is "Saint Odd,") and whose self-effacing but unwavering personality drives the narrative. 


Final Thoughts

This time, he has some extra assistance! The third novel maintains the blend of humor, mystery, horror, good and evil, Elvis, always entertaining societal insights, and this time, a meeting between Science and God. 

Furthermore, a compelling and powerful picture of people with disabilities of all levels and origins, what they provide to us, and what we owe them.

I loved this book as much as I did the previous Odd Thomas novels I've read. Although I guessed the villain very early on, this did not detract from my pleasure of the narrative.

Without giving too much away about the narrative, here are some of the things I like about the book: The reality that someone who looked to be a clear "evil person" turned out to be the polar opposite.

I also felt it was refreshing to utilize a monk's abuse of science as the tool of devastation here rather than a supernatural force.

The fact is that, in the end, Odd is summoned out of his comfort zone and into the broader world.


Synopsis

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Loop me in, odd one. The words, spoken in the deep of night by a sleeping child, chill the young man watching over her. For this was a favorite phrase of Stormy Llewellyn, his lost love. In the haunted halls of the isolated monastery where he had sought peace, Odd Thomas is stalking spirits of an infinitely darker nature.

As he steadfastly journeys toward his mysterious destiny, Odd Thomas has established himself as one of the most beloved and unique fictional heroes of our time. Now, wielding all the power and magic of a master storyteller at the pinnacle of his craft, Dean Koontz follows Odd into a singular new world where he hopes to make a fresh beginning—but where he will meet an adversary as old and inexorable as time itself.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Another Great, Dead People, Great Read, Highly Recommend, Looking Forward, Pico Mundo, Sense Of Humor, Thomas Series, Young Man


Rating: 95/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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Different Seasons Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Coming Of Age, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf, Witches, Wizard

Different Seasons

Published: 27, August 1982
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Coming Of Age, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Psychic, Psychological, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf, Witches, Wizard

Check the summary of this book here:
Different Seasons Summary


The Review

Different Seasons is a compilation of four Stephen King short stories that are more dramatic in tone than the horror fiction for which he is well known. The four novellas are linked by finer points related to each of the four seasons. The collection is significant for the fact that virtually all of its novellas have been adapted into Hollywood films, one of which, The Shawshank Redemption, was nominated for Best Picture at the 1994 Academy Awards.

There is also a small afterword written by King on January 4, 1982, at the conclusion of the book. He explains why he hadn't previously submitted the novellas (Essentially, all four were written at different times.) for publication in it. 

Early in his career, his agents and editors voiced worry that he would be labeled as a horror writer. His horror works, on the other hand, proved to be highly popular, putting him in high demand as an author. 

Novellas that did not deal largely with the supernatural, on the other hand, were extremely difficult to publish since there was no mass market for straight fiction stories in the 25,000 to 35,000 word range.


This book's short tales are as follows:

01 - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption
Subtitle: Hope Springs Eternal

This was an exciting and well-written story. The novella and the film are practically similar, with the novella having more details, as is almost typically the case with book versions. 

I loved both the film and the book, which is uncommon for me to appreciate both the film and the book. The book was turned into a film, The Shawshank Redemption, starring Tim Robbins as Andy and Morgan Freeman as Red, as well as a stage play of the same name. 

A gritty, dramatic jail story that had me riveted from beginning to finish. I really enjoy this type of storytelling because it seems like you're sitting with someone and listening to a story that keeps you captivated by the narrator's voice.

The film adaptation is widely regarded as one of the most reputable films of all time, having been nominated for seven Academy Awards at the 67th Academy Awards in 1995, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Freeman. In an interview, Morgan Freeman remarked that this novella is his favorite book.


02 - Apt Pupil
Subtitle: Summer of Corruption

Apt Pupil is divided into 30 chapters, many of which are represented by months. The novel takes place across four years in a fictional Southern California neighborhood named "Santo Donato," with most of the action taking place in the first year and the latter months. It's the only novella in Different Seasons that's told in the third person.

A connection to "Strawberry Spring," a short tale published in the King collection Night Shift, is mentioned, which isn't anything major but is nevertheless an Easter egg for the faithful fans.

Another similarity is the hotel room number 217, which is the same as the famed Overlook Hotel room in The Shining. 

Furthermore, in The Shining, Jack Torrance is working on a play with a character named Denker, which is the same name as Dussander's alter ego. 

As a result, some fans believe Apt Pupil is Torrance's play. In the afterword to Different Seasons, King recounts writing Apt Pupil right after The Shining, which might explain why it has such a direct link.

The tale differed from the film in that it was darker and had more violence, which was typical. I thought it was almost perfect, but not quite on the level of Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, but it was still a fantastic book.

This is more in line with what we've come to expect from King. By no means a horror story, but rather a thriller; a psychological thriller. I couldn't exactly recall the narrative at first, but as I began to read, it all came flooding back to me. Because these are sick people, it might be difficult to read at times, but it is an extremely well-written read!


03 - The Body
Subtitle: Fall from Innocence

This is a coming-of-age narrative about four twelve-year-old boys who were searching for the body of a missing boy. It lacks the conclusion of the previous stories, it's a very well coming-of-age narrative with a lot of well-written language depicting childhood friendships, all situated in the heart of rural America.

This is the narrative that inspired the film Stand By Me. I enjoyed the film and the story. The plot clearly provides a lot more depth, and it departs significantly from the book in some areas.

The plot is, of course, fantastic, but it is quite lengthy and retrospective rather than action-packed. We are privy to the narrator's thoughts, and this is a work of literary coming of age. 

I'm pleased I read it again since it made me feel nostalgic and sorrowful. This tale includes links to the Stephen King world, with Sheriff Bannerman named multiple times, however, given it takes place in the 1950s, he is just a Constable at this point, and Shawshank Prison is now part of the canon, being mentioned twice.


04 - The Breathing Method
Subtitle: A Winter's Tale

This is a horrific story that comes closest to what we would anticipate from King in this collection. There is a lengthy prelude outlining a man's life and how his employer invites him to a club. 

Finally, the club has certain mystical properties that are never explored. The focus is on an engaging narrative recounted by a character in the story, which concludes with a great spooky twist. 

I'm not surprised there isn't a film for this one. The content just does not appear to be fit for adaptation into a film. But film adaptation may occur soon, however, there has been no further news regarding the project since 2019.


By the time this book came out, Stephen King had established himself as a master of genre fiction up to this point in his career, including the Bachman volumes, which, although not horror (in my mind,) are nevertheless diverse genres. 

With four novellas included in this book, King returns to straight fiction, offering some of his best work to date and demonstrating that he can write pure fiction and even literature.


Final Thoughts

First and foremost, you should not be comparing three of these novellas to Stephen King's more conventional tales. I think King is a wonderful writer, but there's a considerable difference between his horror stories and even his fantasy and this work, which I believe belongs more squarely in the area of literary fiction. 

Some of the tale and location features remind me of Richard Russo, who has a number of stories where the setting or town is nearly part of the action, and the coming of age sections remind me of many Tobias Wolff short stories.

I believe that all four novels in this collection deserve full points and recommendations, but one additional opinion is that the first Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption is deserving of that ranking, and makes the complete collection worthwhile to purchase. 

Overall, this is a brilliantly written book with a variety of topic matter and storytelling methods... Three of these pieces have been adapted into films, some of which have been nominated for Academy Awards, and the writing is both sharp and memorable.


Synopsis

“Includes the stories “The Body” and “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”—set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine

A “hypnotic” (The New York Times Book Review) collection of four novellas—including the inspirations behind the films Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption—from Stephen King, bound together by the changing of seasons, each taking on the theme of a journey with strikingly different tones and characters.

This gripping collection begins with “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption,” in which an unjustly imprisoned convict seeks a strange and startling revenge—the basis for the Best Picture Academy Award-nominee The Shawshank Redemption.

Next is “Apt Pupil,” the inspiration for the film of the same name about top high school student Todd Bowden and his obsession with the dark and deadly past of an older man in town.

In “The Body,” four rambunctious young boys plunge through the façade of a small town and come face-to-face with life, death, and intimations of their own mortality. This novella became the movie Stand By Me.

Finally, a disgraced woman is determined to triumph over death in “The Breathing Method.”

“The wondrous readability of his work, as well as the instant sense of communication with his characters, are what make Stephen King the consummate storyteller that he is,” hailed the Houston Chronicle about Different Seasons.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bob Gunton, Brad Renfro, Bruce Davison, Bryan Singer, Corey Feldman, Dead Body, Even Though, Frank Darabont, Hayworth And The Shawshank, Ian Mckellen, Morgan Freeman, Nazi War, Rita Hayworth, River Phoenix, Rob Reiner, Tim Robbins, War Criminal, Wil Wheaton


Rating: 100/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

Stand by Me (1986) (R)

Apt Pupil (1998) (R)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (R)

Secret Window (1994) (PG-13)

The Langoliers (1994) (PG-13)

Under The Dome - Season 1 (2013) (13+)

Dreamcatcher (2003) (R)

Cell (2016) (R)

Bag of Bones Season 1 (2012) (13+)

Dolores Claiborne (1995) (R)

It (1990) (R)

It (2017) (R)

It Chapter Two (2019) (R)

Needful Things (1993) (R)

Desperation (2006) (16+)

Silver Bullet (1985) (R)

The Tommyknockers (1993) (M)

Christine (1983) (R)

The Dead Zone (1983) (R)

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

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Gwendy's Final Task Review

Stephen King, Richard Chizmar, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Magic, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Gwendy's Final Task

Published: 15, February 2022
Genre: Fiction, Horror, Literature, Magic, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Book 3 of 3: Gwendy's Button Box Trilogy

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King and Richard Chizmar collaborated on the supernatural adventure novel Gwendy's Final Task. This is the third installment of the trilogy Gwendy's Button Box. Gwendy's Button Box and Gwendy's Magic Feather are previous entries. It is mostly set in the year 2026 aboard the MF-1 Space Station and focuses on the titular Gwendy Peterson, a sixty-four-year-old United States Senator from Maine. It's been twenty years since Richard Farris freed her from the button box, but it's returned, and she'll have to overcome formidable challenges before she can finally destroy it.

While not among King's blockbusters like "The Stand" or "11/22/63," the Gwendy books come to a satisfying climax in this third and longest book in the series. 

Nice "Dark Tower" and "It" references that tie it into the grander King universe. The first book was essentially a novella, and the second was a mid-sized book, but this is massive in comparison to the prior two volumes.

King's politics are no secret, and they add realism to a fantastic story, so please understand it is not about any real-life mentally unstable politician, it is about fictional politics, so have fun reading it and remember that many of the negative reviews and hate you read or hear about this novel and series are from innocent people who don't understand the point of this story. 

As usual, I must emphasize the need of educating people to love, care for, and respect one another, and to not trust anybody who uses fear to make you hate, fear, and think negatively of others for selfish benefits.

The book kept my attention by alternating Gwendy's journey to her final mission in space. The premise is a little strange, but Chizmar makes it believable with her last encounter with the mysterious Mr. Farris and how she ends up on that Eagle Heavy rocket with that sinister dispenser of unique and magical chocolates and apocalypse.

If you're a fan of Stephen King's Dark Tower series, there's a lot to appreciate here. In fact, a significant portion of the book assumes that you are familiar with the ideas and story mechanisms of those works. Even the low men in yellow coats make an appearance.

Assuming that everyone has read the preceding volumes, many readers will wonder why Gwendy is so unique. 

Farris describes the failures of past button box guardians, but there is no explanation for why Gwendy is able to withstand the artifact's terrible force. 

She is a great person, bold and astute, nurtured in love and knowledge, but Farris makes it obvious that many of the other candidates were just as morally deserving but failed the exam. 

My response is that she is simply being tried like everyone else, but she succeeds because of her determination and strength of character.

Though there are glimpses of emotion that would have made him appealing, the book's villain is a caricature; in the end, he is only threatening because Gwendy is suffering from an illness that leaves her susceptible.

Given that this novel is mostly about Gwendy and the company, I found it annoying that no one else, aside from the mission commander Kathy and the "Bug Man" Adesh, is ever truly brought into focus, and they are eventually rendered redundant.

The book isn't bad, and it benefits from comparison to the second, but it's evident that Chizmar, while a competent writer, lacks King's ability for complex characters and complicated plotting, as I mentioned in my assessment of the prior book. 

It's a great novel, but it's not on Stephen King's level, even if he's one of the authors, and perhaps that's why it's not a total failure; and is well worth your money, particularly if you miss the Dark Tower series.

Despite all I've said thus far, I absolutely adored this book as a reader! Once I started reading it, it was impossible for me to put it down. I laughed out loud at times and was disappointed when the narrative ended. I really enjoyed the numerous connections to King's previous works!

In places, it's a little over the top and predictable, but it's still a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy. The total of its components is more than the sum of its parts. Gwendy is a fascinating woman, and the button box and its potential piqued my interest.

Plus, there were so many Easter eggs in this one that they didn't fail to make me grin, even though a couple seemed tossed in as an afterthought.


Final Thoughts

The Gwendy novels may not persuade a beginner to King of his incredible and legendary narrative skill, but they are entertaining short readings and wonderful diversions. I liked all three of them, but this one was my favorite.

The final book was a nice and somewhat surprising conclusion to a three-novel story that spans a woman's entire life and deals with issues far beyond what most people face: visitors from alternate universes, the horrific deaths of loved ones, difficult choices that may or may not save the entire planet, or possibly planets. 

Because there are other universes, you know, like Roland's and the Dark Tower, and a certain wicked clown wandering the sewers of Derry, Maine in It.

King and Chizmar did an excellent job with Gwendy, creating a relatable heroine who is coping with otherworldly issues. 

The stories are fast readings with narratives that are delightfully surprising in their breadth. So much so that Gwendy swings from being a small kid in over her head to a politician with national clout to a space traveler faced with an impossible ultimate job.

I wholeheartedly suggest the series to anybody who likes mild horror with a dash of the fantasy drama. 

But don't get me wrong, while I wouldn't call these books chilling, you won't have to leave the lights on when you go to bed because there are some solid horror moments that remind you, much like a slap in the face, that these are Stephen King books, at least partially, and woe to those who become complacent, because fresh hot horror seems to pour out of the pages when you least expect it

The truth is that these books are a lot of fun, pleasant, and amusing, with just enough suspense and violence to keep the pages turning quickly. 

I highly recommend picking these up and spending a few days with Gwendy, who has some surprises in store for you.


Synopsis

“The final book in the New York Times bestselling Gwendy’s Button Box trilogy from Stephen King and Richard Chizmar.

When Gwendy Peterson was twelve, a mysterious stranger named Richard Farris gave her a mysterious box for safekeeping. It offered treats and vintage coins, but it was dangerous. Pushing any of its seven colored buttons promised death and destruction. Years later, the button box entered Gwendy’s life again. A successful novelist and a rising political star, she was once again forced to deal with the temptation that box represented. Now, evil forces seek to possess the button box and it is up to Senator Gwendy Peterson to keep it from them at all costs. But where can you hide something from such powerful entities?

In Gwendy’s Final Task, “horror giants” (Publishers Weekly) Stephen King and Richard Chizmar take us on a journey from Castle Rock to another famous cursed Maine city to the MF-1 space station, where Gwendy must execute a secret mission to save the world. And, maybe, all worlds.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Button Box, Final Task, Gwendy And The Button, Gwendys Final, King And Richard, Magic Feather, Political Views


Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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It Review

Stephen King, American, Coming Of Age, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf

It

Published: 15, September 1986
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Coming Of Age, Drama, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's "It" is a terrifying horror tale. It was his 22nd novel and 17th written under his own name. The narrative follows the exploits of seven children as they are frightened by an evil creature that uses its victims' anxieties to conceal itself as it hunts its prey. To entice its favorite prey of young children, "It" takes the shape of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

These lines are actually written at the end of the review, but I'm including them here because I just want to say that I wrote a lot of stuff, but I still feel like I need to add more, but it won't be enough, and another reason is simple: I'm afraid to reveal anything that might spoil the book for new readers, and even if you've seen the movies, remember that you only saw a fraction of the actual masterpiece. So I'm telling you right now that the book is incredible in every way and that I wholeheartedly recommend it.

For a long time, I wanted to write "It" review, but something always stopped me, and I stopped after a few lines until now, either because of my hatred for this character or the nostalgia this book and the kids in it bring me. 

But, at long last, I'm writing it, and I'm not sure if it's about how Stephen King wrote it; it's turning out exactly like I anticipated it would, and it's all about nostalgic memories.

The novel is told mostly in third-person omniscient form, with storylines rotating between two times. It explores themes that would later become King's mainstays, including the power of memory, childhood trauma and its repeating echoes in adulthood, the malevolence lying under the bucolic façade of the American small town, and the triumph of good over evil through mutual trust and sacrifice.

According to King, he originally had the idea for the narrative in 1978 and began writing it in 1981. In 1985, he finished writing the book. 

He also said that the title character was initially intended to be a troll, similar to the one in the children's fable "Three Billy Goats Gruff," but one who lived in the local sewage system rather than simply the region beneath one bridge. 

He also intended the plot to tie together the tales of youngsters and the people they grow up to be.

In 1987, the novel won the British Fantasy Award, and it was also nominated for the Locus and World Fantasy Awards. 

It was named the best-selling hardcover fiction book in the United States by Publishers Weekly in 1986. 

It was turned into a two-part miniseries directed by Tommy Lee Wallace in 1990, as well as a film duology directed by Andy Muschietti, with It Chapter One premiering in September 2017 and It Chapter Two in September 2019.

The first moment in the movie "It 1990" that has resonated with me is when a little boy is attempting to get his ship in the rain and is killed by the monster. 

I used to despise "It" so much that I became incredibly protective of my younger brother, beating the heck out of anyone who even touched him or even thought about threatening him. 

Basically, Stephen King wrote this devil so well that I will never forget him and others who were beaten by me will never forget me too, thanks to Stephen King's writing. 

The gore and scare tactics in the movie were toned down from the novel, but I was still sad and angry at the same time, and I couldn't get over the kid's death.

I started with the movie and then moved on to the heavy-duty book. It may be a marathon for many readers to finish this book, but it was only a few hundred pages above thousand for me, and I loved it, not "It." 

So, yes, I must warn casual readers that reading and actually finishing this book is a huge commitment to oneself, but I am confident that if you can finish it, it will stay in your mind for a long time.

When I read this book as a kid or a youngster of the same age as the losers' club, I could identify with the kids but not with the older version of them, but when I read it as an adult, I could connect with both age groups, and I must warn adult readers who are going to read it for the first or second time, be prepared for the nostalgia and flood of memories of those young times and friends and family. 

These feelings can be really powerful, and I believe Stephen King understood exactly what he was doing when he wrote the book and detailed descriptions of those children's lives and activities. 

I have a suggestion for you on this topic: whenever you feel nostalgic, phone your old school buddies because if you never left on a poor note, you can still be friends and chat to family members who you know are good; believe me, you and these people will like it.

This book is just stunning. This novel provided me with more than simply entertainment. It gave me hope and encouraged me to be more hopeful about my life. 

Of course, the "horror" sequences are actually revolting and horrifying, and they might cause nightmares. 

The major topic of the book, however, is about the specific talents and capabilities that children have that adults do not, and how we need to repair or seal the split that divides the kid (whom every one of us once was) from the adult (that we have become). 

To defeat "It," the grownups must recollect their childhoods in order to "glue the present to the past" and rediscover who they once were. 

It is about memory and transformation, and what makes each of us a "person" despite our constant transformations... for each human who grows to adulthood is a shape-shifter, just as "It" is a shape-shifter, and part of our power comes from this, but also from our twin abilities to remember and to forget and obliterate who we once were.

There is a section where something happens that can divide the readers, and new readers will understand what I mean when they read it because some will be disgusted and may think that Stephen King needs to go and get himself mentally evaluated, but for me and many others, it was a very clever metaphor he added for the next stage of life and no coming back plus unity and the doors that only open and have passage to one way.

I attempted to hide a lot of information in the previous few lines and used very few words to explain that portion, so just come back and read the lines after you read that point of the book and you'll understand what I stated in a few words as a riddle or jumbled words.

Final Thoughts

The writing is brilliant because Stephen King utilizes meanings themselves to create tales, braided almost smoothly into shades of context and colors of insinuation and occasionally vivid, clear splashes of emotion that startle you. 

After all, that's how it works in real life. And in doing so, King manages to normalize seemingly improbable features such as "It's" supernatural nature and the link "It" has with the town of Derry and its citizens. 

This may have occurred. It's entirely possible. And it's that esoteric horror that King skillfully wields. The ramifications and the options are endless.

This novel would not be the same without the Derry Interludes at the conclusion of each section. 

In my perspective, the interludes are what made the novel so horrifying. They recount all of the historical tragedies that have occurred in Derry and have mostly gone unnoticed and forgotten. 

This is where you can truly witness the actual wicked nature that It puts upon this community. I could read a whole novel based only on the history of Derry, Maine. It's both fascinating and terrifying.

It's true that Stephen King can ramble on and on when he gets going, and some readers enjoy it, but I know some don't so be advised that this book has some of those portions.

A couple of things will happen if this is your first time reading a Stephen King book. Specifically... 

The term "journey" best characterizes this work. You have no clue what you're getting yourself into if you buy this novel because of a homicidal clown.

This novel will terrify you, and you will be astounded by author's attention to detail in character interactions.

This is a fantastic book that everyone should read at least once in their lives.


Synopsis

“Stephen King’s terrifying, classic #1 New York Times bestseller, “a landmark in American literature” (Chicago Sun-Times)—about seven adults who return to their hometown to confront a nightmare they had first stumbled on as teenagers…an evil without a name: It.

Welcome to Derry, Maine. It’s a small city, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real.

They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they are grown-up men and women who have gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But the promise they made twenty-eight years ago calls them reunite in the same place where, as teenagers, they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children. Now, children are being murdered again and their repressed memories of that terrifying summer return as they prepare to once again battle the monster lurking in Derry’s sewers.

Readers of Stephen King know that Derry, Maine, is a place with a deep, dark hold on the author. It reappears in many of his books, including Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis, and 11/22/63. But it all starts with It.

“Stephen King’s most mature work” (St. Petersburg Times), “It will overwhelm you…to be read in a well-lit room only” (Los Angeles Times).”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Andy Bean, Andy Muschietti, Annette O'Toole, Back And Forth, Barbara Muschietti, Bill Hader, Bill Skarsgård, Chosen Jacobs, Dan Lin, Dark Tower, David Katzenberg, Dennis Christopher, Derry Maine, Finn Wolfhard, Harry Anderson, Highly Recommend, Isaiah Mustafa, Jack Dylan Grazer, Jackson Robert Scott, Jaeden Lieberher, James Mcavoy, James Ransone, Javier Botet, Jay Ryan, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Jess Weixler, Jessica Chastain, John Ritter, King At His Best, Losers Club, New Movie, Nicholas Hamilton, Olivia Hussey, Owen Teague, Richard Masur, Richard Thomas, Roy Lee, Seth Grahame-Smith, Sophia Lillis, Stephen Bogaert, Teach Grant, Tim Curry, Tim Reid, Tommy Lee Wallace, Town Of Derry, Warner Bros, Wyatt Oleff


Rating: 100/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

It (1990) (R)

It (2017) (R)

It Chapter Two (2019) (R)

Needful Things (1993) (R)

Desperation (2006) (16+)

Silver Bullet (1985) (R)

The Tommyknockers (1993) (M)

Christine (1983) (R)

The Dead Zone (1983) (R)

Misery (1990) (R)

Carrie (1976) (R)

Firestarter (1984) (R)

Mr. Mercedes Season 01 (2017) (TV-MA)

Thinner (1996) (R)

The Running Man (1987) (R)

The Dark Half (1993) (R)

The Green Mile (1999) (16+)

Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries (2004) (NR)

The Dark Tower 8 Book Boxed Set (Paperback)

The Dark Tower (2017) (PG-13)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

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Any kind of support, even a simple 'like, thumbs up or a small comment' is enough and helps me grow, create and freely do more stuff and work on projects for the benefit of many.
Help me grow into a global force: https://www.patreon.com/namsu
Support with crypto coins/tokens: https://cointr.ee/namsu
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