'Salem's Lot Review

'Salem's Lot

Published: 17, October 1975

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Classics, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller, Vampire

Check the summary of this book here:

'Salem's Lot Summary

The Review

Stephen King's horror masterpiece 'Salem's Lot was published in 1975. This novel was his second to be published. The plot revolves around a writer called Ben Mears, who returns to the village of Jerusalem's Lot, or 'Salem's Lot for short, in Maine, where he grew up from the age of five to nine, only to discover that the people are turning into vampires. The village is revisited in Stephen King's story collection Night Shift (1978) in the short stories "Jerusalem's Lot" and "One for the Road." In 1976, the novel was nominated for the World Fantasy Award, and in 1987, it was nominated for the Locus Award for the All-Time Best Fantasy Novel.

I'm practically rearranging his words here, but the next few sentences will give you a sense of what the author meant. Stephen King had planned a sequel, but he stated on his website that he no longer saw the need for one because the Dark Tower series had already completed the story of ‘Salem’s Lot in Wolves of the Calla and Song of Susannah.

This novel has played a significant role in my nightmares, and the 1979 film adaptation has also played a significant role in my twisted fantasies. I was never afraid since, in my dreams, I am always a strong and fearless youngster who may be attributed to Stephen King's final showdowns, in which the children defy all obstacles and triumph over evil.

Now that I am an adult, I am still as courageous and skillful at defeating evil in my dreams and in real life as I was when I was a child, but the frequency of those lovely nightmares has decreased since I have yet to come across anything frightening enough to make me terrified or have nightmares.

'Salem's Lot is a horror classic as well as one of the author's finest novels of all time! You'll be intrigued right away by the way he develops Jerusalem's Lot piece by piece, with all of its intriguing people.

I couldn't put this book down and read it slowly since it's so engaging. I'm planning to watch the miniseries soon and will update this section as soon as I'm through because I haven't had the opportunity to do it yet.

A new series or remake is in the works, but you never know with these types of undertakings. Still, I hope that if they make it, they do it precisely as the book is written.

People have forgotten what a vampire novel should be about, with books and series like "The Vampire Diaries," "True Blood," and the Twilight Saga dominating modern culture.

And these aren't books for angst-ridden teens or elderly cat ladies. "'Salem's Lot" is one of such books.

Thankfully, authentic vampire books that actually terrify people are there; you just have to hunt for them.

It's Stephen King's version of the vampire narrative. The characters aren't empty shells, either. They're all rather detailed.

And the remarkable thing about the author's writing talent is that he can have a large cast of characters and make them all deep and sympathetic, and he can even make the villains believable rather than stereotypical images. This is only one of the many reasons why 'Salem's Lot is so smart and timely today.

This is a must-read for every fan of the supernatural type of literature, especially those who adore vampire novels. It's hard to think that the author created this terrifying novel when he was only 24 years old, at the start of his career.

On many levels and for many reasons, it is a work of pure genius. As the novel progresses and the plot unfolds, one of my favorite features of this book is the growing sense of doom and foreboding.

This is a story about pure evil penetrating, enveloping, and swiftly devouring the picturesque, imaginary New England town of Jerusalem's Lot.

At the beginning of his novel, the author constructed a complete community of incredibly convincing characters, which made the ensuing plot twists and turns all the more interesting and engaging for the reader.

Many of his characters were adorable, a few were repulsive, a few were insignificant, and a few were terrifying.

The character development was superb throughout, and I felt a feeling of familiarity with imaginary characters and locations I'd only read about in other books.

I thought the two new stories included in the enhanced edition of 'Salem's Lot were excellent additions to Stephen King's vampire legend.

I loved the deleted and added material in the revised version as well, although I believe the removed material was better that way and may have altered the book's original beauty.

I can't say enough good things about this book, and I hope the author will write more vampire stories. 

Only one writer, in my opinion, can bring back the terrifying and original vampires like Dracula, and that writer is Stephen King.

Final Thoughts

This is a vampire story without a joyful ending or pleasant vampires. These are the elderly vampires that just care about killing and reproducing.

The characters are well-developed and believable for the period and location in which they are set.

It is very much a product of the era in which it was written, yet it still holds up well today. So don't expect to see a gorgeous, vegetarian vampire like Edward from Stephenie Meyer’s The Twilight Saga.

The concept of little New England townships filled by distant, intolerant citizens has been a recurring motif in the author's subsequent horror stories.

These secluded hamlets have offered ideal soil for the threads of chaos, conflict, and evil to grow time and time again until the author eventually puts pen to paper.

Stephen King's true brilliance, in my opinion, is not so much in the specifics of the narrative he tells us about as in the details of the story that readers are allowed to guess.

To put it another way, he pushes us to use our imaginations to fill in the blanks in the patchwork of the narrative he tells us.

This brings the reader closer to the tale and, in turn, perhaps boosts the strength of his storytelling.

As a result, in my opinion, the more engaged your mind is, the more a book will fascinate and terrify you. Fortunately for me, I have a vivid imagination; As a result, I like this type of writing far more than a casual reader.

Synopsis

“Ben Mears has returned to Jerusalem’s Lot in hopes that exploring the history of the Marsten House, an old mansion long the subject of rumor and speculation, will help him cast out his personal devils and provide inspiration for his new book. But when two young boys venture into the woods, and only one returns alive, Mears begins to realize that something sinister is at work—in fact, his hometown is under siege from forces of darkness far beyond his imagination. And only he, with a small group of allies, can hope to contain the evil that is growing within the borders of this small New England town.

With this, his second novel, Stephen King established himself as an indisputable master of American horror, able to transform the old conceits of the genre into something fresh and all the more frightening for taking place in a familiar, idyllic locale.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Ben Mears, Dark Tower, Deleted Scenes, Father Callahan, Jerusalems Lot, King At His Best, Mark Petrie, Marsten House, New England, Small Town, Stokers Dracula

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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Salem’s Lot (1979) (G)

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

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The Wind Through the Keyhole Review

The Wind Through the Keyhole

Published: 21, February 2012

Author: Stephen King

Genre: Arthurian, Fantasy, Fiction, Media Tie-In, Mystery, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Thriller, Werewolf, Witches, Wizards

Book 4.5 of 7: The Dark Tower

Check the summary of this book here:

The Wind Through the Keyhole Summary

The Review:

Stephen King's fantasy book The Wind Through the Keyhole is the eighth novel in The Dark Tower series, however, it falls between volumes four "Wizard and Glass" and five "Wolves of the Calla" in chronological order. The book was first referenced by Stephen King in 2009, following the disputed conclusion of the seventh novel "The Dark Tower" in 2004, and was formally revealed on March 10, 2011, on the author's official website.

To begin with, it was nice to hear Eddie, Susannah, Jake, Oy, and Roland's voices come to life again and enjoy their interactions, even if it was just for a few moments.

If you're like many fans who read the entire series before reading this book, you'll understand what I'm talking about. But if you haven't finished part four yet, I recommend you read this book before going on to the fifth.

It doesn't matter if you read it after you finish the series and then come back to read it, but if this is your first trip through the series; I think it's best to read it as part 4.5.

I strongly advise all readers to read the prior four volumes before moving on to this one, since otherwise, you will have no idea of what is going on or who is who or what is what.

This book picks up after the events of Wizard and Glass, with Roland recounting a tale from his past as a teenage gunslinger in a nearby village from Gilead, dealing with a "Skin-Man" monstrosity frightening and slaying the locals.

But about midway through that story, he switches to a fairy tale about a young kid on a journey to save his mother from his violent stepfather.

Overall, this is a fantastic book. It is reasonable to classify it as book 4.5. The novel includes a tale inside a story, which is a unique and intriguing approach to writing a novel.

The story begins with the five members of the band from Book 4 on their quest for The Dark Tower.

They are stuck in a bunker for three days due to a catastrophic storm known as a 'starkblast.' To keep them entertained, Roland recounts them a story from his adolescent years.

The narrative revolves around one of his first missions as a gunslinger when he was dispatched by train to a faraway place to investigate claims of a homicidal shape shifter, which his father does not think are genuine.

The first third of the book is about Roland's past, the second third is about the narrative he tells the youngster, and the third quarter concludes the historical story.

Both stories are well-written and enjoyable to read. The narrative is intriguing, although not as suspenseful as some of author's other novels because we all know Roland will survive the shape shifter.

We also discover a little more about Roland's mother, including a final letter she sent to him. Roland tells the youngster a story about a terrible tax collector from Gilead.

I greatly doubt Roland's mother, who raised Roland in Gilead, the purported stronghold of virtue on the world, would have ever taught him a story about such a guy.

That was the only portion of the work that appeared out of place because the tale could have been presented without mentioning a wicked Gilead representative.

The rest of Roland the boy's narrative was well-developed, particularly in its exploration of elderly people's marvels.

I have a feeling Roland's childhood story isn't totally compatible with the rest of the books; for example, the Manni people in book 5 weren't familiar to Susannah, Jake, and Eddie, despite the fact that they should have known them based on this description. Even yet, given the high quality of the plot, any inconsistencies are small and easily overlooked.

Young Roland's plot goes swiftly and is both interesting and intriguing. It showcases his abilities, even at such a young age, and shares the same spirit of adventure and unpredictability as the previous Tower stories.

The fairy tale itself is well constructed and brimming with Stephen King’s universe references. Finally, I believe the author has done the series honor by continuing it 5 years after he declared it complete.

Adding to a popular series is a tough and hazardous decision. The book, on the other hand, does not feel like an afterthought; rather, it improves what has already been written and makes the voyage as a whole that much more complete and pleasurable.

There are things that can be learned, magic elements to be discovered, a new culture of "muties" to be discovered, and, of course, the beam.

We read of a little boy, maybe eleven years old, whose father was just murdered by a dragon of some kind. In a cruel environment, he and his mother strive for survival.

Just when they think they've discovered their savior, the author throws a curveball into the mix to throw everything off. The young man's quest to save his mother and himself leads us on a perilous trip packed with magic, danger, and suspense.

This is one of the novels that, like the series in which it is set, maybe considered among Stephen King's best.

I still wish we'd seen more of Roland when he was younger. What are the chances? Perhaps the author will continue the Dark Tower Series with a new installment someday.

Final Thoughts:

Even if you've never read any of Stephen King's earlier works, let alone the Tower series, the book may be read as a stand-alone, according to the preface.

True, but doing so would be foolish because so much of it is based on these individuals and their distinct environment.

As a result, I'd only suggest this to someone who has read the Tower Series before or if you're interested in giving them a try, start at the beginning and read this one in the order it appears in the series. You'll be pleased you did, and I am sure of it.

This novel takes us closer to Roland as a young boy as readers. It also helps us comprehend Roland's finality as he grew older.

After Mejis, Roland had attained manhood not merely by passing Cort's gunslinger exam, but also by seeing Mejis' murder and devastation.

Roland reveals his frigid heart to the world for the first time as the nails are pounded deep into the coffin that signifies maturity.

It's also enjoyable to read, providing insight into some of our favorites (if you're a fan of the series). It will draw you back into Roland Deschain's universe as if you had never left it before.

Given the scope of King's Dark Tower levels, the novel fits nicely into the series.

I have to bring out an important truth once more. It is true that this book may be read as a stand-alone novel, but only if you have read the entire series or have finished the fourth book but have not yet begun the fifth; otherwise, it cannot be termed a stand-alone novel, so please keep that in mind when reading this book.

Synopsis:

“In his New York Times bestselling The Wind Through the Keyhole, Stephen King returns to the spectacular territory of the Dark Tower fantasy saga to tell a story about gunslinger Roland Deschain in his early days.

The Wind Through the Keyhole is a sparkling contribution to the series that can be placed between Dark Tower IV and Dark Tower V. This Russian doll of a novel, a story within a story within a story, visits Roland and his ka-tet as a ferocious, frigid storm halts their progress along the Path of the Beam. Roland tells a tale from his early days as a gunslinger, in the guilt-ridden year following his mother’s death. Sent by his father to investigate evidence of a murderous shape-shifter, Roland takes charge of Bill Streeter, a brave but terrified boy who is the sole surviving witness to the beast’s most recent slaughter. Roland, himself only a teenager, calms the boy by reciting a story from the Book of Eld that his mother used to read to him at bedtime, “The Wind Through the Keyhole.” “A person’s never too old for stories,” he says to Bill. “Man and boy, girl and woman, we live for them.”

And stories like The Wind Through the Keyhole live for us with Stephen King’s fantastical magic that “creates the kind of fully imagined fictional landscapes a reader can inhabit for days at a stretch” (The Washington Post).”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Addition To The Dark, Eddie And Susannah, Glass And Wolves, Great Addition, Old Friends, Roland And His Ka-Tet, Within A Story, Wizard and Glass, Wolves of the Calla, Young Roland

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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The Dark Tower Review

The Dark Tower

Published: 21, September 2004

Author: Stephen King

Genres: Arthurian, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Western, Witches, Wizards

Book 7 of 7: The Dark Tower

Check the summary of this book here:

The Dark Tower Summary

The Review:

Stephen King's The Dark Tower is a fantasy novel. It is the seventh and final novel in his Dark Tower series. It was released on September 21, 2004, which also happens to be Stephen King's birthday. Beginning where book six Song of Susannah left off, Jake Chambers and Father Callahan confront the demonic infestation within the Dixie Pig, a vampire bar in New York City that serves roast human flesh and has gateways to other realms.

Many readers, even fans, will have a newfound appreciation for Stephen King after reading this series, and I believe he is among the top few greatest literary brains of our time.

Seriously. I'm astounded at the universes he's built for people to lose themselves in. I am a quick reader who can read a lot of books at once, so I never get bored, but I do slow down on some novels because I don't want them to end.

I tried to do the same with this series, but I kept going until I fell asleep or it was already morning on several nights.

What I learned about these novels was that once you start reading, you won't be able to put them down until you've finished the entire series.

The reader is captivated by something in these works. It's the connection with the characters, or perhaps it's because it opens the reader's eyes to a deeper comprehension of Roland, and once you finish one book, you can't wait to start the next.

A word about the movie: there are elements in it that suggest it may have been a sequel to the novels, but the authors didn't reveal this link for whatever reason, leaving most fans and casual readers perplexed as to why it went the way it did.

To put it frankly, the horn that was dropped on Jericho Hill was in his hands in the movie, and I only know this because the studio auctioned off all objects from the set, including a "canteen and horn," and a photo showed Jake holding the canteen with the horn in his hand.

I'm not sure if this knowledge (previous two paragraphs) is relevant, but I know certain individuals that want to know everything about everything, therefore I believe this information is for them.

As the story developed, Stephen King explored and stretched his writing talents throughout the series.

Normally, I think of authors in specific categories, but reading them as Stephen King worked layers into his plot was a real treat.

I was irritated a few times by the choices he took to advance the plot, and I suppose it was because his choices were unique. He merged genres. His references were both obvious and subtle.

Through it all, he wrote in a late-nineteenth-century timeframe. He worked tirelessly on the tale, and it was fascinating to read his almost tired recounting in the afterwords of people hounding him about the storyline book after book.

I was concerned that no conclusion could do this series honor. I even slowed down my reading since I was afraid I would be dissatisfied.

The buildup of the previous six volumes and now this seventh could not be topped off with any conclusion I could think of. But Stephen King is a master and that is what I can say at this point.

This finale took the author more than two decades to write, but it was well worth the wait. If, like Roland, you got this far, simply know that you'll reach the finish understanding that Ka is a turning wheel, and the narrative will suffice.

Some readers may not like the finale, but I thought it was a perfect finish to an incredibly fantastic story. It all depends on what you learned from the series up until the very end and how you felt about it.

I've read the "Dark Tower" series several times but never get tired of it. It makes me desire that "new" versions could be made in order to expose all of the possibilities.

But, however, that would do a grave disservice to this series. Stephen King's narrative abilities continue to mystify me. So much so that I've read every other book he's ever written just to keep getting glimpses of this story threaded throughout.

What an experience! There were tears, laughter, adventure, compassion, love, valor, and wickedness, and, of course, as is customary in Stephen King tales, there were many surprises.

I met up with the ka-tet. It will be difficult to be a part of it no more. What would life be like without the quest for the Dark Tower? I guess I don't have a choice.

I envy you the experience that awaits you if you haven't read them yet. Make the commitment and get right in. You will not be sorry.

Final Thoughts:

Is it worthwhile to read The Dark Tower? Yes, if you enjoy grandiose fantasy. Yes, if you can put up with occasional blunders in writing style and convention. No, if you dislike horror, the paranormal, adventures, and action, and believe such books must be cheap pulp.

Author's efforts to create a multiverse replete with all of the adventures and characters he cast drew me in.

I was already so engrossed that I bought both hardcover and paperback at the same time because I couldn't stop reading, and I used to buy both copies before digital versions became the standard, and I did this with all of my favorite writers.

What he did was incredible, I'll definitely listen to this series again when I finish the eighth book The Wind Through the Keyhole, which is actually a novel that sits between parts four "Wizard and Glass" and five "Wolves of the Calla" and may be considered the series' book 4.5 of 7. If you're on the fence about spending a few dollars on these books, be assured that they are well worth it.

This series is strongly recommended for anybody who wants to get lost in a massive narrative that will stay with you long after you finish the last volume.

It is the narrative of all of us, full of honor, love, good, evil, light, and dark. It's the reason we adore Arthur, Harry, Frodo, Luke, and so on. It's the endless pursuit, the vast cycle of life, the huge wheel of ka.

Synopsis:

“Creating "true narrative magic" (The Washington Post) at every revelatory turn, Stephen King surpasses all expectation in the stunning final volume of his seven-part epic masterwork. Entwining stories and worlds from a vast and complex canvas, here is the conclusion readers have long awaited—breathtakingly imaginative, boldly visionary, and wholly entertaining.

Roland Deschain and his ka-tet have journeyed together and apart, scattered far and wide across multilayered worlds of wheres and whens. The destinies of Roland, Susannah, Jake, Father Callahan, Oy, and Eddie are bound in the Dark Tower itself, which now pulls them ever closer to their own endings and beginnings...and into a maelstrom of emotion, violence, and discovery.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords:

Constant Readers, Crimson King, Deus Ex Machina, Entire Series, Last Book, Lord Of The Rings, Man In Black, New York, Song of Susannah, Tower Series, Wizard and Glass, Wolves of the Calla

Rating: 95/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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