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Cycle of the Werewolf Review

Stephen King, American, Classic, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Folk Tales, Graphic, Horror, Literature, Mythology, Shape Shifter, Suspense, Werewolf

Cycle of the Werewolf

Published: November 1983
Author: Stephen King
Genre: American, Classic, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Folk Tales, Graphic, Horror, Literature, Mythology, Shape Shifter, Suspense, Werewolf

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's Cycle of the Werewolf is a short horror story with pictures by comic-book artist Bernie Wrightson. Each chapter is a self-contained mini-story. It depicts the story of a werewolf who haunts a small village when the moon is full once a month. Land of Enchantment released it as a limited edition hardback in 1983, and Signet published it as a mass-market trade paperback in 1985. 

Silver Bullet, the cinematic adaption, was also written by Stephen King (1985). At 127 pages, it is author's smallest novel to date, making it originally a novella. He confesses to taking liberties with the moon cycle in the author's notes at the conclusion of the book. 

For example, if a full moon occurred on New Year's Day, another would not occur on Valentine's Day, despite the fact that these events are generally celebrated in January and February. He argues that this was done to help readers remember the key months more precisely.

This was a brief narrative and a quick read, and the reason it was so short was that it wasn't planned to be a novel; instead, it was going to be a calendar with a tiny amount of information every month, but it was too short, so Stephen King made up a plot to go with the drawings.

The structure consisted of the months of a single year and, in particular, the days on which the full moon occurred, rather than chapters. Because, of course, this was the time when the ugly beast from Tarker Mills appeared to carry out his murderous acts. 

Each month featured a different citizen of the little town who became the werewolf's victim, and the killings were portrayed in graphic, brutal detail in classic Stephen King manner.

There wasn't a lot of character development because the chapters were so short, but I think the author still managed to give us a solid understanding of each person of the community. After all, this is his specialty.

Marty Coslaw was one of my favorite characters. He was a bright, level-headed, brave young man who was confined to a wheelchair and was possibly the most well-developed character in the entire novel.

Berni Wrightson's artwork looked fantastic and provided a lot of dimension and awe to the book.

This book is fantastic. It's unique in that, unlike much of Stephen King's writing, it doesn't revolve around a single character. 

The pictures are also fantastic; it's a fun way to experience the book through the eyes of someone else. 

The book's sole flaw is its brief length. I wish we had a closer look at the werewolf in human form. Stephen King is a brilliant storyteller, so even in a novella, he delivers, but he's so amazing with the werewolf genre that I'd happily read a 5000-page werewolf novel or series from him.

The movie was entertaining to watch and a little scary for young children, plus the pastor's dream can make even an adult scared. 

I watched this movie several times and each time one of my cousins would flee the room because he was terrified, but I told him to watch horror movies so we could learn how to kill the monsters and gave him motivation by making him watch the scene where Marty sitting on Silver Bullet uses the rockets to hurt the beast, and that actually helped my cousin become brave and sit with me to watch horror movies. 

I was so proud of my cousin for what he did next, he watched another of his nightmare movies called Troll, it was actually a very scary movie for kids and I don't remember the details but he was always scared to come in the room when we were watching that movie but, as I mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph, he watched it after the Silver Bullet incident. 

But I believe it was all Stephen King's trick to show kids like him to be brave because if a kid who couldn't even walk can do it, what's to stop a fully capable kid from doing the same?

That is what I learned from this great writer and his writing: he takes an ordinary person and transforms him or her into the bravest hero who inspires and encourages all.

The storyline doesn't completely emerge until halfway through the book, so anyone expecting a plot-driven novella may be disappointed – but the first half does contribute to the suspense element. 

Also, throughout this work, the author appears to have a problem developing female characters, portraying them as lusty, weak-willed doormats, shrieking harpies, or some combination of the three. 

This is a little surprising, given that he's written decent female characters before and after this book; perhaps he was showing or creating an atmosphere of despair or hopelessness, but we'll never know because we're talking about Stephen King, and he knows what he's doing; we just have to dive and find what he threw into the depths of his pages. 

And maybe on the tenth reading, you'll find and comprehend why he did something with a character that we didn't understand the first nine times we read it.


Final Thoughts

Both the movie and the book are good, but the book is far better as usual, even though both are written by Stephen King, the movie has some things added and other things omitted, as is customary. 

I saw the movie first, and then read the book, and it was a good mix. You may either read or watch first, I don't think it matters because you'll be able to appreciate both the book and the movie.

Stephen King is a great writer, his works filled with precise yet stunning details and able to find dark comedy in the most horrendous of situations. 

He's not afraid to give his characters flaws and weaknesses, and although this may lead to a cast full of jerks at times, it's balanced out here by some truly excellent people. 

Even the werewolf is a sympathetic character with plausible reasons for his horrible actions. 

The book's divided into twelve months, with one chapter for each full moon when the beast attacks, is a unique and welcome addition.

A wonderful bite-sized gift from Stephen King for horror enthusiasts and a refreshing change of pace from the flood of werewolf-themed romance that has taken over occult literature in recent years. 

If you want a rip-roaring horror adventure and don't mind the plot taking a second seat to the terror aspect, this is the book for you.


Synopsis

“The classic masterpiece by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephen King—illustrated by the legendary artist Bernie Wrightson!

Terror began in January—by the light of the full moon...

The first scream came from the snowbound railwayman who felt the werewolf’s fangs ripping at his throat. The next month there was a scream of ecstatic agony from the woman attacked in her cozy bedroom. Now scenes of unbelievable horror unfold each time the full moon shines on the isolated Maine town of Tarker’s Mills. No one knows who will be attacked next. But one thing is sure. When the full moon rises, a paralyzing fear sweeps through Tarker's Mills. For snarls that sound like human words can be heard whining through the wind. And all around are the footprints of a monster whose hunger cannot be sated...”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Berni Wrightson, Bernie Wrightson, Black And White, Corey Haim, Daniel Attias, Everett Mcgill, Full Moon, Gary Busey, Martha De Laurentiis, Martha Schumacher, Marty Coslaw, Quick Read, Short Story, Small Town, Tarker Mills, Town Of Tarker


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

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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The Tommyknockers Review

Stephen King, Alien Invasion, Classic, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

The Tommyknockers

Published: 10, November 1987
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Alien Invasion, Classic, Contemporary, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Media Tie-In, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's The Tommyknockers is a science fiction novel with a touch of horror. While the novel maintains a horror tone, it is author's first foray into science fiction, as the citizens of Haven, Maine, gradually come under the sway of a strange device hidden in the woods. Stephen King has now changed his mind on The Tommyknockers, calling it "an awful book." But I don't see it that way, and I believe the author expressed it in his own style for his own reasons, such as perhaps he wasn't satisfied with what he wanted to produce since I always assumed he would publish the second part, but I have yet to get it.

Stephen King credits the main notion to H. P. Lovecraft's short tale "The Colour Out of Space" in his book On Writing.

However, writer and critic Kim Newman said of the novel that King had "more or less rewritten Quatermass and the Pit," a television serial from the late 1950s in which an alien spacecraft excavated in London evokes latent psychic abilities in some of the people who come near it, but I believe it was just a close idea that he may have never seen.

This novel was his last before he sobered up or cleaned himself up from drugs and the type of stuff he was into, and it's possible that's why he believes it's not his best work. 

That supports my theory that he was planning to write it in a different way but decided to stick with what we read, and in his own words, if he wrote it now, it would be shorter than it was before. 

In 1993, ABC aired a two-part television miniseries based on the novel, starring Jimmy Smits as Jim Gardner and Marg Helgenberger as Bobbi Anderson. 

King claimed that he "didn't like it," describing it as "cheap and thrown together." I on the other hand enjoyed it and felt like so much more was possible when I saw the technology used in it. However, the book was far more superior to the movie. 

I believe a new film is in the works, but there is no link or news at this time. I'll share the results as soon as I learn more about it.

The book's topic, I believe, was "off." I had the impression that Stephen King was only skimming the surface of the subject matter. 

He touches on group thinking, addiction, and obsession, but he doesn't quite smash the ball out of the park—just a few singles here and there, which is what he meant when he stated he wasn't satisfied with the book. 

Yes, even though I adored this book, I believed it had the potential to go deep, broad, and vast, which is why I hoped for, and continue to hope for, a sequel in this universe. 

Don't think it's dull or doesn't have a decent tale because it isn't. And it was fascinating to see the seeds of his later work Under the Dome sown all over this book. 

You may read it if you're a Stephen King diehard fan, and it'll be fine for you, but if you don't know and understand how he writes, chances are you won't enjoy it as much as I or any other fan of his. 

There are numerous types of Stephen King novels, but this one adheres to the classic structure of characters, town, tragedy, and inescapable devastation. In Needful Things, the formula works well, and it looks to be roughly identical to the author's approach in this book as well.

Author's ability to draw a reader into a tale is unparalleled, the pacing is excellent, and the finish is rewarding. Some of the portrayals of technology feel dated, but it's still a page-turner.

It's similar to Under the Dome, except instead of the horrible things people can do when they're isolated; it's the terrible things individuals can do when they lose control due to addiction. A little community crumbles, there's a lot of wickedness, and don't forget about the aliens.

For whatever reason, this novel is not regarded as one of author's most successful! Personally, I've always enjoyed it and have read it a few times. 

What I discovered about this book is that it is essentially a blend of old-fashioned sci-fi movies with a dash of Lovecraft horror, as stated by the author himself. 

If a book can give you nightmares or the most dreadful of dreams, which I call loop dreams because they trap you in your sleep and you can only wake up by realizing you are dreaming or being awakened by someone, then that book is a masterpiece in my eyes.

I had several loop dreams when reading this book for the first time and had to stop reading for a few days since I was basically reading too quickly, and my advice to new readers is to read it leisurely rather than like a page eater.


Final Thoughts

This novel, one of Stephen King's most divisive, nearly reads like two: a prequel and a sequel. 

The first is entirely focused on character development, whereas the second is entirely focused on action. 

Both are Stephen King trademarks, therefore I interact with them. I don't mind reading about the characters, the boring aspects of their existence, since I know the author will deliver in the end. 

I never got bored or lost track of where I was. the author writes with a ferocity that demonstrates his commitment to the narrative, and he is one of the few authors who never fails to satisfy my ravenous reading hunger. 

'The Tommyknockers,' while not his greatest, was certainly not his worst. Aside from the lengthy 'intro,' it is vintage Stephen King throughout. 

After reading some of his more recent works, reading 'Tommyknockers' is like returning to your childhood home. It's all about the anticipation of what you just know is going to happen, and it's a touch predictable, familiar, and like the same ghost story recounted over and over.

If you like vintage King, the good old' Maine backwoods King, you should read it. Because you're a fan of his wacky characters.

If you're a slow reader, you shouldn't read it. If you're impatient and don't understand subtleties, this is the book for you. If you don't care for well-crafted text and want nonstop action, this is the book for you.

The story is strong; all you have to do is put in the effort.


Synopsis

“Stephen King never stops giving us his all” (Chicago Tribune) in this #1 national bestseller about the idyllic small town of Haven, Maine, and its encounter with a deadly evil out for a diabolical invasion of body, soul—and mind.

Something was happening in Bobbi Anderson’s idyllic small town of Haven, Maine. Something that gave every man, woman, and child in Haven powers far beyond those of ordinary mortals. Something that turned the town into a deathtrap for all outsiders. Something that is buried in the woods behind Bobbi’s house. With the help of her friend, Jim Gardener, they uncover an alien spaceship. And as they learn more about this strange discovery, the citizens of Haven begin to change: The townspeople are being welded into one organic, homicidal, and fearsomely brilliant entity in thrall to the Tommyknockers, who piloted the alien ship.

In Tommyknockers, “Stephen King at his best” (San Francisco Chronicle), King has given us a “brilliant, riveting, marvelous” (The Boston Globe) novel. “You will not be able to put this down” (Los Angeles Times Book Review). And the next time someone raps at your door, you may want to keep the chain on. It just might be the Tommyknocker Man.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bobbi Anderson, Body Snatchers, Character Development, Flying Saucer, Jim Gardener, Jimmy Smits, John Power, King At His Best, King Novel, Knocking On My Door, Marg Helgenberger, Salems Lot, Small Town


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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Roadwork Review

Stephen King, American, Crime, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Rural, Small Town, Teen, Thriller, Young Adult

Roadwork

Published: March 1981
Genre: American, Crime, Fiction, Literature, Psychological, Rural, Small Town, Teen, Thriller, Young Adult

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

Stephen King's thriller novel Roadwork was published as a paperback original under the pen name Richard Bachman. It was included in the hardback omnibus The Bachman Books in 1985.

This was written when Stephen King felt he'd be able to get away with writing stories under the pseudonym Richard Bachman for the time being. Now that we know it's Stephen King, it's amazing to note how different the writing is when he's not being Stephen King.

The original Bachman books all deal with guys breaking up and fighting back against the system, while the details differ from one book to the next. This one is about a man who loses his house, his wife, and his job, as well as the subsequent downward spiral. 

It's a decent read for followers of the author; however, horror lovers may be disappointed. Those who aren't lovers of the author may like the book's unique style and subject matter.

In 1972–1974, the narrative takes place in an undisclosed Midwestern city. A father, bereaved by the loss of his son and the collapse of his marriage, is pushed to mental instability when he hears that both his house and employment will be destroyed to make way for an interstate highway extension.

In August 2019, a cinematic version of the novel was announced, with Pablo Trapero as director, Andy Muschietti the director of It and It Chapter Two, and Barbara Muschietti as producer.

With this narrative about a guy fighting his own personal demons, the author strayed from his customary genre.

The novel represents a significant shift for the author. It's possible that it's one of his lesser-known pieces. There are better Stephen King books out there. But don't overlook this opportunity. It's got Bachman written all over it, which isn't a terrible thing.

We currently live in a time where everyone wants what they want right now and isn't willing to wait for it. The author could have made this a short novella, according to several reader friends, but he stretched it out. This novel progresses in such a way that the protagonist gradually loses his sanity, or does he?

I feel the tale was written in the most effective way possible. It piqued my interest right away, and I couldn't put it down as it progressed to a climactic conclusion. This is an excellent book to read.

When you read this book as a Stephen King novel, it may bore and disappoint you; well, rather, it may bore and disappoint you as a Richard Bachman novel—and believe me, if you're a Stephen King fan, you'll know the difference between King and Bachman. 

In terms of flavor, it's the difference between chocolate and chili sauce, and that's a great example because most people like chocolate, but chili sauce... well, let's just say it's a requested taste. 

Unlike King, Bachman is a harsh, disagreeable author who has no affection for his readers. That's OK since it's a performance. 

The Long Walk was about a group of youngsters who were slain by a big brother society that shot them if they stopped walking or went below a particular speed. What amuses you about that?

Similarly, what's fun about a man named Burt who lost his job, his wife, his house, and eventually his sanity and will to live in Roadwork? 

The voyage of his unraveling is essentially the roadwork. The plot isn't really complicated. But don't anticipate ghostly activity around every turn, for clarity's sake, since Bachman is not the same guy as King (they are physically, but not in their literature.) 

In some ways, Bachman is similar to Eli Roth (director of Cabin Fever and Hostel Parts I and II,) in that it's all about the character's and audience's dissatisfaction.

Richard Bachman's novel is a well-known work. It has no supernatural, occult, or ghost elements. Only a man on the verge of losing his mind.

Although it is neither a large book nor a long novel, the idea is as massive as it gets. Even if you compare it to The Long Walk, the slowness of this work will leave you unsatisfied. 

However, keep in mind that The Long Walk's premise implies that there will be more action. If there was a lot of activity on Roadwork, it would be there merely for the purpose of being there. And King, or should I say Bachman? is generally adept at sensing when to speed up the tempo.

Another thing that can help you understand it is that if you read this novel while thinking about AMC's Breaking Bad, I think you'll appreciate it a lot. 

The idea is very identical to that of Breaking Bad. I would have rated this novel a 3/5 if I had given it a score after the first hundred pages. 

However, by the midway mark, I had a better understanding of the style and tone, which is what makes this book so appealing. If you're a patient reader or a Breaking Bad enthusiast, I strongly suggest it.


Final Thoughts

This is a fantastic novel. All Stephen King aficionados should read it. The characters are well-defined, and the narrative is well-constructed. 

It was difficult to put the book down. The author has a unique way of developing suspense as the novel progresses, and I adore it!

Author paints Dawes' mind in vivid hues that grow increasingly muddied as his desire becomes more concentrated, yet absurdly unattainable.

The fact that Dawes is driving himself down a dead-end road with the help of numerous others makes the mind games laughable. However, the novel maintains a good pace and is a welcome diversion from Stephen King's usual territory.

I believe there is a limit to how far one may be pushed before cracking. Barton Dawes, a guy who achieved that stage in 1974, is one of them.

Remember, Stephen King never meant for anyone to realize it was him who authored Roadwork; as a result, it's the farthest thing from a King novel. An author has unlimited freedom to write whatever they choose, with no limitations.

Yes, it is not a perfect novel, which is why I gave it a lower rating, but the reason I am giving this novel a hundred percent recommendation is because of the last pages and the moral of the narrative, as well as what this novel is attempting to teach the mindless masses to realize what is going on behind everything we simply blindly follow.


Synopsis

“Only Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman, can imagine the horror of a good and angry man who fights back against bureaucracy when it threatens to destroy his vitality, home, and memories. “Under any name King mesmerizes the reader” (Chicago Sun-Times).

Barton Dawes is standing in the way of progress when his unremarkable but comfortable existence suddenly takes a turn for the worst. A new highway extension is being built right over the laundry plant where he works—and right over his home. The house he has lived in for twenty years and where he created loving memories with his family. Dawes isn’t the sort of man who will take an insult of this magnitude lying down. His steadfast determination to fight the inevitable course of progress drives his wife and friends away while he tries to face down the uncaring bureaucracy that has destroyed his life. But before the city paves over that part of Dawes’s life, he’s got one more party to throw—and it’ll be a blast.

What happens when one good (and angry) man fights back…and then some? This #1 national bestseller includes an introduction by Stephen King on “The Importance of Being Bachman.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bachman Books, Bart Dawes, Barton George, Eminent Domain, George Dawes, Good Read, King Book, King Writing, Long Walk, Main Character, Well Written


Rating: 85/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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.
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