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The Talisman Review

Stephen King, Peter Straub, American, Classic, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Occult, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf

The Talisman

Published: 8, November 1984
Genre: American, Classic, Dark, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Occult, Shape Shifter, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Werewolf
Book 1 of 3: Talisman (The third book has not yet been published.)

Check the summary of this book here:


The Review

The Talisman is a fantasy collaboration novel written by Stephen King and Peter Straub in 1984. Although there is one indirect allusion to a Sir Walter Scott novel, the narrative is unrelated to Walter Scott's 1825 novel of the same name. In 1985, The Talisman was nominated for both the Locus and World Fantasy Awards. Black House 2001, a sequel written by King and Straub, takes up with a now-adult Jack as a retired Los Angeles homicide investigator attempting to investigate a string of murders in the little village of French Landing, Wisconsin.

This narrative belongs to and is tied to the Dark Tower series, making that vast universe much larger than it already was. In the book's sequel, Black House, the Territories are shown to be a counterpart to All-World. 

The pavilion where Jack Sawyer meets Sophie in The Little Sisters of Eluria is the identical pavilion mentioned in King's introduction to The Little Sisters of Eluria.

There was a lot of buzz about this book because Straub and King were both hugely famous and well-known horror and suspense authors in their own right. 

Multiple pieces were published praising the two authors' collaboration and speculating on what would be the best horror novel ever written, thanks to a $550,000 advertising budget provided by the publisher. 

It was a smash hit in its own right, but for me, it was a fantastic quest with a great cause and an incredible adventure that I want to read again and again and watch as a movie if they can produce an exact word-for-word adaptation, and I'm happy to report that a series may be in the works. 

It was stated in 2021 that Amblin will adapt the novel into a Netflix television series, with the Duffer Brothers assisting with development. And I will certainly include any fresh material in this area if I come across it.

I must warn you that this book and story will make you think in two ways: one, you will throw it away, and the other, you will embrace it passionately. 

The issue is simple: if you're an adult with a frozen brain and little imagination, you can find it boring and ridiculous since you'll believe it's a genuine stretch of the imagination to even consider it a storyline. 

But for everyone else, just try to enjoy it the way it was meant to be experienced. Of course, the narrative will contain darker undertones than other popular literature. 

It begins slowly but gradually accelerates into a fast-paced, attention-grabbing narrative. The characters rapidly won me over, and I got emotionally immersed in the story. 

This is one of my 'favorite' novels because I can re-read it and still be immersed in Jack's world. And Wolf is without a doubt my favorite character.

Following this cooperation with Stephen King, I fell in love with Peter Straub's works. Stephen King, as you may know, is the maestro of fiction and horror writing, and Peter Straub is his doppelganger, or as what is known as a twinner in this book's universe. 

I genuinely feel this book was created in another universe with both of these amazing writers. It's weird, and it'll make you consider the remote chance that the Territories exist. Unless you have no imagination, I am confident that everyone will like it.

If you are a casual or non-reader, bear this in mind while purchasing the book. It's highly comprehensive, so if you can't take large or complex novels, I'd recommend listening to it on Audiobook. 

Don't pass on Stephen King novels just because they're huge; if they're too daunting, you can always listen to them with an Amazon audible account.

Keep in mind that if you had a loved one who had cancer, it may have an emotional impact on you because Stephen King goes into great detail about individuals who have diseases or impairments, and it may be rather sentimental to those who aren't used to reading his writings.

It's a mix of horror, fantasy, and adventure. What King and Straub accomplished was to build a beautiful narrative full of mystery and suspense, whatever you want to categorize it. 

In The Talisman, Jack Sawyer must travel between his reality and a parallel dimension in order to save his dying mother. 

Despite the protagonist's childhood, the tale has a distinct gloomy edge. It's not all fun and games for Jack, who in this journey has the capacity to switch between universes.

During this time, he befriends Wolf, a werewolf from another dimension. Wolf provides both humorous entertainment and frightening times for Jack when he turns into a werewolf in our world during a full moon.

The late great Frank Muller gives yet another powerful performance, reading in a tense, hypnotic style and developing unique voices for most of the characters in the epic narrative of The Talisman. 

It lasted about 29 hours and was a fantastic way to enjoy a superb novel, especially if you're taking a lengthy road trip or just a regular commute. If you're lucky enough to have the Frank Muller version, I highly suggest the audio version.


Final Thoughts

You must read a few pages before you can get into the main story, but once you do, you will not be able to put it down, and this becomes a really fast-paced novel, even if it is large by many readers' standards, so do not stop and continue reading.

Even if you've never read Peter Straub, you can tell which parts were written by him, and I'll leave it up to the readers to figure it out. 

Yes, it was cooperation and an effort by both authors, but you can tell who is writing what in this narrative, and it was part of the pleasure for me to figure it out.

The novel has a strong action-adventure vibe about it. There are several fascinating connections between the universes, including the relationship between time and distance, as well as the contrast between the usage of magic and technology. 

It's well-created and written. Stephen King and Peter Straub are each excellent authors in their own right, but they work well together.

I would suggest this book to everyone who enjoys an exciting, attention-grabbing fantasy/reality fictional novel.


Synopsis

“The iconic, “extraordinary” (The Washington Post) collaboration between #1 bestselling author Stephen King and Peter Straub—an epic thriller about a young boy’s quest to save his mother’s life.

Why had twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer’s mother frantically moved the two of them from Rodeo Drive to a New York City apartment to the Alhambra, a fading ocean resort and shuttered amusement park in New Hampshire? Who or what is she running from? She is dying . . . and even young Jack knows she can’t outrun death. But only he can save her—for he has been chosen to search for a prize across an epic landscape of dangers and lies, a realm of innocents and monsters, where everything Jack loves is on the line.”


Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Across The Country, Along The Way, Black House, Dark Tower, Highly Recommend, Jack Sawyer, King And Peter, King And Straub, Morgan Sloat, Tower Series


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

Buy the Kindle Version Here

Free With Free Audible Trial

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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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)

Compare Kindle E-readers on one page

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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)

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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