A group of six unlikely but brave youngsters confront the trail of a immense and fearsome supernatural darkness that has infiltrated our realm from the outer limits of shadow. They are compelled to devote their lives fighting it, experiencing horror after horror in the ordeal.
This outlines the narrative, in essence, of Stephen King’s iconic book It (a standout in his career; undeniable). It parallels of King’s son Joe Hill’s latest horror doorstopper, in which a band of six call forth the primordial, infinitely malicious beast the Sorrowful Monarch from the Abyssal Void to aid them in overcoming some baddies. As one might expect, their supernatural ritual goes awry.
The author started his career striving diligently to remain separate from his well-known dad, adopting the nom de plume he maintains to this day and steering clear of encounters with his agent (he possesses a striking resemblance to his parent). However, in his newest work, he embraces it. Several quotes that intentionally mirror some of King’s most famous (that classic opening line); a incident that recalls a recurring theme in King’s works (a riddling contest). Throughout this massive book, Joe Hill takes pleasure in his lineage, and readers share in the joy.
Back to those friends: most are pupils at the fictional Rackham College in the New England state. First is Arthur, studious and gifted, solving Old English riddles in his leisure hours; the character Colin, affluent, sharp, and known for crushing anyone who stands in his way; the twin siblings; the attractive the lovely Allie. Additionally, Gwen appears, who doesn’t study with them, but becomes a key part of their circle as they dabble, half believing, somewhat doubtful, in supernatural practices.
The protagonist finds himself, for reasons we don’t need to go into, compelled to pilfer prized manuscripts from his beloved college library by a group of neighborhood thugs. This wounds his academic spirit, particularly as he’s forced to acquire the institution’s prized and chilling publication: the journal of adept Enoch Crane (put to death “for trafficking with the devyll in 1703”; the book’s jacket is crafted from his flesh). The intrepid group read the journal, learn they can invoke what the author references as a armoured devil” to aid our hero with his coercion issue – and occupy the subsequent narrative enduring the repercussions. King Sorrow will indeed rid them of those annoying regional antagonists, but they’ll have to choose a new sacrifice each year or become his victim themselves. As our protagonist states: “You plant seeds of destruction, all you get is additional horrors.”
Moving through four decades, the author shifts with natural fluency between genres: as the allies endeavor to address the situation they find themselves in by, through diverse methods, choosing undeniably wicked targets to immolate, or seeking means to kill the dragon themselves, we move between thriller to grim fantasy, black-ops torture to romance to terror. One particularly memorable shift was to a heroic journey, within the subterranean depths under the English county, a section sprinkled with the fantasy maestro that was magnificently horrifying.
We encounter trolls – those living under bridges and internet antagonists, truly terrifying and perfectly brought to life. There are magical swords and treacheries, breath-taking moments of courage and scenes of appalling malevolence, both earthly and supernatural. It stands as a masterpiece: a horror novel that is chiefly a ode to the creative spirit, and to affection and camaraderie. “We required a narrative to trust and {now we’ve got one|presently we possess it|currently we hold it,” says this character as the allies gather at the table, preparing to summon their serpent to life with the strength of their collective will.
According to Joe Hill in his introductory quote: “Hic sunt dracones”. Don’t miss them.
A passionate writer and traveler sharing insights on personal growth and lifestyle from a UK perspective.
