Under the Dome

So, I have recently finished reading Under the Dome.

It was a good read. Although it was long, there were almost no parts where I began skimming or skipping paragraphs due to boredom. Also, it was nice to see some new molds for characters. I didn't feel the usual characters were used (not saying Stephen King is not a wonderful writer and characterization artist, but he often uses a cookie cutter for his characters). It kept me enthralled till the end, gave me tears of joy and upset, and creeped me out pretty well.

I give it a B+

Worth the read for sure.

Song of Susannah

Song of Susannah is the second to last in the Dark Tower series. I am looking forward to the end, but yet, in the same sense dreading it immensely.

This novel was written differently than the other Dark Tower books. It was much shorter, for starters, and tied in more with reality than any of those previously. It is hard to explain exactly what I mean without too many spoilers, but it was alright. It was not my favorite, or even in my top three. Mostly because well, it left me sad. Not because what happened, but because what was foreshadowed, and King is, well the king, of foreshadowing, and I have ominous feelings about the next (and final) novel.

However, if you like the series, definitely continue with it. This story, obviously, is about Susannah. It also brings the reader to more conclusions about her pregnancy, and gives more inside to the workings of this crumbling world (or should I say worlds?)

Not a quick paced read, however it is (as stated before) short. The chapters are called "stanzas" in true fashion of a song. It also brings back many memories from Wizard and Glass. It is truly a key in it's own right: a key to the Dark Tower series.

A good book, and a great continuation of an even greater series.

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The Wolves of the Calla

I have just finished The Wolves of the Calla. It is the longest book out of the Dark Tower series, I'm pretty sure.

It was good. There were a few slower parts, but a good continuation of the series. There are several storylines going on at once, but they are defined easily, so the reader does not get lost. However, you definitely need the back story from the other books to understand this one. There are multiple references to the other Dark Tower books, proving that they should be read in order. (Except, maybe, Wizard and Glass would not be too hard to understand without the back story).

Jake becomes more developed as a character in this book than any of the others, except for maybe The Gunslinger.

The thrilling inner story of a town in desperate need is sure to enthrall lovers of suspense, westerns, and heros of all types.

You meet a major character from one of King's other well-loved books, who joins the tet in there current quest.

Susannah, meanwhile, is struggling with her previous disorder, as well as a new major problem, which leads into Song of Susannah.

Overall a good read! I give it 4 stars out of 5. Not 5 because there were parts that really drug along, and I feel this book gave one too many coincidences for my taste.

P.S. It is definitely worth getting the Dark Tower books with the pictures in them.

Another review
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Cemetery Mag

HERE is a link to "Cemetery Dance" Magazine.

From a threaded discussion on goodreads.com (in the Stephen king group) I heard that this magazine has a column that exclusively deals with Stephen King news, reviews, releases, and other related issues. It looks pretty cool!

The Langoliers

I have just complete The Langoliers from Four Past Midnight.

And WOW! Very scary! It is an older read, which is more than likely the reason I kept thinking, "WOW! This is old-school scary!"

It really was! It is complete with twists and turns, and characters real enough they have to be from a King piece. My favorite character was by far Nick, which I am sure many would agree. It also has more than just a bit of a Sc-Fi edge to it, which fits in nicely with the plot. The story is short, but great for a quick read!

I would suggest it to fans of time travel, sci-fi, and the TV show LOST.

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However, I have heard nothing but bad things about the movie.

Summaries and another review.

The Movie

The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass

This particular novel was a good break. I mean that in the nicest way possible. I tend to get bored of a series after two or three books and need a break. However, The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass provides a break within the series.

It picks up where the last book left off, but heads in a completely different direction.

Instead of this being a story about Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy, this book tells one of the stories of Roland's past. Roland and the gang settle around the fire and Roland tells of how his great journey towards the Dark Tower itself truly began.

King writes a love story of incredible strength and beauty, while maintaining a good pace and continuing the breath-taking, heart-pounding action that Dark Tower readers love.

The reader finds new characters, new friends, and a new ka-tet in this story and becomes just as attached as they are to the ka-tet of Eddie, Susannah, Jake, Oy, and Roland. This new (or old depending on how you see it) group is defined by their relationships with one another. The story itself is mind blowing and heart-wrenching.

King brings up worlds from his other books (once again) and connects many, if not all, of his past works. Some people hate this. I personally enjoy it quite a bit, and it makes me more interested in a few of his books I have yet to read.

More "Romance-y" than other Dark Tower books, and much more of a western, but a good continuation. However, it is pretty long and a few bits of the story seem overly detailed.

A good read.

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Someone else's review.

amazon review.

The Tommyknockers

Late last night and the night before,
Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers, knocking at the door.
I want to go out, don't know if I can,
'Cause I'm so afraid of the Tommyknocker man.



The Tommyknockers (1987):

Definitely for the alien/UFO fanatic. This novel is creepy and grotesque, yet hard to put down.

The main characters are writers (well, on writer and one poet)as happens a lot in Stephen King's writings.

The actual plot takes a while to get going, but the beginning is by no means slow or boring. Once the plot gets going, it is hard not to be afraid of visiting Haven, Maine. The town is next to Derry, which comes from the IT storyline. There are multiple references to IT and Derry in the novel

(Speaking of Haven, there is a new SYFY series based on the town that Tommyknockers takes place in. A friend has told me that the Tommyknocker story line has not taken place in Haven yet, but it feels like it is headed in that direction. see here for TV info).

The novel encompasses many characters, not just the writer and the poet. All of the people in the town become involved in this thrill ride of a horror novel.

A great read, especially if you are looking to have nightmares involving eerie green light.

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The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three

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The Drawing of the Three is a continuation of the Dark Tower series. It was published in 1987.

This book begins exactly 7 hours after the first book, The Gunslinger (see previous post) ends.

Roland, the main character, continues in pursuit of the Dark Tower by gathering companions to help him along the way.

Without going into too much detail (again I do not like to post spoilers) Roland gathers these companions by being thrust into their time/world through miraculous free-standing doors. (It makes more sense when you read it). These companions were foreseen by the Man in Black.

Roland encounters many problems being thrust into eras far different from his own, but is constantly dealing with (life-altering) problems in his home world as well.

A beautiful continuation of The Gunslinger, The Drawing of the Three continues to impress and begins to get the reader addicted to Roland's own addiction; finding The Dark Tower.

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The Gunslinger Review

I will do my best to keep reviews spoiler free. Especially because I typically look at reviews to decide if I want to read a book or not and it upsets me greatly when people post reviews that simply summarizes the book.

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So, The Gunslinger (The Darker Tower I):

It tells the story of the gunslinger, Roland of Gilead, and his quest to catch the man in black, the first of many steps towards his ultimate destination - the Dark Tower.

The opening of the book is kind of slow. (It is divided into multiple "books".) It also took me a few to realize that part of it is a flashback, not currently happening.

The main character, The Gunslinger himself, Roland is likable, and yet, very easy to dislike at the same time. There is a touch of fantasy, reminding me of Lord of The Rings, in his back story. He has a determination that is super realistic, making him seem, well, real.

The settings give extra depth to the story, supporting a feeling of fantasy emphasizing the feeling of the great journey which lies ahead of the main character. The supporting characters are fleshed out in great detail, giving the story a touch of realism that Stephen King is famous for.

The story itself is intense and emotional, leaving the reader wanting more after the last page is turned. Luckily, this is the first of a rather lengthy series.

I would definitely recommend it to those who are fans of Lord of the Rings and other fantasy realms. It has a lingering touch of horror, and will not disappoint King's fans in the least.

For More in Detail...spoilers!!!