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Six oddball but resilient children fall into the way of a immense and fearsome supernatural malevolence that has infiltrated our existence from the outer limits of shadow. They have no choice but to spend their lifetimes fighting it, facing one nightmare after another in the struggle.

A Familiar Plot with a Fresh Twist

This describes the premise, roughly, of Stephen King’s seminal work It (his best; no arguments). It is also the plot of the celebrated author’s heir Joseph Hillstrom King’s recent chilling tome, in which a band of six summon the ancient, utterly malevolent serpent the Dragon King from the Endless Night to help them defeat some antagonists. As one might expect, their otherworldly invocation has unintended consequences.

Embracing a Family Legacy

The author launched his profession striving diligently to avoid any connection from his famous father, publishing under the pen name he maintains to this day and steering clear of encounters with his agent (he exhibits a uncanny likeness to his father). However, in his newest work, he embraces it. Several quotes that consciously reflect some of his father’s iconic (that classic opening line); a moment that evokes a recurring theme in King’s works (a battle of wits). In this epic story, Hill is delighting in his family connection, and readers share in the joy.

Meet the Main Characters

Returning to the group: the majority are pupils at the imagined the esteemed institution in Maine. We have Arthur, academic and intelligent, cracking Old English riddles in his free moments; another key figure, affluent, sharp, and prone to trampling anyone who stands in his way; Donna and Donovan; the attractive Allie herself. Additionally, Gwen appears, who isn’t their classmate, but becomes a key part of their band as they experiment, half believing, partly skeptical, in the occult.

The Critical Ritual

Our hero becomes, as a result of external pressures, compelled to pilfer valuable volumes from his cherished academic collection by a set of regional villains. This tears at his bookish heart, particularly as he’s made to take the institution’s prized and disturbing work: the diary of practitioner the historical figure (executed “for trafficking with the devyll in 1703”; the book’s jacket is crafted from his flesh). These young investigators examine the log, realize they are able to call forth what the author references as a armored demon” to assist Arthur with his blackmail problem – and devote the remaining story reaping the consequences. This ancient entity will undoubtedly remove those troublesome local drug dealers, but they are required to pick a new sacrifice each year or become his victim themselves. As Arthur later puts it: “You invoke terrible forces, all you get is further monstrosities.”

Genre Fluidity and Imaginative Range

Moving through four decades, the author shifts with natural fluency between genres: as the allies strive to manage the situation they find themselves in by, variously, choosing undeniably wicked targets to sacrifice, or searching for methods to kill the dragon themselves, we transition from page-turner to grim fantasy, clandestine torment to love story to fright. A standout transition was to a heroic journey, within the subterranean depths below Cornwall, a part tinged by the Lord of the Rings author that was wonderfully frightening.

An Expansive Canvas of Dread and Optimism

We encounter trolls – the classic variety and digital trolls, genuinely frightening and superbly depicted. We see enchanted blades and deceptions, heart-stopping scenes of bravery and scenes of terrible wickedness, both earthly and supernatural. It stands as a masterpiece: a chilling book that is primarily a paean to the imagination, and to love and friendship. “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 friends sit around the table, making preparations to call forth their beast into existence with the strength of their collective will.

In the author’s own words in his introductory quote: “Hic sunt dracones”. Don’t miss them.