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A group of six quirky but resilient youngsters encounter the way of a immense and fearsome otherworldly darkness that has invaded our existence from the deepest abyss of oblivion. They are compelled to wage a lifelong battle fighting it, experiencing horror after horror in the ordeal.

A Familiar Plot with a New Spin

This is the plot, in essence, of the master of horror’s novel It (arguably his finest; no arguments). It is also the plot of King’s son Joseph Hillstrom King’s latest horror doorstopper, in which six friends summon the age-old, deeply sinister beast the Dragon King from the Long Dark to help them defeat some villains. Unsurprisingly, their supernatural ritual backfires.

Acknowledging a Family Lineage

The author started his career striving diligently to avoid any connection from his renowned parent, using the pseudonym he continues to employ and steering clear of encounters with his agent (he exhibits a striking resemblance to his parent). However, in his newest work, he leans into it. Certain passages that consciously reflect some of King’s most famous (“The man in black fled across the desert …”); a scene that recalls a recurring theme in King’s works (a battle of wits). In this epic story, the author rejoices in his heritage, and we delight along with him.

The Cast of the Central Figures

Returning to the group: most are students at the made-up this academic setting in this northeastern locale. First is Arthur, studious and gifted, deciphering historical enigmas in his free moments; another key figure, affluent, clever, and inclined to bulldoze anyone who stands in his way; Donna and Donovan; the beautiful Allie. Then we have Gwen, who remains outside their academic circle, but emerges as crucial of their circle as they experiment, half believing, somewhat doubtful, in arcane arts.

The Pivotal Ceremony

The protagonist finds himself, for reasons we don’t need to go into, forced into stealing rare books from his beloved college library by a bunch of local criminals. This tears at his bookish heart, especially when he’s made to take the institution’s prized and disturbing publication: the diary of occultist the historical figure (condemned “for conspiring with dark forces in 1703”; the cover is crafted from his flesh). These young investigators peruse the diary, realize they are able to call forth what the author references as a “arrogant beast to help Arthur out with his extortion dilemma – and occupy the subsequent narrative facing the fallout. This ancient entity will indeed rid them of those annoying regional antagonists, but they’ll have to choose a new sacrifice each year or succumb to the dragon’s wrath. As our protagonist states: “You sow dragon’s teeth, all you get is further monstrosities.”

Narrative Versatility and Inventive Scope

Spanning forty years, Joe Hill transitions with seamless grace between genres: as the friends strive to manage the situation they find themselves in by, through diverse methods, picking people who are obviously evil to sacrifice, or searching for methods to kill the dragon themselves, we go from thriller to dark fantasy, black-ops torture to romance to terror. One particularly memorable shift was to a quest story, deep in the caves below Cornwall, a part infused with JRR Tolkien that was wonderfully frightening.

A Detailed Mosaic of Fear and Optimism

We encounter trolls – the classic variety and digital trolls, properly scary and expertly realized. We see enchanted blades and deceptions, heart-stopping scenes of courage and instances of terrible wickedness, both earthly and supernatural. It stands as a masterpiece: a frightening tale that is primarily a tribute to the creative spirit, and to affection and camaraderie. “We needed a story to believe and {now we’ve got one|presently we possess it|currently we hold it,” says this character as the allies gather at the table, making preparations to call forth their serpent into existence with the power of their thoughts.

In the author’s own words in his opening statement: “This is dragon territory”. Ensure you experience it.