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Six unlikely but brave youngsters encounter the trail of a vast and fearsome otherworldly malevolence that has infiltrated our world from the deepest abyss of darkness. They are compelled to spend their lifetimes fighting it, experiencing horror after horror in the ordeal.

An Echoing Plot with a Distinctive Spin

This outlines the narrative, roughly, of Stephen King’s seminal work It (a standout in his career; undeniable). It is also the plot of King’s son Joe Hill’s recent massive horror novel, in which a band of six call forth the ancient, infinitely malicious beast King Sorrow from the Long Dark to assist them in vanquishing some baddies. Unsurprisingly, their otherworldly invocation has unintended consequences.

Embracing a Family Lineage

Joe Hill began his writing journey striving diligently to avoid any connection from his well-known dad, using the pseudonym he maintains to this day and eschewing in-person meetings with his agent (he exhibits a uncanny likeness to his father). Yet with this recent release, he leans into it. Several quotes that deliberately echo some of the senior author’s well-known (that classic opening line); a scene that brings to mind a signature King element (a game of puzzles). Throughout this massive book, the author rejoices in his heritage, and we delight along with him.

Introducing the Protagonists

Back to those friends: most are scholars at the fictional the esteemed institution in the New England state. We have Arthur, studious and intelligent, cracking historical enigmas in his spare time; the character Colin, wealthy, sharp, and prone to trampling anyone who stands in his way; Donna and Donovan; the attractive Allie herself. Additionally, Gwen appears, who doesn’t study with them, but assumes a vital role of their group as they experiment, partly convinced, partly skeptical, in arcane arts.

The Critical Ritual

The protagonist finds himself, due to circumstances beyond his control, forced into stealing prized manuscripts from his beloved college library by a group of neighborhood thugs. This tears at his bookish heart, particularly as he’s compelled to seize the institution’s prized and chilling publication: the diary of occultist this enigmatic character (condemned “for trafficking with the devyll in 1703”; the binding is crafted from his flesh). These young investigators read the journal, learn they can invoke what Crane describes as a armored demon” to help Arthur out with his coercion issue – and devote the remaining story enduring the repercussions. This ancient entity will certainly eliminate those annoying regional antagonists, but they must select a different victim annually or succumb to the dragon’s wrath. As Arthur later puts it: “You sow dragon’s teeth, all you get is further monstrosities.”

Stylistic Versatility and Inventive Breadth

Moving through four decades, Hill also moves with seamless grace through various literary forms: as the allies strive to manage the situation they find themselves in by, in different ways, choosing undeniably wicked targets to immolate, or searching for methods to kill the dragon themselves, we go from thriller to dark fantasy, black-ops torture to affectionate subplot to fright. One particularly memorable shift was to a heroic journey, far beneath the surface under the English county, a part tinged by the fantasy maestro that was magnificently horrifying.

An Expansive Mosaic of Fear and Courage

There are trolls – the classic variety and online ones, genuinely frightening and perfectly brought to life. There are magical swords and treacheries, breath-taking moments of courage and ones of terrible wickedness, both human and extraterrestrial. It stands as a masterpiece: a horror novel that is chiefly a paean to the human inventiveness, and to affection and camaraderie. “We longed for a tale to embrace and {now we’ve got one|presently we possess it|currently we hold it,” says Colin as the companions gather at the table, preparing to summon their dragon into being with the power of their thoughts.

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