🔗 Share this article

A group of six quirky but resilient youngsters fall into the way of a vast and dreadful supernatural evil that has infiltrated our existence from the deepest abyss of shadow. They are compelled to spend their lifetimes confronting it, enduring horror after horror in the struggle.

A Resonant Plot with a Fresh Approach

This is the plot, broadly speaking, of the master of horror’s novel It (arguably his finest; undeniable). It is also the plot of Stephen King’s offspring Joseph Hillstrom King’s latest chilling tome, in which six friends summon the primordial, infinitely malicious dragon the Dragon King from the Abyssal Void to help them defeat some baddies. As one might expect, their supernatural ritual goes awry.

Acknowledging a Literary Heritage

Joe Hill launched his profession striving diligently to avoid any connection from his famous father, publishing under the pen name he continues to employ and steering clear of encounters with his agent (he bears a striking resemblance to his parent). However, in his newest work, he leans into it. Certain passages that intentionally mirror some of King’s most famous (that classic opening line); a moment that evokes a recurring theme in King’s works (a game of puzzles). 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 pupils at the made-up Rackham College in this northeastern locale. First is Arthur, studious and brilliant, cracking ancient puzzles in his leisure hours; Colin, wealthy, sharp, and known for crushing anyone who stands in his way; Donna and Donovan; the attractive Allie herself. Then we have Gwen, who isn’t their classmate, but emerges as crucial of their band as they experiment, half believing, partly skeptical, in arcane arts.

The Critical Summoning

Our hero becomes, as a result of external pressures, forced into stealing rare books from his cherished academic collection by a bunch of local criminals. This wounds his academic spirit, notably because he’s forced to acquire the institution’s prized and disturbing work: the journal of practitioner the historical figure (condemned “for conspiring with dark forces in 1703”; the cover is made from his skin). The intrepid group examine the log, discover they could summon what Crane describes as a “arrogant beast to assist Arthur with his blackmail problem – and spend the rest of the novel reaping the consequences. This ancient entity will indeed rid them of those annoying regional antagonists, but they must select a different victim each year or succumb to the dragon’s wrath. In the character’s own words: “You plant seeds of destruction, all you get is further monstrosities.”

Stylistic Fluidity and Creative Range

Spanning forty years, Joe Hill transitions with effortless ease between genres: as the companions endeavor to address the circumstances they find themselves in by, variously, selecting clearly malevolent individuals to offer up, or hunting down ways to kill the dragon themselves, we move between suspense to shadowy tale, covert operations to affectionate subplot to horror. A standout transition was to a quest story, far beneath the surface below Cornwall, a section sprinkled with the Lord of the Rings author that was magnificently horrifying.

An Expansive Mosaic of Fear and Optimism

There are trolls – those living under bridges and online ones, genuinely frightening and perfectly brought to life. The story includes mystic weapons and deceptions, breath-taking moments of courage and scenes of terrible wickedness, both earthly and extraterrestrial. This is a remarkable achievement: a chilling book that is chiefly a paean 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 Colin as the companions assemble around a surface, getting ready to invoke their serpent into being with the strength of their collective will.

In the author’s own words in his epigraph: “Here be dragons”. Do not overlook this.