Iraq War sniper veteran Billy Summers is an assassin for hire on this likely (because of the fee) last job. He has to spend months in a community so tIraq War sniper veteran Billy Summers is an assassin for hire on this likely (because of the fee) last job. He has to spend months in a community so to create cover for the day of job, including 'pretending' to be writer which results in him writing a biography of sorts, including covering his Iraq War experience. A slow burn book that makes the reader also take the journey with Billy as he creates a cover character for himself, as well as developing his exit plan. But this book, as ever for a King jam is about a lot more - it's the story of a good man doing a bad job, who doesn't realise it yet, but is looking for some kind of redemption. [image] When I review King books, I try and forget that it is Stephen King and just ask myself what did I think of this work. In this case the second half of this book is another interesting and generally life-fulfilling drama that will touch your heart and soul in many places, but the first half is such a drag; it's difficult to judge it so harshly as it is meant for the reader to get a idea of who Billy is, and also all the preparatory work needed for an assassination. Saying all that the second half of this book might not worked so well without the first half. There's also huge plus points for King yet again having (view spoiler)[an older male character not try to, or want to, sleep with a young woman. (hide spoiler)]. Overall, a book that I will learn more about how much I like on rereading but for now it's an 8 out of 12, Four Stars for me. [image] 2023 read...more
Using a typically Dark Tower story device of a story in a story, this book covers Roland and his original Ka-tet's guerrilla war with Farson. The grouUsing a typically Dark Tower story device of a story in a story, this book covers Roland and his original Ka-tet's guerrilla war with Farson. The group unwittingly stumble on 'evil ground' (as does Roland in the 'present'), and it's up to Sheemie and Roland to save them. Another 'filler' volume in the Dark Tower graphic novel series, and just like Sheemie's Tale, I can see no real reason why a Constant Reader should bother with this, bar for the sake of completion. It's an OK tale, but one that only underlines what we already know from the books. 6 out of 12. [image] 2021 read...more
2021 read: In which, way too early in my opinion, we come to Thunderclap, see some 'old faces' and catch up with Sheemie as he recounts his life pre a2021 read: In which, way too early in my opinion, we come to Thunderclap, see some 'old faces' and catch up with Sheemie as he recounts his life pre and post meeting the young Gunslingers with some clever artistic impressionism by Richard Isanove that makes both Thunderclap and Sheemie's tale that much better. Sheemie recounts how he was brought to Thunderclap, and how he reacted when he found out their goal! In Part Two Sheemie's adventure at Thunderclap leads us to the origin of and some of the concepts behind the Dark Tower itself that gave us the Sheemie we met in the final (text) book of the Series, The Dark Tower. And after writing all that, I have to honestly say, that Constant Readers really gain little by reading this series of two comic books, and would save money (and time!) by not buying or reading them! A 6/12, Three Star read, mainly for the artwork! [image] 2021 read...more
Almost a decade of guerrilla warfare against Farson and his legions, sees Roland, his Ka-Tet and rag tag allies back at Gilead during a Beam-quake. WhAlmost a decade of guerrilla warfare against Farson and his legions, sees Roland, his Ka-Tet and rag tag allies back at Gilead during a Beam-quake. When readers first meet Roland in The Gunslinger he is very much haunted by Jericho Hill, the loss of his Ka-tet and the need for vengeance against Marten Broadcloak, he that is also known as Walter O' Dim. For the first time, and in graphic novel format, this is that story, the Battle of Jericho Hill! [image] When I first read this book it blew me away with all the detailed revelations of this grim time in Roland's past, but by this 3rd reading, I had more time to focus on the storytelling, which felt rushed, and lacked the impact that this occasion merited. Still a very fascinating Dark Tower tale with the added bonus of the return of Jae Lee's pencils. 7 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2021 read; 2015 read; 2012 read...more
Robin Furth and Richard Isanove take on the unenviable task of creating a one-shot from the perspective of Marten Broadcloak (Randall Flagg, The Dark Robin Furth and Richard Isanove take on the unenviable task of creating a one-shot from the perspective of Marten Broadcloak (Randall Flagg, The Dark Man etc.) covering the period of Roland and his Kat-tet's return to Hambry. This creative team manages to included Marten's origin(!!!), his allies, his scheming and inner thoughts; as well as more on Farson and co. [image] However I just don't think they (or anyone) can really do Marten justice and to make matters worse, there's no real reason for this book, so I recommend not reading it, if reading the series! 6 out of 12, Three Star read :) [image]...more
Gilead is in turmoil, murders, conspiracy, betrayal, pain and the dark legacy of Marten Broadcloak (Randall Flagg, Richard Fannin, the Dark Man etc.) Gilead is in turmoil, murders, conspiracy, betrayal, pain and the dark legacy of Marten Broadcloak (Randall Flagg, Richard Fannin, the Dark Man etc.) seeping deep into the city. A huge chapter in the Roland Deschain story that was only hinted at in the books is brought to life with the dialogue of Peter David and the plotting of, by a strange coincidence someone else with the initials RF - Robin Furth, and the artwork of Richard Isanove: [image] ..and despite the story being immense, the action devastating and the Fall momentous, I can't help but feel this would have been a Five Star read if Jae Lee continued with the artwork. Nevertheless, this is a welcome addition to the Dark Tower mythos... in colour, panel by panel, the fall of Gilead, the Fall of the Gunslingers, the Fall of The White! The ascension of The Good Man, Farson. 9 out of 12. [image]...more
Jamie recalls that he was just a toddler the first time his unnatural ability reared its head; in this, his story, he recounts the main situations hisJamie recalls that he was just a toddler the first time his unnatural ability reared its head; in this, his story, he recounts the main situations his ability got him into in is youth. This is another very good piece of suspenseful crime fiction from Mr King who appears to be determined to leave his mark in this genre! [image] With a plethora of reviews of this book around at the moment, I think I'll just comment on what I specifically liked: In my half a lifetime of reading I don't think I've ever read a writer who captures the details of youth / coming of age so well, from It to the amazing The Body, up to the recent Gwendy's Button Box he just does it so, and yet again does so in this book. [image] As a Constant Reader, I must admit that there wasn't much new in this read; it read and felt more like a novella, but still immersed me in a King reality. (view spoiler)[The pretty deep connection to Stephen King's It, was a pleasant surprise; the same could be said for this book's ending, though not necessary a pleasant surprise. (hide spoiler)] Scraping into an 8 out of 12, Four Star read for me; I probably need to read this again to enjoy it more, but not right now, but maybe... later. [image] ..And yes, I spent a few minutes trying to engineer this review t o end with the word... later. :)...more
Luke thought that the most traumatic mind-breaking devastatingly shocking thing that ever happened to him in his life was being separated from his famLuke thought that the most traumatic mind-breaking devastatingly shocking thing that ever happened to him in his life was being separated from his family and being held in the Institute; a few days later he realised, that he had a lot worse to come. The Institute, captive children, poked and prodded, abused and tortured, and this is just the induction! As Luke's days progress he begins to realise that he might never get out of the Institute, ever! [image] A bit of a non-stop hi intensity ride is this one, from the off Luke is in jeopardy and remains so throughout the book, to a degree this becomes the driver and the rest is just window dressing. A story with a strong King feel, protagonists in a horrific situation with no end in sight; friendship being the one tool that gives them solace; hyper mad/bad antagonists;n and a shadowy overpower. I suppose everything a Constant Reader would want in a King horror? I got very much caught up in this read, but still managed to put it down for over two months before getting round to finishing it. Still, a good read 7.5 out of 12. [image]...more
Although far from everything Stephen Edwin King writes is golden, in my opinion he is one of the greatest living novella writers - time after time he Although far from everything Stephen Edwin King writes is golden, in my opinion he is one of the greatest living novella writers - time after time he has proven that he is made for them, from the likes of The Langoliers and The Body to the recent gem Gwendy's Button Box and the eternally loved Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. Time will tell what impact these four novellas will have, but I won't be surprised if they also have live on in future editions and adaptations... I can only live in hope :) [image] The first story Mr Harrigan's Phone goes Stephen King old-school, with the male narrator recounting his idealised youth and the lasting influence and power of an unlikely mentor; story No.2 The Life of Chuck is so King-tast-tic, with an intriguing and almost magical biography of the Chuck set in a world heading towards an undefined apocalypse; If It Bleeds is a (view spoiler)[sequel to the Outsider, and more importantly the next Holly Gibney adventure :) (hide spoiler)]; the final story, The Rat, is more interesting in regards to the narrator's (who's an author) writing habits and methodology, than the main 'horror' story arc itself. All in all another delightful post 2010 Constant Reader ride that yet again sees stronger thriller/crime fiction content make King's tales more readable and enjoyable for me. 8 out of 12. [image]...more
A despicably evil, truly inhumane sexual assault and torture-murder is committed on a young boy; the prime suspect is seen by multiple witnesses, leavA despicably evil, truly inhumane sexual assault and torture-murder is committed on a young boy; the prime suspect is seen by multiple witnesses, leaves DNA traces and must be a lock, right? After being arrested a cast-iron alibi and DNA place him in an entirely different city from which the crime was committed! What the Hell is going on? [image] Stephen Edwin King continues to entertain, beguile and astound in his sixth decade of book writing with this, yet another tale, deep in the waters of the crime fiction and mystery thriller genres. As ever we have multi-dimensional fallible characters and characterisations, and we also get the addictive mystery re: how can a man be in two different places at the same time? Is he guilty with some sort of power, or is he innocent and this is just un-explainable? What and who is the Outsider? A very nice Stephen King jam - 9 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2020 read...more
Scott Carey has a mystery condition, he's losing weight, but there appears to be no change to his size at all. He also has lesbian neighbours finding Scott Carey has a mystery condition, he's losing weight, but there appears to be no change to his size at all. He also has lesbian neighbours finding it tough to live in Castle Rock, one of whom, just won't buy Scott's genuinely neighbourly advances. A 21st Century Castle Rock novella that really works... except for the ending in my opinion. Still, it's always elevating to read a new Castle Rock jam! 7 out of 12 [image]...more
Supposedly co-penned with his son Owen, this old-school King supernatural 'disaster-movie' style read sees an epidemic of almost all of the world's woSupposedly co-penned with his son Owen, this old-school King supernatural 'disaster-movie' style read sees an epidemic of almost all of the world's women falling into a coma-like sleep and self generating enveloping cocoons. The story focuses on the small town of Dooling, West Virginia, where the epidemic was preempted by the arrest of a seemingly mentally unhinged woman who appeared to have slain a meth drug gang in a rather unusual way... with her bare hands. [image] The very large casts proves difficult to keep up with, and also proves difficult for the writers to stir empathy for. I struggled recalling who was who throughout the book, which didn't help. Dealing with core ideas and themes that King has dealt with before it was difficult to really get into the story although the main 'sleeping women' theme was quite compelling. Unlike almost all his body of work, this King story is pretty heavy handed on the social commentary mostly circled in and around the abuse of power over those who are perceived to, or indeed have lesser power.... in this case women. 7.5 out of 12, for a taste of what we've already already seen before, although lacking any real drive and passion! [image] 2020 read...more
Richard Bachman AKA as Stephen King's tale of the white suburban male finally having one First World problem too many and going out with a bang! PossiRichard Bachman AKA as Stephen King's tale of the white suburban male finally having one First World problem too many and going out with a bang! Possibly my least liked of all King's work. 4 out of 12. [image] Image from www.thedarktower.org...more
First time I've read this as a stand alone. Completely different to the film - Ben Richards is compelled to take part in The Running Man in this dystoFirst time I've read this as a stand alone. Completely different to the film - Ben Richards is compelled to take part in The Running Man in this dystopian nightmare world, to save the lives of his family, but the Games have no idea just how difficult Richards will be to kill. Dark, thrilling and definitely a hardcore dystopian future shock classic! A strong Four Star read for another relentless Bachman jam with an 8 out of 12. [image] 2017 read...more
First time read as a stand alone. This book haunts me- it's an exceptionally horrifying read, that focuses on the 100 teenage boys competing in the LoFirst time read as a stand alone. This book haunts me- it's an exceptionally horrifying read, that focuses on the 100 teenage boys competing in the Long Walk endurance race, where there can only be one winner - the sole survivor! [image] Remarkably written (written before Carrie!) way back in the late 1960s, Richard Bachman AKA Stephen King was so prescient about the ends reality TV would/could lead to! 10 out of 12, a thumping Five Star Read [image]...more
Only Stephen King can turn an actually extremely open, transparent and useful writing guide into a quasi wonderful memoir on writing. A good book for Only Stephen King can turn an actually extremely open, transparent and useful writing guide into a quasi wonderful memoir on writing. A good book for both readers and writers. 7/12 [image] 2017 read...more
The author-withdrawn / banned Stephen King /Richard Bachman book that is more notorious for no longer being published than - the 'student loses it at The author-withdrawn / banned Stephen King /Richard Bachman book that is more notorious for no longer being published than - the 'student loses it at school, kills, and takes a class hostage' story. Still a story very much ahead of its time when it was written. 6 out of 12 I believe I am member of a pretty small group of people who own both the UK and USA First Editions... and the French and German First Editions! [image] 2017 read...more
My second King Hard Case Crime book in a week, but what a belter this is. An absolute gem! Following one summer in the life of 21 year old student DevMy second King Hard Case Crime book in a week, but what a belter this is. An absolute gem! Following one summer in the life of 21 year old student Devin Jones, where he works at an independent theme park in the sweltering heat one summer in Salem, New Hampshire. Looking at love, loss, growing up, growing old and family, as well as a wonderful tribute to the old-style independently run theme parks. A gem of a read!!! 8 out of 12. [image]...more
What would you do if you could go back to 1958? How about saving JFK? Fantastic speculative fiction book by King, as we delve into the 1950's from theWhat would you do if you could go back to 1958? How about saving JFK? Fantastic speculative fiction book by King, as we delve into the 1950's from the viewpoint of someone living in 2011. Truly great read, that finally gets me interested in the JFK conspiracy theories. Stephen King flips some really heartwarming romance in this one too, that almost creeps up on you before you realise it's there, and it's almost all this book is about? [image] And even before all this gets going there's a great stop off at 1958 Derry too, that Constant Readers will just gush over. Am I right? [image] A book I initially picked up last year, and put down before picking it up again for my Stephen King read-a-thon this year (2016). Yet again, when I think I'm done with Stephen King he comes through with another masterclass. This is just so good, and I have no idea where it come from with so much of his recent stuff just being OK, him having set his bar so high. #BabaRead :) 9 out of 12. [image]...more
As one of Roland's original ka-tet seeks some reassurance on their death bed, Roland recount the first Arthur Eid tale, the first tale on his path to As one of Roland's original ka-tet seeks some reassurance on their death bed, Roland recount the first Arthur Eid tale, the first tale on his path to greatness ad the Mid-World tsunami that was Lord Perth and his irresistible forces approached Arthur's home town unaware that a 14 year-old boy stands between them and victory. After 1,549 graphic novel pages by Robin Furth and co. this was originally going to conclude Marvel's Dark Tower saga, but I guess they just couldn't let Robin Furth's amazing work end. You've read the story in the book, but here's another retelling of the times and fate of Lord Perth and how, if at all, it relates to Roland and his quest. 6 out of 12. [image] 2021 read...more
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