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- Verified Buyer
For many, they read the Talisman years ago when they were younger and feel in love, having been a similar or close to age of "Jack" at the time. Me I just finished reading it for the first time a month ago on a recommendation and then moved to Black House being told it was a sequel (so seemed to make sense to read them in order together) Looking at the reviews here I was really hesitant at first to read it. It seemed a fair few were not fond of this book. Well, having bit the bullet and read it, I can honestly say I don't understand why so many negative reviews. I loved it even more then The Talisman honestly. Thinking on it, I've decided what made some so unhappy comes down to a few things (For those like me who may be hesitant based on other reviews):1) They didn't like the odd narrative: The "We now move over the house looking at it curiously. We know we shouldn't look but we must to truly appreciate what is about to happen" type narrative. At first, I will admit I had some trouble with that as well. It was somewhat distracting and instead of pulling me in it kinda threw me out of the story. For me what helped was thinking about some movies (and some movie adaptations of Stephen Kings Novels) and tried picturing myself doing what he was saying. Looking in on what was going on from above. I pictured it kinda like the long sweeping camera strokes that directors sometimes use when they do films with similar Narratives throughout (The series Kingdom Hospital written by King had this narrative voice throughout so I found myself picturing the sweeping camera movements from that honestly) I found looking at it like that made it far easier to get into and less distracting and by the end I did feel as if I was peering in right there as everything happened. It took a bit of getting used to though so for those struggling with that or about to read this...hang in there as your mind will adjust to it at around 50 pages in or so. For some it may be hard to overcome...for me it was a slight obstacle that amounted to a tiny pebble in my journey through Black House's Pages and in the end for me it actually added to making me feel a part of the story rather then taking it away as some other reviewers had mentioned.2) Subject Matter: This is not the fantastical world of the Territories nor is it a story of a child on a fantastical journey. This is the story of a boy who has become a man and like so many other adults has all but forgotten that world of magic until he is cruelly reintroduced to it. This is a story of our world and the horrors that lie here waiting. It is also a sort of Detective or Mystery Novel as well. The story had a very "Rose Red" feel to it and if you are a fan of that made for TV series you should in general like this. Raw and gritty, one foot in a magical yet dark existence and one foot on solid real ground. That said, some things are tough to read (especially if you're a parent, which I am) as much of the story has to do with a serial killer and children. The Territories are there though sprinkled throughout the book with many throw backs to The Talisman. Those that said the Territories were almost thrown in as an after thought, I disagree with. The Territories are very much a part of this book, though most of it does not take place there. The magic, monsters, evil, beauty, and horror of the Territories are all there just they have bubbled somewhat spilling into our existence rather then Jack needing to go to the Territories to find them.For me, I found the story engaging and downright hard to put down. Some parts made me wince or gasp, but well it's Stephen King so I expect that. This book is far harsher then the Talisman and if you are more a fan of the Talisman but not so much of King's other work then this book (while a follow up) may not be for you. I loved the Talisman but this book is far darker then that and also less fantasy and more reality horror/fantasy with a base more in reality like The Stand and not necessarily Horror as in EEEK Monster also like The Stand. I think if you go in with those expectations, you should find the book an intriguing read.Who should like it:Those who enjoyed Kingdom Hospital, Storm of the Century, The Stand, or Rose Red (the made for TV Series')Those who liked books like Salem's Lot, The Shining, and similar fantasy/horror/mixed with reality storiesThose who like Serial Killer, murder mystery, detective storiesDark Tower Fans (Though I have not read them yet, there are definite tie ins to that series here-enough that I decided now I need to read those LOL)Those who may not like it:Those expecting something more akin to the Talisman (The Talisman and the magic is there but that is not this story so to speak)Those sensitive to reading about harm coming to children (this aspect was tough for me and I found myself wanting to hug my kids a bunch LOL)
