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A group of six unlikely but resilient kids fall into the way of a colossal and terrible supernatural evil that has entered our existence from the outer limits of shadow. They must wage a lifelong battle confronting it, facing one nightmare after another in the process.

A Resonant Plot with a New Approach

This is the plot, in essence, of the master of horror’s seminal work It (arguably his finest; no debate). It similarly frames of Stephen King’s offspring Joseph Hillstrom King’s new massive horror novel, in which a band of six invoke the ancient, infinitely malicious dragon the Dragon King from the Abyssal Void to help them defeat some baddies. As one might expect, their otherworldly invocation backfires.

Embracing a Literary Lineage

Joe Hill began his writing journey making great efforts to avoid any connection from his well-known dad, publishing under the pen name he maintains to this day and avoiding meeting his agent (he exhibits a striking resemblance to his father). But in this latest novel, he embraces it. Several quotes that consciously reflect some of King’s most famous (the famous Dark Tower introduction); a scene that recalls a King plot point (a riddling contest). In this epic story, the author rejoices in his family connection, and we delight along with him.

Meet the Central Figures

Focusing on the companions: most are pupils at the fictional Rackham College in this northeastern locale. We have Arthur, academic and brilliant, deciphering historical enigmas in his free moments; another key figure, affluent, sharp, and inclined to bulldoze anyone who stands in his way; twins Donna and Donovan; the attractive Allie. Then we have Gwen, who remains outside their academic circle, but assumes a vital role of their circle as they dabble, partly convinced, partly skeptical, in the occult.

The Fateful Summoning

Arthur is, for reasons we don’t need to go into, obliged to take rare books from his treasured institution’s archives by a bunch of local criminals. This devastates his scholarly soul, particularly as he’s made to take the institution’s prized and chilling publication: the logbook of occultist the historical figure (executed “for dealing with infernal entities in 1703”; the cover is made from his skin). The intrepid group examine the log, discover they could summon what the author references as a “proud worm to aid our hero with his coercion issue – and devote the remaining story facing the fallout. The dragon will indeed rid them of those annoying regional antagonists, but they must select a different victim every twelve months or fall prey to the beast. As our protagonist states: “You invoke terrible forces, all you get is further monstrosities.”

Stylistic Dexterity and Creative Scope

Covering a generation, Joe Hill transitions with effortless ease across narrative styles: as the companions strive to manage the situation they find themselves in by, in different ways, choosing undeniably wicked targets to offer up, or searching for methods to destroy the entity themselves, we transition from suspense to grim fantasy, black-ops torture to love story to fright. One particularly memorable shift was to a quest story, far beneath the surface under the English county, a section infused with the fantasy maestro that was wonderfully frightening.

A Rich Tapestry of Fear and Courage

There are trolls – the classic variety and digital trolls, truly terrifying and superbly depicted. The story includes mystic weapons and deceptions, heart-stopping scenes of valor and ones of dreadful evil, both mortal and otherworldly. It stands as a masterpiece: a frightening tale that is primarily a tribute to the human inventiveness, and to affection and camaraderie. “We required a narrative to trust and {now we’ve got one|presently we possess it|currently we hold it,” says Colin as the companions gather at the table, getting ready to invoke their dragon into existence with the strength of their collective will.

According to Joe Hill in his epigraph: “Hic sunt dracones”. Do not overlook this.