A review by thejellybeany
Black House by Peter Straub, Stephen King

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Just a classic King (and Straub) book in my opinion. Dark, tense, brutal in parts, with scenes that truly turn your stomach to read,
but then ultimately with a happy ending that is just a little bit bittersweet. The good guys usually win in King's books, but never without some heavy cost, usually to a character (or two) King has brought you to like, or even love, over the course of the novel, and here is no exception
.

I think the only place this book falls down is if one were to mistakenly choose to read it as a stand-alone novel, as being a sequel to The Talisman is a core part of the plot, and prior knowledge of the Dark Tower series and Universe is essential also. For me, however, it added some fascinating insight to Mid-World, the Territories, and the many lands between. Definitely required reading for those on their own journeys to the Tower.

Overall, everything you expect from King's type and level of story-telling. They call him the King of Horror, but he should certainly get more credit for the fantasy side of his writing also. Not for the faint of heart. 
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