Black House

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)

Great story.

The Talisman is one of those books I read again and again. In fact, I've bought several hardback copies as one after the other wore out from being dragged to the beach or on vacation.So, you can imagine how delighted I was when I saw a sequel was coming out. I saved reading the hardback until I had a long weekend, savoring the anticipation. And I must say that I did enjoy the book. And yet, and yet...To enjoy this book you must have patience. Be ready for a leisurely stroll. I think the fact that I read the Talisman first means that I was more patient with Black House because I knew something good was coming and I didn't mind looking out the window and enjoying the scenery on the way. If you can enjoy the character development and description without being irritated that the plot doesn't move along very quickly, I think you will like this book. Straub and King are a great team, and the characters in this book are among the most vivid and well drawn of any I've read.

Great finish to The Talisman. Fun read, a few stupid connections to the last novel but on the an exciting book.

I was able to hold on to my emotions all the way to the very end. Around twenty pages away from its conclusion, the tale made me cry. I owe this man the talent I have to write. Thanks for another wonderful tale.

834 pages5 starsI’ve been re-reading my Stephen King novel collection. I last read “Black House” in 2012.This is a great follow up book to “The Talisman.” Jack SAwyer is back, all grown up. He is a retired LAPD police officer now. He falls in love with the little town of Tamarack, Wisconsin. Coincidentally, there is an active serial killer taking and killing children. He also cannibalizes the poor little tykes.The police chief, Dale, and his new friend, a blind man called Henry, pressure Jack into investigating the case. He meets fascinating new people and some really scary ones, too.So our tale begins.I really enjoyed this book. All 834 pages. It is very well written and the descriptions of situations evoke almost memory-like pictures in the readers’ minds. The character development is superb! It’s a wonderful novel. I’m glad I had the opportunity to re-read it.

A pleasant surprise, and far superior to Talisman, which was one of my least favourite Stephen King books. This was much better, loved the characters, the Dark Tower connections, and I can’t wait to finally reach the end of my journey to the Dark Tower itself. Got a problem with Stephen King endings? Black House has one of the best endings he’s possibly ever written!A copycat serial killer is replicating the original Albert Fish murders in Wisconsin. Jack Sawyer, the 12-year old from Talisman, is now a retired albeit young police detective. He finds himself unwillingly in the middle of the investigation.Unlike Talisman, this felt almost entirely like a Stephen King book. And full credit to Peter Straub, because the book is strongly linked to King’s Dark Tower series, and at no point did I find any aspect jarring. The story flowed seamlessly, as did the dialogue and descriptions. The plot, characters, setting, are all excellent. Jack Sawyer makes new friends and acquaintances, and meets an older friend or two as well. Almost every character will leave a lasting impression on the reader, one in particular is perhaps one of the best King has ever written. Love them or hate them, you will feel strongly about them.Given my lukewarm response to Talisman, I wish I could recommend people ignore it and read Black House straightaway, but it probably wouldn’t be a good idea.Very strongly recommended, even if you didn’t like Talisman, do read Black House. Right now, with recency bias, it’s entered my all-time top five Stephen King.

I found this book cumbersome in its length. The language is as usual, excellent handling and with many truths, but the tale goes on and on even though it turns corners, it drags in conversations that don't tell a lot. I kind of lost the thread a few times over it. The ending felt muddied somehow unlike most of King's books that have satisfying conclusions. I shall however, remain a faithful King reader.

For those who loved The Talisman, you won't be disappointed. Jack's back, although now he's an adult and drawn into the hunt for an horrific serial killer.

Two great authors waxing lyrical, and what verse they are

Wow! Awesome book... I just got this for rs.226/- only.A brand new hardcopy.. the book is perfect as i expected