Black House

If you enjoyed the Talisman, of course you need to read Black House. If you have NOT read the Talisman, I suggest you do so before Black House. A slight departure for King, it has a unique style that may be the Peter Straub influence. (Koko and Ghost Story are highly suggested reads by Mr. Straub) This book (House) has ties to the Dark Tower series. Different and well scribed this book is 'another' must read for King fans and detractors alike.

We have had the hard cover of Black House on our book case since it was originally released. My husband read it right away but I didn't touch it until a couple days ago. I don't know why I never read it, I just couldn't be bothered. I did read The Talisman, a long time ago and I have requested the sound recording from our local library to refresh my memory. I have to say, so far, I am enjoying Black House. It is keeping me interested. I'll give another review when I finish. I finished it and liked it.

The talisman is quite a great book I must say, but in my opinion, I think this book tramples over the talisman. Why? Because it's not subjected to so much of the fantasy aspect like the talisman was. Also, Black House has a much better method of showing off characters and I believe they are stronger this time around.
While many people complain about how gory it is, I think it's simply sickeningly awesome. It gives more of a purpose to lead you through the book if murder is involved. In the talisman, Jack's journey is so long and grueling that you often seem to forget the overall task Jack is trying to complete.
It's much more into reality, and shows the Territories not as a far-fetched dreamland, but a place that could be right next door. I would reccommend reading the Talisman first, but I enjoyed Black House more so. A truely heartwrenching book, most likely the best I've ever read.

I am no better off. The profane language was unnecessary and much of the graphic visualizations could have been eliminated creating a much more compact story. With that said, there would not be much left. I felt like I was reading two stories, as if each writers technique stood out on its own----it was unbalanced. I was disappointed that so much time was spent in this world and not the other created world. It is a shame, because in amongst the dirt there contains some wonderful visualizations and details.

The story is narrated to us as if we are flying over that small town in Western Wisconsin on the back of a great bird. Wisconsinites will enjoy the many references to its attributes, especially baseball (where King has a strong interest). In the novel "The Talisman", by the same authors, Jack Sawyer is just a boy. In "Black House" they continue the story of Jack Sawyer, now a retired police officer, where he is brought in to investigate and help find the kidnapper and killer of children. The kidnapper is controlled by a force from another world and this black house is the gateway to it. It is not necessary to read "The Talisman", but it would help answer questions, and it was also better.

Wish you well
Scott

I have read a lot of books in my time, but none of them have engaged me as deeply as this one. King and Straub weave a tale so intricately and descriptively, it feels like I have actually been to French Landing and lived through these events. I have reread this story more than any other. It has staying power. Jack is back, and it ain't just about Twinners anymore! A must-read for anyone into the Dark Tower series.