Death Run | Short Story Review | AstraDaemon

THROTTLE by Joe Hill and Stephen King is a thrilling short about bikers being run down by a semi truck. The bikers are returning from the scene of a brutal murder, and they are divided on what their next move will be.

As they continue on their journey, a familiar truck begins eliminating their numbers. As they struggle to stay ahead of certain death, father and son must overcome their differences to help one another.

Towards the end, the father discovers the reason the trucker went on his rampage, which leads to a final confrontation with his son.

Great action story.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Family Time | Horror Review

IN THE TALL GRASS by Stephen King and Joe Hill is a mix of horror, science fiction and supernatural suspense. There's a moment where I had a flashback to The Tommyknockers. The grass field itself made me think of the fairy circles which trap unsuspecting travelers. While the setup is a bit slow, establishing the bond between brother and sister emphasizes their fear of being separated.

The story is intense, and has a few scenes which might qualify this novella as extreme horror. I don't think this tale measures up to 1980s Stephen King stories (I have no point of reference for Joe Hill's work), but I'm recommending it anyway.

If you enjoy this, you should also check out MILE 81.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Halloween Reading: Wolf Week | Werewolf For Kids | AstraDaemon

CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF by Stephen King is better known by some as Silver Bullet, but there is a huge difference between the movie and the novella, and I encourage horror fans to read the written story.

However, while this is not a terrible werewolf tale, this is not an example of King's best work -- not even close. If you're expecting something on the level of The Mist or The Raft, you'll be disappointed. This is more YA fiction than anything...King-lite for kids.

I recommend The Sun Dog for a more frightening canine.

As always,

AstraDaemon

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment to enter the giveaway for this week's PERSONALIZED autographed paperback.

King's Kids

CHILDREN OF THE CORN by Stephen King is one I have no memory of reading before now. I didn't think much of the movie, so I never bothered with the story. I couldn't understand what people found so frightening about this short, and I still don't.

While a boy with a slit throat in the road is terribly disturbing, and a deserted town is creepy, there's just not much more to this story than the husband and wife fighting with each other. I don't even care what happens to them.

Instead, I recommend MILE 81, written by King within this decade and borrowing some themes from his older stories.

As always,
AstraDaemon

A New Metal Monster

MILE 81 by Stephen King is a novella I haven't read before, and I must admit, I have been reluctant to read anything King has written after THE GIRL WHO LOVED TOM GORDON. I am so glad I gave this story a chance because this is one of my new King favorites.

King appears to have channeled several of his older stories for this one: Christine, Trucks and The Raft. Even with all the horror elements, this is more or less Pete Simmons' coming-of-age story. All he wants is a cool adventure to share with his older brother and his bicycle gang, but he soon finds himself in a supernatural battle for survival.

The author torments readers further by including a horse as well as three children...kids and a defenseless animal? Nothing scares the crap out of me more than placing innocent lives within the grasp of a monster. I really wish King would stick with this style of storytelling.

As much as I enjoy the rest area nightmare, my favorite King story is still THE EYES OF THE DRAGON, and I highly recommend both to all readers.

As always,
AstraDaemon