Sunday, June 17, 2007

Sunday's Oldies but Goodies...

Good Morning!
In honor of Father's Day, this week's Oldie but Goodie is...


The Eyes of the Dragon
by Stephen King

First Released 1987


I know what you're thinking.
Stephen King? Have you lost it?

The answer is - Nope. I have not lost it. If you are unfamiliar with this story, this King novel is like nothing you are expecting.

The novel 'The Eyes of the Dragon' is about love, after all.
The love two sons have for their father.
The love that father has for his sons.

The story of 'Dragon' opens up in the kingdom of Delain. King Roland is the current reigning monarch, and he has two young sons - Peter, the Crown Prince, and his younger brother Thomas. Flagg, the court magician, has been plotting for years a way to overtake the throne, and discovers the perfect means through Thomas.

One night, Flagg puts his plan into motion, and Roland dies. Peter is convicted of his murder, and Thomas becomes King.

And the entire kingdom is thrown into despair. Oh, not all at once. It starts with small things, like higher taxes, and snowballs to whole families disappearing in the middle of the night. And through it all, Flagg continues to poison the mind of young Thomas, who is too weak-willed to stand up for what is right. His actions spark a rebellion against the throne for the first time in many generations, and through it all, Peter is plotting escape from the Needle - a prison cell atop the highest tower in the castle - reserved only for royal prisoners.

As Peter gets closer and closer to the time when he will attempt his brave escape, Flagg gets more an more uneasy, knowing something is off. Timing is everything, and with the help of his friends, Peter makes a bold move that could either save his kingdom from destruction, or seal the fate of everyone in his land.

What struck me most about this story was how well King's writing just sucked me in. I am a big fan of his writing, but when I read this one, I was struck at how detailed his world became to me. As always, Mr. King has weaved a wonderfully engaging tale, and you should make it a point to read this one. You will not be disappointed.

(And if you have read anything else by Mr. King, the use of the name Flagg will not be lost on you)

Happy Reading, and Happy Father's day!

6 comments:

Kimber Li said...

Great review, Lady B! I've never read Stephen King, strangely enough. But, this one sounds right up my alley. Way to go!

I went ahead and deleted my column so this review will be at the top of the page. I'm relieved to hear you're feeling better. I still think the rest of us can send you some extra love though.
:o)

Tia Nevitt said...

I read this book years ago, and I loved it. I am not generally a fan of Stephen King, but this was a great story. Thanks for the review and for the reminder!

Kimber Li said...

Hi again, Tia! I'm always curious when an author writes outside his or her usual genre or sub-genre. A lot of authors flop at this, but there are some authors who totally shine at it!

LadyBronco said...

Tia -

Thanks for stopping by!
I loved this book, as well, and it really struck a chord - the family dynamic between Roland and Thomas and Peter.

Kimber An - It is always interesting to see an author who successfully crosses genre lines.

Anonymous said...

I read this book few years back.. And it is indeed a very nice story... then months later, i found out that it has relation with The Dark Tower. That made me read the book again...

amazing!

Kimber Li said...

Okay, that does it! I'm going to the library today!