The Eyes of the Dragon
by Stephen King — a Fantasy Novel
Released on December 8, 1987 — 384 pages
Narrated by Bronson Pinchot
I have been for over a year now getting Audible books so I decided I would review and share my opinion on some of them with you. Enjoy!
As I have stated in the past, Stephen King was and still is a big influence on my writing. When he published a fantasy novel in the 80s, I had to read it as fantasy was also one of my favorite genres. I liked it, of course, back then, but I was only 17 at the time. So, when I ran across the title a couple weeks ago, I found surprising that I could not remember anything about it. I anxiously bought the audiobook as I had to see if the story still had the “same ol’ magic”. Yeah, I know, pun and bad joke intended!
The Synopsis:
“Once, in a kingdom called Delain, there was a king with two sons….”
Thus begins one of the most unique tales that master storyteller Stephen King has ever written—a sprawling fantasy of dark magic and the struggle for absolute power that utterly transforms the destinies of two brothers born into royalty. Through this enthralling masterpiece of mythical adventure, intrigue, and terror, you will thrill to this unforgettable narrative filled with relentless, wicked enchantment, and the most terrible of secrets….
The Review:
One of the best things that King does in any of his novels is to draw you in by creating fascinating and yet relatable characters. All of the story’s characters are very well developed and dynamic. Many in the plot have their own agendas as well as their own drives. The way he weaves the arch of the story at the same time illuminating the lives of the two princes keeps you glued to the intrigue that they find themselves caught up within.
There is a theory that all of Stephen King’s novels are connected in some fashion. One of the more notable lynchpins is his infamous villain, Flagg. Here he appears as the Court Wizard and King Roland’s closest counsel. In the novel, The Stand, readers should recall in the post-apocalypse world, the evil entity known as Randall Flagg. There is even a popular theory that the malicious, shape-changing clown in IT is really Flagg. Just as Flagg did in these other stories, he creates blood-filled chaos and death wherever he treads.
The “hero’s journey” and the road to vindication that Prince Peter has to take is a great read and thrilling adventure. And yes, there are horror elements in the tale and some dark parts that are classic Stephen King, but I did very much enjoy this fantasy tale once again and would highly recommend it.
The Narration:
Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned television and movie actor gives a fantastic rendition and his range of voices is very impressive. The whispery voice of Flagg that he uses actually made goosebumps on my skin the first time I heard it, capturing the “seething evil under the surface” aspect of Flagg perfectly.
While widely known as the quirky actor from 80’s sitcom, Perfect Strangers, he has also gone on to do films (including a breakout performance as the psychotic Craig Toomy in the Stephen King film, The Langoliers) and several Broadway plays in New York City.
Other narrated books to his Pinchot’s credit are One Year After: A John Matherson Novel and The Extinction Cycle.
The Rating:
Five Stars as this story has intricate plotting, detailed characters, and exciting scenes (one of the best scenes especially is when Prince Thomas spies on his father when he is drunk and very enraged. King Roland screams at the mounted trophy heads on his wall, screaming “WHY DO YOU STARE AT ME SO? WHY? I HAVE DONE THE BEST I CAN.”) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
By Derek Barton — Author of Dark Fantasy novels: Consequences Within Chaos and The Bleeding Crown. Also the author or In Four Days: a Horror-Suspense Novella and the series Elude: Part One & Part Two (horror/crime thrillers)!!
The Official Website of Author Derek Barton 