When I saw this book in the supermarket it called to me across the aisle. Reaching out and teasing me with what might be inside. But I wasn’t on a book buying mission that day and so instead I put it on my Christmas wish list -and, as if it was meant to be, it turned up under the tree. It was one amongst many and it wasn’t the first one I read (thinnest to thickest was my plan). But I have now and this is what I thought.
**There may be spoilers ahead**
Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him and a job at a nursing home where his remnant ‘shining’ power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes ‘Doctor Sleep.’
Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra’s soul and survival . . .
– from Amazon
Doctor Sleep Review Conclusion
A brilliant read, swiftly grabbed me by the eyeballs and dragged me in. It was difficult to put it down and I looked forward to those moments where I would get to read.
It’s been a long time since I read The Shining, and a while since I watched the movie but that didn’t matter in the slightest. Dan is a great character who goes through a lot and most of it is as a result of his own actions. But when you’re trying to hide from something that big that’s inside you it can take it’s toll. So it’s great when he finds a place where he finds help and friendship and his place in the world. But things are never that straight forward and once again he’s forced to confront things about himself and his earlier life that he’s not entirely sure he’s ready to deal with. Still, his new friends are there to support him and he’s gaining a reputation for what he does.
4.5 Stars
Already read it? Let us know what you thought about it in the comments and check out Mindhunter by John Douglas if you like your crime real.
Coming Soon
The Moribund appears before Death as you take your last breath and offers you a deal. She can offer you the life you want, the life you dreamt of in this lifetime, next time around. A few changes to the Akashic records and she can put you in exactly the right place to fulfil your dreams. Of course, the hard work is still up to you but you are at least reborn with the idea of that perfect life already in your head. And those who made a deal with The Moribund know exactly what they are going to do in this life from a very early age.
Not everyone gets this offer. The Moribund is choosy about her food -most of the time. But without the possibility, well, hope that there will even be a next life or a hear after fades from the world.
And unlike most otherworldly beings, she existed before humans. She was not created by their need or their belief. Much like Death, she was always there. But she was there first.
Read the first chapters here: The Moribund
Horror and Fantasy Author – Also writing as K.T. McQueen. Love Western Horror, cowboy boots, my cactus Collin, & my Demon Cat.
Moths – I hate moths, the way they flutter at your face!
