5 out of 5 stars | Goodreads
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since I heard that Stephen King was writing a sequel to The Shining, I knew I would have to get my hands on a copy somehow. And then, lo and behold, the wonderful Hodder sent me a copy to review! I apologise for how long it took for me to finally get around to reading and reviewing it, but it was most definitely worth the wait.
If you’re not familiar with The Shining, I would definitely advise reading it before moving on to Doctor Sleep. Whilst it’s not necessary to have read it and I think you would have no issues following the story, it adds so much more depth. Echoes of moments in The Shining, similar scenes and lines come back to haunt the reader. Despite there being over thirty years between the events of the first book, and the final events of Doctor Sleep, the two books felt so interconnected in many ways.
This is definitely one of those books that’s difficult to review, in that you don’t want to stop and make notes – you want to just keep on reading. One of my best friends mentioned that it was one of those books she just couldn’t stop reading and there wasn’t a dull moment – when someone says something like that you know you have to check for yourself, and she was definitely right. Although I didn’t find it as creepy as The Shining (it was the topiary that got me last time), there was a constant eerie undertone and real sense of danger, to both Abra and Dan.
Speaking of Abra, she could have been a precocious and annoying little kid, with these strange talents to show off, but instead she was witty and mature, if a little naive at times. But that was good, it kept her grounded and reminded the reader that she was just a child. And as for Dan, I felt the book was a really interesting exploration into a character who was created over thirty years ago and not necessarily intended to have a sequel.
Considering that I haven’t been making much time for reading lately, this was definitely the right book to get me back into the swing of things. With a highly original concept, creepy undertones and some great characters, it definitely deserves five stars in my book – but could we expect anything less from Mr. Stephen King?
Rinn Reads 
I’m so jealous that you’ve read Dr. Sleep! Actually not jealous so much as mad at myself for not finding the time. Although I think when I do read it I WON’T write a review, just so I can enjoy the experience without having to take notes.
Make the time, you won’t regret it 😀
Haha, I really didn’t want to stop and make notes. Actually I made most of them AFTER reading the book, so it wasn’t too bad.
Yay I got a mention! And it was book related to!!
Yay! 😀 Now you have to come and visit and you’ll get more mentions 😉
The bathroom scene with that lady in the tub gave me chills while reading “The Shining.” It’s a good thing to know that its sequel still lives up to Stephen King’s high level of creepy factor. 🙂 I will definitely grab a copy and start reading it.
I know, it’s such a horrible moment! I reckon you’d definitely be satisfied with this one then 😉
You received a review copy of a Stephen King book? I BOW TO YOUR AWESOMENESS!!! 🙂 So glad you loved this though. I read it last year when it first came out, and I was not even a little disappointed. A great follow up to the first book.
Haha yes, Hodder send me some amazing books 😀 It’s because of you that I first knew this was coming out, actually!
Hi
I liked your review and that’s so cool that you were sent the book. I really enjoyed this book and was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to reading Stephen King’s next book.
I wrote my review recently also and if you are interested in reading it, it is at http://www.anitasbookbag.co.uk
Anita
Thanks, Hodder spoil me 😉 They also sent me his newest book, Revival, recently, so my review of that will be up soon.