The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King

 

If you are looking for a Fantasy book that's not part of a Series but is also really good this is a perfect read. King is a master at using symbolism throughout novels this book showcases that skill of his expertly. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Part of a Series or Standalone: Standalong

Genres: Fantasy

Tropes: Regicide, Advisor wants more power, He Won't Die, Guilt Eats at Us, Back in the Sewers, Poison, Magic, Unreliable Narrator

Things I liked: You grow so fond of all the characters! It's hard to hear all the hard things they have to face. Even Roland and Thomas become characters to cheer for by the end or at least feel deep fondness for.

I find Flagg both terrifying and also hilarious. He stutters a lot during his speeches and at times it had me laughing like why is everyone scared of this guy? Or at best a snake who learned to talk. 

I wish King wasn't marked solely as a horror writer. This book is a perfect example of how he could redefine what modern fantasy could look like. 

Things I disliked: The age gap between Roland and Sasha was pretty gross. He's 50 and she's 17.

Audiobook or Physical? Audiobook was amazing! Bronson Pinchot makes it feel like we have a full cast. Recommend listening to the audiobook!

If animals are abused, die or are killed in this book: A horse breaks its leg but is nursed back to health.

Dog is stoned to death in Chapter 16. 

In Chapter 34 Flagg uses a mouse as part of a plot and it suffers greatly and dies

Extras: The book was almost titled "The Napkins"