Does this book get better?

[Teddy Duchamp]

SO im brand new to the forums, but hello all. Im about halfway through with The Talisman page 350 about, and truthfully its my least favorite of King titles I've read so far. This is my 6th title I believe. However, for some odd reason I cannot explain, but I simply cannot put it down regardless. Im not impressed, the writing styles somewhat off from normal King(Perhaps its Straub?), the scenes dont stand out to me as other of King's novels Ive read(IT, Stand, Salem's Lot etc.), but I simply must finish and cannot put it down. Go figure?

Earlier on I said it was my second favourite work by SK - but I do know what you mean about the writing style. At the beginning when Jack "flipped" into the territories I found the "olde English" way of writing that he had a bit "grating". And it grated a bit more because it was a mixture of modern and Olde English................something like that can be enough to throw me off and make me stop reading, but I stayed with it and didnt even remember it by the time I got to Oatley!

But you know what - its so subjective that no one should ever feel "guilty" for not liking something. Personally on here I think its fabulous that we can critique work while still remaining "fans" - Im sure Stephen would be the last person to want someone blindly saying they "loved everything about everything" he wrote. Keeps us all on our toes!

[RGKID144]

SO, I just finished, and regrettably the book does not get any better. Im not trying to discourage future readers of this novel because every one seems to love this book, so dont take my word for it. Unfortunately, the book just did not cut it for me and my personal interpretation of it. I didnt fall in love with a single character including Wolf, but he was cool. IT seemed to me that there were so many plotholes and elemental disfigurements that just did not make sense, I had a very hard time imagining all of the creatures, and quite frankly didnt get enough of the grotesque aspect of the novel which is the only part I really enjoyed. LOVED the changing of Richard and and Speedy and such, but just wasnt enough. Sloat was not evil enough for me nor did they show any destruction on his part. (barely any- dont want to spoil). I apologize for the negative rant, but this is truly the first King novel I have not enjoyed. Every turn of the page I wanted to stop reading, but do not have it in me to stop reading a novel. Thats my piece. Others seem to love it, so read away! Im beginning Carrie tonight; I hear great things. Have a wonderful night all!

[Shell*STBD]

I just finished reading the Talisman (like 10 minutes ago), and must concur with the few that didn't enjoy it. I am blaming it on Peter Straub (never read him)! :P This is the first King book I have read in at least 15 years, but I really enjoyed Carrie and the Shining and many of his short stories. I can't wait to start another one that I will love (suggestions?) to get back on track.

I found Wolf annoying and the Blasted Lands seemed... under-developed or something. I don't want to say "juvenile", but... I don't know. Didn't grab me. I think I got a bit of a sci fi vibe, and I hate sci fi.

I know many people loved it - my mother included, she got me into King and it is her copy I read - but to each their own! I couldn't wait to get to the end (not in a good way), but I did finish at least. I didn't hate it!