This book review of Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King is part of my Stephen King reading quest.
Stephen King is known for his spooky stories, and I recently picked up Cycle of the Werewolf. It’s a short novel that combines horror with some great illustrations. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on the book, breaking it down into a summary, the main characters, what I liked, and what I didn’t like. Let’s dive in!
Book Summary
Cycle of the Werewolf tells the story of a small town called Tarker’s Mills. Every month, a mysterious werewolf attacks and terrorizes the residents. The story unfolds over a year, focusing on each full moon, when the werewolf strikes.
The main character is a boy named Marty Coslaw. He is wheelchair-bound due to a tragic accident. Despite this, he shows great bravery and determination. Marty tries to uncover the mystery behind the werewolf while dealing with his own challenges.
Each chapter captures a different month and highlights the werewolf’s attacks. The tension builds as the townspeople become more and more frightened. We get to see how fear changes the dynamics of the community and how it affects the characters. The way King describes the moonlit nights and the chilling atmosphere really pulls you in.
Summary of Main Characters
Marty Coslaw
Marty is the hero of the story. He’s just a young boy, but he has to deal with a lot. Being in a wheelchair makes his life more complicated, but he never gives up. I admired his spirit as he faced both the werewolf and the challenges of being a kid with a disability.
The Werewolf
The werewolf itself is an important character, though we don’t learn a lot about it until later. It symbolizes fear and the unknown. The descriptions of the werewolf are intense, making it feel real and terrifying.
Other Townspeople
The townspeople add depth to the story. Characters like the local sheriff and Marty’s family show different reactions to the werewolf. Some are brave, while others are scared and in denial. Their interactions give us a good sense of how fear spreads in a community.
What I Liked
Engaging Writing Style
One of the best parts of Cycle of the Werewolf is King’s writing. He has a way of making the reader feel the tension. The descriptions of the full moon nights are eerie, and I could almost hear the howls of the werewolf.
Illustrations
The illustrations by Bernie Wrightson are a fantastic addition. They add a visual element that enhances the reading experience. Each illustration captures the horror and mood of the story perfectly. They made the werewolf feel more real and heightened the suspense.
Strong Themes
The book explores themes like fear, bravery, and community. It shows how people can come together when faced with a threat, and how fear can change them. These themes are relatable, making the story resonate on a deeper level.
What I Didn’t Like
Pacing Issues
One of my main issues with Cycle of the Werewolf is the pacing. Since it’s divided into chapters for each month, some parts felt slow. I wanted to know more about the werewolf and see more action sooner. At times, it felt like it took too long to get to the exciting moments.
Limited Character Development
While Marty is a strong character, I felt that some of the other characters lacked depth. The townspeople had interesting reactions, but I wish I could have learned more about their backgrounds and motivations. This would have made the story even richer.
Ambiguous Ending
The ending left me feeling a bit confused. I wanted a more conclusive resolution to the werewolf’s story. It felt like some threads were left hanging. This might frustrate readers who enjoy clear endings.
Something inhuman has come to Tarker’s Mills, as unseen as the full moon riding the night sky high above.
Stephen King, Cycle of the Werewolf
Parting Thoughts
Ultimately, I’m giving this book a strong 3 out of 5 stars. It was definitely better than I was expecting for such a small book, but also, it was a small book. How’s that for a contradictory? But seriously, while I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere, strong themes, and illustrations, I found some pacing issues and character development lacking. I did like the time-based progression, too. Overall, if you’re a fan of horror and Stephen King, Cycle of the Werewolf is still worth a read. It has its flaws, but it’s an interesting take on the werewolf myth and captures the essence of fear in a small town.
Other Reads You Might Enjoy
About the Author
Stephen King is an American author known for his thrilling horror novels. Born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine. King published his first novel, Carrie, in 1974, which became a huge success and launched his career. Over the years, he wrote many bestsellers, including The Shining, It, and Misery. His books have sold over 350 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of all time. King has won several prestigious awards, such as the Bram Stoker Award and the World Fantasy Award. In 2003, he received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, honoring his impact on literature.
Cover Text
Reading Details
Start date: October 14, 2024
Finish date: October 15, 2024
