The Cycle of the Werewolf (1983)
Stephen King dedicates this book to Davis Grubb (1919-). A dedication which is richly deserved, first, because Grubb's great novel "The Night of the Hunter" (1953) is truly one of the most disturbing stories of children confronting evil that has ever been written (there's an equally chilling 1955 movie version, Charles Laughton's only directorial effort); second, because King cadges a key theme & the finale of Grubb's novel. But unfortunately, in calling to mind such a haunting forbear, it serves to remind us, once again, of how forgettable King's own work tends to be.
This book represents King's entirely straightforward and unoriginal take on the legend of the Werewolf. It seems as if it was probably intended for a younger readership; in addition to the Grubb reference, the hero is a handicapped boy and the book features illustrations by renowned comic book artist Bernie Wrightson. In fact, Wrightson's art may be the best thing about the book.
The book isn't bad--in fact, it's entirely possible that King is unable
to write a truly bad book. But it is a pretty pedestrian work.
I think teenage boys would enjoy it, but for anyone else it will only fill
time, and that briefly. Adults, try Night
of the Hunter instead.
(Reviewed:06-Sep-99)
Grade: (C)
