As a sequel to the horror classic, Doctor Sleep picks up the tale following the aftermath of the terrors at Overlook Hotel

Doctor Sleep (Shining Book 2)
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“Hugely anticipated” reads a blurb for Stephen King’s return to the iconic characters and premise of The Shining. As a sequel to the horror classic, Doctor Sleep picks up the tale following the aftermath of the terrors at Overlook Hotel, adding another dimension to the wonders and intrigue of the psychic world.

Now a grown man burdened by the violent legacy of his alcoholic father, Dan Torrance finds himself slipping into the same disturbing patterns of depression and isolation that marred his childhood. With his psychic abilities as strong as ever – the eponymous “shining” of the prequel – all Dan desires is a quiet life free from visions of death and decay. Unfortunately, as any devoted Stephen King aficionado would predict, this is only the beginning of an equally dark route populated by those who share Dan’s curse, the most powerful being a mysterious young girl who stirs his protective instincts.

While veering dangerously close to absurdity at times, Doctor Sleep is an entertaining sequel nonetheless, which both fans of the original and newcomers to The Shining canon would do well not to miss out on.

Noori Pasella is a regular contributor to The Review