Following a commercial flop with his debut novel, author Thad Beaumont takes a drastic step. He begins writing violent crime stories featuring tough-guy Alexis Machine under the pseudonym George Stark.

This decision seems to be a stroke of genius as Beaumont achieves massive success. However, the urge to return to his original dramatic style leads to the end of Stark.

After staging a mock funeral for his alias, those connected to Stark's work start turning up dead. The question lingers: is a vengeful fan behind the brutal killings or is George Stark himself seeking revenge for his untimely demise?

Once again, I find myself venturing into Castle Rock, Maine for another wild ride with Uncle Stevie. The Dark Half is a good book, yet it's not one of King's more well-known works. Nevertheless, I'd argue it's better than most of the stuff he's released in the last few years.

I was surprised by this because, despite its flaws, it has a solid premise. I didn't have much affection for the main character, Thad Beaumont, but the book boasts a great supporting cast.

Up until now, I've only been familiar with Sheriff Alan Pangborn due to the new Castle Rock TV series. So, it was interesting to see his introduction and watch him interact with a new set of characters.

For some reason, I imagined Patrick Wilson playing this character, even though he never has. Maybe it's because I recently saw a photo of him in his state trooper gear from Fargo.

I thought many of the horror aspects were executed quite well. The prologue was a classic, over-the-top 80s King moment. The suspense built around whether or not George was really the killer kept me turning the pages.

However, about three-quarters of the way through the story, I started to feel the length of the book. There seemed to be a lot of padding, with repeated scenes and dialogue. I really liked the idea, but I think it could have been more effective as a novella within one of King's four-story collections rather than a six-hundred-page paperback.

Also, Alexis Machine is a rather dumb name.

Short read and my first Stephen King book.

I used to view King as a mere pop-writer. Around 20 years ago, I had a neighbor who was completely obsessed with him. I would just roll my eyes at her, thinking she was overreacting. But now, it seems I have become her. LOL.

This book served as an excellent gateway drug to King's works. It was left in the giveaway pile in my apartment's laundry room. I picked it up while waiting for my laundry to finish and ended up staying in the laundry room for the next hour. The character development was evident right from page 1. I have to admit... now I have a bit of a problem. I find myself completely hooked on King's writing. Is there a support group for this kind of addiction? I'm not sure, but I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for more of his books.

Maybe I'll start with some of his more famous works and see where this newfound love takes me.

I hope my alter-ego ghost twin isn't as evil or disgusting as George. He's truly one of the most vile, gag-worthy villains ever. Just thinking about him makes me want to throw up a little in my mouth.

That being said, this book was rather average for me. It gave the impression that it was penned by a man going through a significant transitional phase in his life, which indeed it was. He seemed to be meekly attempting to discover a new rhythm, feeling his way through a novel and unacclimated reality. The story fell short in terms of inspiration and lacked that magical essence that has characterized King's works up to this point in his publishing career.

I do appreciate the metaphor present in this book. However, I didn't sense the power of the internal identity struggle coming through vividly on the pages. It was as if something was missing, preventing me from fully immersing myself in the depth of the character's turmoil.

Overall, while there were some elements to appreciate, this book didn't quite live up to my expectations of a Stephen King masterpiece.

This book presented several good concepts.

I found it quite interesting how it seemed that Stephen King was somewhat irked when Richard Bachman was exposed, and he did what he does best - got angry through his words.

The story was engaging to a certain extent. The beginning was well-structured, with a nice setup of the background as Thad read his write-up of his family in a magazine. Then, the introduction of the "dark half" added an element of mystery. However, in my opinion, there was a significant portion in the middle that lacked real momentum.

Although not an overly long book (especially for Stephen King), it did feel as if it could have been edited down by about a hundred pages.

I have read a few books by Stephen King, and this one isn't among his better works. Nevertheless, there is some nice characterisation and an interesting idea that functions well and concludes with a decent climax.

It was good but not great. A book that didn't really grip me and compel me to read it, yet it was easy enough to pick up and read through relatively quickly. I'm looking forward to bigger and better things in my next Stephen King novel, 11/22/63.

If you like this, try "It" by Stephen King.

Goodreads Book-Buddy Buddy Read with Goodreads Book Buddies

Chelsea Humphrey and Kelly.

Thad Beaumont is a writer who used a pen name, George Stark, to write terrifying thrillers. But Thad didn't want to write those kinds of books anymore, so he buried George Stark and decided to write his own work. However, what if the pseudonym comes to life as its own entity and goes on a murder spree to take revenge and take over Thad's life? Thad knows that The Sparrows are flying again and all hell is about to break loose. He will do whatever it takes to keep his family safe from this madman. If you want to read more, I highly recommend checking this book out for yourself.

This was a really good read that I did as a Goodreads book buddy buddy read with my friends Chelsea and Kelly. Although I had seen the film a while ago, this was my first time reading the book. I'm no stranger to the Master of the Macabre, Stephen King. I first discovered his books when I came across Cycle of the Werewolf, which is the basis for one of my favorite horror films, Silver Bullet. Fascinated, I decided to read a few Stephen King books every year, and from the ones I've read, I've really enjoyed them. This book was a wild and spine-tingling ride. King pulls you into his world and doesn't let go until the end. If you like Stephen King's books or if this is your first time exploring King's maniacal world, I recommend checking out this book or any of his old work before moving on to his newer stuff. You'll definitely enjoy it. This book is available at your local library, as well as on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Note to Chelsea and Kelly: Thank you so much for participating with me in my first Goodreads book buddy buddy read. It was a lot of fun. I hope you guys also enjoyed this book. If you would like to do this again with another book, please let me know by private message. Thanks again and happy reading!

I am indebted to the unforgettable Richard Bachman for his help and inspiration. This story would not have been written without him. S.K.

This is precisely the author's note at the end of The Dark Half. For those who don't know, Richard Bachman was the "dark half" of Stephen King. During the period 1977 - 1984, King was feeling existential and wondered if the fame he had achieved was because he deserved it or because he had gained a name. So he started writing books that were published by another publishing house. As was inevitable, these books became popular and it wasn't long before his identity was revealed by a bookseller. King then made statements and "killed" once and for all his "other half".

The story of The Dark Half has several to many similarities with the above story. A writer, Thad Beaumont, writes his first novel which is a failure. The deep depression of failure turns him into an aggressive and bloodthirsty "stranger" who lends him the inspiration to write four novels that immediately become bestsellers. The name of the stranger is George Stark and the hero of the stories is Alexis Machine. Although his writing career has taken the best possible path, his personal life is going to hell. The excesses have driven away his wife Liz and the newborn twins, with the result that he decides to "kill" this destructive persona once and for all. Just before he does, he receives a series of letters from an up-and-coming lawyer who, being a huge fan of George Stark, blackmails him that he will reveal his secret. Just before he does, Thad is photographed in the town cemetery with his wife next to a fake grave that says "George Stark, not such a nice guy". Everything now seems perfect, Thad has just published a new novel and is going for a second. But from the darkness, George Stark takes on flesh and bones and begins a bloodbath that reaches the door of Thad's house. Who is this and what does he want from his creator? Read it!

The Dark Half is another book by King that borrows elements from his life, put together in a very beautiful way, without aiming at self-promotion, easy drama or excitement. This time, King is obsessed with the dark side of creation, with insecurities and the writing dead end. Excesses played a role in King's career as well as in Thad's career. Through The Dark Half, King seeks redemption for a dark period for him, despite the writing success he has achieved. The hatred for the created persona is clearly evident. Thad is faced with his own creation, fame and uncertainty. And what makes The Dark Half more terrifying is not the atmosphere nor the murders, but the victims and the price of success.

It walks between reality and the metaphysical, without going beyond the limits and becoming far-fetched. The first part is very much like an American slasher beta category or giallo first (without the naked). Violent images, blood, eviscerations and such, always with wonderful and vivid descriptions. In the second half it turns into a metaphysical thriller, losing a little of its dynamism. There are times when it rambles terribly and I found myself getting bored. Sometimes the rambling was interesting but other times it was really unbearable, especially when it refers to people - supporting characters standing behind their story (which in the end nobody cares about).

Deeply personal and allegorical, The Dark Half is a very good book, as long as you have patience. You may get bored sometimes, but in the end you will be rewarded. The images, ideas and worlds that King creates are unique. Somewhere here I have to say a huge Bravo to the Klidarithmos editions because they have now entered well into the game of editions. Besides the FANTASTIC cover, the edition was beautiful. There were different fonts for the handwriting and different diagrams, which in the corresponding English edition at the time (I checked because a friend of mine has it) do not exist.

2 1/2 Stars



I will preface this review by stating that I am a big Stephen King fan. In fact, I'm a huge Stephen King fan. So, giving this book only 2 1/2 stars goes against a lot of the personal feelings and experiences I've had over the years while reading his amazing novels. I really wanted to enjoy this book. Just like in life, sometimes you have to listen to your instincts. After 150 pages, I should've called it a day. But being the forever optimist, I just trudged ahead.



The book revolves around Thad Beaumont, a novelist. It makes one wonder if SK is writing about himself. Thad finds national fame after writing a series of books under a pseudonym. What's unique about Thad is that at five years old, he had recurrent headaches. Neurosurgeons had to remove a tumor from his brain that was actually ectopic human tissue found in his brain matter! Oh, poor Thad had a little brother. **Gasps** Only Stephen King could think of something like this!



What follows is a hot mess of a story. Thad's little brother'materializes' into a real human being and starts killing everybody. The violent scenes are very well crafted, and King's brilliance shines as he makes the mundane turn into horror. The book has all the right ingredients to work: a sick, twisted plot that comes to a crescendo conclusion at the end, some very dark violence scenes, and Stephen King's prolific and unique writing style.



However, what really kills 'The Dark Half' is the turtle slow pace of the book. There are multiple unnecessary characters and sideline bullshit plots that add nothing to the story. Also, the book was written in the early 1980s, early in Stephen King's career. The dialogue between Thad, his wife, and this annoying local sheriff was incredibly cheesy and at times actually comical. The overall effect was more of a comedic story rather than a horrifying and gripping one.







No, what you're seeing in the picture above is not some cheesy zombie character. This is actually a scene from a movie adaption of 'The Dark Half'. To top it off, 'The Dark Half' was made into a B-movie in the early 1990s. The box office tanked big-time, and after watching some clips on the Internet, I can see why. Hollywood turned a mediocre story into a blood fest, which many horror fans will recognize as a frighteningly mediocre movie.



2 1/2 Stars

Thad Beaumont has written several books under the pseudonym of George Stark. For a long time, he has maintained this charade. But one day, he decides to put an end to the deception. Stark is not real; he is just an alter ego of Thad himself. However, the problem now is that George Stark has returned. Somehow, he has materialized and has stopped being just an illusion. He has come back to take revenge one by one on those who don't believe in his existence. And this time, he has no intention of leaving.

This is a book that, from the beginning, I thought I would like, and to some extent, I did. The characters are well-developed and have their own unique characteristics. The villainous psychopath, George Stark, is truly imposing and makes the reader feel a great deal of discomfort in the face of the danger he poses. The bloody scenes are not sugar-coated and maintain that explicit, powerful, and macabre essence that is characteristic of the author.

I liked how the author plays with the duality of the self and the consequences it has on the protagonist's mind. The power of imagination and creation within fiction is also explored. That dark tone of two beings who share and form a whole, specifically one half and the other half. But where is the line that divides the two characters? Or in reality, do they complement each other and are they a whole? Or are they simply different from each other and cannot coexist? I love that playfulness that makes you doubt.

It is a rather linear story where you expect many things to happen, and indeed, they do at the end. However, it rarely surprises, and that is why, unfortunately, it doesn't reach a higher level. It is okay, it is easy to read, and it doesn't get bogged down in many details that would slow down the reading pace, as is often the case with King's books. But I perfectly understand why some people might give it a rating of 1 or 2 stars because it doesn't innovate or offer anything new. After finishing reading, it just left me in a state of profound indifference. And for readers who have already delved quite deeply into the genre (I repeat), it doesn't surprise at any point.

Que Stephen King es un genio es de sobra conocido por todos. Sin duda, tiene una imaginación y capacidad para contarlas extraordinaria, aunque nos gusten más o menos sus historias. A pesar de que las primeras páginas no terminaron de entusiasmarme, según iba leyendo me iba sumergiendo más y más en la historia. Me encontraba buscando minutos al día para leer algunas páginas y seguir disfrutando de esta historia que mezcla investigación policial con hechos paranormales.

Thad Beaumont, nuestro protagonista, es escritor. Durante su carrera, ha publicado algunos libros de gran éxito bajo el seudónimo de George Stark. Ahora, es un hombre felizmente casado y padre de dos gemelos. Se siente con fuerzas renovadas para volver a escribir firmando con su propio nombre y no necesita a George Stark.

Por otro lado, tenemos al comisario Alan Pangborn, que se encargará de un caso de asesinato en el que todas las pruebas incriminan a Thad Beaumont. Alan se verá envuelto en una historia que no puede creer, totalmente inverosímil y fuera de toda lógica. No será hasta casi tenerlo en sus propias narices que comenzará a creer todo lo que ha ido sucediendo.

King nos relata una historia con un ritmo de infarto, una carrera contrareloj en la que se enfrentan a una situación sobrenatural pero muy bien contada y sin ser excesivamente fantasiosa. Hasta casi podríamos pensar que lo que ocurre podría pasar en la vida real, de tan bien narrado que está. Tiene escenas sangrientas y desagradables, que me han hecho sentir ciertas cosas y leer con la cara arrugada del asco. Sin embargo, me ha sorprendido y encantado. Me ha parecido una historia redonda en la que no sobra ni falta nada y que he disfrutado completamente.

Just as crazy as I remembered.

It was truly a wild and chaotic experience. The moment I stepped into that place, it felt like I had been transported back in time to a world of pure insanity.

The sights, the sounds, everything was so overwhelming. People were running around, shouting, and causing a ruckus.

I could hardly make sense of what was going on. But despite the chaos, there was something strangely captivating about it all.

I found myself drawn in, unable to look away. And now, as I sit here writing this review, I can't wait to share my thoughts and experiences with you all.

Stay tuned for the full review to follow!

The Dark Half is a captivating novel by Stephen King that delves into the mind of Thad Beaumont.

For years, Thad has used his pseudonym, George Stark, to write super violent pulp thrillers and pay the bills. But now, he wants to focus on writing seriously under his own name and has buried George Stark forever. However, things start to go wrong when George Stark refuses to stay buried.

The story takes place in the creepy small town of Castle Rock, which King has created in his other works as well. The characters are interesting and unique, and I found myself caring about them. George Stark is deliciously horrible, and the ending is quite macabre and builds up to its climax slowly.

While the plot did feel a little drawn out at times, the pacing was generally good and held my interest. King's writing style is prominent, but it felt more intimate than his earlier works. Overall, The Dark Half is a disturbing, psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of reality. It's not the creepiest or goriest book I've read from King, but it has just enough of both to satisfy the genre. I would definitely recommend this novel to others.

\\n  “He sometimes believed that the compulsion to make fiction was no more than a bulwark against confusion, maybe even insanity. It was a desperate imposition of order by people able to find that precious stuff only in their minds... never in their hearts.”\\n

\\n  “Cut him. Cut him while I stand here and watch. I want to see the blood flow. Don't make me tell you twice.”\\n

The Stephen King Goodreads Discussion Group is embarking on a comprehensive re-read of his works, starting from the very beginning and going all the way to the end. It has been quite a while since I truly delved into Uncle Stevie’s captivating world. However, at a rate of one book per month, I am fully committed. My objective is to read and review each one with the utmost honesty and reflection that I am capable of providing.

Background – “The Dark Half” was initially published in October 1989 in hardcover by Viking Press. My oversized paperback and Kindle both indicate that the book is 515 pages long. King had been clandestinely writing books under the pseudonym Richard Bachman until he was exposed with the publication of “Thinner” in 1984. Many considered most of his Bachman novels to be darker and more cynical compared to those published under his own name. Subsequently, following his exposure, King penned this novel as a response, centering the story around a writer who is terrorized by a horrific conjoined twin as the primary theme.

Plotline – In short, it’s about a “Writer’s pseudonym is a psycho killer”. The story revolves around Thad Beaumont, an author, college professor, husband, and father of two young twins. He and his wife Elizabeth reside in Ludlow, Maine (a familiar Castle Rock area for King enthusiasts). Thad writes two types of books - literary fiction under his own name, which receive great critical acclaim but have weak sales, and a successful bestselling violent action series secretly written under the pen name of George Stark.

However, despite the great sales achieved with his pseudonym, Thad dislikes how writing those dark and morbid books impacts him and his drinking. He decides to stop writing them and kill off his popular psycho killer, Alexis Machine. When a hardcore fan discovers his George Stark identity, Thad and Liz determine that it’s time to go public first. They do so by conducting an interview with People magazine and staging a mock funeral and burial of his alter ego at Ludlow’s local cemetery. In a moment of sarcastic humor, Thad labels Stark’s gravestone with the description, "Not A Very Nice Guy" and officially retires him.

Before Thad can resume working on his next literary novel, strange occurrences begin to take place. Something emerges from the fictional gravesite and commences a疯狂的killing spree. This spree is not only bizarre but also personally connected to Thad. It appears that someone, perhaps Stark or someone claiming to be him, is murdering everyone associated with his death as a writer, including Thad’s editor, agent, and the interviewer from People magazine. Moreover, the killer exhibits unusual similarities to Thad, such as his fingerprints and voice measurements.

Simultaneously, Thad finds himself plagued by nightmares in which his alter writing ego terrorizes him. He is also visited by Alan Pangborn, the local Castle Rock sheriff, who struggles to believe in Thad’s innocence. But how can Thad not only prove his innocence but also understand how his mental link to an uncontrolled killer stems from his own warped imagination that demands he write another Stark novel or face the wrath of a life-threatening alter ego…

Thoughts and Reflections – This is yet another one of King’s “writer as the primary character” thrillers, placing him in eerily familiar territory. This time, however, there is a darker and more vulgar aspect to it as he explores what could happen if we allow our bad side to emerge and play. The side that does not believe in adhering to the rules of society and refuses to silence the inner voice in any social context. It’s an intriguing approach that King takes in bringing the dark side alter ego to life.

At its core, this is a concept novel, based on the supernatural premise of a writer’s alter ego materializing in a monstrous form. And like most creatures, it desires not only revenge on its killers but also to survive and continue living. The first half of the novel is a mystery that gradually reveals the terrifying killer, introduces the protagonist, and traps him in a difficult situation. Then, the second half transforms into a horror and supernatural buildup that leads to a typical King showdown, culminating in destruction.

It also seems that King utilized this novel as a platform to respond to his critics regarding his use of a pen name. What a way to put that issue to rest. Between the graveyard imagery and the explosive visual ending, it feels as though King truly let go of all his concerns and purged them with this story.

What is even more fascinating to me is the question of how much responsibility Thad bears for the creation of his alter ego, George Stark, and the destruction he causes. How much influence do our behaviors have on others? Can we manipulate or coerce others for our own success and survival? Do we recognize it? Is it second nature? And do we care enough to stop? Something leads me to believe that perhaps we need to conduct a self-reflective inventory of ourselves and what drives us.

Other Notes – This book was listed by Publishers Weekly as the second best-selling book during 1989, following Tom Clancy's “Clear and Present Danger”. It was also adapted into a feature film by George Romero in 1993, starring Timothy Hutton, Michael Rooker, and Julie Harris. In December 2019, MGM announced that it would be developing another film adaptation of the novel.

Overall – For me, this was one of King’s more underappreciated books. It felt as though there was a great deal of pent-up frustration with his critics that he released through the writing of this novel. Although it wasn’t one of his absolute best, it was still a good one - an interesting and spooky exploration of duality – and well worth the read.