n  ‘Once, in a kingdom called Delain, there was a King with two sons.‘n

The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King is a surprising and magical detour from the horror master’s usual nightmare fare. This story has everything a fantasy lover could want, a royal scandal, an evil sorcerer and a hero trapped in a tower.

King’s storytelling here is like being told a creepy bedtime story, with a narrator who keeps dropping hints of dread in all the right places. Evil sorcerer Flagg is the villain you’ll love to hate, practically oozing wickedness every time he steps on the page, and our true King Peter? He’s a hero who doesn’t just sit around waiting for a fairy godmother to save him. His cleverness and grit make for a fun, satisfying underdog story.

While The Eyes of the Dragon doesn’t have King’s typical horror elements, it still carries his flair for suspense and complex characters. If you’re a fan of fantasy with just a sprinkle of darkness (and the occasional escape by improvised rope scene), this book will charm the pants of you.

King gives us a tale that’s both enchanting and thrilling, proving he can do so much more than monsters and mayhem.

If you want a quick escape to a world where princes outwit sorcerers and honor still means something. Then this is the book for you!

I Highly Recommend.


4.5

Fantastic story! I hope that one day King writes a follow up. Must read for any King fans.

**The Stephen King Goodreads Discussion Group is doing a re-read of his works from the beginning to the end. It’s been a long time since I have really immersed myself in Uncle Stevie’s world, but a rate of a book a month, I am all in. My goal is to read and review each one with as much honesty and reflection that I can give. **

Background – “The Eyes of the Dragon” was first published as a limited-edition hardcover book by Philtrum Press in 1984, with illustrations by Kenneth R. Linkhauser. It was then later published to the general public by Viking in 1987, with illustrations by David Palladini.

When this book was published, it was seen by many readers as a sharp deviation from King’s usual focus on writing horror-based fiction. In interviews, King commented that he wrote this fantasy novel specifically for his children, using a medieval based setting and a European style of fairy tale writing. He also originally titled the book “The Napkins”, but it was changed before publication.

My Kindle lists the length of the book as 471 pages and my over-sized paperback is 372 pages.

Plotline – This is not your typical Stephen King novel (if that statement can really be made). It is a tale that uniquely mixes medieval and fantasy together to explore the themes of dark magic and power. In more simple terms, it is a story that King wrote t share with his kids, and it morphed into a novel that got published.

It is the tale of King Roland; his wife, Queen Sasha; their oldest son, Prince Peter; and their younger son, Prince Thomas. King Roland rules over the kingdom of Delain, along with the help of his long-time magician and advisor, Flagg. Many of Uncle Stevie’s readers will recognize the evil and dark-hearted villainous Flagg from the other works of his, including “The Dark Tower” series and “The Stand”. It seems that this character has many, many lives…

When the book begins, Flagg is working behind the scenes to ruin the King’s family and lead the kingdom of Delain into chaos and ruin. He has been doing these evil things using different disguises and names for over 400 years and this time he focuses on taking out Queen Sasha while she gives birth to her second son, Prince Thomas, leaving King Roland a widower with two young sons to raise.

As the boys grow, Flagg focuses his attention on eliminating King Roland and placing the blame on Peter. Flagg sees Thomas as easier to manipulate and senses that Peter doesn’t trust him. Then Flagg’s plan of action is formed. At age 16, Peter would brig a glass of wine to his father, King Roland, each night before going to bed. Knowing that, Flagg beings another glass of wine to the King one night following Peter’s visit, except his wine is has “Dragon Sand in it, a most deadly poison available.

Days later, King Roland dies a hideous death and the evidence is discovered by Peter’s servant hidden in the wall of the Prince’s bedroom where Flagg planted it. Peter willingly accepts being tried knowing he is innocent. However, because he cried at the discovery of his father’s death, along with the circumstantial evidence, everyone in the kingdom believes in his guilt. Peter is declared guilty and sentenced to a life of imprisonment in the top room of the Needle, an enormous tower at the center of Delain. Peter’s younger brother, Thomas, is made king and Flagg is back to influencing a weak king and making the citizens in the Kingdom suffer under the strict rule of taxation and tyranny.

Will Peter escape from the tower and be exonerated of his false charges? Will Flagg’s evil plotting and framing of Peter be uncovered? Will the Kingdom be stuck with Thomas as a weak king and forced to revolt? Will the two brothers be reunited and find peace? That is for you to read and find out for yourself, fearless reader…

Thoughts and Reflections – There were some good things to like about this book. King’s narrative is focused and stays on point without many distractions. His pace constantly moves the fairy tale forward at a steady pace, dark tone, and a clever use of an otherwise standard plot. Although he weaves life lessons and wisdom-oriented teachings into the thread of the story, he keeps things simple and agreeable. I liked the flow of the narrator, which reminded me in some ways of the storytelling style of “The Hobbit” and “Alice in Wonderland”.

Today, the Young adult genre is full of bestselling writers and books. However, back in 1987 when King published this book, that category did not publish books like this. I wonder if he were to publish it now under the YA label, would it sell well and add to his reputation as a versatile writer? I have a funny feeling that it would sell pretty dang well. And then everyone would want a sequel… And then turn it into a series…

There were also things that I struggled with. I realize that many readers didn’t like this book because it was a deviation from King’s usual horror focus. I don’t have a problem with that because some of my favorite King writings don’t involve horror. Good writing is good writing, regardless of the genre. My problems were for other reasons, some of which just may be me.

I struggled with the characters some, finding that I lacked an emotional connection to most of them. It felt King really pushed us to feel empathy for Thomas, but I couldn’t really connect with him on a personal level. Not because I didn’t try, but I found him lacking in depth as a character. For me, most of the others were also one dimensional in description and behavior. I did not find myself cheering for them as I did other characters in other King novels and short-stories.

The other thing that I struggled with is more personal. Maybe some of it is the context in which this story was derived – as tale being told by a parent to younger children. The themes of having strong family bonds, true and endearing friendships, and responsibilities of power can create great discussions among the family members from reading this book. But that is part of my reaction. This is more of a delightful tale that can be shared with the family rather than a remarkable adventure containing more adult oriented conflict. It is a fun, light-hearted fantasy read. Nothing more; nothing less.

Other Notes – This book has connections to King’s “Dark Tower” series. The story takes place in the kingdom of Delain, which is located within In-World” of the “Dark Tower” universe, as explained in King’s novella ,"The Little Sisters of Eluria", which was first published in the anthology “Legends” in 1998 and then included in his short-story collection “Everything's Eventual” in 2002.

“The Eyes of the Dragon” was initially optioned for development as an animated film, but those rights lapsed in 2000. In 2012, the Syfy network considered developing it into a television movie or mini-series, but again, nothing came to fruition. More recently, in 2019, Hulu announced that it was adapting the book into a television series on its streaming service.

Overall – When I first read this book back in 1987, I struggled with reading it because I found it to be a bit slow in developing and I didn’t connect as well with the characters. The truth is I think I wanted it to be more than what it really was meant to be.

In re-reading it now thirty years plus later, I have a different perspective. I am no longer a young father, but a grandfather who is developing his wisdom-like qualities and understanding of life. Although this is still one my lesser favorite King novels on a personal level, I see “The Eyes of the Dragon” for what it really is, and that is a fun and enjoyable medieval/fantasy tale created by a father to entertain his inquisitive and highly creative kids. When looked at through that proper lens, Uncle Stevie did a good job. Not everything written has to be spectacular and earth-shaking. Sometimes smaller scale and simple things are enough.

This seems to be one of those books that people either love or hate—how strange to find myself right in the middle! I’ve never been one of King’s Constant Readers and have only read a few of his books over the last number of years. This one is written very much in the form of a fairy tale and is dedicated to his daughter, who may have heard the first versions of it as bedtime material? I was disappointed that the dragon of the title was only a mounted head on the wall—live dragons are much more entertaining.

King recycles some material here—anyone who has read The Stand will recognize the villain, Flagg. There is also some overlap with the Dark Tower series.

I found The Stand to be a very black & white tale, with very little nuance. The Eyes of the Dragon takes that to a whole new level, despite the fact that King tries very hard to convince us that Thomas isn’t as bad as he seems. However, that is the nature of fairy tales, so it fits in this case.

I chose to read TEotD because it was on the NPR’s list of Science Fiction & Fantasy finalists back in 2011 (they were asking people of vote on the top titles in the field). Other children’s books were omitted from the list (e.g. Harry Potter) so I’m not sure how this one squeaked through to be included.

It is the 232nd book that I have read from this NPR list.

This is my 1st time exploring the fantasy world of Stephen King and I am hooked! The eyes of the dragon has it all… Good versus evil, betrayal, jealousy, magic, death, and adventure.

The characters are unforgettable from king Roland to his son's Peter and Thomas and of course the intertwining of the ever evil Randall Flagg Who makes an appearance in many King novels.

This is the jackpot of the dark tower series for me so far. The novel ends with the hint of adventures to come and more of Randall Flagg trickeries.

I am reading kings books in order of publicaution and I love seeing the connection between his worlds starting with Carrie and now with the eyes of the dragon I'm excited for what's to come.

3 stars
*** I have a YouTube channel now! Check it out here. ***

This book is definitely overhated. The ending was once again solid!! And it is very clearly a fairytale. A good one to read to young ones (with minor censorship... don't want 7yr old knowing reading about flaccid members). I wonder how I will think about this one in retrospect as I continue through to the Tower :)

Audiobook – Narrated by Bronson Pinchot – Outstanding narration.

This is the first audiobook book I’ve listened to by Pinchot, and he really is excellent.

If you liked the book, and enjoy audios, this one is a must.

If you didn’t like the book then maybe the audio will change your mind. It did for me.

Thanks to Edward Lorn for the heads up!


Ebook:

This is a first-time read for me. When The Eyes of the Dragon was published in the eighties I wouldn’t even open the cover. King wrote horror, and he wrote it very well. I wasn’t interested in a story about Kings, Princes, Dragons and Magicians, even if the magician was Flagg!

This year I started a King re-read (as many Constant Readers are doing) and I promised myself I’d read every one of his books, even those I’d never wanted to read, and even those I didn’t like.

So, with loins girded, I started reading, and after fifty brain-numbing pages I quit.

I was bored and I was also disappointed. One thing King does extremely well is write kids. In this case he missed the mark. I felt no connection at all to Peter and Thomas.

In desperation I turned to the audio. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. This is probably one of the best narrations I’ve listed to considering what the narrator had to work with.

2** stars for the story and 4**** for the audio. Overall rating 3***


***

CONNECTIONS:

The dedication reads, "This story is for my great friend Ben Straub, and for my daughter, Naomi (Rachel) King." In the book Ben and Naomi Reechul are Peter's loyal subjects.

The dreams that Ben, Naomi and Dennis had of Flagg reminded me of similar dreams in The Stand.

Roland (Insomnia, The Little Sisters of Eluria, The Dark Tower series)

Flagg (The Stand, DT2: The Drawing of the Three, DT4: Wizard and Glass, DT5: The Wolves of the Calla, DT6: Song of Susannah, DT7: The Dark Tower)

The Grand Featherex – The cousin of the Phoenix (DT2: The Drawing of the Three, DT4: Wizard and Glass)

Delain (The Little Sisters of Eluria, The Dark Tower 7)

Dennis and Thomas (DT2 - The Drawing of the Three) Randall Flagg was pursued by Dennis and Thomas.

Two-headed Parrot (The Talisman) Jack comes across a two-headed talking Parrot in market-town in the Territories.

DIM: To Dim yourself makes you difficult to detect.

DIM (Hearts in Atlantis) Carol Gerber tells Bobby Garfield “I'm good at not being seen,” she said. “It's a trick someone taught me a long time ago. The trick of being dim.”

Garlan (DT2, DT3, DT6, DT7)

The White:

“In him, they saw again the coming of the White, that ancient, resilient, yet humble force that has redeemed humankind again and again and again.” Speaking of Peter.

“It’s the White!” he exclaimed aloud. “The coming of the White!” “Yes; the voice of White; the voice of Always.” Jake (DT3: The Wastelands)

“The white! The coming of the white!’ Alan Pangborn (Needful Things).

*** 3.40 ***

A buddy read with my fairy tales loving friends at BB&B!!!

I have never jumped on the Steven King fan band wagon, but it was never because of his writing. It usually relates to the thematics and my inability to cope with thrillers and imaginative mind, which brings all his monsters to life and I just can't deal...

However, this book is not his usual fair. It is a fairytale!!! And I am a humongous fan of anything resembling a classic fairytale or Fantasy... So, this is how several BB&B members found ourselves reading this book.

Mr. King wrote this in order to have something he created appropriate enough to read to his children when they were very young. And he did just that - he created a fairytale good for children as young as 6 and as old as time:-) I truly enjoyed the story. I also think, that if I had read it as a youth I would have rated it with all the stars. However, I am reading it in a ripe old age and although magically written, it was a bit too straight forward and linear for my expectations of the modern Fantasy genre. This in no way diminished it's value or enjoyment factor. It just made it a bit young and predictable for what we all have gotten accustomed to. Despite everything, it read really fast and I engulfed it in one sitting.

As I said, I enjoyed reading this with friends and recommend it to all those young at heart - a simple story of good verses evil!!! I hope you all have a great time reading!!!

Well, this was really enjoyable and quite unlike anything that I've read from Stephen King. But yet it still very much sounded like him, in the tone of its storytelling delivery as well as the humour. The personality of King was undoubtedly present throughout the omniscient narration of this fantasy tale.

The Eyes of the Dragon may seemed to be an archetypal fantasy of princes, dragons and evil wizards, but there's nothing typical about it in the hands of King. I don't think I've ever read anything like this which said a lot about a stand-alone fantasy book written in 1987. Compared to the ocean of offerings in the genre right now, this one actually felt pretty darn original. Even though the narration was omniscient, you would still get to know and empathise with the characters who were developed really well. I was definitely invested in the outcome. And while, there's barely any real action, I was riveted to how the events and story unfolded.

I picked this up because it was part of the recommended reading order for The Dark Tower series. Being a classic fantasy, I wondered where it fit in compared to the likes of The Stand and The Talisman. While The Dark Tower is still fantasy, it's definitely not in the classical vein of this genre. Then, I got to the name of the wizard. If you've read King, you'll know the name Flagg immediately. And yes, he was just as evil as you'd imagine him to be.

My 100th read of 2021 and I couldn't have picked a better book! We, King fans, know that King has a talent for writing great stories no matter the genre (besides romance, but that's like Frankenstein trying to tell a love story). As far as I know, this King's only dive into the world of fantasy and it is unlike any I've read before.

After my initial giddiness of hearing Roland and Flagg mentioned in a story had subsided, I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. This is a slow moving story and a lot of it depends on the characters' childhoods to make the later story make sense and feel rewarding. I stuck through it and it paid dividends. I loved every character no matter how small of a role they played. I would definitely read another fantasy book by King.

The Dark Tower series isn't purely fantasy, so I'm not including that.

This was not the book I expected but turned out to be the book I needed.

“He knew as well as we in our own world do that the road to hell is paved with good intentions--but he also knew that, for human beings, good intentions are sometimes all there are. Angels may be safe from damnation, but human beings are less fortunate things, and for them hell is always close.”

The book follows the adventures of two brothers, Thomas and Peter, who are the sons of a king in a land called Delain. Thomas is the heir to the throne, but he is manipulated by a wicked magician named Flagg, who wants to destroy the kingdom. Peter is the younger brother, who is kind and brave, but he is framed for a crime he did not commit and imprisoned in a high tower.

If I had not known this was written by Stephen King then I would have never guessed (at least early on in my reading) but this turned out to be the perfect book for the moment and provided a great sense of escapism for me while waiting in the hospital for an operation and also during my recovery from it.
The book is presented as a traditional feeling fairytale and for the most part, delivers this with great flair and effortlessness. I loved that the chapters were short which certainly aided my reading during a stressful time. Typically for a Stephen King book the prose and character development were spot on.
One of the things that surprised me about this book was how much humour and wit it had. The narrator often breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly, making jokes and comments that made me chuckle. The dialogue between the characters was also very lively and realistic, especially between the two brothers, Thomas and Peter, who are at the centre of the plot. The book also has some dark and scary moments, as you would expect from a Stephen King story, but they are balanced by the light-hearted tone and the hopeful message of the book. The book is a tribute to the power of storytelling and imagination, and how they can help us cope with difficult situations and overcome evil.

“He wanted what evil men always want: to have power and use that power to make mischief. Being a King did not interest him because the heads of Kings all too often found their way to spikes on castle walls when things went wrong. But the advisors to Kings…the spinners in the shadows…such people usually melted away like evening shadows at dawning as soon as the headsman’s axe started to fall.”

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure with memorable characters and a captivating plot.

Very different from the usual Stephen King novels and I enjoyed it much more than expected. It was written for his daughter, so it may feel like a fairy tale at times, but it still has bloody and scary moments.... And it takes place in the expanded Dark Tower universe, which I will definitely continue reading.