Stephen King recently revealed on social media that his is “beavering away” on a third novel in The Talisman horror fantasy saga.
King explained that the idea for the story came from Peter Straub. He said: “Peter Straub had a terrific idea before passing away.
The original book, The Talisman, was published in 1984 and was co-written by King and Straub. They reunited years later to collaborate on a sequel, Black House, in 2011.
“Dual credit, as on The Talisman and Black House. But as always, I can never be sure a book will be done until it is. This one has a long way to go.”
King went on to confirm that he is “absolutely” channeling his inner Straub while writing the story.
Straub passed away from complications of a broken hip in 2022, but not before coming up with a concept for a new story.
The Talisman follows 12-year-old Jack Sawyer on a dangerous journey across America and into a parallel world known as “The Territories.” Jack’s mother, Lily, is dying of cancer, and the only way to save her is for Jack to find a mystical artifact called the Talisman, which possesses incredible healing powers.
As Jack travels through both the real world and the Territories, he encounters a host of allies and enemies, including werewolves, terrifying villains, and the enigmatic, otherworldly Queen. The Territories mirror the real world, with people having “twinners” – parallel versions of themselves – that influence events in both realms.
Jack’s coming-of-age story is marked by his transformation from a boy into a hero, as he confronts harrowing challenges, discovers hidden strength, and battles the dark forces determined to stop him.
Black House revisits Jack Sawyer, now an adult and a retired Los Angeles detective living a quiet life in Wisconsin. Jack is pulled back into a world of supernatural horrors when a series of brutal child murders rocks the small town of French Landing.
As he investigates, Jack uncovers a connection to the Territories and a malevolent force known as the Crimson King, who seeks to destroy all worlds. Jack must confront his forgotten past and reawaken his dormant abilities to stop the Crimson King’s servant, a sadistic creature called the Fisherman.
I love these books and I’m excited to see how this next story in the saga will play out!
