Doctor Sleep

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Will Patton

An epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of hyper-devoted readers of The Shining and wildly satisfy anyone new to the territory of this icon in the King canon.

King says he wanted to know what happened to Danny Torrance, the boy at the heart of The Shining, after his terrible experience in the Overlook Hotel. The instantly riveting Doctor Sleep picks up the story of the now middle-aged Dan, working at a hospice in rural New Hampshire, and the very special 12-year old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals.

On highways across America, a tribe of people called The True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless - mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, and tween Abra Stone learns, The True Knot are quasi-immortal, living off the 'steam' that children with the 'shining' produce when they are slowly tortured to death.

Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father's legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him and a job at a nursing home where his remnant 'shining' power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes 'Doctor Sleep'. Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan's own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra's soul and survival....

©2013 Stephen King (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

Better than The Shining

It's a big call, I know - but I enjoyed this book more than it predecessor The Shining. Why? I think because the evil in Doctor Sleep is more tangible; Rose the Hat and her 'True Knot' have human-like characteristics and emotions, but they must do the unspeakable in order to survive.

One thing I love about Stephen King is his ability to create interesting and complex characters, and draw us close to them. His characters are often likeable despite their flaws. Sleep Doctor is no exception. Through Dan Torrance we glimpse the world through the eyes of an alcoholic with a disturbing past and an ability to 'shine'. Through Rose we see a vicious yet alluring leader struggling to keep her family, her True Knot, alive. And through Abra, we see a typical teenager, cocky and naïve, but with powerful physic abilities and a vengeful streak.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sleep Doctor and would recommend it to those who enjoy a good Stephen King thriller/horror.

WOW! just WOW!

loved going back to Doc's life. wish I had some shine. Kings work is the best.

Excellent!

Any additional comments?

Excellent sequel to The Shining yet could be read / listened to as a stand alone novel. Will Patton is the best male narrator I have listened to. Often it is the case that male narration of ladies makes them all sound like Mrs Doubtfire - however with Will this is not the case. His reading is subtle yet very complelling - instantly drawing you in. I will definately be seeking other books he has narrated. Perhaps another Steven King. I have read many Steven King novels but this is the first I have listened to. Very much enjoyed.

Great stand alone book and awesome sequal

As usual King is outstanding, this tells a story of a grown Danny facing real grown up problems. This book has great pacing and a gripping story line!

A voice to DIE for!

Will Patton is undoubtedly my new best friend and greatest voice actor ever. I think I still have to decide whether Doctor Sleep is vintage King, i.e. better than his later books. However what is beyond argument is that Will Patton performs this book with breathtaking skill and craftsmanship.
He creates believable good characters and voices the evil ones in a manner that gives you cold shivers.
If Mr Patton were to read War and Peace in binary code, it would still be riveting.