The Eyes of the Dragon
1987 • 427 pages
Ratings97
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings97
Average rating3.8
The Eyes of the Dragon is a fantasy novel by American writer Stephen King, first published as a limited edition slipcased hardcover by Philtrum Press in 1984, illustrated by Kenneth R. Linkhauser. The novel would later be published for the mass market by Viking in 1987, with illustrations by David Palladini. This trade edition was slightly revised for publication. The 1995 French edition did not reproduce the American illustrations; it included brand new illustrations by Christian Heinrich, and a 2016 new French version also included brand new illustrations, by Nicolas Duffaut.
At the time of publication, it was a deviation from the norm for King, who was best known for his horror fiction. The book is a work of epic fantasy in a quasi-medieval setting, with a clearly established battle between good and evil, and magic playing a lead role. The Eyes of the Dragon was originally titled The Napkins.
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Also contained in:
[Ominbus](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL25080326W)
Reviews with the most likes.
This is a fairy tale from Mid-World, totally understandable without having read the Dark Tower books, but enhanced by the knowledge. It would make a great audiobook; it has the rhythm of an oral story.
“He wanted what evil men always want: to have power and use that power to make mischief.”
― Stephen King, The Eyes of the Dragon
Stephen King takes on the sword-and-sorcery variety fantasy novel. That's the best way to sum up this book. The plot is very clever. I enjoyed the way the hero and his allies solved the problem of getting him out of his prison. The solution is unexpected and made for a delightful story, with elements from earlier in the book coming into play.
I was less fond of the Randall Flagg character, (name and maybe character recycled from The Stand) who didn't seem to have a good reason for his evil plot. Yes, he wanted to create chaos in the kingdom just for the sake of seeing the destruction. It wasn't enough for me. None of the characters in this story are very complex I suppose, but I'm always expecting more from a Stephen King villain.
It's a fun, easy read that you can share with your kids.
