I really enjoyed that this book was not simply a horror-thriller, but a story between good and evil. The protagonists, Abra Stone and Dan Torrence fight evil in all forms: mentally through the psychological trauma of The Shining and its esoteric quality, physically by aging with a talent that is unpredictable in nature, and spiritually by the True Knot - a group of supernatural, vampire-like humans that feed on children who shine.
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Abra and Dan are the heroes and represent good human nature. Dan is an example of human will and Abra is an example of innocence. They make a clever team when put together despite the evil that is always after them. Dan is older, experienced, and has fought many battles on top of having The Shining talent. Abra is fluorescent with positive energy and ripe with youth, stuck between being a child and a teenager.
The villain and representation of evil is Rose the Hat, leader of the True Knot. She guides her flock of paranormal criminals through the interstate highway like a sickness runs through veins. She is attractive, sexual, and powerful. She has control throughout the book while Dan and Abra are striving to figure things out. This is all builds gradually, then kicks into gear when the duo team up to defeat her.
What make it truly exciting is the True Knot are in trouble. Since they rely on “steam,” a supernatural essence extracted when children who shine are tortured, their food source is limited. It has to be hunted. They are experienced in many ways at doing this, but when their fate begins to intertwine with Dan and Abra's, things get tricky. Abra gives off the biggest heat source of “steam.” It also happens that the True Knot are running low, making her a much needed asset.
There are a few twists, a lot of turns, and one epic finale, but to truly understand the entirety of it, I suggest reading The Shining first. Don't simply rely on Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation. That way you can understand Dan Torrence and The Shining itself better and enjoy the book as Stephen King intended.
Best part of story, including ending:
The novel has compelling characters that easily connect to the reader.
Best scene in story:
The climax scene where the Overlook Hotel once stood. It was exciting but also provided a great deal of closure to the novel.
Opinion about the main character:
I like Dan Torrence because despite coping with a burdening psychological gift, he retains good spirit and nature.
