King Sorrow

Book cover for the novel King Sorrow by Joe Hill. The head of a red dragon with firey eyes and mouth against a blue backdrop.

My final read of 2025 was #KingSorrow by @Joe-hill.bsky.social, and what a way to go out.

It’s an enthralling, gripping, emotionally immersive fantasy that I am certain will linger long after the final page turn.

What really stands out is the atmosphere Hill crafts from the outset. There’s jeopardy in spades, and a constant undercurrent of melancholy and unease that makes you feel every small moment could be significant.

The characters are complex and deeply relatable or despisable in an instant. Each is shaped by loss, duty, love, and impossible choices. It’s a long-ish tale—I wouldn’t call it a slow-burn story, by any means—and it absolutely rewards your dedication. Although it is a fantasy story, the focus is more on inner conflict, relationships, and consequences than on magical spectacle alone. If you enjoy thoughtful, character-driven fantasy with dark undertones and incredible writing, King Sorrow is absolutely worth your time.

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