Review - Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (from Different Seasons) by Stephen King

Different Seasons [US] [UK] [Kindle] is a book of four novellas, three of which were turned into movies, and two of those three nominated for multiple Oscars. Incidentally, they're also the three novellas in this collection that aren't even King's typical fair - horror.

I haven't read a whole lot of King, but what I have I've loved. This set of books is supposed to be some of King's best writing and even with my limited experience, I can tell he's in top form. I've been on a King kick lately and couldn't resist reading the inspiration for one of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption. I don't know if I'll get to the rest any time soon, but here's a review of the first:

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

(That's Rita Hayworth if you were wondering, the one in the movie the prisoners watch who tosses her hair.)

The movie is only titled "The Shawshank Redemption" and with the little research I did, I learned it was because they didn't want people thinking it was a movie about Rita Hayworth's life (before the movie was really underway, they received multiple solicitations from actresses to play the lead).

For me, and I'm sure plenty of other people, the movie and the novella will always be intertwined. Not only did I see the movie first (and as many times as it's been on TV), but I had no idea it was based on a Stephen King story. It's a classic in both formats.

Of course, directly after reading this, I had to watch the movie again, and it's really spot-on. There are actually very little changes made to the story (like what happens to Tommy) and absolutely nothing that changes the story in any way. I was honestly wondering if Stephen King thought the minor changes were actually improvements even.

Also, for some final movie trivia facts, King considers this movie, Stand by Me (film adaptation of The Body also contained in this book), and The Mist to be his favorite adaptations of his works.

I doubt you need a synopsis, but if you've been living under a rock and haven't actually seen the movie, this is a tale of an innocent man falsely sent to prison for killing his wife and her lover. It details his trials with people such as the "sisters," the ways prisoners cope (or don't cope) with prison life, and as the title of this section of the book suggests - hope.

I've been told that this is some of King's best writing and I have to admit it is some of the best I've ever read. So much of the movie is filled with the same narration as the book and even some of the same dialogue and there's a reason for it - there's no need to change it, it's perfect the way it is.


5 out of 5 Stars (You would not be disappointed to read this immediately)

StampReview | Godslayer

This is an older review that I found out was posted and then un-posted for some reason. Hence the old comments. I thought I'd resurrect it. This just took me back a couple years.

What an amazing conclusion to a great series. I really don't know why I'm even writing a review, if you liked the first, you'll have to continue with this whether I say so or not. But definitely do so.

In some of the interviews I read of Jacqueline Carey on The Sundering series, she always mentions that it is a tragedy, so I don't feel too bad letting you know that she is correct. No matter how much I wanted it to be different, it was so. But, that only makes the amazingly well-crafted characters that much more endearing. Watch out for spoilers below if you haven't read the first volume.

Second and Final volume of The Sundering

mmpb - 404 pages

As we found out at the end of Banewreaker, the ruse failed and even the dragon, Calandor, died defending Beshtanag while Lilias, the sorceress, is imprisoned. The forces of Darkhaven head home and Haomane's allies rally the forces of the West and prepare for war. The prophecy is on its way to fulfillment and still Satoris, third-born of the Shapers, refuses to become what the forces of "good" believe him to be and kill Cerelinde to end the prophecy once and for all.

There is such a struggle when reading Godslayer. The juxtaposition of the two forces is shown beautifully as Satoris refuses to kill Cerelinde to prevent the prophecy while at the same time Haomane's allies refuse to kill Lilias to allow Aracus Altorus to use the Soumanie. Each side does everything they can to keep from stooping to the other's level. Again, things are grey throughout this book and wonderfully done.

Who should read this? Like Banewreaker, be ready for lyrical prose and a wonderfully realized world with amazing characters you can't help but love. Read this if you're ready to break the mold, yet don't want to stray too far. This is a great story you'll be sure to be thinking about for days after.

4/5 Stars for Godslayer

4/5 Stars for the cover art

Review - Gears of War: Coalition's End by Karen Traviss

I ended up liking this one much more than I ever thought I would. Plus, we're also running a giveaway of Gears of War: Coalition's End. (Here's the review)

(Audiobook) Review - The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

Continuing my reread, I'm technically on book 5 but review-wise book 3: The Dragon Reborn.

Review - Songs of the Dying Earth Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois (Part 3 of 3)

I finally finished this anthology, or for me, I finished this anthology very quickly. Songs of the Dying Earth will not disappoint.

Review - Songs of the Dying Earth Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois (Part 2 of 3)

No, this is not a repeat post, only the second of three parts reading the anthology Songs of the Dying Earth.

Review - Songs of the Dying Earth Edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois (Part 1 of 3)

I can't ever do an anthology all in one sitting, but I got pretty close on this one. Songs of the Dying Earth is amazing.

Review - Shadow's Lure by Jon Sprunk

Yay assassins! Jon Sprunk's sequel to Shadow's Son, Shadow's Lure gets reviewed at OTB.

Review - The Waste Lands (Dark Tower III) by Stephen King

Another incredible installment in The Dark Tower series, The Waste Lands by Stephen King.

Review - The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

The good but not great review (the review's absolutely great) of The Skin Map.

Reviews - The Temple of the Dead by Tim Marquitz and The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks

I only reviewed one of these, the other Alec:


The Temple of the Dead was mine...


and The Player of Games is Alec's.

Review - The River Kings' Road: A Novel of Ithelas by Liane Merciel

Reviewed The River Kings' Road not too long ago. About time I put a link up here. Think diamond in the rough.

Review - Thrall by Steven Shrewsbury

Sad to say, Thrall was not my favorite.

Review - Machine of Death - Part 1 (of 3)

I like anthologies, but have a hard time sticking with them. Here's the first part of my review of Machine of Death.

Review - The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan (Reread)

Another great reread. I hope this continues. Here's my review for The Great Hunt.

Review - I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells

Wow. I Am Not A Serial Killer is honestly insane...in a very good way.

(Audiobook) Review - The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan (ReRead)

I started my reread for The Wheel of Time. I love this series and I plan to reread through book 5 all on audiobook, after which time I will no longer be rereading. :)

Reviews - Tigana and The Passage

I combined two reviews into one, Tigana and The Passage. I just didn't have enough time to review them a couple months ago and now it's just been too long.

Review - The Unremembered by Peter Orullian

Does the book live up to the amazing cover? Check out my review of The Unremembered.

Review - Kraken by China Miéville

My first book by China Mieville, Kraken is not at all what you think. Plus, we've got an interview with the Author himself.