Horror Aficionados discussion

While he is the son of Stephen King, I have never read one of Joe Hill's books. My backlog is pretty clogged as it is and I just never got around to it but plan to this year.

So, what is the general perception of Joe Hill's writing? Is it much like his father's or does he go his own way?

There are definite similarities, which I feel have become more pronounced as he's gone on. I would say Hill is the more lyrical writer, generally.

I would say he goes his on way. I don't really like him all that much. the first book I read was Heart-Shaped Box and I didn't like it. HOWEVER, NOS4A2 was my #1 favorite audiobook ever until recently. I've also read Horns and didn't like it all that much either. But to each his own, you won't know until you give him a try :)

Stephen King with less sex and no mad laughter.

Joe Hill is more diverse than his dad. It's hard to explain. I'd say King is, primarily, a horror writer. I know there are exceptions, but that's the main genre. Hill is harder to pin down; horror, sci-fi, fantasy. His writing can be quite lyrical and poetic, as someone else said.

I'm not a huge fan of his novels or novellas, except Horns which I enjoyed. His talent is short stories. I'd start with 20th Century Ghosts to see if you like his writing. And if you decide to give him a miss altogether, at least try to track down and read the short story 'Pop Art'.

Without doubt one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, innovative and enjoyable stories I've ever read. You won't regret it! 😉

Joe Hill definitely has talent. I enjoyed NOS4A2 the most of his books, and The Fireman and Horns the least.

I've read three of his novels, and there's something missing. It's difficult to put into words, but I guess I'd call it "heart." There's a coldness there, an emptiness. Maybe that's intentional on his part, but it makes for an unsatisfying experience for the reader.

You can see his father's influence in his works, but his writing is just so much more advanced, his style so unique from anyone else out there. He is an astonishing literary voice with an incredible imagination. Locke & Key, Horns, NOS4A2 - there is just nothing quite like them that I've found. I do have to say though, his first collected writings, 20th Century Ghosts, were shockingly poor and in no way like his later works. I was also disappointed in The Fireman - it was well written, but unlike all his other works, it went too far from homage to just copying the influences of the story (Farenheit 451, King's various apocalyptic novels) and was much less original.

I think there is some similarities between him and his father. I do feel like Joe Hill kind of pushes the boundaries a bit, has a more edgy tone to his writing versus King.

After reading Strange Weather I think of him as the embarrassing dad at a teenagers party. Acting all cool and wacky, or so he thinks.

His writing came across like he was trying to be cool and failing. It was a bit off putting. He shouldn't try so hard to write for a younger crowd. He can write scary stuff when he wants to, but Strange Weather just made me groan.