Stephen Kingimpressed withYou Like It Darkerin 2024, butthe collection’s success puts even more pressure onhis next book,Never Flinch.With a nickname like “The King of Horror,” it goes without saying that almost everything King writes is worth a read. However, his older books tend to get more praise, especially the ones that lean into supernatural horror and darker themes.You Like It Darkerfeels like a return to form on those fronts, and that’s something the collection has received praise for.
King recently teased apotential return to the Territories and Mid-World, which is one way the author could top his 2024 release in the future. However, King’s next book will be part of hissecond-largest universe afterThe Dark Tower, as it features Holly Gibney. Holly is a fairly divisive character. Some readers appreciate the novels she crops up in, while others aren’t as fond of her adventures.Never Flinchwill bring her back while unraveling the story of a killer threatening to target 14 people. While it sounds like a gripping premise,the bar is high afterYou Like It Darker.
You Like It Darker’s 2024 Success Puts Even More Pressure On Stephen King’s Next Book
Never Flinch May Struggle To Match The Collection’s Success
You Like It Darkeris probablyKing’s best book from the 2020s, andthat fact puts more pressure onNever Flinchto either live up to its success or surpass it. The short story collection is theGoodreads Choice Awardswinner in the horror category for 2024, and it was number one on theNew York Timesbestseller list during the week of June 9. These alone aren’t standout accomplishments for a King book — his works have hit such milestones before — but the overwhelming consensus aboutYou Like It Darkeris that it’s a great collection of stories.
Arriving right afterYou Like It Darkerwill only highlight any shortcomings, so it’s even more important thatNever Flinchis solid.
It’s difficult to compare such a round-up of narratives to a novel, butYou Like It Darker’s best storiesare a reminder of why King is called the “King of Horror.” AlthoughNever Flinchcould contain supernatural elements and lean darker, Holly Gibney’s track record isn’t all that promising.King’s 2025 novel may struggle to match his 2024 book’s successif it’s a mystery-thriller that lacks supernatural phenomena or King’s more classic storytelling style. Arriving right afterYou Like It Darkerwill only highlight any shortcomings, so it’s even more important thatNever Flinchis solid.
Stephen King’s Collection Shows Exactly How Never Flinch Can Find Similar Success
AlthoughYou Like It Darkersets a high standard forNever Flinch’s success, it also pinpoints how King’s 2025 novel could find a similar reception. Readers appreciateYou Like It Darkerbecause many of its stories are quintessentially King. From the existential themes to the dark commentary on humanity and eerie supernatural twists,You Like It Darker’s stories highlight the best of King’s writing style. ForNever Flinchto replicate the excitement surrounding the 2024 collection, it will have to embrace such qualities to feel more likeStephen King’s classic works.
Source:Goodreads Choice Awards,New York Times
Stephen King
Discover the latest news and filmography for Stephen King, known for The Dark Tower series, The Stand, IT, The Shining, Carrie, Cujo, Misery, the Bill Hodges trilogy, and more.
