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The King in Yellow

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The King in Yellow

By: Robert W. Chambers
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Gabrielle de Cuir
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About this listen

Originally published in 1895, Robert W. Chambers' The King in Yellow is a marvel of supernatural fiction that has influenced a number of writers in the genre, most notably H. P. Lovecraft. Its powerful combination of horror and lyrical prose has made it a classic, a masterpiece of weird fiction that endures to this day.

There is a book that is shrouded in mystery. Some even say it's a myth. Within its pages is a play - one that brings madness and despair to all who read it. It is the play of the King in Yellow, and it will haunt you for the rest of your days.

The King in Yellow is a collection of stories interwoven loosely by the elements of the play, including the central figure himself.

Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Fantasy Fiction Horror Science Fiction Short Stories Scary Emotionally Gripping
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The first half of this compendium of short stories was full of a brilliant blend of weird fiction and cosmic horror which will be familiar to anyone who has read any of HP Lovecraft's works, but the second half devolves into a series of somewhat non sensical (and at least unprofound) extremely short passages, and concludes with several long winded romance stories which are completely devoid of any supernatural or grotesque elements. Incredible start, but very disappointing second half.

Brilliant first half, oddly lacking second half

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Enough has been written about the King in Yellow for the reader to decide for themselves as to the story, so I will instead just praise the performance. The narrator has done a remarkable job at striking the perfect balance between gravitas, nuance and expressiveness, and their reading adds a great deal to the story. I would strongly recommend this audiobook to anyone.

Amazing reading, timeless story

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