Powerful Pages - Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher (An Official Stranger Things Novel)
My readers are aware that I enjoy Stranger Things immensely, and I love a good book, so I decided to give Darkness on the Edge of Town a go. This tie-in centers on Hopper as he tells El about a strange case from his past. In the summer of 1977, Hopper was a detective working homicides in New York. A series of ritualistic murders draw he and his fiery partner into a dangerous web that includes shady government agents, tough street gangs, and a demented madman with insidious plans for the city. The novel culminates with a massive blackout and a desperate fight for survival. Christopher's prose is clear and descriptive, and his grasp of the characters we know is strong. The characters he creates are perhaps a bit more vivid, and he shows a knack for pacing and action sequences. There are several sections where this book is a genuine white-knuckle pageturner. It is an entertaing read, and it is cool to see a younger Jim Hopper mixing it up with a nifty collection of rogues on the mean streets of the Big Apple. The novel is designed to appeal to both teens and adults who enjoy the show, and the tone may suffer a bit as a result. It is a bit tame for the older generation, while it may be a little too rough for young adults--and the timeframe won't have as much allure for those readers either. It's also fairly run-of-the-mill in a lot of ways; there is nothing daring or bold about the plot. The execution is solid, and the story is exciting, but in many ways it is a routine thriller. The big hook here is a chance to see a popular character cut his teeth in a dangerous situation long before finding himself facing far bigger challenges in Netflix's most popular program. As such, it's perfectly serviceable, and it should please those looking for some cheap thrills with a couple of familiar faces in the mix.
Final Grade: B
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