You can’t ask for much more in a novel; fully realized and flawed characters, a vivid world, action that builds in a believable and satisfying way, and an incredible narrative that takes the reader on a rollercoaster (Sleighcoaster?) ride.

Stories that matter are the ones that stick with you, and this one most certainly does. This tale packs a surprising amount of life lessons alongside the madness and mayhem. Vic McQueen, Maggie Leigh, and Lou Carmody are the types of characters whose struggles, hopes, and triumphs you remember—they don’t simply slip away when you’ve turned that final page.

The characters are what I appreciated most about the story. Author Joe Hill is the son of Stephen King, and the family legacy is alive and well here in the immersive and authentic way he breathes life into the people. No trauma is left behind: Almost died as a kid? Had your family torn apart? Watched a guy burn to death? It happens to Vic, the lead protagonist, and the consequences are long-term.

Just to get one thing out of the way—NOS4A2 is not a vampire story, not really. The title points to the clever vanity license plate on the villain’s 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith. And OK, yes, Charlie Manx (said villain) is a kind of vampire: throughout his long and unnatural life, Manx uses a power to take the lifeforce of kids. He promises they’re going to a better and safer place, Christmasland, but they are never heard from again. It’s Manx’s twisted way to justify pursuing his own immortality, among other goals.

The author makes it so that Manx keeps his hands clean of any vicious acts. The darkest parts of the book are saved for the depravity of the Gasmask Man, who does Manx’s dirty work in disposing of the parents in horrific fashion.

Hill is disciplined in building out a world with rules. I won’t spoil the big concept, but it’s a really intriguing good versus evil plot that plays out in very unexpected ways. The novel stands as an exemplar of first-rate fiction because of the characters, of course, and how the “big concept” manifests itself all the way to the blazing end. The heart and heroine of the tale is Vic, but the supporting cast is wicked good.

Rarely have I empathized as much with a character as I do with Vic McQueen. The reader shares moments of her childhood that define her, as well as the strange events that will ultimately create an inner conflict within her throughout her life. Completely relatable.

If I had to describe this book to someone, I would say it’s about a real person living in a fantasy scape. What is reality and how stable is it really? Are you crazy, or is everyone else? The resulting turmoil defines Vic’s life and has far-flung consequences. Vic uses sheer willpower and an inner courage to selflessly make the only decision a mother would for her family. A Triumph indeed. 5 of 5 stars.

FAVORITE PLOT SPOILER 👇 (look away!)…

My goodness. My breath was caught over three chapters as Hill agonizingly set up a Game of Thrones-style exit for a main character. When the hammer landed, I felt like the character, paralyzed, looking at my own death. It was the definition of nail-biting. The one hope to stop Manx laid bloodied and broken on the ground. This was where Vic showed her grit and fate was locked.

Lou saved his love with the biker jacket. The hammer that was meant to break Vic’s bones only broke the plates in the jacket. Her helmet saved her too. I really thought we had us an Ed Stark situation. Hat tip to Hill for the amazing scene.

He outdid himself with the ending too. Christmasland is turned into The White and the Lou saves Wayne my smashing his ornament in the trees at the Sleighouse. RIP, Vic.

-josh