Stephen King Reveals His Top Book of the 2020s

After months of speculation among fans, Stephen King has officially revealed that he is working on what he believes will be his best book of the 2020s. It’s amusing to reflect on King’s frequent mentions of retirement in the past, especially given his incredible writing pace over the last decade. He, and his audience, are aware that he is simply too passionate about storytelling to step away; his imagination seems to flow endlessly.

In addition to this exciting news, we already know of two forthcoming publications from King. The first, titled Never Flinch, will revisit the beloved Holly Gibney universe, while the second, The End of the World As We Know It, will be an anthology featuring multiple writers contributing short stories interwoven with the themes of The Stand. However, it is the project he has alluded to that involves the Territories that captivates my interest the most.

Stephen King’s Talisman 3: A Long-Awaited Confirmation

Finally, A Confirmed Sequel

Cover of The Talisman: Road of Trials, Vol. One

For many devoted fans, the question of whether King would compose a third book in the Talisman series lingered for years, particularly after the unfortunate passing of his co-author, Peter Straub, in 2022. However, last October, King shared that he was indeed crafting a new book that would return to the enchanting realms of Mid-world and the Territories. Given King’s steadfast declaration that he was finished with further Dark Tower installments, the speculation centered on The Talisman 3 seemed plausible.

The good news is that King has now confirmed he is actively developing this third installment. He shared, “[P]eter Straub had a terrific idea before passing away,”indicating a commitment to honor their collaborative vision. Renowned for his dedication, King expressed modest optimism about the timeline, stating, “This one has a long way to go.”

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While it is essential to be cautious in our excitement, especially given King’s own reminder that there is much work to be done, his track record suggests that significant releases are unlikely to be abandoned. Therefore, while The Talisman 3 may still be years away from reaching readers, the anticipation for Jack and potentially other returning characters is more thrilling than ever. King’s enthusiasm for continuing Straub’s vision adds another layer of excitement to the project.

The Talisman 3: A Contender for the Best Book of the 2020s

An Abundance of Promise

Although we have entered 2025 and King has already produced several works this decade, I firmly believe that if The Talisman 3 is released within the next five years, it is poised to become his flagship novel of this decade. The wealth of anticipation surrounding it, combined with the enduring legacy of The Talisman, elevates this project to be especially significant for long-time fans.

Book Title	Release Year
If It Bleeds (collection)	2020
Later	2021
Billy Summers	2021
Gwendy’s Final Task (w/ Richard Chizmar)	2022
Fairy Tale	2022
Holly	2023
You Like It Darker (collection)	2024
Never Flinch	2025
The End of the World As We Know It (anthology, writing foreword)	2025
The Talisman 3	TBD

While I thoroughly enjoyed You Like It Darker, I’ve always had a fondness for King’s short story collections. This latest offering felt reminiscent of his earlier works, which resonated deeply with me. While I appreciate his novels featuring Holly Gibney, the character can be polarizing among fans. Personally, I find King’s forte lies in horror and dark fantasy narratives. His collaborations have consistently birthed remarkable literature, and as he endeavors to honor Straub’s vision, I find myself eager to witness how this dynamic plays out in The Talisman 3.

Connections to The Dark Tower: A Compelling Element of Talisman 3

New Perspectives in Mid-World

Furthermore, the notion that King will return to Mid-world in this upcoming book amplifies the excitement. Although he has affirmed he is done with narratives featuring Roland, exploring this mystical realm from a different character’s perspective is uncharted territory for him. Jack Sawyer’s viewpoint will provide readers with a fresh lens through which to understand Mid-world, potentially enriching the lore established in The Dark Tower saga. With so much anticipation surrounding The Talisman 3, I sincerely hope that Stephen King follows through and brings this vision to life.

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