There’s a war brewing on the internet, and chances are, you’re unaware of it, but fan fiction authors are readying for battle. The latest generation wants to monetize their fan fiction, encouraged by the success of E.L. James with 50 Shades of Grey (originally Twilight fan fiction), Anna Todd’s After series (originally Harry Styles fan fiction), Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones (originally Harry Potter fan fiction), and Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One (not fan fiction, but able to reference every fan property under the Sun).
The older generation of fan fiction writers is trying to warn them that this is a bad idea, and the best example they can cite is Anne Rice’s legal crusade that nearly ended fan fiction, a period so fraught that it changed how fan fiction was written forever. Now the kids are stepping onto legal landmines despite the clear red flags on every fan fiction website.
Anne Rice’s War On Fan Fiction
Interview With The Vampire Started Everything
Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire kicked off a frenzy among fan fiction writers of the 90s following the success of the Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt film, with her brilliant characterizations of Louis and Lestat, who, of course, were often paired up in fan fiction stories. The standard disclaimer before any fan fiction story, that it’s a “non-profit, amateur effort not intended for sale,” wasn’t enough to stave off Anne’s lawyers, who fiercely defended her intellectual property. Webmasters would warn users not to write anything based on Anne Rice’s characters, or the fan fiction author could, and likely would, get sued. What makes it worse for fan fiction authors is that Rice had every right to defend her work this way.
Copyright law can be incredibly tricky and requires copyright holders to actively defend against every infringement, or the courts will treat it as abandoned. Anne Rice took it a little further due to her attachment to her own characters, as she couldn’t imagine anyone else ever writing about Louis, Lestat, Armand, Akasha, etc., and took it personally when fans developed their own stories. The other problem is that if she ended up writing a story that matched a fan fiction, she could be sued for plagiarizing her own characters.
Fan Fiction Exists In A Grey Area
The Unrealistic Expectations Of 50 Shades Of Grey
Fan fiction has always existed in a grey area, legally speaking, ever since the Romans filed the names off the Greek pantheon. Dante’s Inferno, the only part of the Divine Comedy that anyone ever reads, is now considered one of the earliest self-insert fan fictions of what else, the Bible. That explains the entire chapter about his local Italian politicians being burned in caskets for all eternity. The biggest defense fan fiction authors have had is that they aren’t profiting off the creations of others. Even fan fiction authors whose works have been widely published and adapted into Hollywood hits have done enough work to turn the fan fiction into a wholly original piece of fiction.
Anne Rice mellowed as she got older and stopped defending her work so vigorously, but other authors, including George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling, have occasionally had to sue fan fiction creators. What’s happened now is that 20 years after Rice’s crusade started to fade, new fan fiction authors have begun a push to allow monetization of their works on popular fan fiction platforms, including AO3 (Archive Of Our Own), one of the largest and oldest fan fiction communities. The argument is that they’re telling their own story, so what if the parts are borrowed from someone else? It’s largely their creative work. That argument terrifies the older, more experienced authors, who know that if one person starts monetizing, the entire fan fiction community could come crashing down overnight.
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The Push For Monetization
Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones Deserved Better
Around the time of the Covid lockdowns fan fiction authors started printing their works and creating physical, bound collections of their stories that some ended up trying to sell. Those quickly resulted in lawsuits for every single cent of profit and penalties for copyright violations, and if an author who sold a collection wasn’t sued, they got lucky and kept quiet.
The current controversy in the fan fiction community will eventually settle down, and hopefully, everyone will realize why the “no monetization” rule is in place before someone has to be made an example of. Fan fiction is a major part of what keeps fandoms alive during lulls and can bring in new fans of the original work. When left on their own, fan fiction authors are among the largest fans of an author and will happily act as guides and cheerleaders for newbies to a fandom. They’ve fought the battles, they’ve been in the trenches, they’ve seen con artists and hacks enter their communities, and they don’t like it. If the new generation doesn’t change course quickly, we may never get another masterpiece like 50 Shades of Grey, and copyright attorneys will be able to start looking at blueprints for their new vacation home.
Steven Spielberg on the red carpetImage via DDP/INSTARimages
Every other week, streaming platforms release content aimed directly at dads, be it shows such as Reacherand Bosch, or new spin-offs in Taylor Sheridan‘s Yellowstone universe. Recently, the same demographic has enjoyed the Russell Crowe-led historical drama Nuremberg, which grossed nearly $50 million at the worldwide box office in its theatrical run and then became a word-of-mouth hit at home. The movie holds a phenomenal 95% audience score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. Older male audiences are typically drawn to procedurals and period dramas, which is why movies and shows in which men get the job done perform well on streaming. There is no better example of this sub-category than Steven Spielberg‘s celebrated World War II epic Saving Private Ryan, the ultimate dudes-rock movie.
Released in 1998, the film redefined the genre with its gritty camerawork and sweeping anti-war sentiment. Saving Private Ryan is widely regarded as the greatest World War II movie ever made; it won Spielberg the Best Director Oscar and was nominated alongside fellow WWII epic The Thin Red Line in the Best Picture category. The movie now holds a 94% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “Anchored by another winning performance from Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg’s unflinchingly realistic war film virtually redefines the genre.” In addition to Hanks, the movie featured a sprawling ensemble including Matt Damon, Edward Burns, and Tom Sizemore.
It’s the last day of March, and the Madness is almost behind us. Huddle up and see what you know about these depictions of basketball on television.
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Here’s Where You Can Watch ‘Saving Private Ryan’
Saving Private Ryan was a massive box-office hit, grossing more than $480 million worldwide against a reported budget of $70 million. This was nearly five times as much as The Thin Red Line. Saving Private Ryan remained the top-grossing WWII movie of all time until it was overtaken by Christopher Nolan‘s Dunkirk, which was subsequently overtaken by Nolan’s own Oppenheimer. Spielberg and Hanks reunited as executive producers on a trio of WWII drama shows inspired by Saving Private Ryan — Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Masters of the Air. Hanks also co-produced and starred in the WWII thriller Greyhound, which is set to receive a sequel. You can watch Saving Private Ryan on Paramount+ this month. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Roommates, y’all already know Claressa Shields does NOT play about Papoose. She dropped some new flicks on social media, and the comments went crazy — but once Papoose slid in with some words, chileeee, everything paused! And of course, Claressa came right back at him with some spicy energy — no filter and no holding back!
Papoose Speaks Up & Claressa Shields Responds With Some HEAT
On Friday, April 3, Claressa Shields popped out on Instagram in some fresh flicks. The Gwoat showed off two looks and had the timeline locked in. Pap clearly felt the vibe, sliding into her comment section and showing love with fire and heart-eye emojis. Claressa made sure to hit reply, telling her man, “ofc you love my pics the most, you got the special ones earlier (.) (.). Love you.” Claressa didn’t stop at showing love to her man in her own comments. She pulled up To The Shade Room and doubled down on him being her number one writing, “My man My man, my man, everyday and 2x on Sunday 🔥 ❤️✌🏾”
Claressa Handles The Comments & Claps Back At Critics
Even though Claressa stayed locked in on the love from Papoose, she still peeped a few other comments. She wasted no time clapping back when one Instagram user wrote, “You and @meekmill can be a power couple,” and she hit them right back with, “that’s my uncle chill out n****h.” When another social media user tried to come for her shoes, Claressa wasn’t having it. She responded back saying, “I’m not gone lie both shoes ate with this fit to me. No shade.”
The Gwoat Shuts Down Narratives That Papoose Is After Her Money
Claressa clapping back and shutting down rumors is nothing new. She recently put the speculation to rest about Pap being with her for her money. During a recent chat with The Breakfast Club, Shields doubled down on her man being solid, saying when it comes to cash, he always has her back. Bills paid, flights booked, hotels secured–nobody is topping him.
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“That’s how they paint out narratives. But I will tell you something, though. Pap pays my mortgage. Pap pays my car insurance, and my car note. And what else does he do? I haven’t paid for a flight or for a hotel in I don’t know how long […] that’s a man right there!”
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There’s nothing more annoying than finally being able to wear your cute new sundress, only to realize — wait — you have no shoes to go with it. Last year’s go-to styles suddenly seem ready for retirement, full of scuffs, dirt and damage you never noticed until now. This spring, we’re saving ourselves some pre-event panic and stocking up on new footwear during Nordstrom’s End of Season sale. Shockingly, the retailer has plenty of cute sandals and sneakers priced under $50, making our mini warm-weather refresh feel totally doable. It’s truly a two-for-the-price-of-one situation!
Since this is a Nordstrom we’re talking about, our favorite discounted picks aren’t from random brands. Our list of must-buy sale shoes includes options from Reebok, Nina, Minnetonka and more labels we’ve loved and trusted for years. However, that also means you won’t want to wait to add ’em to your cart. With designs and prices this good, these sandals and sneakers are bound to sell out soon!
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Under-$50 Sandals and Sneakers on Sale at Nordstrom
1. Everyday Option: A quality, neutral sandal discounted before summer, rather than after? Muk Luks’ slides feel like a rare find! Aside from the versatile light brown colorway, we’re fans of the easy slip-on design, cutout detailing and comfy cushioned soles — was $50, now $40!
2. Expensive-Looking: Maybe it’s the stylish big buckle or the raffia accent, but these Mia sandals look five times their price. They’re the kind of fancy-feeling pair you pack for vacation and end up wearing to dinner every night — was $79, now $50!
3. Trendy With a Twist: Sporty suede kicks are having a moment, and Puma’s Arizona sneaker is leading the pack. While the style is pretty popular, we’re really feeling the rose-quartz colorway, which adds a slight pop of color while still acting as a neutral — was $80, now $48!
4. Designer-Inspired: Simple leather (and faux leather) slides are set to be the ‘It’ shoes of the summer. However, while interlocked designs from high-end brands cost hundreds, this similar Call It Spring option is under $40 — was $55, now $36!
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5. Very Versatile: Sundresses, Bermuda shorts, wide-leg jeans — you’ll have a hard time finding an outfit that won’t work with Comfortview’s gold-toned Alora sandals, which are surprisingly versatile. While they feature a sleek ankle strap, a secret back zipper makes them easy to slide on. And thanks to the skid-resistant outsole, you won’t be sliding as you go about your day — was $57, now $48!
6. Rich Mom Staple: Wealthy women tend to wear shoes that are a step up from simple, and this leather-like sneaker checks all the boxes. The clean white colorway will complement a ton of outfits, but the luxe perforated detailing adds fashionable flair — was $57, now $48!
7. Easy Espadrilles: Espadrille sandals never go out of style, but if you don’t have it in you to wobble around in a wedge, this flat, ankle-strap alternative has a similar vibe — and is way easier to walk in! — was $50, now $35!
8. Fashionable Find: Dare yourself to be different by trading simple white sneakers for a beige pair from Reebok. The bright suede design will quickly enhance all your basic outfits, so even if you’re rocking a white T-shirt and jeans, you’ll look (and feel!) like a street style star — was $60, now $45!
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9. Forever Cool: Consider this your sign to replace the slip-on Vans you’ve owned for years. This blue-and-white checkered pair is 40% off, and for a forever-trendy, celeb-loved shoe, that’s a pretty good deal — was $60, now $36!
10. Event-Ready: If you’ve got a wedding, bridal or baby shower on your calendar, Mango’s ankle-strap sandals are calling your name. The metallic, strappy design makes them feel dressy, while the short, supportive block heel keeps your feet from aching, even after hours of wear — was $80, now $50!
11. Cool Hybrid: Ballet flats or sneakers? With Keds’ Bliss Slip-Ons, you don’t have to choose! The fashion-forward hybrid is the best of both worlds — sweet yet sporty, pretty yet practical — putting it in the running to become your new go-to shoe — was $55, now $39!
12. Understated and Elevated: If you’d rather invest in just one pair of summer-ready shoes, check out Nine West’s Maizy sandals. The brown, strappy design is so sleek and simple, it’ll blend in with every look rather than stand out — was $69, now $50!
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13. Tried-and-True:Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip-On is a cute yet comfy sneaker that gets tons of praise online — which is why we’re grabbing a pair while it’s on sale. Shoppers swear the machine-washable (!!!) pick offers “great support,” and shockingly, “goes with every outfit” — was $55, now $45!
14. Bitty Bows: Bow details have been trending for a while now, and the embellishment doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Upgrade your sandal collection with some sweet, tied-up slides that also feature a small block heel for added height — was $89, now $45!
15. Ready to Walk: Not all cute sandals are easy to walk in, but somehow LifeStride created something that’s the best of both worlds. The brand’s flashy silver slingbacks provide plenty of support and cushioning, and thanks to sturdy straps, they’ll stay on your feet, even as you trek around town — was $55, now $42!
16. Buckle Up: Double-buckle slides are the warm-weather staple you’ll be seeing everywhere from now through fall. This option isn’t just easy to throw on — the wool-blend upper is softer than plastic alternatives, so you won’t have to worry about nursing painful blisters after you take them off — was $99, now $40!
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17. ’90s Vibes: These low-profile Reeboks were inspired by soccer shoes, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear them with moisture-wicking shorts or other athleisure staples. The chunkier design is ideal for balancing out feminine pieces, and will toughen up A-line skirts or make floaty dresses feel more casual.
The Chosen has found success depicting the life of Jesus Christ on TV — but the show has also taken some liberties with the source material.
“The writers do such a great job of exploring the humanity [of each character] first vs. what they’re known for nowadays,” Joey Vahedi, who plays apostle Thomas on the Prime Video series, told Us Weekly exclusively while reflecting on adapting events from the Bible. “If people were asked who these figures are, they probably automatically think of the stained glass windows that they’ve seen growing up.”
He continued: “But when you actually look at who they were as human beings, Peter is a fisherman who does some not great things. Thomas was trying to make some money and have a successful business. Matthew was someone that’s portrayed as on the spectrum. They come at it from these very human experiences. That’s what makes it so successful. Because people feel like they can relate.”
The historical drama debuted in 2017 and showcases Jesus’ life through the eyes of the people who interacted with him — including his apostles and disciples, Jewish religious leaders, Roman government and military officials and ordinary people.
HBO ; The CW ; Alan Markfield/Netflix ; Courtesy of Amazon Studios Andrew Scott is the original Hot Priest, but there are even more swoon-worthy religious figures for Us to obsess over. Yes, the Irish actor’s Fleabag character — named The Priest — is the blueprint, but there were some clergymen who came before (and […]
In addition to Vahedi, 35, The Chosen stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus alongside Shahar Isaac, Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Noah James, George H. Xanthis and more.
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While speaking with Us, Vahedi opened up about how his relationship with faith hasn’t wavered since the show’s first season.
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“I don’t know if it necessarily has [changed], but I always say if it has affected somebody else in that way — if it’s someone who either was already a person of faith and it’s strengthened that for them or if it’s helped them to look at it differently — I think it is really, really important in today’s day and age,” he explained. “We look at it through what the actual meaning is, which is to love one another and care about one another. Or if it’s had people that watch the show who are not people of faith — which I believe is a third of our audience — it’s great in all of those aspects. If it works for people, it works.”
Vahedi reflected on the unique project, adding, “It’s rare that a show has this much impact on people — and for people that are not people of faith. … I encourage everyone to just look at it as a period piece. One of our producers, I remember he once said to me, ‘People don’t believe in dragons, but they watch Game of Thrones and still enjoy it.’ Same thing with this. It’s just about a group of people who are trying to make a difference in the world and they’re being oppressed while they’re doing it.”
The countdown to Easter Sunday is on, and many in Hollywood are celebrating their faith out loud. Whether through social media and podcasts or TV shows and films, several celebrities aren’t afraid to share a glimpse into their spiritual journey with fans. For some religious leaders, it’s a decision that should be met with love […]
“Things are a little more disjointed in the story and people are starting to panic and not know what’s going on. It’s a scary moment for all the disciples,” he teased.
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Season 6 of The Chosen will premiere on November 15 in the U.S. and internationally. Following the first three episodes, the show will air weekly until the season finale, which is a stand-alone theatrical release slated for spring 2027.
“It’s going to be one of the most epic things — cinematically — that we’ve done. … We [might be] coming to the finish line, which makes it bittersweet. Because this has been the greatest gift I could have ever had,” Vahedi told Us. “It’s been such a gift for me to do this. Sometimes chapters do need to come to a close so that way we can appreciate the journey that we went on.”
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” alum Jen Shah was released from prison in December 2025 after serving over two years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Now, months after her release, not only has she apologized to the victims of the years-long telemarketing scheme, but the “RHOSLC” alum is now opening up about some of the troubles in her marriage.
Shah, 52, has been married to Sharrieff Shah, 55, since August 1994. The “RHOSLC” alums share two children.
Jen Shah Opens Up About The Troubles In Her Marriage
Mayer/MEGA
Shah broke her silence about her life behind bars and the events leading up to it in an interview with PEOPLE. During the emotional conversation, Shah also revealed that she and her longtime husband were edging closer to a divorce amid her legal woes.
The “RHOSLC” alum said, “My husband and I were separated. We were on the verge of a divorce. I was overwhelmed with immense grief from the death of my grandmother, my father, and my aunt, all in a very short period of time. I was spiraling deeper into my previously diagnosed clinical depression.”
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Shah went on to note that making a marriage last for multiple decades is challenging for couples. According to her, “Nobody’s married for 32 years, and it’s all perfect, right? So [I say] we were separated and going towards a divorce because I don’t want our relationship [to look] like, ‘Oh, it’s all perfect.’ We put in hard work to get there.”
She added, “The thing about Coach and I is that our anchor is our faith. And a big part of our faith is the sanctity of marriage. I think people believe the hard thing to do is to get a divorce. The hard thing is to stay together. You have to put real work in.”
The ‘RHOSLC’ Alum Says Her Marriage Is Better Now
Instagram | Jen Shah
Luckily for the Shahs, their marriage has improved after the struggles they faced leading up to her prison stint. She said to the outlet, “He’s one of a kind. Most people would have run away, most people would have left. … I’m so grateful and so blessed that my husband and my children were there for me.”
The mom of two then said, “My family has come closer together through all of this. [My] marriage is stronger than it’s ever been, and my children and I, our family unit as a whole, is just closer than we’ve ever been.”
After that, she shared an adage from their marriage, saying, “Coach has a saying: ‘We’re going to love each other through it. No matter what obstacle we’re facing, no matter what we’re dealing with, I’m just going to love you through it. And we’re going to love each other through it.’ And that’s kind of been our family’s mantra.”
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Fans Are Reacting To Shah’s Post-Prison Interview
Instagram | Jen Shah
Shah has kept a relatively low profile since being released from the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas. Because of this, there has been considerable anticipation for her first public thoughts since being reunited with her family. Regarding the reaction, “RHOSLC” fans are mixed, with some saying she’s not being accountable enough.
First, one person reacted to Shah’s comments about her marriage. They said on X, “Strong love like that doesn’t break; it only gets stronger.”
Someone else reacted to the interview as a whole, writing, “I really don’t think Jen Shah is remorseful or sorry for what she has done. And she just needs to go away. Don’t bring her back to the show.”
Another person reacted to the section of the interview where she discussed the food in prison. They said on X, “Someone should see how well the victims of her crimes are eating. Especially the ones she took everything from, and they ended their lives…freaking sociopath.”
Still, others would like to see her back on “RHOSLC.”
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Jen Shah Posted For Their Anniversary In 2025
Instagram | Jen Shah
Shah was sentenced to 78 months in prison in January 2023. Ultimately, she served 33 months of the lengthy sentence. While behind bars, she managed to retain some connection with the outside world, including statements from her management and various social media posts.
According to PEOPLE, the “RHOSLC” alum posted on Instagram in August 2025 to celebrate her 31st wedding anniversary.
She said in a caption, “Happy 31st Anniversary today to me and my baby. Words cannot express how much I love and appreciate you. You bring so much joy to my life & I am forever thankful for your overwhelming love and support as we approach this next chapter. Thank you for blessing me with two amazing young men.”
Shah continued, “I love you so much & can’t wait to hold you again soon.” Notably, this was before it was announced that she would be released from prison in December.
Heather Gay Accused Shah’s Husband Of Flirting With An ‘RHOSLC’ Co-Star
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Shah was one of the original cast members on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” as was Heather Gay. According to US Weekly, in her 2024 book, “Good Time Girl,” Gay accused Shah’s husband of having tried to kiss Monica Garcia, who appeared on “RHOLSC” following Shah’s exit.
Notably, Garcia was Shah’s assistant, which served as her connection to the group. Following the claim, all involved parties have denied that Shah’s husband attempted to kiss Garcia.
There’s a lot that can be written about Stephen King, but that’s understandable when you consider how much writing there is by Stephen King. He’s been having work published consistently since 1974, which is when Carrie first came out, and it was that book (plus Salem’s Lot and The Shining, released in the following few years) that really helped establish him as a horror author.
His scariest books often remain some of his most popular and enduring, but King’s work is far from just horror-focused, since he’s written his fair share of sci-fi, crime, and fantasy books, too. It’s the fantasy genre that’s going to be focused on below, with some of these admittedly crossing over into the horror genre, to some extent. But if something’s either predominantly fantasy or somewhere between fantasy and horror, it can be counted, for present purposes.
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10
‘The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger’ (1982)
Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher
The Dark Tower is going to pop up a few times here, since it’s a book series that encompasses seven main novels, and then one interquel set between books #4 and #5; call it book 4.5, if you want. The whole series is perhaps most easily definable as a dark fantasy one, though there are so many other genres explored throughout, with parts of it being creepy, some chunks of certain books having a particularly strong Western feel, and sci-fi elements ultimately playing a role quite a lot, too.
So, here’s the first book in the series, The Gunslinger, which is a great introduction to the main character, Roland, and his quest to find the titular Dark Tower, alongside the stage being set for the strange world he (initially) inhabits. It’s a weird book, and one that makes more sense the more of the series you read, but the fantastical stuff here is too bold and distinct to not give this first Dark Tower book some recognition here.
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9
‘Insomnia’ (1994)
Insomnia – 1994 – book coverImage via Viking/Stephen King
Very much worth talking about within the context of The Dark Tower series, Insomnia is most interesting for the allusions and references it has to some of the characters (especially of a villainous nature) and concepts from The Dark Tower. Its central premise, though, involves an old man who has the titular condition, and his lack of sleep has him seeing increasingly strange supernatural things.
Those supernatural things are part of a bigger conflict, and as he loses his grip on reality, to some extent, he gains more knowledge of something outside “reality” as it’s understood. The Dark Tower is referenced in plenty of other Stephen King novels and stories, but probably most referenced here, in Insomnia, which makes it a dense and somewhat difficult-to-approach book, albeit a very rewarding one if you’re invested in the whole Stephen King multiverse.
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8
‘The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla’ (2003)
Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher
Jumping ahead a little in The Dark Tower series, here’s Wolves of the Calla, which marked the start of a race toward the finish for Stephen King. He had a brush with death in 1999, after being hit and seriously injured by a vehicle, which seemed to inspire King to finish The Dark Tower, which had its first four books published over a fairly long stretch of time (1982 to 1997).
The last three books were all published between 2003 and 2004, with Wolves of the Calla being a bit punchier and more immediate in terms of forwarding things toward a climax. The third and fourth books are well-loved by some King fans, because the third does some great world-building, and then the fourth is instrumental in laying out so much of Roland’s backstory, but they do spin their wheels a bit (and not just because a train is involved near the third book’s end and the fourth’s beginning). Wolves of the Calla says, “Yep, okay, let’s get this done,” having a good deal of action and then a very intense final 50 to 100 pages or so, all of it very important for the final two books in the series.
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7
‘The Talisman’ (1984)
Shattered glass with text on the book cover for The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub.Image via Viking Press/Stephen King/Peter Straub
Diving into Stephen King’s whole body of work will reveal a few books he’s co-written, with the best of his collaborations to date being with Peter Straub. The two wrote The Talisman in 1984, and then Black House in 2001, with a third book in the series talked about for a while, with its publication seeming less likely after Straub sadly passed away in 2022… but then King finished the third book, Other Worlds Than These, scheduled for release in 2026.
But sticking to The Talisman, it’s a pretty great fantasy/adventure story about a young boy going on a quest to an alternate world/dimension in an attempt to save his mother from dying of lung cancer. It’s a premise King kind of revisited himself, in Fairy Tale, but he does it much better in this book, with Straub. And then, Black House isn’t quite as good, but is still ultimately worthy of a read for anyone who enjoyed what The Talisman was doing.
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6
‘The Eyes of the Dragon’ (1984)
A dragon on a green background on the cover of the novel The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King.Image via Viking/Stephen King
The Eyes of the Dragon is potentially the gentlest book Stephen King wrote before the 1990s, or maybe even before the 2000s, as he’s gotten a little more sentimental as he’s gotten older (see Lisey’s Story, for a dramatic example). It came out at a time when King was largely known for horror and some science fiction-related stories, most of them pretty heavy on cruelty, suspense, and frequent deaths.
The Eyes of the Dragon is also on the slimmer side of things, by the standards of Stephen King’s novels, which makes it an approachable book.
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You still get conflict with The Eyes of the Dragon, and it’s not that it lacks stakes or anything, but it feels more fantasy than dark fantasy, compared to just about any other fantasy-related book King’s penned. It’s also on the slimmer side of things, by the standards of Stephen King’s novels, which makes it an approachable book, and one that could be read by younger readers more easily than the majority of his other works.
5
‘The Green Mile’ (1996)
Image via Signet Books
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Both the book and movie versions of The Green Mile have low-key fantasy elements, compared to most other fantasy stories, but you’ve still got a death row prisoner integral to the narrative who has difficult-to-explain powers of healing. He also seems innocent of the crimes he’s been sentenced to death for, which gets the block supervisor of death row conflicted about what to do regarding what legally has to be carried out.
Stephen King wrote this one in the form of a six-part serial novel, and all the parts add up to something pretty great overall… and it’s easy to call The Green Mile one of King’s most emotional books, too. It’s not full-on fantasy, perhaps more magical realism, and it’s also light on true horror elements, so The Green Mile stands out pretty well within King’s body of work for those reasons (plus the fact that it’s also very good, of course).
4
‘The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three’ (1987)
Image via Donald M. Grant, Publisher
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After The Gunslinger served as a good introduction for some things, The Drawing of the Three (book #2 in The Dark Tower series) does so much for introducing even more out-there concepts into the series, and for also giving Roland more by way of compelling supporting characters. The Drawing of the Three also might have one of the greatest opening chapters in literary history, since things get shaken up so intensely, bizarrely, gruesomely, and borderline-recklessly.
But the momentum from the gonzo opening is kept up, and all the jumping between world-related stuff is incredible, and also vital for the rest of the series and how it operates narratively. The Gunslinger is still good, but The Drawing of the Three is where The Dark Tower gets genuinely great, and there’s a very high chance that, should you get to book #2, you’ll be hooked from that point on until book #7.
3
‘It’ (1986)
Image via Viking
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It feels a bit more of a horror book than a fantasy one, sure, but it’s sprawling enough to ultimately exist within a few different genres, and one of them is dark fantasy. What you get here is a bunch of kids taking on a horrific entity, and then doing the same as adults, because this particular being is active every 27 years… but structurally, it jumps back and forth between those two timelines.
It’s a dizzying read that proved hard to do justice in either a miniseries or movie duology form, especially because, regarding the latter, quite a few of the more out-there fantastical ideas weren’t really tackled/adapted. The best way to experience the story, by far, is still as a novel, and even if It is an incredibly long novel, it’s ultimately very much worth tackling.
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‘The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower’ (2004)
The most infamous of The Dark Tower books is the seventh, and yet it also might be the best of them. What you definitely get here, for better or worse, is a definitive ending, to the point where a genuine eighth book feels not just unlikely, but wholly unnecessary. It’s also been 20-ish years, and while there’s been that interquel and other stories that reference The Dark Tower, this seventh book feels like a definitive conclusion in every way.
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What are some of those ways? Well, this is one of the easiest to spoil books ever, since you get drama and surprisingly high stakes right from the very first chapter, so alluding to anything that happens here could ruin the book, and also a bunch of the books that came before it, in the series. It’s King just about at his best, though, within the fantasy genre (like, It might be the better book, but The Dark Tower VII is beating it here, partly because The Dark Tower VII is more fantasy heavy).
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‘The Stand’ (1978)
Image via Doubleday
Since it’s a post-apocalyptic book, and particularly heavy on the elements that make up such a genre early on, you might initially feel like The Stand leans a little more into science fiction than fantasy. But as it goes along, the survivors of a massive viral outbreak (the people left after more than 99% of humanity dies) get roped into a battle of good versus evil, and the leaders of both sides have mysterious and fantastical powers.
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It’s all dark fantasy, of course, since The Stand is a pretty bleak book that also finds plenty of time to be frightening, at least when it’s not focused on also being an adventure story, or something a bit more suspense/thrill-heavy. The Stand, in its uncut form, is easily Stephen King’s longest single novel, so there’s ample room here for him to play around and do a bit of everything, and here, he does a bit of everything so incredibly well.
Blake Lively has spoken out after a judge dismissed several of the actress’ claims against her It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle.
“I am grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake, but also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to … many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I’ll never know,” Lively, 38, began in a lengthy statement shared via her Instagram Story on Friday, April 3.
The actress continued, “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continued to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”
Lively added that she hoped the court’s decision won’t keep others from speaking up. She also shared that while her situation might be labeled as “celebrity drama,” others outside of the spotlight who have endured similar issues can also relate to her story.
Blake Lively’s team has reacted after a U.S. District Court judge ruled to throw out 10 of 13 claims against her It Ends With Us director and costar Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle. “This case has always been and will remain focused on the devasting retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took […]
“The physical pain from digital violence is very real,” she wrote. “It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.”
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Lively explained that digital violence “affects us all,” including women and children.
“So much critical work has already been done to expose systems, tactics and players who harm. The work to create more safety is in part at trial, but it will also continue far after this trial is over. This is the work I’m most proud of,” she shared. “I couldn’t begin to stand up if not for the countless who’ve gone before me – and the masses who are still around us all — creating laws, social change, sparking conversations, rallying, working privately and publicly, risking and sometimes losing everything for the safety of others in all spaces. Some whose names we know, most we don’t. Thank you. All of you.”
Lively added that she “will never stop doing” her part in the fight to “expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims.”
“I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going,” she concluded.
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Lively’s statement comes one day after Judge Lewis Limandismissed 10 out of the 13 claims the actress made against Baldoni in their ongoing legal battle.
Us Weekly has reached out to Baldoni’s team for comment.
Justin Baldoni‘s team has reacted to their partial legal victory in his ongoing lawsuit against Blake Lively. “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel,” attorneys for the Wayfarer defendants said in a statement to […]
Lively’s statement comes one day after Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 out of the 13 claims the actress made against Baldoni in their ongoing legal battle. The allegations that have been dismissed include harassment, defamation and conspiracy. Claims of breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting in retaliation will proceed to a trial.
“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial,” Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, April 2, in response to the ruling. “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable by other women they’ve targeted. She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”
Baldoni’s team also reacted to the ruling in a statement, telling Us, “We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel. These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.”
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Lively’s legal team also issued a response to the statement from Baldoni’s lawyers.
“What the Court actually decided yesterday is that Blake Lively provided evidence to go to trial on her core claims: that she spoke out against what she believed was sexual harassment on the set, and suffered retaliation that harmed her reputation as a result,” the statement read.“The court held, in painstaking detail, that Ms. Lively provided sufficient evidence of all the following: (1) She privately opposed and negotiated changes to on-set behavior by Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath; (2) She reasonably believed, in good faith, that the behavior she complained about privately was unlawful sexual harassment; (3) Baldoni, Heath, and Wayfarer Studios understood that her claims amounted to sexual harassment allegations; and (4) They crossed the line in response and took steps that harmed her reputation and career.”
Blake Lively is fighting against Justin Baldoni’s request for dismissal. Lively, 38, and her legal team filed a letter on Thursday, March 12, citing a recent federal appeals court ruling that allegedly proves her lawsuit against her It Ends With Us costar and director should not be dismissed. (Lively played Lily in the 2024 film […]
After news broke of Lively’s legal setback, the actress’ agency WME — which also used to represent Baldoni — released a statement of support for the Gossip Girl alum.
“In an industry that too often asks women to absorb the damage and stay quiet, Blake Lively chose to stand up for herself, her castmates, and those without the ability to fight back,” a spokesperson for the agency told Deadline in a statement on Friday. “She has met this moment with courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination.”
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Lively and Baldoni’s legal battle began in December 2024. She accused the It Ends With Us star and director of creating a “hostile work environment,” sexual harassment and orchestrating an alleged smear campaign against her.
Baldoni, who has vehemently denied the allegations, countersued Lively, but his lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in June 2025.
Lively’s lawsuit remains ongoing and is scheduled for trial in May.
Now that April is here, Peacock‘s movie library has gotten the fresh influx of new titles that it so desperately needed.
Peacock may drop most of its films at the beginning of a month, but the films tend to be an impressive mixture of new hits and classics.
The Watch With Us team has selected our picks for the three best Peacock movies to binge-watch this weekend.
Our selections include a thriller, an affecting drama and the film that paved the way for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie‘s box office domination.
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‘Sea of Love’ (1989)
NYPD Police Detective Frank Keller (Al Pacino) is a lonely man in the thriller Sea of Love. Frank’s lost his wife to a new lover, and he’s recently had a brush with death that’s making him reconsider his life. At the same time, there’s a serial killer targeting men just like Frank, who placed ads in the newspaper’s personal section. Whoever is behind this killing spree is likely a woman.
While working undercover to identify the killer, Frank becomes attracted to Helen Cruger (Ellen Barkin), so much so that he leaves her out of his investigation. That may be a huge mistake, because Helen does have a connection to the victims, and even Frank isn’t sure if she’s a murderer or just another lonely heart looking for love. The answer to that question might literally be a matter of life or death.
Robin Wright made her directorial debut with Land, which also features the actress in the leading role as Edee Holzer. Following a devastating personal tragedy, Edee has resolved to live a life of solitude on a remote patch of land. Unfortunately for Edee, she doesn’t have the survival skills to fully live off the land, and she’s not able to take care of some of her basic needs when misfortune revisits her more than once.
Peacock has a fantastic selection of movies spanning genres and decades, all available at one’s fingertips in December. Watch With Us takes a look at the best movies streaming on Peacock right now, and we’re highlighting two of the newest additions this month. Our first pick is Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, a funny, touching autobiographical drama about […]
A local hunter, Miguel (Demián Bichir), goes out of his way to help Edee through her most difficult days. He’s been through a lot of personal trauma as well. Although Edee makes it perfectly clear that she’s not looking for any kind of relationship, the gift that Miguel has to offer may finally give her a path to move forward in her life. She just has to be brave enough to take that step.
If you grew up at any point between now and the ’80s, there’s a very good chance you’ve played one of the many Super Mario video games or at least know of them. It only took Hollywood a little over three decades to get it right, but The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the film that generations of Nintendo fans had been waiting for. It’s not only one of the best video game adaptations, it’s a beautifully animated film that features some of Illumination’s best work in the field.
Chris Pratt lends his voice to Mario, while Charlie Day plays his brother, Luigi. On Earth, they’re just a pair of plumbers who can barely keep their business afloat. But once they find a portal to another world, their lives go into wildly different directions. For Luigi, he has to survive as a captive of Bowser (Jack Black), a tyrant who wants to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom. As for Mario, he’ll have to team up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) to rescue his brother and save the day.
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie is streaming on Peacock.
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