Stephen King’s new Castle Rock book gets cover art, synopsis & excerpt

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Ever the prolific writer, Stephen King released his new book THE OUTSIDER just last week and today we already have word on King's new book ELEVATION, which will be hitting us later this year on October 30th. Yes, not only do we have a look at the new CASTLE ROCK-set story, but King shared a tasty bite-sized excerpt from the novella with EW, and you can check that out in the link below.

Here’s the official synopsis: 

Although Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.

In the small town of Castle Rock … Scott is engaged in a low-grade — but escalating — battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face — including his own — he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

While the new short novella will see King's return to the town of CASTLE ROCK, evidently the tone of the piece isn't horror. In fact, it's being described as "a rebuke to our divisive culture" and "tells a story that’s joyful, uplifting, and tinged with sadness." As you might imagine, I'm by no means turned off from reading a book by Stephen King if it isn't "horror." I love the man's work through and through, and some of his best tales weren't horror, such as STAND BY ME (based on the novella THE BODY) and THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION to name a few.

You can check out an exclusive excerpt from the new novella over on EW right HERE, and then pre-order your copy on Amazon HERE.