A review by readthesparrow
The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I loved the narrator. He's got a lovely, deep voice, perfect for the horror stories. He also did decent character voices.

Originally I just wanted to re-read the horror stories, but since the audiobook had the whole kitten caboodle, I figured hey, why not just listen to all of them. I now understand why no one remembers Chambers for his romance. His horror has such a lovely sense of unreality and slow, creeping terror, while his romance is excrutiatingly boring, only made palatable if the protagonist is likable.

THE REPAIRER OF REPUTATIONS (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): My fav of the collection, though it's hard to choose. A masterclass in having an unreliable narrator. 
THE MASK  (⭐⭐⭐⭐): A good tragedy but not the best of the collection regarding the horror of it. 
IN THE COURT OF THE DRAGON  (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): So creepy. Love a church setpiece, especially a French church with a big organ.
THE YELLOW SIGN  (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): My second fav! The weird guy is so creepy, and the hearse dream is so bizarre. 
THE DEMOISELLE D'YS  (⭐⭐⭐): Wasn't expecting the twist at the end; pretty decent romance story.
THE PROPHETS' PARADISE  (N/A): I have a hard time listening to poetry for the first time out loud so honestly most of this went in one ear and out the other. I need to go back and read it in print.
THE STREET OF THE FOUR WINDS (⭐⭐): Plus half a star for the very sweet protag who, relateably, has the "custom to converse with animals, probably because he lived so much alone."
THE STREET OF THE FIRST SHELL  (⭐): I hope the protagonist chokes and dies on that stupid roast chicken. Fuck that guy.
THE STREET OF OUR LADY OF THE FIELDS  (⭐⭐⭐): Reaches three stars because of the sweet darling himbo protagonist, as well as due to this line that made me laugh out loud: "'There is a nouveau here who is so tender and green and appetizing that Heaven help him if he should fall into a salad bowl.'"
RUE BARRÉE (⭐⭐): Honestly thought it was part of the last story and was very confused but I get it now. Anyway, it was boring but at least I didn't despise the protagonist.