1. About the Authors
Sleeping Beauties is a collaborative novel by legendary horror writer Stephen King and his son Owen King. Stephen King, with over 60 published novels and countless adaptations including IT, The Shining, and Misery, is renowned for his mastery of suspense and psychological horror. His work often explores the darkest aspects of human nature. Owen King, though less known, brings a contemporary narrative voice, often reflecting social and emotional depth in his fiction. This novel marks a rare and fascinating fusion of their styles—combining dread-filled imagination with sharp societal commentary.
2. About the Narrator
The Sleeping Beauties audiobook is narrated by Marin Ireland, a Tony-nominated and Independent Spirit Award-winning actress. Known for her expressive vocal range and immersive narration style, Ireland delivers a compelling performance across more than 25 hours of audio. She voices over 50 characters—men and women of all ages—each with unique tonal nuances that make the story immersive and emotionally resonant. Her ability to switch seamlessly between voices adds tremendous depth to the audiobook experience.
3. Book Overview
Sleeping Beauties is a genre-blending speculative dystopian novel set in the small fictional town of Dooling, West Virginia. A mysterious phenomenon causes women across the globe to fall into a cocoon-like sleep—and if disturbed, they react with deadly violence. The one woman immune to this affliction is Evie Black, an enigmatic inmate in the local women’s prison.
The novel explores themes of gender, power, society, and survival under stress. With a strong speculative fiction premise, it questions what a world without women would look like—and whether men could cope or collapse.
On Goodreads, the novel has garnered over 75,000 ratings with an average score of 3.6/5. Though some readers felt it was lengthy and occasionally meandering, others praised its ambition and timely themes. The audiobook was a finalist for the 2018 Audie Awards in the Fiction category, highlighting its standout narration.
4. Book Review
Review – Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King & Owen King
The novel unfolds like a modern epic, rich in characters and societal subtext. At its core, it’s not just a horror story—it’s a complex study of gender roles, violence, and human instinct in the face of existential disruption.
Strengths:
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Ambitious scope with a large ensemble cast
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A thought-provoking exploration of gender dynamics
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Vivid world-building with scenes ranging from eerie to explosive
Weaknesses:
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The pacing may feel slow or overwrought for some
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The length (over 700 pages) demands commitment
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Some plotlines can feel overextended
Despite its flaws, Sleeping Beauties is a powerful story with a socially relevant message. The Kings’ writing—King’s dread and Owen’s insight—creates a world that is both frightening and strangely plausible.
5. Audiobook Review
Review – Audiobook Edition Read by Marin Ireland
Spanning more than 25 hours, the Sleeping Beauties audiobook is a masterclass in narration. Marin Ireland’s performance earned her an Earphones Award from AudioFile Magazine and wide acclaim from listeners for her dynamic voice acting.
She masterfully differentiates dozens of characters, delivering high-stakes tension, quiet introspection, and terrifying chaos with equal finesse. Her pacing, tone control, and emotional delivery elevate the material—making it arguably the best way to experience this lengthy novel.
Some reviewers even consider this performance one of the finest female-narrated audiobooks in recent memory.
6. Who Should Listen or Read This Book?
Sleeping Beauties is perfect for:
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Fans of speculative fiction, dystopian thrillers, and dark fantasy
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Readers interested in gender politics and social commentary
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Long-time Stephen King readers who enjoy layered narratives
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Audiobook lovers seeking a rich, cinematic listening experience
It may not suit casual readers looking for fast-paced horror or newcomers to King’s style.
7. Conclusion
Sleeping Beauties is a bold and haunting novel that combines Stephen King’s unsettling imagination with Owen King’s nuanced storytelling. The result is a powerful, thought-provoking narrative that examines what happens when half the population disappears—and the other half is left to reckon with it.
Marin Ireland’s audiobook narration breathes life into this complex, emotional, and eerie world. Whether you’re a King fan, an audiobook enthusiast, or a seeker of dystopian tales with real-world relevance, Sleeping Beauties deserves a spot on your reading list.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
You can listen to Sleeping Beauties on popular audiobook platforms:
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Audiobooks.com: Also offers the complete audiobook with free trial access for new users.
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Audible: Available in full, unabridged format narrated by Marin Ireland. Offers offline listening and membership perks.
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