'The Stand' by Stephen King is an apocalyptic novel that explores a world devastated by a super plague, wiping out most of the world's population. The story follows a battle between good and evil, with the villain Randall Flagg bringing a supernatural element that adds to the terror of the end of the human race. The book is praised for its vivid characters and the gripping plot that keeps readers engrossed in the lives of the survivors.
The writing style of 'The Stand' is commended for its ability to paint a detailed and horrifying picture of a post-apocalyptic world. Readers appreciate King's storytelling skills, character development, and the way he weaves together multiple narratives seamlessly. The book is described as a masterpiece that combines horror, drama, and post-apocalyptic themes in a compelling and captivating manner.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include graphic violence, death, disease, racism, sexism, and themes of trauma, making it significantly heavy in terms of content.
Has Romance?
The novel has romantic elements, particularly focused on the relationships between characters like Stu and Frannie, but romance is not the primary focus of the plot.
From The Publisher:
When a man escapes from a biological testing facility, he sets in motion a deadly domino effect, spreading a mutated strain of the flu that will wipe out 99 percent of humanity within a few weeks. The survivors who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader. Two emerge-Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious "Dark Man," who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them-and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity.
Ratings (350)
Incredible (113) | |
Loved It (134) | |
Liked It (70) | |
It Was OK (19) | |
Did Not Like (12) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (575):
Read It (353) | |
Currently Reading (6) | |
Want To Read (141) | |
Did Not Finish (14) | |
Not Interested (61) |
7 comment(s)
Ever sense this pandemic hit I've been wanting to read this book by Stephen King it's also one of the few novels of his I've got left. I was excited to finely have it in my hands and I was sure enough not disappointed. It's a perfect read in times like this, really adds to the creepy factor and makes the reading experience extra intense. It's a huge book and took a few days (had a little break from it) but it definitely didn't feel like a slog at all. If you haven't picked this up yet and you like Stephen King other books I highly recommend this!
"he's come out the other side. That was all. No one can tell what goes on in between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just... come out the other side."
Incredible book that had me addicted to reading the next page and the next page until I was finished. Gripping story and characters, especially the villain.
Definitely my favorite Stephen King I've read so far.
Loved the story, HATED the ending.. it was the last SK book I’ve read after experiencing terrible endings to GREAT stories with too many of his books. I’m still salty about that ending..
This could have been so good, I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book & Harold was a very interesting character. The ending was pretty lack luster and being from Colorado I found the geography of the journey home extremely distracting. 2.5 stars - it was ok.
Couldn’t get into it
The Stand is a masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction and one of my all time favorite books. The pacing is steady for the first two thirds and then ramps up as it nears the end causing a beautiful bit of tension for the reader who can feel the story building to a climax. The characters, save for two, are very relatable and easy to make a connection with. The exceptions to that are the characters the "Walking Dude" and "Mother Abigale" as these two characters are either supernatural themselves or have been given some supernatural abilities.
Overall I would list this book as required reading for anyone interested in the psychological thrillers with a touch of horror. I give it a 9/10.
What can you read after
The Stand?
About the Author:
Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are Doctor Sleep; Joyland; 11/22/63; Full Dark, No Stars; Under the Dome; Just After Sunset; End of Watch; and the latest novel in the Dark Tower saga: The Wind Through…
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