| | | | | 0241582644
| 9780241582640
| 0241582644
|
329
pp
| 3.81
| 3,446
| Nov 08, 2022
| Sep 29, 2022
|
| | |
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Feb 10, 2023
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | |
|
| B001C4NXKM
|
1,348
pp
| 4.35
| 771,722
| Oct 03, 1978
| Jun 24, 2008
|
really liked it
| |
The ShiningI've read a lot of Stephen King over the years, including his recent books (meh!). I'd read the original version of The Stand, which was ab
The ShiningI've read a lot of Stephen King over the years, including his recent books (meh!). I'd read the original version of The Stand, which was about 400 pages shorter but somehow my brain felt it would be a good idea to read about a deadly, flu-like virus wreaking havoc and destroying lives.
A ragtag bunch of survivors who are somehow immune to 'Captain Trips' begin to be pulled together by strange dreams - of a really old woman called Mother Abagail calling to them. They also have nightmares about an evil man called Randall Flagg or The Dark Man who wants them to pledge their souls to him or else...
In a classic battle between Flagg who embodies evil and an unforgiving God who demands sacrifice and allegiance, the survivors battle it out. There are Biblical themes throughout the book and the characters are deep, three-dimensional and people you can somewhat relate to. King displays his masterful control over storytelling and character-building. The story begins with a bang, slows down in the middle as we learn more about the characters and King goes into great detail about their backstories and motivations, and then picks up pace again.
Stu Redman. Harold Lauder. Frannie Goldsmith. Trashcan Man (totally loony and SCARY!). Randall Flagg. Lloyd Henreid. Beautifully written characters!
What I've never figured out is why Stephen King's endings are sometimes a bit tame. As it turns out, The Dark Man isn't as scary as he seems. I wish that hadn't been the case. Nevertheless, this has to be one of the best horror novels I've read (though I'm going to dock a star for the tame ending).
After about a week of reading this book, when I started running a fever, I thought THIS IS IT! And it nearly was - I'd probably have had to come back as a ghost to finish the book, if I'd died in hospital. Nevertheless, the constant beeping of patient monitors, the lights, and the white, sterile atmosphere of the critical care ward in hospital added an extra element of creepiness to the book. And did I mention that being hooked to a breathing machine and unable to use my glasses, I had to read parts of the book with LARGEEEE font size on my Kindle?
Read this book if you haven't already, and you'll realise why it's called King's magnum opus. Storywise, I like The Shining much better, but the characters in this one are so well-written and I love how the extra 400 pages don't really take away from the pace of the book. (Also, the pages weren't cut from the original due to a hyperactive editor, but because the cost of the book was coming out to be too high.)
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
2
| | |
Jun 20, 2021
| |
Kindle Edition
| |
| | | | |
|
|
|
500
pp
| 4.18
| 165,557
| 1987
| May 08, 2008
|
liked it
| | |
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Dec 02, 2020
| |
Kindle Edition
| |
| | | | |
|
|
|
316
pp
| 3.89
| 1,212
| Oct 27, 2017
| Oct 27, 2017
|
liked it
| |
Gruesome and revolting, but also strangely gripping.
Beryl Seaton has grown up at a convent, and is setting out to create a life outside for the first
Gruesome and revolting, but also strangely gripping.
Beryl Seaton has grown up at a convent, and is setting out to create a life outside for the first time. When she gets hired as a governess to an infant at a strange house, what happens next? What is so wrong with little Stephen? What are the horrifying secrets that her employers harbour?
This book starts with a hint of unease and an atmosphere of intrigue that only gets progressively worse. An old Beryl is writing out the events of Grangehurst some 40 years later, and recounting the horrors faced by her as a naive, young girl.
The story is gripping and the much-vaunted Chapter 28 is absolutely revolting. The author spends almost all of Chapter 27 nudging you towards Chapter 28, by exhorting you to NOT read it.
The issues with this book are that the end is a bit underwhelming, and the fact that the Beryl's naivety is referred almost on each page of the book. However, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a quick, engaging read.
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Dec 04, 2019
| |
Kindle Edition
| |
| | | | | 1627389873
| 9781627389877
| 1627389873
|
160
pp
| 3.95
| 13,228
| Aug 16, 2016
| Aug 16, 2016
|
really liked it
| |
Wow, this one's quite different from the cute and smiling Sabrina from the older Archie comics. Dark, terrifying, and with a mostly scary atmosphere t
Wow, this one's quite different from the cute and smiling Sabrina from the older Archie comics. Dark, terrifying, and with a mostly scary atmosphere throughout, this isn't a kids' book for sure. There are demonic rituals, excessive violence, and plots and subplots with some interesting twists. (In short, all the things that should be appealing close to Halloween!)
If you like your stories dark and with little hope of redemption, pick this up NOW!
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Nov 17, 2018
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | | 0976633949
| 9780976633945
| 0976633949
|
239
pp
| 4.06
| 2,685
| 2005
| Aug 01, 2006
|
really liked it
| |
Four boys in a boarding school room, and one of them seems a bit odd. He's always writing in his journal, and doesn't seem to talk much. But, when the
Four boys in a boarding school room, and one of them seems a bit odd. He's always writing in his journal, and doesn't seem to talk much. But, when the others realise what a crazy little shit Darren is, it's probably too late to recover...
Alex's life will never be the same again. The story chases him from childhood to adulthood, and Darren's influence on his life is a recurring theme. There is violence, fear, and treachery in between.
Jeff Strand uses pacy storytelling, lots of plot twists, and a smattering of dark humour to keep his story going. It works for the most part, though some of the plot twists are a little implausible and leave you wondering.
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Dec 20, 2016
| |
Hardcover
| |
| | | | | 0553588265
| 9780553588262
| B007230850
|
364
pp
| 3.98
| 78,133
| 2005
| Jan 01, 2006
|
did not like it
| |
Oh man, what a wafer-thin plot! I enjoyed reading the first book in the series, but just managed to plod along with this one. In his next adventure, O
Oh man, what a wafer-thin plot! I enjoyed reading the first book in the series, but just managed to plod along with this one. In his next adventure, Odd Thomas encounters a weird woman who will go to any lengths to attain her objective - that of getting Odd to conjure up spirits for her.
It sounded like a good premise in the beginning, but slowly lost its sheen. Dean Koontz went about loading all the dice against his hero and then resolving situations in the unlikeliest of ways.
(view spoiler)[What was that with the mountain lion? I mean, is that the best that our cornered protagonist can rely on - the magical appearance of a mountain lion to save his arse! (hide spoiler)]
(view spoiler)[And how about the whole premise of the crazy woman and her two henchmen? Why would they go through the entire rigmarole of capturing Odd's supposed best friend, hiding him a million miles away, and waiting for Odd to prove his psychic magnetism? Why not just hold him at gunpoint and threaten? (hide spoiler)]
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]Danny is almost a brother to Odd, huh? Well, this figure makes a pretty late appearance in the series, right? In the last memoir when Stormy dies, Odd doesn't turn to his brother for support, does he? I wonder why not!
I'm motivated enough to read subsequent books, but I hope their plots are significantly better than this one. Else, I'll probably have to consider getting a poltergeist on Koontz's case....
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Jul 27, 2016
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | | 0786714824
| 9780786714827
| 0786714824
|
154
pp
| 3.63
| 5,923
| 2003
| Dec 21, 2004
|
really liked it
| |
This is an ugly book, filled with nothing but filth and darkness. It takes your view of humanity, throws it to the ground and administers a few sound
This is an ugly book, filled with nothing but filth and darkness. It takes your view of humanity, throws it to the ground and administers a few sound kicks to it, till it is bleeding and crying out.
Hate is a strong word, but I hated the story, the characters and practically the entire book. I hate the fact that I live in a world where this isn't fiction, but the true story of thousands of 'Teena's and 'Bethie's each day.
I hate the fact that people find it ok to label rape as 'unfortunate' or 'sad'. A slip on a staircase and breaking your fucking neck is unfortunate or sad. Rape is nothing but a depraved act of abject cowardice.
Joyce Carol Oates tells a deeply disturbing story that disgusts you but fascinates you nevertheless with its sheer brutality. There is no redemption, no magic wand that gets waved to 'put it past you and move on'. She narrates a story of despair, loss, and trauma. There is no escape.
The title is somewhat misleading and it would be a major spoiler to discuss why.
Brilliant book, by the way. Sounds contradictory, but loathsome story, brilliant book. This is a story that leaves a terrible taste in the mouth, and makes you wonder how some so-called humans can be so dehumanized. It makes you question the humanity of all those who ask questions like, "But what was she wearing?" or "Why was she out so late?"
It is brutal, horrifying and extremely well-written. Read it, but no guaranteeing if you'll be able to sleep well after that. Or keep your meal down. So, can't say I 'really liked it' but it definitely led to some strong emotions.
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Nov 19, 2015
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | | 0062363239
| 9780062363237
| 0062363239
|
287
pp
| 3.79
| 88,172
| Jun 02, 2015
| Jun 02, 2015
|
it was amazing
| | |
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Nov 11, 2015
| |
Hardcover
| |
| | | | |
|
| B002LUHZ5A
|
508
pp
| 4.08
| 19,347
| Aug 25, 2009
| Aug 25, 2009
|
really liked it
| | |
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Nov 07, 2015
| |
Kindle Edition
| |
| | | | |
|
| B005DXR53O
|
71
pp
| 3.03
| 666
| Aug 16, 2011
| Aug 16, 2011
|
did not like it
| |
Very tame ending for a supposed horror story that promised to be a 'shocker'. Even though this is short and available for free on Amazon, I think it's
Very tame ending for a supposed horror story that promised to be a 'shocker'. Even though this is short and available for free on Amazon, I think it's a bit of a waste and doesn't come anywhere close to the heady heights of Let the Right One In
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Oct 31, 2015
| |
Kindle Edition
| |
| | | | | 0451190750
| 9780451190758
| 0451190750
|
320
pp
| 3.77
| 212,876
| 1984
| Sep 01, 1996
|
really liked it
| |
William 'Billy' Halleck is an overweight man, rapidly losing weight. Hardly horrifying, right? It sounds like a plot for a book on healthy eating/diet
William 'Billy' Halleck is an overweight man, rapidly losing weight. Hardly horrifying, right? It sounds like a plot for a book on healthy eating/dieting. Stephen King and self-help, eh? Haha, how wrong you are! King specializes in beyond-help, not self-help.
Missus Halleck decides to spice things up by giving ol' Billy a handjob in the car. And normally safe driver, our Billy, is so caught up in the throes of his orgasm that he accidentally kills an old Gypsy woman. Thanks to connections in high places, he gets away with it. Nearly.
The woman's angry father places a curse on Billy. One word. "Thinner".
And that's what begins to happen to Billy. He starts rapidly losing weight (and peace of mind). His wife and doctor friend refuse to believe him, thinking he has gone bat-shit crazy. What happens in Billy's quest to save his life?
This is one from the earlier King. The King who was creepy, scary, and frankly terrifying. It makes his modern novels seem tame by comparison. Constant Readers, you'd be horrified and fascinated at the same time by what goes on in old Billy's head.
What threw me off was a couple of Stephen King novel references in there, before I realized that this was originally a Bachman book. This is not quite in the same league as 'The Shining' but definitely up there.
P.S. Suddenly, I don't feel hungry any more. No thanks, I don't really want that warm, fluffy strawberry pie. *hysterical laughter*
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Oct 19, 2015
| |
Mass Market Paperback
| |
| | | | |
|
|
|
368
pp
| 4.05
| 6,307
| Oct 07, 2014
| Oct 07, 2014
|
really liked it
| |
Joseph Hiram Peacock - our narrator who calls himself an unreliable one at the very beginning is a 14-year-old vampire. Or 74-year-old. Since he turne
Joseph Hiram Peacock - our narrator who calls himself an unreliable one at the very beginning is a 14-year-old vampire. Or 74-year-old. Since he turned 60 years ago, he's been stuck with the looks of a teen.
The scene is set in dark, gritty, and racist NYC in 1978. Our hero has a chilled 'life' - preening himself regularly to look Sinatra-esque, using his powers to 'charm' people, and catching up for regular dinners with a family. Except, he doesn't dine with the family, he dines on them.
Joey lives in the sewers underground along with a gang and recounts tales from his life, including how he got turned.
However, life changes when he's riding the subway train one day, and sees some children, who appear to be vampires. One thing leads to another, and he finds himself entangled in a situation that threatens his very 'survival'.
The vampires in the book are creepy, albeit not scary, and definitely make the vampires from Twilight sound like little, innocent kids. Just when you feel that the story is slowing down a bit, Buehlman decides to knock your socks off with a fiendishly clever twist towards the end. And that's when a lot of the early meanderings in the book come back to you and fall in place neatly.
The only comparable vampire books I can think of are Dracula and Let the Right One In. However, Dracula builds up that constant atmosphere of dread, whereas this one relies on pace. It's only at the end that you realize how tightly set your jaw is and how little you've been breathing. Kudos to Buehlman for redeeming an overall slow month in terms of reading 'Halloween-y' books with this masterpiece.
4.5 stars!
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Oct 11, 2015
| |
Kindle Edition
| |
| | | | | 0312868332
| 9780312868338
| 0312868332
|
324
pp
| 3.81
| 3,103
| Jan 1996
| Dec 1998
|
it was ok
| |
What initially intrigued me about this book was that Stephen King (one of my favourite authors) had recommended it. However, a few hours after having
What initially intrigued me about this book was that Stephen King (one of my favourite authors) had recommended it. However, a few hours after having finished this, I feel more than a bit let down.
The books begins with the adventures of three friends - Sam, Clive and Terry with the somewhat macabre incident of Terry having two toes bitten off by a pike.
Life goes topsy-turvy with the entrance of a hermaphroditic 'tooth fairy' - a malevolent creature with unstated ambitions, who stalks Sam and leads to one event after another.
The story is filled with Freudian references and fair bits of sexual exploits. The premise is interesting enough, but the idea runs out of steam about mid-way. That's when you start seeing the fairy as an annoyance instead of a terrifying creature of magic.
Much of the sex is oddly contrived and the 'human-magical creature' interaction becomes tedious to read beyond a point.
I don't know Stephen King's reasons for recommending this, but I sure ain't following suit!
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Aug 29, 2015
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | | 0060080841
| 9780060080846
| 0060080841
|
144
pp
| 3.85
| 43,144
| Sep 1972
| Jul 23, 2002
|
really liked it
| |
Depending on the culture in one's country, one could have different interpretations for this book.
For example, in the more 'evolved' countries, this w
Depending on the culture in one's country, one could have different interpretations for this book.
For example, in the more 'evolved' countries, this would definitely be a horror story.
However, I'm ashamed to state that in India, the events of the story would hardly be unusual or out of place.
Joanna and her husband, Walter move to seemingly quiet, lovely Stepford. What strikes Joanna as odd is that all the women (or all the housewives rather) seem utterly excited by the prospect of housework and chores. Not just that, they're all big-bosomed women with stunning figures.
There's a 'Men's Club' in town, which Walter wants to change from the inside - by joining in and getting the men to mend their anti-feminist ways.
Joanna struggles through her days because all the housewives want to do their chores and not 'hang out'. And what completely freaks her out is the 'turning' of two of her friends into zombie-like creatures.
What happens next is for you to read and figure out.
But, what terrified me about the book is that it is so reminiscent of modern-day life in India. There are so many women who dedicate their lives to domestic slavery post-marriage. No friends. No social events. No personal lives. No help in domestic chores from their partners.
Not just that, the image of the dutiful wife is projected all across - newspapers and media, films, and pretty much all sources of information.
If you think Ira Levin's world is a bit dystopian, look around and you might just find a few Stepford Wives around you...
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Aug 28, 2015
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | | 1616961716
| 9781616961718
| 1616961716
|
182
pp
| 3.74
| 4,355
| Jul 21, 2014
| Aug 12, 2014
|
did not like it
| |
Not quite horror, and not quite a 'survivor' novel (or novella to be precise) this isn't quite a genre-busting book reeking of awesomeness. It could'v
Not quite horror, and not quite a 'survivor' novel (or novella to be precise) this isn't quite a genre-busting book reeking of awesomeness. It could've been though, it could've been!
And that's exactly what comes across as such a disappointment. Daryl Gregory picks up a brilliant premise and then proceeds to throttle the life out of it (not in a good way) with his bare hands. Six 'victims' of truly horrific crimes are brought together in a therapy group - a bit like a Monster Victims Anonymous. These people have seen monsters and are scarred for life.
Monsters - that roam the earth, unseen by most - monsters that keep trying to cross over from their dark realm to ours, preying on humanity.
Now why would someone not focus on such a delicious, spine-tingling angle and write about Monster Victims Anonymous and their interactions with each other? Even if someone did that, why would all the characters be tremendously unlikable? (I don't mean 'unlikable' as in loathsome, I just mean unlikable as in indifference-inducing and/or annoying)
In fact, a few of the characters have huge potential for further development. There's Barbara - the victim of the Scrimshander, the mysterious Greta, and the monster hunter Harrison. Honestly, these characters are shallower than my kitchen sink. And don't even ask about the rest.
The supposedly massive surprise towards the end didn't surprise me (not even enough to raise my eyebrows a bit).
Overall, this would've worked well if the author had decided to maybe add about a 100 pages or simply handed the manuscript to Stephen King or Neil Gaiman for its transformation into something phenomenal.
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Jan 08, 2015
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | |
|
|
|
1,152
pp
| 4.35
| 771,722
| Oct 03, 1978
| May 01, 1990
|
really liked it
| |
Stayed up late last night finishing this one. Review coming up over the weekend.
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Jan 04, 2015
| |
Hardcover
| |
| | | | | 1442465956
| 9781442465954
| 1442465956
|
208
pp
| 3.94
| 82,749
| Jul 01, 2014
| Jul 15, 2014
|
really liked it
| |
Is it only the effect of winter, or did reading this book seem like the temperature went down a couple of notches?
Brilliant artwork, and some absolute
Is it only the effect of winter, or did reading this book seem like the temperature went down a couple of notches?
Brilliant artwork, and some absolutely creepy stories that may not give you sleepless nights (or may...) but will surely freak you out a little. So, don't be surprised if you don't want to respond to things that go bump in the night.
I thought three of the stories were outstanding, but two weren't quite up there. Nevertheless, I'm seriously considering leaving the light on when I sleep...
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Dec 30, 2014
| |
Hardcover
| |
| | | | | 0809594080
| 9780809594085
| 0809594080
|
108
pp
| 3.71
| 81,372
| 1820
| Mar 01, 2004
|
really liked it
| |
what a brilliant book, so well narrated too!
Oh, poor Ichabod Crane! And of course, old wily Brom Bones - what a mean, evil fella. what's the truth, we
what a brilliant book, so well narrated too!
Oh, poor Ichabod Crane! And of course, old wily Brom Bones - what a mean, evil fella. what's the truth, we aren't likely to know, are we?
Washington Irving creates a colourful, bright picture and Tom Mison does the rest in making it come to life.
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Dec 24, 2014
| |
Paperback
| |
| | | | | 0345533429
| 9780345533425
| 0345533429
|
463
pp
| 3.99
| 270,142
| 2003
| Apr 24, 2012
|
really liked it
| |
I'm still unsure of how to rate this book. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Odd' Thomas' voice - the voice of a mature (possibly 40ish year old man) emanating fr
I'm still unsure of how to rate this book. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Odd' Thomas' voice - the voice of a mature (possibly 40ish year old man) emanating from a 20-year old. I thought he was witty, charming, and funny, though a tad unrealistic. But hey, this is a fantasy/horror book, eh?
What lends depth to Odd's character is the backstory of his parents and their apathy towards him. It is great to have a lead protagonist who deals with his heroism in a matter-of-fact, just-doing-my-job kind of way and doesn't harbour visions of dressing up in Spandex and flying across the world, saving people.
However, some things Koontz could've done better are: 1. Done away with the intellectual, 'plus-sized' friend 2. Explained more about the frightening bodaches (maybe, he's planning to explain them later) 3. (view spoiler)[Not killed off Stormy (hide spoiler)] 4. Added more depth to some characters who started promisingly but fizzled out soon after
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the book except in a few parts and now onwards ho for the rest of the 'Odd' journey.
...more
|
Notes are private!
|
|
1
| | |
Dec 13, 2014
| |
Mass Market Paperback
| |