Reviews with content warning for Rape - Under the Dome

A beast of a novel even for King's standard of writing long books, this one comes in at over 1000 pages. But even with its length the momentum of the book is high paced and doesn't seem to have the mid slow that other long books can have. Though there is a supernatural or otherworldly element to the story. The real horror of Under the Dome lies in what happens when humans are put, quite literally, with their backs against the wall. When the outside world is unreachable people's true since of morality comes into play. The scariest part is seeing who rises up as heroes and who rises up as monsters when their is no one to hold anyone accountable. And how humans truly can be the masters of their own downfall.

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bookishbeccahale's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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hampshark's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

4.75

This is one of King’s best. Engaging from page 1 to the end. Even with the few weak spots, I come back to this year after year for the study of humanity and the consequences of no consequences.

Even 15 years later, it feels fresh and pertinent and subversive and possible.

Of note, due to its scope, there are many (every?) triggers so take care.

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roisin_marie's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective sad 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? No

3.5

Only let down by what I consider unnecessary

Defecation/ specifically female degradation - repeatedly

beloved dogs dying

necrophelia

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hocuscrocus's review against another edition

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dark slow-paced

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

1.5

I finished this book out of spite, I'm not going to lie. Even when this was published, Stephen King had been in the game far too long to lean on his tired shock value routine. The acts of fictional characters do not reflect on the author, but the author's choices on how those acts are told certainly does in this case. It's lazy storytelling at best.
For a man who has made money offering advice to writers, you'd think he'd a) understand how human beings speak, b) put some respect into writing women, c) learn how to tell a shocking story without slurs, random gross out "humor," and graphically described sexual assault.
This book is a remarkably weak story hiding behind cheap, edgy humor and good worldbuilding.

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