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katiescho741's review against another edition
1.0
I got about 150 pages into this book and nothing was happening that interested me. I normally enjoy Stephen King and The Stand is one of my favourites, but this one seemed lacking in excitement. I gave up on it because I'm not wading through 1000 pages on the off chance it gets better!
It probably didn't help that I kept thinking of The Simpsons Movie.
It probably didn't help that I kept thinking of The Simpsons Movie.
crappy_face_pic's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
sandranir's review against another edition
5.0
If this were a wine, it would be a "grand cru" or even a "millésime" to be savored with the utmost care. The book has it all: drama, horror, comedy, satire, sci-fee and whatnot. Despite its mammoth size, I couldn't read it fast enough and have thoroughly enjoyed the whole ride (at the cost of a few sleepless nights).
Mr. King, thank you that you hadn't given up on this book. Us readers would have been robbed of a major work!
Mr. King, thank you that you hadn't given up on this book. Us readers would have been robbed of a major work!
hunkydory's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
strategineer's review against another edition
5.0
I tried to write a book that would keep the pedal consistently to the metal. Nan [King's editor on Under The Dome] understood that, and whenever I weakened, she jammed her foot down on top of mine and yelled (in the margins, as editors are wont to do), 'Faster, Steve! Faster!'
A small American town is trapped under a gigantic forcefield (the Dome), hijinks ensue.
Stephen King's still got it.
Despite its 900 pages, this might be one of the most propulsive novels I've read. The dozens of different POVs allows King to gradually reveal all spinning murder and drug related plates he's got spinning.
It's exciting to watch them fall.
thecreativefae's review against another edition
Wasn't in the mood for all of the violence.
katedornes's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ivorymusic82's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
libraryforspooky's review against another edition
4.0
Stephen King’s *Under the Dome* is an ambitious and sprawling novel that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and social commentary to create a gripping tale of survival and human nature under extreme circumstances. With its massive cast of characters and intricately woven plot, the novel offers a deep exploration of what happens when a small town is suddenly cut off from the rest of the world.
The premise is deceptively simple: the small town of Chester’s Mill, Maine, is inexplicably sealed off from the outside world by an invisible, impenetrable dome. As the townspeople scramble to understand what has happened, the true horror of the situation begins to unfold. Resources become scarce, tensions rise, and the darker sides of human nature start to emerge.
One of the most compelling aspects of *Under the Dome* is King’s ability to create a microcosm of society within the confines of the dome. Chester’s Mill, with its mix of ordinary people, corrupt officials, and hidden secrets, becomes a stage on which King explores themes of power, fear, and morality. The town’s descent into chaos is both terrifying and fascinating, as familiar societal norms break down and new, more brutal rules take their place.
King’s strength as a storyteller shines through in his characterizations. The novel boasts a large ensemble cast, each character vividly drawn and distinct. From the morally ambiguous town selectman, Big Jim Rennie, who seizes the opportunity to tighten his grip on power, to the resourceful and determined Dale “Barbie” Barbara, who emerges as the story’s reluctant hero, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative. King delves into their motivations, fears, and desires, making them feel real and relatable, even as they navigate increasingly surreal and dangerous situations.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, with King expertly ratcheting up the tension as the situation in Chester’s Mill becomes more dire. The sense of claustrophobia and impending doom is palpable, as the dome not only traps the townspeople physically but also intensifies the psychological pressure they face. King’s ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday is on full display, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire novel.
*Under the Dome* also serves as a sharp commentary on the nature of power and the fragility of civilization. King uses the dome as a metaphorical device to examine how quickly society can unravel when the structures that hold it together are stripped away. The novel raises important questions about leadership, the abuse of power, and the capacity for both good and evil within ordinary people.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At over a thousand pages, *Under the Dome* is a hefty read, and some readers may find the sheer length of the book daunting. While the sprawling narrative allows King to fully explore the various subplots and character arcs, there are moments where the story feels somewhat bloated, and certain sections could have benefited from tighter editing.
Additionally, the novel’s conclusion has been a point of contention for some readers. Without giving away spoilers, the resolution of the central mystery behind the dome may not satisfy everyone, as it veers into territory that feels somewhat disconnected from the grounded, human drama that dominates the rest of the book. That said, King’s exploration of the journey is compelling enough that the ending, while divisive, does not significantly detract from the overall impact of the story.
In conclusion, *Under the Dome* is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that showcases Stephen King’s talent for creating complex characters and immersive, unsettling worlds. Despite its length and a polarizing ending, the novel offers a compelling exploration of human nature under pressure and serves as a reminder of both the best and worst aspects of humanity. For those willing to embark on its epic journey, *Under the Dome* is a four-star read that will leave a lasting impression.
The premise is deceptively simple: the small town of Chester’s Mill, Maine, is inexplicably sealed off from the outside world by an invisible, impenetrable dome. As the townspeople scramble to understand what has happened, the true horror of the situation begins to unfold. Resources become scarce, tensions rise, and the darker sides of human nature start to emerge.
One of the most compelling aspects of *Under the Dome* is King’s ability to create a microcosm of society within the confines of the dome. Chester’s Mill, with its mix of ordinary people, corrupt officials, and hidden secrets, becomes a stage on which King explores themes of power, fear, and morality. The town’s descent into chaos is both terrifying and fascinating, as familiar societal norms break down and new, more brutal rules take their place.
King’s strength as a storyteller shines through in his characterizations. The novel boasts a large ensemble cast, each character vividly drawn and distinct. From the morally ambiguous town selectman, Big Jim Rennie, who seizes the opportunity to tighten his grip on power, to the resourceful and determined Dale “Barbie” Barbara, who emerges as the story’s reluctant hero, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative. King delves into their motivations, fears, and desires, making them feel real and relatable, even as they navigate increasingly surreal and dangerous situations.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, with King expertly ratcheting up the tension as the situation in Chester’s Mill becomes more dire. The sense of claustrophobia and impending doom is palpable, as the dome not only traps the townspeople physically but also intensifies the psychological pressure they face. King’s ability to blend the supernatural with the everyday is on full display, creating a sense of unease that permeates the entire novel.
*Under the Dome* also serves as a sharp commentary on the nature of power and the fragility of civilization. King uses the dome as a metaphorical device to examine how quickly society can unravel when the structures that hold it together are stripped away. The novel raises important questions about leadership, the abuse of power, and the capacity for both good and evil within ordinary people.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At over a thousand pages, *Under the Dome* is a hefty read, and some readers may find the sheer length of the book daunting. While the sprawling narrative allows King to fully explore the various subplots and character arcs, there are moments where the story feels somewhat bloated, and certain sections could have benefited from tighter editing.
Additionally, the novel’s conclusion has been a point of contention for some readers. Without giving away spoilers, the resolution of the central mystery behind the dome may not satisfy everyone, as it veers into territory that feels somewhat disconnected from the grounded, human drama that dominates the rest of the book. That said, King’s exploration of the journey is compelling enough that the ending, while divisive, does not significantly detract from the overall impact of the story.
In conclusion, *Under the Dome* is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that showcases Stephen King’s talent for creating complex characters and immersive, unsettling worlds. Despite its length and a polarizing ending, the novel offers a compelling exploration of human nature under pressure and serves as a reminder of both the best and worst aspects of humanity. For those willing to embark on its epic journey, *Under the Dome* is a four-star read that will leave a lasting impression.
kyndalb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25