cajunliterarybelle's review against another edition
3.0
My first voyage into Stephen King’s works. While this isn’t exactly a horror novel, Blaze, the protagonist, is very much a horror to follow sometimes. In the beginning I simply felt like I was learning about a run-of-the-mill criminal, but I quickly realized that Blaze is psychotic and simultaneously smarter than he thinks but also an idiot. As the story progressed, I found myself laughing at his actions, his reasoning, and the investigation into the kidnapping. The book was enjoyable despite not being what I typically read.
scostanzo42's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting story...a combination of 'Of Mice and Men' and the Lindbergh case. Would have liked more at the end...felt it ended rather abruptly.
djenesara's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
kafiro_ka_kafka's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Achhi hai
gmaleah's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐️ An enjoyable King tale, albeit quite grim. I enjoyed the flashback stories the most. I was really, really feeling for Blaze by the end.
teekraenzchen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alyssa_christine's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
amylou215's review against another edition
5.0
I was very surprised with how much I enjoyed this! Admittedly, it was my first King novel I had ever read (gifted to me) and I can't believe I haven't started until now. Although it seems to be much more of a thriller novel than a horror, there's still moments throughout the book which shock and surprise. The characters each have their own distinctive personality and King surprisingly manages to win the reader's sympathy towards the 'villain' on several occasions. Overall, an exciting, fast-paced novel which offers an insight into the mind of a dumb kidnapper.
boards_books_and_brews's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Book Review:
Blaze
Written by Stephen King as Richard Bachman
Read by Ron McLarty
Book 61/200
Genre: Horror
Format: Audio
Pages: 285
Published: 2007
Rating: 8.5/10
"He was going to make this happen. His feet and his head was set, and when he got that way, he always did what he said he was going to do. It was his pride. The only one he had."
Blurb:
Master storyteller Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) presents this gripping and remarkable New York Times bestselling crime novel about a damaged young man who embarks on an ill-advised kidnapping plot--a work as taut and riveting as anything he has ever written.
Clayton Blaisdell, Jr., was always a small-time delinquent. None too bright either, thanks to the beatings he got as a kid. Then Blaze met George Rackley, a seasoned pro with a hundred cons and one big idea. The kidnapping should go off without a hitch, with George as the brains behind their dangerous scheme. But there's only one problem: by the time the deal goes down, Blaze's partner in crime is dead. Or is he?
This book is legitimately terrifying. Maybe it's just me as a dad of young children, but I find the concept of Lenny from "Of Mice and Men" kidnapping a baby is absolutely horrifying. This book also somehow manages to be darker than its inspiration, definitely confirming it's place as a Bachman book. If you've read "Of Mice and Men" you'll probably be able to see the end coming, but that actually makes everything more terrifying.
King, himself, will describe this as a trunk novel, so maybe my expectations were pretty low before I started reading. But I absolutely enjoyed this book. This is definitely a must read for any King fans.
Blaze
Written by Stephen King as Richard Bachman
Read by Ron McLarty
Book 61/200
Genre: Horror
Format: Audio
Pages: 285
Published: 2007
Rating: 8.5/10
"He was going to make this happen. His feet and his head was set, and when he got that way, he always did what he said he was going to do. It was his pride. The only one he had."
Blurb:
Master storyteller Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) presents this gripping and remarkable New York Times bestselling crime novel about a damaged young man who embarks on an ill-advised kidnapping plot--a work as taut and riveting as anything he has ever written.
Clayton Blaisdell, Jr., was always a small-time delinquent. None too bright either, thanks to the beatings he got as a kid. Then Blaze met George Rackley, a seasoned pro with a hundred cons and one big idea. The kidnapping should go off without a hitch, with George as the brains behind their dangerous scheme. But there's only one problem: by the time the deal goes down, Blaze's partner in crime is dead. Or is he?
This book is legitimately terrifying. Maybe it's just me as a dad of young children, but I find the concept of Lenny from "Of Mice and Men" kidnapping a baby is absolutely horrifying. This book also somehow manages to be darker than its inspiration, definitely confirming it's place as a Bachman book. If you've read "Of Mice and Men" you'll probably be able to see the end coming, but that actually makes everything more terrifying.
King, himself, will describe this as a trunk novel, so maybe my expectations were pretty low before I started reading. But I absolutely enjoyed this book. This is definitely a must read for any King fans.