A review by cl1ngz
The Shining by Stephen King

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4⭐ | The Shining

The Shining presents a deeply written story that explores the characters' internal struggles and prejudices powerfully. The book does an excellent job of explaining why the characters find themselves at the infamous Overlook Hotel, with the motivations and circumstances of each individual illuminated, adding a solid layer of depth to the narrative.

This was my first experience with the horror genre, and while I could feel the tension gradually building throughout the book, I didn’t find it particularly frightening. The eerie atmosphere and psychological tension were certainly effective, but the horror elements didn’t fully resonate with me in a way that felt truly scary.

That being said, this isn't my genre, so I may not have connected with the horror aspects as much as other readers might. Overall, the book was well-written, with complex characters and an engaging plot, making it a solid read, even if it didn't quite terrify me.