Scan barcode
flamesocks's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Racism, Racial slurs, Blood, Car accident, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, and Suicide
sheryl_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my favourite King novel and rereading it didn’t change my mind!
The Dead Zone follows John Smith who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities. Usually, he just finds lost things, or predicts something happening in the near future, but when he touches Greg Stillson, he sees a much bleaker future for the world.
This is very much a story of extraordinary events happening to ordinary people. John isn’t special, other than his ability. The supporting characters are also very well realised. Stillson doesn’t ever fall into a parody - tho I’m sure when the book came out in 1979, people never thought that someone who acted like an idiot and riled crowds up could get elected to anything...
There’s a lot of similarities between The Dead Zone and another of my favourite King’s - 11.23.63. Both pose the question: what would you do if you have the chance to change history?
There’s also a few references to the King universe (whether intentional or not!). It’s set in the Maine area, just like a lot of King novels, there’s a lot of 19 references and one blue chambray work shirt! We also have manically religious mother’s (two!) and a reference to the movie Carrie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Rape, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Violence
More...