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firstwords's review against another edition
3.0
Odd to give a book 3 stars and also mark it "could not finish." The story was just fine, the premise engaging. A lot of elements and plot drivers from [b:The Stand|149267|The Stand|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1213131305l/149267._SX50_.jpg|1742269]. Intrigue, two camps, light v dark, the hidden violence in all of us, dysfunctions from our past continuing into an apocalyptic scenario (the addict before is the addict now, the abused housewife before is the abused housewife now, etc). I think if I had not read The Stand, I would have been able to finish this. As it is, this is a book clearly written by a famous, well-off, well-established author who's editor(s) probably let him have free rein. Too big to touch, as it were.
That's not meant as an insult, I have enjoyed King since I was a teen, but this book could have had probably about 15-20% shaved off of it without any loss *at all*. This is almost the same length as Stand, a book that I have ripped through 2 or 3 times, yet it felt perceptibly slower. Perhaps it is because this reader could predict the characters' arcs, knew who was going to join with who (and not just the obvious ones), and was even able to predict plot points many times over. Unlike with Stand, at no point did I have an "oh, wow!" or "who would'a thought!" moment.
Again, I think this is due to familiarity with the author and his works. If you want a LONG read, and have not read Stand or are not familiar with King's works, pick it up. Stress on LONG. I love long books, so that is also not an insult.
That's not meant as an insult, I have enjoyed King since I was a teen, but this book could have had probably about 15-20% shaved off of it without any loss *at all*. This is almost the same length as Stand, a book that I have ripped through 2 or 3 times, yet it felt perceptibly slower. Perhaps it is because this reader could predict the characters' arcs, knew who was going to join with who (and not just the obvious ones), and was even able to predict plot points many times over. Unlike with Stand, at no point did I have an "oh, wow!" or "who would'a thought!" moment.
Again, I think this is due to familiarity with the author and his works. If you want a LONG read, and have not read Stand or are not familiar with King's works, pick it up. Stress on LONG. I love long books, so that is also not an insult.
ksopko8823's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like this one is super divisive among King fans - either you LOATHE it completely (especially because of the ending), or you love it.
Me, however, right down the middle.
The ending is the biggest drag. Comes out of nowhere and super quick. Basically an end just to end it.
But
What I love most about any King book is the intricately crafted set of characters he brings to the table. They are just SO REAL. You know in his head he's created all sorts of elaborate back stories for every one of them, and shares plenty with us. So I don't mind that the first 900 pages or so are really just character building as the tension also builds.
This puts me in mind of several Twilight Zone episodes, and could have fit right in that series, no problem.
Me, however, right down the middle.
The ending is the biggest drag. Comes out of nowhere and super quick. Basically an end just to end it.
But
What I love most about any King book is the intricately crafted set of characters he brings to the table. They are just SO REAL. You know in his head he's created all sorts of elaborate back stories for every one of them, and shares plenty with us. So I don't mind that the first 900 pages or so are really just character building as the tension also builds.
This puts me in mind of several Twilight Zone episodes, and could have fit right in that series, no problem.
pinkeerach's review against another edition
4.0
I was really excited to read such an intriguing tale, and I was certain King could deliver. The story was intricate and the characters spanned a wide range of good, bad, and ugly. All manner of angles were touched on as well. What happens when you put a small town under a dome, cutting them off from all society, supplies, and the things we all take for granted? Who holds the real power in those situations? And when an evil person gains immense power, how do the good people of the town react to save themselves and the town? So many questions about the true humanity of people. The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is I felt like the story just kind of ended. There is some big stuff that happens, but the wrap-up was nothing to speak of. Definitely recommend it.
mary_bear's review against another edition
4.0
On retrouve dans Under the Dome un peu la même structure et types d'éléments que dans The Stand (Le Fléau) : une catastrophe pas très naturelle et ses conséquences sur l'Homme et la société (dans une expérience à petite ou à grande échelle) qui se déroule puis se déchaîne pour se terminer dans l'horreur et une renaissance ; une étude de la réponse de la société face à la situation ; et évidemment, des gentils gentils, des méchants méchants et des moutons qui moutonnent. L'intérêt des personnages ne réside pas dans leur complexité, mais de toute façon, ce n'est pas pour ça qu'on lit un des romans épiques de Stephen King...
Ainsi, malgré tout ce qui est bien prévisible, ma lecture n'en a pas moins été particulièrement intense, okay, boulimique, et difficile à interrompre, même pour des "pit stops".
Je préfère aussi ignorer l'utilisation d'un thème d’actualité (armes biologiques pour le Fléau et écologie pour Dome) pour une morale facile et conserver un excellent souvenir de ce tome monstrueux qui m'a fait passer 48h d'horreur, dégoût, terreur, tension, anticipation, tristesse et enfin soulagement... Tout les ingrédients y sont.
À lire sans attendre le grand renouveau de Stephen King mais un excellent King tout de même!
Et juste pour le caméo d'un héros de polar qui m'a fait sourire après trois relecture de sa mention pour confirmer que non, ce n'est pas une coïncidence.
Ainsi, malgré tout ce qui est bien prévisible, ma lecture n'en a pas moins été particulièrement intense, okay, boulimique, et difficile à interrompre, même pour des "pit stops".
Je préfère aussi ignorer l'utilisation d'un thème d’actualité (armes biologiques pour le Fléau et écologie pour Dome) pour une morale facile et conserver un excellent souvenir de ce tome monstrueux qui m'a fait passer 48h d'horreur, dégoût, terreur, tension, anticipation, tristesse et enfin soulagement... Tout les ingrédients y sont.
À lire sans attendre le grand renouveau de Stephen King mais un excellent King tout de même!
Et juste pour le caméo d'un héros de polar qui m'a fait sourire après trois relecture de sa mention pour confirmer que non, ce n'est pas une coïncidence.
tabira189's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
librarian_linnea's review against another edition
3.0
finally finished this beast. It was okay, but about 500 pages too long. I forced myself to finish the last 150 pages just to find out what would finally happen in the end. I'm glad I don't have to lug around this brick anymore.
bigfred's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
omcosgray's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0