2.13k reviews for:

The Running Man

David Hájek, Stephen King, Richard Bachman

3.7 AVERAGE

hayley_hoop's review against another edition

4.25

tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

conmanvw's review against another edition

4.5

dark tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

kevinconnor126's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kenalpha21's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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This is one of my favorite books of all time, as a kid I watched the movie before i read the book. the book shares similarities with the original movie, but the book is way better. Hunger games and battle royal are birthed from this book. 

mikechew21's review against another edition

4.25

dark tense fast-paced

thenanaroo's review against another edition

4.0

dark funny tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Fictional 2025 dystopian feels a little too much like real life 2025 in many ways. 

Good action, typical King slur usage, interesting characters. 

2xjackmanx8's review against another edition

4.0

dark tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

leonardtalbot's review against another edition

3.0

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What can I say, this book was bleak but so on par for Bachman. Ben Richards was better in the novel than on the screen, Arnold is not the right guy for the role but alas we were in his prime 80s moment so take it for what it is. This is a scathing look at a dystopian government, running their people into the grave while dangling a carrot for entertainment. I am not going to be long winded, it was fine and at times enjoyable but the Bachman trilogy was full of mediocrity for me and I am happy to be moving on.

liamhowell4's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous dark reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

goosegoose2323's review against another edition

3.0

dark tense medium-paced