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teoru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Det blir en liten annan upplevelse att läsa en sådan här bok efter pandemin, nästan så att den första delen kändes lite tråkig. Men det blev bättre en tredjedel in. Det är tankeväckande att se hur ett samhälle byggs upp i ruinerna av det existerande. Också hur lite mer paranormala element dyker upp, det är aldrig riktigt tydligt om det är verkligt eller om alla har påverkats på något annat sätt.
m_h_dahl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 stars ⭐️
Given the many parallels I found between this book and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, I've decided to frame my review using comparisons to Tolkien's epic saga!
🌔 Both stories depict a struggle between good and evil.
🌔 Randall Flagg and Sauron represent ultimate evil.
🌔 Survivors in 'The Stand' and characters in LOTR form alliances to confront darkness.
🌔 Both narratives involve perilous journeys and tests of resilience.
🌔 Characters like Gandalf and Mother Abagail guide reluctant heroes like Frodo and Larry Underwood.
🌔 Unforeseen actions of minor characters lead to the villains' defeat.
🌔 Both stories highlight the cyclical nature of good and evil.
🌔 'The Stand' is a lengthy and complex read, making it challenging but ultimately rewarding. Rated three out of five stars.
I think Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ is more than just a story of good versus evil; it’s a modern-day odyssey that mirrors the grandeur and moral depth of Middle-earth. In Tolkien’s world, the land is under the shadow of Sauron, the Dark Lord, whose malevolent power threatens to engulf Middle-earth in darkness. In King's America, a superflu dubbed “Captain Trips” decimates the population, paving the way for Randall Flagg, a sinister figure with a penchant for chaos, to establish his own reign of terror. Both Sauron and Flagg represent the ultimate evil, drawing others into their web of malevolence, promising power but ultimately leading them to ruin.
Just as Frodo Baggins cannot bear the burden of the One Ring alone, the survivors in ‘The Stand’ form their own fellowship to confront the looming darkness. Frodo has Sam, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others to help him on his quest. Similarly, Stu Redman, Frannie Goldsmith, Larry Underwood, and Glen Bateman band together, united by their shared goal to rebuild and protect what remains of humanity. Both groups are bound by fate, friendship, and a mission that transcends their personal desires.
In LOTR, the journey to destroy the One Ring is fraught with perils, from the treacherous Mines of Moria to the deadly swamps of the Dead Marshes. In "The Stand," the survivors’ trek to Boulder and later to the heart of Flagg’s territory in Las Vegas is equally perilous, marked by the threat of Flagg’s spies and the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. Each step taken by both sets of heroes is a test of their resilience, courage, and faith.
Frodo is a humble Hobbit, not seeking glory, but chosen by fate to carry a heavy burden. Likewise, Larry Underwood begins as a self-centered rock musician, only to rise to the occasion when called upon to lead. Both characters embody the reluctant hero archetype, demonstrating that true heroism is born from humility and the willingness to face overwhelming odds for a greater good. And every epic needs a wise guide. Gandalf, with his profound wisdom and magical prowess, is the guiding light for the Fellowship. In "The Stand," Mother Abagail serves a similar role, a beacon of faith and wisdom guiding the survivors towards a divine purpose. Both figures symbolize hope and the enduring power of goodness in the face of evil.
Then, we have those who fall under the spell of darkness. Saruman, once a wise wizard, succumbs to Sauron’s influence, mirroring Harold Lauder's descent under Flagg’s manipulation. Both characters start with potential for greatness but are undone by their weaknesses, serving as cautionary tales about the seductive nature of power and evil. And let’s not forget the Trashcan Man, a character whose pyromaniac tendencies inadvertently lead to Flagg’s downfall. He is a parallel to Gollum, whose obsession with the Ring ultimately brings about Sauron’s defeat. In both narratives, it is not the direct action of the heroes that vanquishes the villain, but the unforeseen consequences of the actions of seemingly insignificant characters.
And Nadine Cross; divided between her desire for a normal life and the dark allure of Flagg. Gollum's internal conflict could mirror Nadine's, as both characters are driven by forces they cannot fully control. She is introduced as a schoolteacher who has survived the superflu, but she carries a dark burden and is tormented by visions of Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. Nadine’s journey is heavily influenced by themes of destiny and free will, reminiscent of the characters in Tolkien's work. She believes she is destined to be Flagg’s consort, a role she feels powerless to escape.
Tolkien introduced the concept of eucatastrophe, a sudden turn of events that ensures the protagonist’s victory despite looming disaster. In ‘The Stand,’ this is evident in the climactic moments in Las Vegas, where the self-sacrifice of Larry, Glen, and Ralph paves the way for Flagg’s downfall. Their stand mirrors Frodo's final act of resistance at Mount Doom, where victory is achieved not through force, but through the willingness to resist evil even unto death.
Ultimately, both stories remind us of the cyclical nature of good and evil. Evil may rise again—as hinted by Flagg’s rebirth at the end of "The Stand"—just as Sauron’s spirit lingers on, waiting for another opportunity. Yet, the enduring message is one of hope and resilience. As long as there are those willing to stand against darkness, be they Hobbits or ordinary people, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal.
‘The Stand’ is indeed a lengthy book, spanning over a thousand pages, and its sheer size can be daunting. The extensive length made it challenging for me to finish, as it took a considerable amount of time to truly get into the story and become familiar with the characters. The narrative felt overly complex and sprawling, which made it difficult to keep track of the various plot lines and personalities. As a result, it was hard for me to stay engaged throughout, leading to a somewhat frustrating reading experience. Therefore, I would rate it three out of five stars.
Given the many parallels I found between this book and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, I've decided to frame my review using comparisons to Tolkien's epic saga!
🌔 Both stories depict a struggle between good and evil.
🌔 Randall Flagg and Sauron represent ultimate evil.
🌔 Survivors in 'The Stand' and characters in LOTR form alliances to confront darkness.
🌔 Both narratives involve perilous journeys and tests of resilience.
🌔 Characters like Gandalf and Mother Abagail guide reluctant heroes like Frodo and Larry Underwood.
🌔 Unforeseen actions of minor characters lead to the villains' defeat.
🌔 Both stories highlight the cyclical nature of good and evil.
🌔 'The Stand' is a lengthy and complex read, making it challenging but ultimately rewarding. Rated three out of five stars.
I think Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ is more than just a story of good versus evil; it’s a modern-day odyssey that mirrors the grandeur and moral depth of Middle-earth. In Tolkien’s world, the land is under the shadow of Sauron, the Dark Lord, whose malevolent power threatens to engulf Middle-earth in darkness. In King's America, a superflu dubbed “Captain Trips” decimates the population, paving the way for Randall Flagg, a sinister figure with a penchant for chaos, to establish his own reign of terror. Both Sauron and Flagg represent the ultimate evil, drawing others into their web of malevolence, promising power but ultimately leading them to ruin.
Just as Frodo Baggins cannot bear the burden of the One Ring alone, the survivors in ‘The Stand’ form their own fellowship to confront the looming darkness. Frodo has Sam, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others to help him on his quest. Similarly, Stu Redman, Frannie Goldsmith, Larry Underwood, and Glen Bateman band together, united by their shared goal to rebuild and protect what remains of humanity. Both groups are bound by fate, friendship, and a mission that transcends their personal desires.
In LOTR, the journey to destroy the One Ring is fraught with perils, from the treacherous Mines of Moria to the deadly swamps of the Dead Marshes. In "The Stand," the survivors’ trek to Boulder and later to the heart of Flagg’s territory in Las Vegas is equally perilous, marked by the threat of Flagg’s spies and the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. Each step taken by both sets of heroes is a test of their resilience, courage, and faith.
Frodo is a humble Hobbit, not seeking glory, but chosen by fate to carry a heavy burden. Likewise, Larry Underwood begins as a self-centered rock musician, only to rise to the occasion when called upon to lead. Both characters embody the reluctant hero archetype, demonstrating that true heroism is born from humility and the willingness to face overwhelming odds for a greater good. And every epic needs a wise guide. Gandalf, with his profound wisdom and magical prowess, is the guiding light for the Fellowship. In "The Stand," Mother Abagail serves a similar role, a beacon of faith and wisdom guiding the survivors towards a divine purpose. Both figures symbolize hope and the enduring power of goodness in the face of evil.
Then, we have those who fall under the spell of darkness. Saruman, once a wise wizard, succumbs to Sauron’s influence, mirroring Harold Lauder's descent under Flagg’s manipulation. Both characters start with potential for greatness but are undone by their weaknesses, serving as cautionary tales about the seductive nature of power and evil. And let’s not forget the Trashcan Man, a character whose pyromaniac tendencies inadvertently lead to Flagg’s downfall. He is a parallel to Gollum, whose obsession with the Ring ultimately brings about Sauron’s defeat. In both narratives, it is not the direct action of the heroes that vanquishes the villain, but the unforeseen consequences of the actions of seemingly insignificant characters.
And Nadine Cross; divided between her desire for a normal life and the dark allure of Flagg. Gollum's internal conflict could mirror Nadine's, as both characters are driven by forces they cannot fully control. She is introduced as a schoolteacher who has survived the superflu, but she carries a dark burden and is tormented by visions of Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. Nadine’s journey is heavily influenced by themes of destiny and free will, reminiscent of the characters in Tolkien's work. She believes she is destined to be Flagg’s consort, a role she feels powerless to escape.
Tolkien introduced the concept of eucatastrophe, a sudden turn of events that ensures the protagonist’s victory despite looming disaster. In ‘The Stand,’ this is evident in the climactic moments in Las Vegas, where the self-sacrifice of Larry, Glen, and Ralph paves the way for Flagg’s downfall. Their stand mirrors Frodo's final act of resistance at Mount Doom, where victory is achieved not through force, but through the willingness to resist evil even unto death.
Ultimately, both stories remind us of the cyclical nature of good and evil. Evil may rise again—as hinted by Flagg’s rebirth at the end of "The Stand"—just as Sauron’s spirit lingers on, waiting for another opportunity. Yet, the enduring message is one of hope and resilience. As long as there are those willing to stand against darkness, be they Hobbits or ordinary people, there is always the possibility of redemption and renewal.
‘The Stand’ is indeed a lengthy book, spanning over a thousand pages, and its sheer size can be daunting. The extensive length made it challenging for me to finish, as it took a considerable amount of time to truly get into the story and become familiar with the characters. The narrative felt overly complex and sprawling, which made it difficult to keep track of the various plot lines and personalities. As a result, it was hard for me to stay engaged throughout, leading to a somewhat frustrating reading experience. Therefore, I would rate it three out of five stars.
calypso_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Definitely in my Top 5 for favorite books. It’s got everything you could want from a book: mystery, romance, adventure, magic. Well worth the 1k+ pages
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Ableism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Body horror, Confinement, Racial slurs, Addiction, Excrement, Gore, Drug use, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Sexual assault
As usual, Stephen King has unprotected sex with racial slurs. Just something to be aware ofcaelda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
4.0
This was an epic audio book - great use of my Audible credit at nearly 48 hours in length! I loved a lot about this story- great characters, surprising twists, good narrative- but the ending had me feeling flat which earned it 4 stars.
dnandrews797's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve read two or three of Stephen King’s books in the past and have always admired his way of building suspense and creating a plot that roars along and teaches a lesson at the the end. This book was not that. The first third of the book regarding the plague “Captain Trips” was exciting and what I expect King to deliver in his books. From there things went downhill.
First let’s talk characters: A lot of times for me characters can make or break a book and I couldn’t care less about the entire cast he introduced. There are no POC characters in this book aside from the “mystical black person sent to guide the white main characters” who comes in the form of mother Abigail. Which leads to another critique: the women. All of the women in this book are treated as weak, evil, stupid or all of the above. The one exception being Frannie who receives the “righteous woman chosen by god” role with comparisons to the Virgin Mary. In other words: they’re all caricatures, not real people. The rest of the characters are also incredibly two dimensional with barely any backstory or way to connect with them.
Next there’s the pacing. The first section was a little bit slow with heavy gore descriptions, but overall was a nice little jog in the park compared to the slog through okefenoke swamp that was the exposition in the middle. It was about 700 pages of them just wandering around, describing cars, traveling and then standing around in colorado. If I had to tell you what happened in those pages I couldn’t recall because it was honestly that bland.
Another problem with this book that I found a little alarming is how frighteningly anti-intellectual it seemed at times. Scientists are demonized for imprisoning Stewart and attempting to find a cure while participating in some truly heinous acts that no self respecting scientist acquainted with the CDER or CBER would ever participate in. It’s also implied that “rational thought” can influence you towards the devil’s control and you should trust you gut before all else. I didn’t appreciate the demonization of Harold’s character over time without any other intellectual characters to act as a foil to this line of thinking.
The ending was lackluster as well and incredibly anticlimactic.
I honestly don’t know how this could be a fan favourite when there are so many other excellent King novels. It was a tremendous let down compared with Carrie, Firestarter, The Shining, Pet Semetery. But this? This was a waste of time as soon as I got to the second part.
First let’s talk characters: A lot of times for me characters can make or break a book and I couldn’t care less about the entire cast he introduced. There are no POC characters in this book aside from the “mystical black person sent to guide the white main characters” who comes in the form of mother Abigail. Which leads to another critique: the women. All of the women in this book are treated as weak, evil, stupid or all of the above. The one exception being Frannie who receives the “righteous woman chosen by god” role with comparisons to the Virgin Mary. In other words: they’re all caricatures, not real people. The rest of the characters are also incredibly two dimensional with barely any backstory or way to connect with them.
Next there’s the pacing. The first section was a little bit slow with heavy gore descriptions, but overall was a nice little jog in the park compared to the slog through okefenoke swamp that was the exposition in the middle. It was about 700 pages of them just wandering around, describing cars, traveling and then standing around in colorado. If I had to tell you what happened in those pages I couldn’t recall because it was honestly that bland.
Another problem with this book that I found a little alarming is how frighteningly anti-intellectual it seemed at times. Scientists are demonized for imprisoning Stewart and attempting to find a cure while participating in some truly heinous acts that no self respecting scientist acquainted with the CDER or CBER would ever participate in. It’s also implied that “rational thought” can influence you towards the devil’s control and you should trust you gut before all else. I didn’t appreciate the demonization of Harold’s character over time without any other intellectual characters to act as a foil to this line of thinking.
The ending was lackluster as well and incredibly anticlimactic.
I honestly don’t know how this could be a fan favourite when there are so many other excellent King novels. It was a tremendous let down compared with Carrie, Firestarter, The Shining, Pet Semetery. But this? This was a waste of time as soon as I got to the second part.
viniciusmacedo's review against another edition
5.0
Ode à Sociedade
Essa obra é para aqueles que tem vontade. Trata-se de uma demonstração de uma possível situação pré e pós um apocalipse viral. Mas muito além da diatopia, A dança da Morte mostra o que é o ser humano, em seus desejos íntimos, suas convicções morais e até mesmo o quão influenciável pela vida em comunidade é. A melhor obra de King que já li.
Essa obra é para aqueles que tem vontade. Trata-se de uma demonstração de uma possível situação pré e pós um apocalipse viral. Mas muito além da diatopia, A dança da Morte mostra o que é o ser humano, em seus desejos íntimos, suas convicções morais e até mesmo o quão influenciável pela vida em comunidade é. A melhor obra de King que já li.
nielstav's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
curiousintrovert's review against another edition
5.0
One of my all time favorites. Epic is an understatement. King creates relatable characters with humor and humanity. Even though this is a very long book there is an economy of language. You'll see.
mcfade28's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
At 1326 pages, there is no doubt this book is overly long, with meandering sections that could have been greatly condensed. And yet, it still feels like a masterpiece.
Stephen King tells the story of society after a devastating pandemic. Reading this after having lived through covid 19 is an interesting experience, and despite writing this novel in the 70s, King's depiction of the disease spreading felt all too realistic.
There are a lot of characters here, but I found I really liked 95% of them, even the villians felt well drawn.
4.75 stars for me. Despite the length, it just felt like the book never got old.
Stephen King tells the story of society after a devastating pandemic. Reading this after having lived through covid 19 is an interesting experience, and despite writing this novel in the 70s, King's depiction of the disease spreading felt all too realistic.
There are a lot of characters here, but I found I really liked 95% of them, even the villians felt well drawn.
4.75 stars for me. Despite the length, it just felt like the book never got old.