pixelited 's review for:

The Institute by Stephen King

3.75

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Overall, this book kept my attention pretty well and had an interesting storyline. I even enjoyed seeing the many different perspectives of the characters throughout the book. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a pretty good job, I especially thought it was interesting that he switched to a softer version of the character voice if the story was being told in their perspective—it was a nice touch.

However, I do have to say that because the story takes place in a more modern setting, there was some pretty awkward dialogue in terms of words and idioms. Multiple times kids of supposedly either Gen X or Gen Alpha said things like “Jeepers!” Which is simply not something they would ever say. The idioms also got to a point of being repetitive or just junking up descriptions when different ways of expressing would’ve been more suitable.

Not sure how to feel about the ending and I feel that maybe some loose ends were left. But, it was still an entertaining read, and I would recommend it to folks interested in the genre.