A review by will_cherico
'salem's Lot by Stephen King

dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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

5.0

In Bram Stoker's Dracula, Johnathan Harker travels to a country he's never been before and discovers horror in the unknown. In 'Salem's Lot, Ben Mears travels to his old home and discovers horror in the familiar. It's such a cool twist on the vampire genre and Stephen King's the perfect guy to do it. His little asides on random extras are perfect for setting the stage and making you the reader a citizen of 'Salem's Lot. When the killing starts, it becomes all the more upsetting and all the more reflective of how tragedy and secrecy worm their way into small towns and cause massive communal conflict. It's not nearly talked about as much as it should be when people talk about their favorite Stephen King books. It's some of his best character work and some of his creepiest atmosphere, and I almost wish we got a sequel to 'Salem's Lot instead of The Shining (not trying to start drama in the Stephen King community).