idas_corner 's review for:

The Institute by Stephen King

5.0

dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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90% into the book I thought I was going to give the book 4 stars. Although I did love it, it didn't have that little extra that makes me love it love it. It was a bit slow, especially the first half, and although I'm not familiar with Stephen King's writing, or the thriller genre, I did find it a bit weird to read with the way the chapters were split up and the constant change of POV. By the time I was about 90% in, I was invested but I was waiting for the curtain to drop and for us to truly see the horrors of what happened. That didn't happen. Instead there was a big blowout, and although it was entertaining and a natural way to end the book, it still didn't satisfy me. 

What did change my mind to make this a five star read however, was the emotions I felt reading this, especially the last part. Few books can make me laugh out loud with the characters, or cry at the immense grief they might feel, but this one did that, and when I was done I felt more like I'd gone on an adventure with friends than read a book. I loved all the characters that were supposed to be loved, and felt really sad that I wouldn't hear more about them when I finished the book. 

Anyways, although it was slow in the beginning, I really did enjoy it and it's one of my top reads so far.