Rating: Summary: A Great Book Review: This is my first Stephen King novel and I must say I was not disappointed. An avid King movie watcher although I haven't seen the movie of 'Salem's Lot I knew I had to check out one of his novels. I love movies with vampires and werewolves and 'Salem's Lot came highly recommended. This is a classic vampire tale, told in a way that only Stephen King could. The scary thing about this story was not just the vampire, but the the actions of the characters. Although some what slow in the beginning, once the story started moving, I became very wrapped up in the book. I found my self wanting to know what was goning to happen next. This book will pull you into the world of the "King". I'm hooked. Next on my list is "Cycle of the werewolf. I recommend this book to all those who love dark tales and scary tales.
Rating: Summary: Still Creeps Me Out After 25 Years Review: I read "Salem's Lot" the first time right after it was published in 1975, and have read it again twice in the time since then. After all this time, and multiple readings, it remains the CREEPIEST of all of Stephen King's books. I have traveled from youth to middle age alongside Stephen King, reading each new book as soon as it was published. I even had correspondence with him; yes, letters back and forth, back in the days when it was still possible for him to personally answer mail from his fans. I mention all this only to make the point that I am neither new to horror or new to Stephen King, yet his second published novel retains the power to reach out through the years and wrap a cold hand around my heart. And sometimes, in the deep, dark middle of the night, if "Salem's Lot" happens across my thoughts, I can suddenly find myself casting nervous glances over my shoulder, turning on a few more lights in the house, and refusing even the thought of pulling back the drapes to see what might be waiting in the darkness outside the window. Other reviewers have discussed the plot in great (perhaps too much) detail. I wish only to make you understand that "Salem's Lot" does, indeed, "get under your skin and then start to MOVE AROUND under there."
Rating: Summary: GREAT BOOK Review: this book took me a few weeks to read (long time for me) but i loved this book i think it is one of the best stephen king boooks i have read yet.
Rating: Summary: Too Much Fat Review: There was too much fat in this book, but then, that could be said for the vast majority of King's novels. Like Dean Koontz, King needs a different editor. There was too much unnecessary information that slowed down the plot. If the book had been cut by 20%, it would have been a much more enjoyable read. As it was, I struggled to maintain interest and took a whole year to get through it. Also, I didn't really care who died and who didn't--didn't connect emotionally with any of the characters. Of course, it was only his second book, right? So I'll cut him a little slack for that and give the book a "3" instead of a "2".
Rating: Summary: Terrifying, Riveting - Stephen King Does it Again! Review: I just finished reading this novel today, and i must say it is one of Mr. Kings best works to date. He brings it all - Horror, Mystery, Romance and Life-Like problems all into one book. This is his second novel, and much better than his first novel - Carrie. The Scenes including Barlow, The Child Vampires and the Vampire Mike brought chills down my spine, and nearly caused me too put the book down (as i was reading this at night)! Mr. King has a way with words, and describes the town and townspeople so well, you would think that the little town of Jerusalem's Lot and Floyd Tibbits and co. were real. A great haunting read - reccomended to any King fan or a fan of Horror/Vampire novels!
Rating: Summary: a lot of vampires Review: a writer comes back to a town he used to live, and where he found his greatest fear: a certain house. a while later a mysterious stranger moves in this house. now people start disappearing. dying. alas, they won't stay dead. the writer and some allies he gets must try to stop the vampires from taking over the town. this book is ok. there is enough suspence here to make it worthwhile. but it's hardly K's greatest. the plot isn't much to brag about, it is exactly how i put it. i expected more. not very original, perhaps K's least original work. but it's a good enough read.
Rating: Summary: Fun, Scary Fun! Review: To make a vampire story that actually scares in modern times is a true literary accomplishment! This one packs all the punch of DRACULA but scares more because of the vividness of King's characters. I still remember the names of the characters...and have read it ONLY TWICE in 20+ years. Hell, I still recall this line, as Susan climbs the stairs to certain horror: "It was from her spinal chord, a much older network of nerves and ganglia, that the black dread emanated in waves." Where is that book...
Rating: Summary: Cleaning the blood from the gossamer web. Review: A novel only written by a true writer, for few have the skill to spin a web such as this. Unlike an insipid web, its threads speak of vampires, blood, horror, and macabre. But this arachnid abode is strung, though with the same threads, also with virtues of fragility such as faith, hope, justice, and courage. All of these tied within the fathomless darkness that enwraps you. Though the surface speaks of immortal beings and creatures made only in the mists of imagination, there are unspoken truths buried within. King's writing, though often dragging, touches and stirs a deeper more horrifying reality inbetween the morbid blood. Though King is a master, you can decipher his vulnerability by the way his writing endlessly goes on to a point that does not show any real value. The 'dragging on' only shows his utter passion for writing, like a natural need or "lust" that cannot be sated. The storyline is simple to comprehend. A battle between good and bad. God versus Satan. Where true victory lies is decided only by you. For after the battle, there is still a war. But like a movie with an outstanding plot, it cannot be filmed without the help of its actors and actresses. King provides a line of characters that he explains in elaborate detail. You come to understand the lives of such people. People very uncommon in many other books, but not uncommon in our world today. People, if I may be quite frank, who have screwed up their lives to no end, and like humans, have made mistakes. Within the tale are questions of faith and trust. Like today, living within each charatcer's mind is doubt. Also a test, a crucible, whether or not they have the strength, the stability to stand up to a more vital and condescending opponent. To face a challenge fearless. But what makes this story even more rare is its LACK of courage, the lack of justice. And for those possessing such righteousness and morality can hardly stand against the virulent enemy. The TRUTH, that maybe the evils of our world use fear as their only weapon. But maybe the true enemy stands within ourselves. It questions whether or not we have the faith in God to be fearless, the open-mindedness to discover new truths, and the ability to take action alone. These factors test our humanity, but maybe it is not humanity that gives us vital strength, but instead our divinity living within our soul. For it is the very fact that we are humans, in which so makes us imperfect.
Rating: Summary: Good,,But I'm used to his Classics Like IT and Talisman! Review: This was an excellent book at times. But it also Showed some signs of Mr. King just starting his craft. Unlike His First masterpiece Carrie, He wrote a book long enough to start his now classic character building. I don't think he did a good job of that in this book, compared to his later works. I still enjoyed the book, but wasn't really scared. It's more entertaining than anything. To me, the realistic horror of Carrie's life and the complete fantasy world of The Talisman were more scary.
Rating: Summary: Good, in spurts Review: It took me roughly 100 pages to think reading this book was worthwhile. The build up takes too long and the human relationships don't seem real at all. When the novel is scary it works. But that's for such a brief period of time that I felt drained reading all of the filler. I must confess I'm not a Stephen King fan, but I'm not anti either. So, if you are a fan you'll probably dig it.
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