Rating: Summary: Amazingly Mediocre Review: Stephen King had an excellent premise here, and a great story he managed not to overwrite. So why only three stars? Something about the writing made the book fall very flat, and I can't identify exactly what it is; one of my friends--a big King fan--said she expierienced the same thing. Something about the way the words were assembled just has a warm-milk effect on you creating a degree of bordom and sleepiness. This is a shame, too, because the plot is excellent; the ending is certainly interesting and unexpected (a la Daphne de Maurier, and I don't mean anything to do with Rebecca; but like Rebecca it does have something to do with a Hitchcock movie--intrigued?) I would say that if you are a fan of King, this book is worth the reading though it may be a bit tedious. If you are a lover of great plots and are completely unaffected by how prose is written, then this may be a five-star book to you.Enjoy.
Rating: Summary: Very Good! Bloody and full of horror! Review: This was a very good book. Basic King at work yet again. I really enjoyed the ending climax and thought it to be some of his best descriptive work! Keep it up King!
Rating: Summary: Too long by "Half" Review: "The Dark Half" suffers from the same problem of many of King's later novels, the suubject matter does not justify the length. King is a masterful storyteller with a seemingly unlimited imagination. The problem is that he often takes story ideas that might make a good novella and stretches them on for six or seven hundred pages. The concept of "The Dark Half" is a clever one. Had it been given a more concise treatment, it would have been very effective indeed.
Rating: Summary: A View of the Dark Half Side of Things Review: This was definetly another good book by Stephen King. It was scary, exciting, and creepy all at once. I found myself unable to put it down. I found myself waiting to see what would become of Thad Beaumont and his other "half". At times, though, I was not so sure I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Some of the scenes from the book were very horrifying and gruesome. At times, I wish I didn't know what was happening to the characters George Stark went after. He was cruel and merciless. In some ways, he was even predictable. Given the fact that I have read other Stephen King books, I found it easier to guess what could happen next. Still, I was often surprised at what happened. Overall, it wa a pretty good book.
Rating: Summary: Quick-paced crime thriller Review: Quick-paced crime thriller: That's the best description of this magnificent novel. Located of course in Maine, this time in Castle Rock. Both this book, and 'Needful Things' have several characters in common. Unlike another pair of novels, 'The Regulators' and 'Desperation', the characters in question preserve their personality and biographies throughout the novels. Although after finishing 'The Dark Half' you may have an impression that all is well that ends well, read its sibling novel to get to know that this isn't so at all. I have found the 'Half' colorful and enchanting. This novel bound me to itself, so that I felt compelled to finish reading at one shot. Chances are you will too. King often utilizes one writer's trick of emphasizing character's persistent thoughts in separated lines or special type. In 'Carrie' it was for instance "dirtypillows", in 'The Shining' it was "redrum", and here it's "the sparrows are flying again". These mantras remain rooted long after reading the book in question. The writing technique is very convincing, serving as a complement to sequential presentation of words spoken and thought. How many times a day you use one expression in your head's voice and quite another goes out of your mouth? Coming back to the main plot of the book, one can imagine how much pissed off King must have been when his Bachman pseudonym was revealed to the public. On the other hand, the book suggests that he had some bitter thoughts observing the divergence of the volume of sales of his Bachman books and the ones written under his proper name, respectively. Well, all is well that ends well at least in this respect. Years later, in 1995, he exhumed his Bachman pseudo to write a companion novel to 'Desperation'. It was very handy and King used it in a brilliant way, indeed. Hence, reading 'The Dark Half' in 2000, one can look at the bitter writer's experiences with some perspective. As for the book itself, I claim that few writers have King's talent to write books you can't put down, and at the same time be able to amaze the reader with both descriptions and dialogues. Let me use a cliché: we don't read King for blood or any other feature like this. We read him because virtually each book of his carries the stigma of good literature and uniqueness. We read his books because He wrote them, no matter what the book is about. Don't we? So what? Well, LONG LIVE THE KING!
Rating: Summary: Fascinating Dr Jeckyl Mr Hydish Tale Review: I was enthralled by the premise of this book...We all have "dark halves" we fear yet embrace. Don't be put off by the gory operation at the beginning of the book, read on. Tad Beaumont is a lyrical interesting character, the use of the birds, the colleague, the sheer evil of George Stark all combine to make a fast exciting read. The book is absolutely delightful and makes you think. Read "Insomnia" to find out what became of dear Mr. Beaumont.
Rating: Summary: Good read! Review: One of the first SK books I read. Great Plot, very creative :), and easy to comprehend! This book may give you chills during a few chapters, and will have you trying to figure out what comes next! Overall great characters, storyline. If you've never read a King book, this would be a good one to start with!
Rating: Summary: The Dark Half-Stephen King Review: This is definitely one of King's best books. It keeps you right on the edge, wanting to read more and more. I went through it pretty fast. This may be his most descriptive book of all. I really felt like I was there. There were some parts where it seemed like you don't quite feel like you understand what's going on, but it is all explained eventually. I know that there was a movie made out of this book, but I never saw it. This book or Misery would both make great first books by Stephen King to read.
Rating: Summary: Stephen King's best book Review: This is hands down the best book he has written. It is grounded with everyday detail and life, making a horrible idea almost possible. If you only read one King novel, this is it.
Rating: Summary: The Dark Half by Stephen King Review: My favorite book that I read during this semester is by Stephen King, it is the Dark Half. Thad Beaumont is a writer who wrote under a pseudonym but had to "kill" him off due to someone finding out who he really was. The strange thing is the pseudonym comes to life To continue to live he must write but people know he is "dead". Therefore he goes around killing the people for Thad's sake, at least that is what he thinks. The pseudonym, whose name is George Stark has no ability to write so he does everything he can to get Thad's help. Thad and his little "power" are able to thwart him. If anyone wants more details on this and Thad's "power" consult your local library.
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