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Timstar

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    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted · Edited by Timstar

    under-the-dome.jpg Under the Dome - Stephen King

     

    Synopsis

     

    On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester’s Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener’s hand is severed as “the dome” comes down on it, people running errands in the neighbouring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when—or if—it will go away.

     

    Review

     

    Well, this was nothing short of an epic read. At nearly 350,000 words and 900 pages it's a definite contender for the longest book i've ever read. Despite the size and the completely uninspired cover art I was very much looking forward to reading this, I had heard nothing but good things and I love the concept and I knew it King could pull it off perfectly.

     

    First off, I'd say it's not quite as I was expecting it. Given the subject and my previous King reads (as well as the length) I was expecting a long stint under the dome, where the town is left for months or even years to fend for itself. I was expecting a journey into the human psyche, the lengths people will go with dwindling resources whilst all the world can do is look on in horror. I am guessing this was King's original idea as well, after a quick research into I found out he started writing this 26 years ago and the previous title was 'The Cannibals'.

     

    This wasn't what the book was, only the first chapter remains from the original (which is incredible). The book was more of a social/historical commentary on how power-hungry people can use and manipulate opportunities to seize power and the resistance of the good few. Although not quite what I was expecting it was still brilliant, it didn't feel long or drawn-out, not a word is wasted. Given the situation, the book is completely character driven, which is undoubtedly King's greatest skill, and once again he pulls it off brilliantly. Creating a vast range of lovable and connect-able characters that he is not shy to dispatch at a moments notice. The short chapters allows for a quick jumps between them and helps to set up complex scenes from a multitude of view and thought points.

     

    From horrific and cringing to funny and joyful and everywhere in-between, this book has it all. The only reason this isn't getting a 10 is that I think the story could have been a bit more epic read, all the events occur within a week therefore not giving enough time for the residents to truly believe they are in a horrible situation. It didn't leave me as awestruck as some of King's other epics such as IT and The Stand so I don't feel it should get the same rating.

     

    Overall 9/10

    What's Up in March?

    in General Chat

    Posted

    Tim, that sounds amazing. I love the museums in London (though I haven't been to the V & A). I hope you feel more rested soon.

     

    Thanks! I highly recommended the V & A, beautiful building with some amazing collections.

    What's Up in March?

    in General Chat

    Posted

    Had a good time in London, went to the Natural History Museum, V & A museum and Science Museum then the University of Westminster for a PG open day. Very tired now though  :Zzzz:

     

    The museums were very interesting!

    The last film you saw - 2013

    in Music / TV / Films

    Posted

    Not technically a film... but I watched The Stand mini-series. At 6 hours long they still had to cut a significant portion out and unfortunately this was mostly the characterisation that made the book so brilliant. As well as some poor casting choices and a low budget it had no chance of living up to the book.

     

    The script was written by Stephen King, so what was there was a good adaptation. but it would definitely benefit from a HBO (or similar) series being made.

    Tim's Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi Reads from 2012

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    Off-topic: Can I just ask, I presume when you all say 'reading mojo' you mean your 'reading motivation'? When I looked it up online it gave me meanings like 'charm', which I don't think match the use of the word on this forum.

     

    Oh I'm sorry I didn't realise my English was going to be scrutinised! :giggle2:

     

    It is used as slang for 'energy' and 'motivation' and 'willingness' But only by the coolest of us :cool: but it is usually for something more physical such as running or dancing. Can also be a euphemism for libido.

    Steve's Bookshelf 2013

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

    I agree, I love the colours used in the covers, how they all look different, very pretty :). I know people say don't judge a book by its cover, and I agree with that for the most part, but I do love it when books have great looking covers.

     

    Just gave me an idea for a topic that I started here :D

    Steve's Bookshelf 2013

    in Past Book Logs

    Posted

      I wonder how many different styles I'll have Sanderson's 'Stormlight Archive' in by the time the tenth book comes out (assuming I'm still reading them)   :rolleyes:

     

    Yeah I was thinking that... have you read the first one yet?

     

    I like what Gollancz do, but I wish they'd stuck to publishing more books in the original style rather than changing to this weird yellow-tinged thing they've got going on now.

     

    I don't like them either, the sci-fi masterworks are nice though. And I do have lots of matching series from them.

     

    If they release the final WoT MMP in the larger edition I will be livid!

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