Customer Reviews

Under the Dome

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can tell that he's really grown as a writer. Seems he strayed from horror and developed his dramatic writing style for awhile but he is better than ever! The development of his charecters is flawless. He managed to incorperate drama into a good sci-thriller. Honestly, I am glad I read the unabridged version. Some of the political views are a little imposing; but hey, I paid to read what he wrote. There is no "fluff" in this version even though it is abnormally long in todays publishing market. I have sometimes enjoyed his short stories (there's a little bit for everyone in those). The only real disappointment was that I knew the story was winding down towards the last capter. Don't be afraid to plunge into this read. It is well worth your time. A great story for sure.

Stephen King's "Under the Dome" was every bit as good as I'd hoped, well worth the time it took to read the 1000 plus pages. LOVED IT!

Imagine suddenly finding your small town encapsulated by an unseen force, an invisible barrier that bites hundreds of miles into the earth and way into the air space above. Who caused it, why, and will they ever get out would be the first questions that pop into mind, which is a part of the story, but even more important is how the people react and interact when they learn that even the United States military can't remove break through The Dome.

I highly recommend this book. King fans will NOT be disappointed.

People complain about the length of this book, and at first I was hesitant to start reading it because of this reason. But then of course, being a SK loyalist through and through, I read it beginning to end.

The monster at the end of this book, and what those who complain about its length fail to realize is that King DELIBERATELY made it a very long and tedious book. A good writer gets the reader involved in the story, and as much as possible to empathize with the characters, so much so that the readers begin to identify with the characters, in this case, the townsfolk of Chester's Mill. This is a prison story of sorts, and I believe it was King's purpose to imprison the reader as well.

While the citizens were trapped under the supernatural dome, the reader is trapped under the physical weight of the hardbound concrete block of a book (for those foolish enough no to read the Kindle version), while also being imprisoned by the monotony of incarceration in such a lengthy and all too graphic tale.

Reaching the bitter-sweet end, I felt free. Released from my unexpected capture. Because make no mistake, while it is long, King excels in his usual style, and Under the Dome captivates the reader - under his spell.

While I usually prefer Stephen King's supernatural novels to his science fiction ones, I add "Under the Dome" to those I consider his best, for several reasons.

First, this is also a story of good and evil, where trying to determine which character falls into which category is not a simple matter. As in real life, the heroes are flawed and the "bad guys" have some redeeming qualities, or at least ones with which we can sympathize. More significant, the most evil committed in this story isn't committed by some malevolent outside force, but by human beings obsessed with power, corrupted by their environment or persecuted by inner demons.

Another reason I count it with greats like "The Stand," "It" and "Desperation" is because Mr. King once again shows his remarkable ability to make the reader care about a huge cast of characters over a thousand pages, in which the inner lives of each character are just as interesting, funny, infuriating, sad (or often a combination of those) - just as real and exciting - as the non-stop action. "Under the Dome" is one of those epic novels in which Mr. King shows he is a master of character development, and in which he even goes one better, in an unforgettable and hilarious scene where he gives perspective on the situation unfolding from the POV of Horace the Corgi.

Lastly, "Under the Dome" is another novel in which Stephen King offers spot-on commentary about the ills of modern society and the inherent sickness in human nature, yet always in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner that complements the story. And, as in his other great epics, he also shows that the hope for a cure is a valid one and that it lies predominantly within ourselves.

Wow! I couldn't put it down. Couldn't pick it up either, for that matter. This epic tale is a true heavyweight! It is about a town that is trapped by a dome for a week. How much can happen in a week? You'd be surprised! The dynamics of this small town, struggling against a would-be in-town dictator and against forces beyond their control is exciting, heart-warming, terrifying, and empowering all at once. And the characters are so real, that you'd swear you've lived in this town. This book is nothing short of amazing! I loved this book!

Under The Dome was written by Stephen King and published by Scribner Books on November 10, 2009.

Retired Army Lieutenant Dale 'Barbie' Barber is fed up with life in the small town of Chester's Mill and sets off on foot to re-locate and get a fresh start. But something is determined to keep Dale Barber from leaving. A huge, virtually invisible dome suddenly crashes down over the entire town, cutting everything and everyone off from the outside world. Not only are people and animals viciously and brutally killed when the dome comes down but the people left in Chester's Mill have an even bigger problem on their hands. After 'Dome Day' as it comes to be known, the town quickly falls to the ravages of anarchy and becomes divided. One small group in Chester's Mill retains their sanity, while the rest of the town comes under the influence of 'Big Jim' Rennie, the town selectman who fills every mind in town with propaganda and paranoia pitting the small group against a mob.
In Under The Dome, Mr. King weaves a tale so far fetched and outlandish that we begin to believe it could actually happen. With almost 100 characters and over 1,400 pages, everyone has a secret to keep, and in the end no one is safe. You will walk away from this read asking yourself the question, 'What would I do?'
I am giving Stephen King's Under The Dome a 4-star rating and recommending it to every Stephen King fan and to any sci-fi thriller fan who is looking for a tale that is out of this world. Please be forewarned: Under The Dome will require its very own carrying case and its own seat at the table. Not only is it a fantastic book but it is an amazing workout as well.
WebbWeaver Reviews

I loved the twists and turns of this story. Was sorry that it ended. Certainly a strange twist ending. Reminds me of an old Twilight Zone episode.

Under the Dome shares many traits with other Stephen King works: it is long, normal people have to deal with abnormal circumstances and lots of people die. It is a dark book, dealing capriciously with good and bad alike, although a few good guys make it out. However, the ending is thought-provoking.

Small town life in Maine is abruptly altered when a dome suddenly encases the town, keeping the residents trapped inside and the outside world out. The first deaths are accidental, as vehicles, aircraft and even birds learn that there is an invisible, very solid wall where there was only air before. The next segment of the book, making up most of its length, is an adult version of Lord of the Flies. Cut off from the outside world, civic leaders become bullies, taking increasing amounts of power in the name of emergency. More people die. The good guys organize their resistance and try to figure out why they are under a dome. In the last phase of the book, the survivors of the town try to solve the mystery of the dome and communicate with their captors.

Like most King works, the supernatural is an opportunity to rip off the civilized veneer of society to reveal people's true natures. The premise of this book is that children have a cruel streak when dealing with things smaller than themselves, a streak which remains just below the surface. Each of the good characters must face up to this fact, while the bad characters simply act on it. My only complaint is that the book foreshadows a catastrophe which ultimately happens exactly as predicted with no possibility of escape, a bit too fatalistic for me. However, once you deal with this psychic slap in the face, the book regains its momentum and builds to a conclusion which is more life affirming.

I loved this book! It has been a long time since a book has kept me up reading past midnight during the week. I was unable to put it down! I was sad to see it end, as I just wanted to continue to follow many of these characters. I've read most of King's books I have favored his older ones (The Stand, The Shining, Needful Things, etc.) so I wasn't surprised to read at the end that he had actually started writing this way back when. It was chock full of the Stephen King I grew to love. If you liked The Stand, you will enjoy this book. Do not be daunted by it's size, it is a very fast read.

saving the latest for a time when I have no distractions. This is King at his best! Everyone is looking for this book and I was lucky to get it at a reasonable price right here at Amazon. Thanks Amazon!