The Stand

by Stephen King
The Stand cover
Good Books rating 4.7
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1157
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9798217007738
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-08-26
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99

The Stand is a modern classic of horror, first published in 1978 and later re-published in 1990 with restored content and imaginative line art. With over 4 million copies sold worldwide, this apocalyptic vision explores the aftermath of a global pandemic and the rise of a malevolent force seeking to dominate the survivors. Stephen King's brilliant storytelling puts ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, creating a terrifying and gripping narrative that has captivated readers for decades. The novel's impact extends beyond the page, inspiring a memorable mini-series that brought its rich cast of characters and layered story to life.

Reviews
Steven Smith - author · Steven Smith · 2023-07-28
powerful 4.50

The book is powerful and disturbing, driven by insightful human details that give it real emotional impact.

Steven Smith, the reviewer, finds The Stand to be a powerful and frequently disturbing novel. He emphasizes that the book's strength lies in its insightful human details, which provide a deep emotional impact. Smith appreciates how these details enrich the narrative, making the story more than just a thrilling apocalyptic tale. The emotional resonance and the way the characters are portrayed are particularly noteworthy, adding layers of complexity to the story.

Quick quotes

    The Stand is a powerful, frequently disturbing novel.

    At its core it is driven by insightful human details, which gives the book real emotional impact.

    The emotional resonance and the way the characters are portrayed are particularly noteworthy.

Monkey Arkwright · Monkey Arkwright · 2021-01-22
finest 5.00

Considered one of the finest novels ever read, it simplifies the tale of good versus evil but reveals deeper strengths.

Monkey Arkwright considers The Stand one of the finest novels they've ever read. While the core narrative is a simple tale of good versus evil, the reviewer appreciates the deeper strengths of the book. These strengths lie in the detailed character development and the exploration of complex themes, which elevate the story beyond its basic premise.

Quick quotes

    This is one of the finest novels that I've ever read.

    At its heart, it's a simple tale of good versus evil, but that belies the book's true strengths.

    The detailed character development and exploration of complex themes elevate the story.

The Guardian · 2012-08-03
compelling 4.50

The book is praised for its rich and dense narrative, with well-developed characters that serve a purpose. The reviewer highlights the depth and complexity of the story.

The reviewer from The Guardian delves into the intricacies of The Stand, emphasizing the depth of each character and their role in the narrative. They appreciate how the story is dense and rich, with every character feeling full and alive. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making it a compelling exploration of human nature and survival.

Quick quotes

    The Stand is dense and rich.

    Every character is full and alive, and they're all in the book with a purpose.

    They cover every shade of human nature.

Fantasy Book Review · 2012-08-03
excellent 4.80

The writing is excellent, creating a horrifying and hypnotic atmosphere. The book is either captivating or repelling, depending on the reader's perspective.

The reviewer at Fantasy Book Review highlights the excellent writing and vivid imagery in The Stand, which creates a horrifying and hypnotic atmosphere. They note that the book's impact is immediate, either hooking the reader or repelling them within the first few pages. This intense atmosphere is a testament to Stephen King's skill in crafting a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling.

Quick quotes

    The writing is excellent, the imagery horrifying and the atmosphere hypnotic.

    After the first few pages you will either find yourself hooked or repelled…

    It's a testament to Stephen King's skill.

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