The Stand

by Stephen King
The Stand cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 1157
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781848940833
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2008-12-11
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

Stephen King's 'The Stand' is a gripping tale of survival and moral conflict set against the backdrop of a devastating pandemic. As the virus spreads, the few who remain must navigate a world on the brink of collapse, guided by vivid dreams and ominous warnings of an impending evil. The story delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of faith, power, and the struggle between good and evil. King's vivid prose and intricate character development make this a classic of the genre, soon to be adapted for television. The novel's exploration of societal breakdown and the resilience of the human spirit makes it a timeless and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-02-06
gripping 4.50

The tension and suspense are gripping from the start, and the unique characters make the journey engaging. The story's ability to keep readers hooked is a major strength.

The reviewer was immediately drawn in by the tension and suspense right from the beginning. They found the unique characters particularly engaging, making the reading experience enjoyable. The story's ability to maintain a grip on the reader throughout is highlighted as one of its major strengths.

Quick quotes

    I loved the tension and suspense right off the bat.

    Instantly loved all the unique characters I met along the way.

    The Stand is a masterpiece.

SFF Book Review · 2024-09-11
immersive 4.25

The reviewer notes that despite its length, the book feels engaging and doesn't drag. The characters and their fates are compelling, making the story feel much shorter than it is.

The reviewer from SFF Book Review finds The Stand to be an engaging read that doesn't feel as long as its page count suggests. They appreciate the way Stephen King introduces a diverse cast of characters and the tension that arises from their fates. The reviewer notes that the book's pacing and the way it keeps the reader invested make it feel much shorter than it actually is. The Stand is seen as a compelling and immersive read that keeps the reader hooked until the end.

Quick quotes

    Didn't feel like 1300 pages.

    Stephen King introduces us to a cast of characters, many of which die early on as they catch Captain Trips.

    The Stand is a compelling and immersive read.

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.

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