The Stand

by Stephen King
The Stand cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Horror
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1157
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9798217007738
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-08-26
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

The Stand is a monumental work of horror and apocalyptic fiction by Stephen King, first published in 1978 and later expanded in 1990 with restored content. This modern classic has sold over 4 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a memorable mini-series. The novel follows the aftermath of a devastating virus that wipes out most of humanity, leaving a few survivors to confront a malevolent force that seeks to dominate the remnants of the world. King's brilliant storytelling brings ordinary people into extraordinary circumstances, creating a terrifying and thrilling narrative that explores the depths of human nature and the struggle between good and evil. The Stand is not just a story of survival but also a profound examination of faith, morality, and the resilience of the human spirit. With its richly drawn characters and layered plot, the novel offers a gripping and unforgettable reading experience. The restored edition includes additional content that enhances the depth and complexity of the story, making it a must-read for fans of horror and apocalyptic fiction.

Reviews
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.

Reddit - r/books · 2021-01-22
memorable 4.25

The characters are memorable and the sense of dread is sustained throughout. The story is genuinely horrific and engaging.

The reviewer highlights the memorable set of characters in The Stand, noting that they are well-developed and engaging. They appreciate the sense of dread that sustains itself until the end, making the story genuinely horrific and suspenseful. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of human nature and the struggle between good and evil, with a sense of dread that keeps the reader hooked. The story is described as engaging and impactful, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    A memorable set of characters on both sides of the divide.

    A real sense of dread that sustains itself until the end.

    Some genuinely horrific and engaging moments.

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