The Dead Zone

by Stephen King
The Dead Zone cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4312
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-20
  • ISBN: 9781501143816
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Johnny Smith, an ordinary young man with a promising future, finds his life irrevocably changed after a bizarre carnival accident. Waking from a coma, he discovers he possesses an eerie ability to see into the future. This gift, however, comes with a heavy price, as Johnny becomes haunted by visions of death and destruction. As he grapples with his new reality, he crosses paths with a charismatic and dangerous figure, setting the stage for a thrilling and suspenseful journey. /n/n The Dead Zone is a gripping exploration of fate, free will, and the consequences of power. Stephen King's masterful storytelling weaves a tale of suspense and horror, with a protagonist who must navigate the fine line between destiny and choice. The novel delves into the psychological toll of Johnny's abilities, as well as the moral dilemmas he faces, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
Reddit - r/stephenking · 2024-06-10
excellent 4.50

This book is considered one of King's best, with a tight plot and gripping narrative. It is praised for its readability and compelling story.

Reddit users generally agree that 'The Dead Zone' is one of Stephen King's best works. They appreciate the tight plot and gripping narrative, which keep readers engaged from start to finish. The consensus is that the book is highly readable and compelling, with a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Some users mention that it is not their favorite King novel but still find it to be an excellent read. The overall sentiment is positive, with many users considering it a top-tier work in King's bibliography. The book's ability to blend suspense with deeper themes is highlighted as a key strength.

Quick quotes

    It's one of his best. Personally it wasn't my favorite but it wasn't bad by any means.

    I just reread it again recently. It’s one of my favorites of King’s earlier work.

    So so good. Top 5 for me.

Hedwig's World of Books · Hedwig · 2020-05-26
great 4.50

This is one of the truly great King books, milder on the supernatural while being incredibly readable. It stands out for its engaging narrative and compelling characters.

Hedwig from Hedwig's World of Books praises 'The Dead Zone' as one of Stephen King's best works. The novel's milder approach to the supernatural elements makes it more accessible, while still delivering a compelling and engaging story. Hedwig appreciates the depth of the characters and the novel's ability to keep readers hooked from beginning to end. The story's themes and the way King explores them are also highlighted as strengths, contributing to a truly great reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Overall, this is one of the truly great King books.

    It is milder on the supernatural while also being incredibly readable.

    The story's themes and the way King explores them are particularly compelling.

The Library Ladies · Kate · 2018-10-11
unsettling 4.00

This classic King book has a newly relevant feel, making it an unsettling and thought-provoking read. It is praised for its timeless themes and gripping narrative.

Kate from The Library Ladies finds 'The Dead Zone' to be a classic King book with a newly relevant feel. She describes it as an unsettling read that remains relevant due to its timeless themes. Kate appreciates the novel's ability to blend suspense with deeper societal commentary, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read. She also highlights the strong character development and the novel's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The reviewer notes that the book's themes are particularly relevant in today's world, adding a layer of depth that enhances the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    A classic King book with a newly relevant feel, 'The Dead Zone' is an unsettling read.

    The themes are particularly relevant in today's world, adding a layer of depth that enhances the overall reading experience.

    The novel's ability to blend suspense with deeper societal commentary makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read.

The Guardian · 2012-09-12
engaging 4.00

This novel is a slow-burn thriller that blurs the lines between genre and literary fiction. It stands out as an unusual and compelling work in Stephen King's repertoire.

The reviewer highlights that 'The Dead Zone' is an unusual novel for Stephen King, as it is a slow-burn thriller that gets very close to literary fiction. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the story, noting that it is not just a typical thriller but a thought-provoking exploration of themes that resonate beyond the genre. The reviewer also mentions that the novel's pacing and character development are particularly strong, making it a standout work in King's bibliography. They find the blend of suspense and literary elements to be particularly effective, creating a reading experience that is both engaging and intellectually satisfying.

Quick quotes

    An unusual novel for King, this is a slow-burn thriller that sees 'genre' getting very close to 'literary' fiction.

    It is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page has been turned.

    The Dead Zone is a testament to King's versatility and his ability to transcend the boundaries of genre.

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