11.22.63

by Stephen King
11.22.63 cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4629
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
whatsgoodtoread.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-21
captivating 4.00

11.22.63 is a gripping and imaginative novel that blends historical fiction with science fiction, offering a unique exploration of time travel and its consequences. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, though some may find the pacing slow in parts.

Stephen King's 11.22.63 is a captivating blend of historical fiction and science fiction that takes readers on a journey through time. The novel follows Jake Epping, a high school teacher who travels back to the 1950s to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. The story is rich in detail and offers a unique perspective on historical events, making it both educational and entertaining. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find the length of the book a bit daunting. Despite this, the novel's exploration of time travel and its consequences is thought-provoking and keeps readers engaged until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and the emotional depth of the story adds a layer of complexity that makes it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The premise is intriguing and the execution is impressive.

    The pacing can be slow at times, but the story is engaging enough to keep readers hooked.

    The emotional depth of the story adds a layer of complexity that makes it a standout read.

samanthakilford.com · Unknown · 2017-01-26
excellent 5.00

The reviewer is highly enthusiastic about 'City of Stairs', praising its deep and nuanced world-building, excellent characterization, and the author's ability to create a fully realized fantasy setting. They compare the book favorably to works by other renowned authors and express a strong desire to read more by the same author.

The reviewer is thrilled to have finally read 'City of Stairs' by Robert Jackson Bennett, an author they have long wanted to explore. They describe the book as a standout work that places Bennett in the same category as their favorite fantasy authors. The story is set in a richly detailed world that feels fully realized, with a unique blend of epic fantasy elements in an urban setting. The reviewer particularly praises the deep conspiracy, forgotten history, and startling discoveries that drive the plot. The characters, especially Shara and Sigrud, are well-developed and compelling. The reviewer also appreciates the inclusion of minor POV characters, which enhance the story without distracting from the main narrative. The only minor criticism is the lack of some external details, but this is overshadowed by the book's overall excellence. The reviewer highly recommends this book and encourages others to read it.

Quick quotes

    Because, you see, there are authors that write decent books, and there are authors that write good books, and then there are authors that make you never want to miss anything else that they ever write. Period.

    It’s kind of like an epic fantasy story in an urban fantasy setting.

    Bennett writes his characters with detail and motivation that give life and heart to this story.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2011-11-02
excellent 4.50

City of Stairs is praised for its original world-building and compelling narrative, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The story, set in a unique, Russian and Indian-inspired world, combines elements of murder mystery, politics, and religion, creating a rich and thought-provoking experience.

City of Stairs is celebrated for its exceptional world-building and engaging plot. The reviewer highlights the book's unique setting, inspired by Russian and Indian cultures, which sets it apart from typical fantasy novels. The story, centered around a murder mystery, delves into complex politics and religious discussions, offering a slow-burn narrative that becomes increasingly captivating. The characters, particularly Shara, Sigrud, and Mugalesh, are well-developed and distinctive, adding depth to the story. The reviewer also praises the intricate integration of lore, history, and mythology, making the world-building divine in quality. Overall, the book is described as a refreshing and original start to a trilogy, highly recommended for fans of fantasy and science fiction.

Quick quotes

    Life is full of beautiful dangers, dangerous beauties… They wound us in ways we cannot see: an injury ripples out, like a stone dropped in water, touching moments years into the future.

    The Divine may have created many hells”, he says, “but I think they pale beside what men create for themselves.

    …history, as you may know, is much like a spiral staircase that gives the illusion of going up, but never quite goes anywhere.

Appears in Lists