3.5 stars.

The main plot of the story was truly captivating. It had the power to draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish. However, there were certain aspects that detracted from its overall impact.

Specifically, there were some unnecessary character backstories and small plot lines that seemed to take away from the focus of the main narrative. These elements felt like distractions, pulling the reader's attention away from the central storyline and diluting its strength.

Interestingly, an old lady on the train once said to me, almost verbatim, "Rubbish books like these are interesting to a boy like me." This comment made me reflect on the subjective nature of literary preferences. While I may have found fault with some aspects of the book, it seems that others can still find enjoyment and value in it.

Perhaps this is a reminder that different readers have different tastes and what one person considers a flaw, another may see as a charming quirk. In the end, despite its imperfections, the book still managed to hold my attention and leave a lasting impression.

Stinger is a truly captivating novel that had me thoroughly entertained from the very first page to the last.

One of the most appealing aspects of this book is its trapped science fiction concept. It creates a claustrophobic and high-stakes atmosphere that vividly reminds me of Stephen King's Under the Dome, a book I hold dear. The idea of an isolated town facing an overwhelming external force is a thrilling setup, and McCammon executes it masterfully.

The cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist, Stinger, and the antagonists, Daufin and the townsfolk, is genuinely engaging. The dynamic among these characters forms a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked as the story unfolds. The tension between them feels palpable and real, driving the story forward in an exciting and suspenseful manner.

Another remarkable feature of Stinger is the inventive and crazy cybernetic flesh/machine alien creations. These unique elements add a fun and otherworldly dimension to the book, making the science fiction aspects both imaginative and thrilling. I particularly appreciate how McCammon weaves these creatures into the narrative, as they become integral to the action and heighten the stakes in a most enjoyable way.

The action and dialogue in Stinger have a nostalgic 1980s feel, which is both fun and comforting. The characters' interactions, the pacing, and even some of the larger-than-life action sequences evoke that classic 80s vibe, creating a wonderful time capsule of the era. It adds a charming layer to the story that reminds me of some of my favorite action and adventure tales from that time.

In conclusion, Stinger is definitely a gripping and entertaining read that combines science fiction, suspense, and action with McCammon's engaging writing style. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you craving for more.

Easy 5 Stars!

“Cody Lockett is a human being. You are human beings. What is the difference?”

And there lies the secret to life, doesn't it? The only race that truly matters is the human race. So why is it so hard for us to let go of all the petty nonsense?

***

Inferno, Texas, is a town on the verge of dying. In fact, it's already as good as dead, since the school will be closing permanently after tomorrow's graduation. So what will be left? Will the Rattlers and the Renegades, the two gangs, finally declare all-out war to see who will claim what little remains?

But then an alien craft crashes. The government arrives, but not quickly enough to do anything about the second craft that lands and creates a shield around the town.

One alien, trapped inside the grid and calling itself Daufin, must try to hide from the second, Stinger, who will stop at nothing and hurt anyone to find the first...

This story unfolds within a 24-hour period, and who knows how many will survive?

***

Okay, a part of me is filled with so much anger because I didn't know about Robert R. McCammon in the 80's. The quality of his work is so outstanding that it seems like a great injustice that he wasn't mentioned in the same breath as King and Koontz during those years. This is the 5th novel I've read by him from that time period, and the 5th five-star rating I've given him.

This guy is a legend - I can't find fault with him so far. When you begin this story, you might feel some inspiration from ROMEO AND JULIET - but only the good part, of course - and then you might start thinking more along the lines of E.T., THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL. And then you'll come to a part that will make you wonder if this book was, at least in part, the inspiration for UNDER THE DOME. Hell, you might even see a hint of MEN IN BLACK in there...

Do yourself a huge favor and read this author!

This is copy 285 of 1000 signed numbered copies signed by Robert McCammon.

Robert McCammon is a highly regarded author, and his works have gained a significant following over the years.

The fact that this copy is part of a limited edition of 1000, each one signed and numbered, adds to its collectible value.

Collectors and fans of McCammon's work would surely be interested in obtaining this particular copy.

It serves as a tangible piece of his literary legacy and a unique item to display or cherish.

Whether it is for personal enjoyment or as an investment, this signed numbered copy holds a special place among the works of Robert McCammon.

Stinger is truly a remarkable book for its era! It is a complete embodiment of the 80's, right down to the very dialogues.

The initial part of the plot, especially the segments involving the gangs, seemed to drag a bit for me. Additionally, there were a plethora of characters to keep track of, which made it a bit challenging at times.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, I absolutely adored this 80's horror gem. The atmosphere it creates, the unique story line, and the overall feel of the book are just so captivating. It takes you back to a time when horror was all about creativity and imagination.

Stinger is definitely a must-read for any fan of 80's horror or anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Stinger is perhaps the nearest thing to a pure science fiction novel that McCammon has penned.

The plot is teeming with rival aliens and rival motorcycle gangs, and the entire story unfolds within a single day in a small Texas town.

It might seem like a typical SyFy Channel Saturday night fare, but McCammon's expertise in handling dialog and developing characters ensures that it remains tense and suspenseful rather than being absurd.

It's truly a great book that keeps you turning the pages!

This novel takes the reader on a wild ride through a world of strange beings and intense conflicts. The vivid descriptions make it easy to picture the small town and the various characters as they interact.

McCammon's ability to create believable and engaging characters is on full display here, as we root for the heroes and worry about their fates.

Overall, Stinger is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone who enjoys a thrilling and well-written story.

By far, my least favorite McCammon book is this one.

Even the greatest of authors can have a dud now and then. I'm not saying this was a complete disaster, but it currently sits at the bottom of my McCammon rankings.

I still have a number of his other books to read.

What I did appreciate about this book was the monster. The monster was truly excellent. The story involving the monster was like a unique blend of Tremors, Predator, The Thing, and Under the Dome. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes with it. The action, of course, was outstanding. McCammon has a real talent for writing action-packed sequences. And I'm a sucker for stories where enemies unite to battle a greater threat.

However, I do have several issues with this book. For one thing, some of the characters are extremely cartoonish, almost like a strange cross between The Warriors and Class of 1984. And there wasn't a single character who really stood out to me. Secondly, the book takes an awfully long time for any significant action to occur. Sure, there are moments of suspense here and there, but it wasn't until around 200 pages in that the monster action really got going. Thirdly, the book seemed overly long and could have been easily trimmed down.

Despite its many flaws, it's not a terrible book by any means. There's plenty of action and gore to keep readers entertained. It's just not on the same level as some of his other amazing books from the 80s, such as Swan Song or Usher's Passing.

4.5 Stinger rocks!

A fugitive alien spaceship crashes in a dying Texas border town. In a blink, a second spaceship follows, carrying a brutal bounty hunter known as Stinger. This is an action-packed sci-fi adventure that's a bit different from McCammon's usual fare. But don't worry, his talent for creating rich and complex characters is still on full display.

In fact, this book has two distinct identities that blend together beautifully (at least for a while). One part is a powerful drama about the people in a town that's on its last legs. There are gang members, drunks, and those who've given up on life. They have little to live for until they're forced to fight for their survival.

The other part is a badass 80's action movie-style creature feature, complete with monsters, explosions, and terrifying needle-toothed abominations that burrow into the ground. These two parts alternate, ramping up the drama and action in a truly wonderful way.

However, around 80% of the way through, the story starts to veer towards more generic action movie territory. But that doesn't take away from the fact that there are several moving and genuinely excellent dramatic scenes, followed by crazy monster attacks and helicopter explosions. It's a real delight.

McCammon is a master at portraying characters. More than once, he shows a character as a real scumbag from one perspective and then flips to their point of view, making you feel sympathy for them. It's pure artistry.

Admittedly, the book does run out of steam towards the end, but for a while, it's pure magic. Technically, it's a reread for me, as I read it when I was thirteen (thanks to that awesome cover). I remember getting in trouble over school work because all I wanted to do was devour this book over 3 - 4 days. It's surprisingly good for teens!

This book is extremely entertaining.

I found myself liking pretty much everything about it.

McCammon truly did a remarkable job when it comes to presenting the two alien races.

Their characteristics and behaviors are very original, which makes the story all the more engaging.

It's not often that you come across a book that can create such unique and interesting alien species.

The details that McCammon provides about them add depth and authenticity to the story.

Whether it's their physical appearance, their culture, or their way of thinking, everything is presented in a way that makes you want to know more.

Overall, this book is a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys science fiction or stories about alien encounters.

Stinger is an extremely straightforward book.

It doesn't leave you with any room for guessing in any aspect. In fact, McCammon even goes out of his way at certain points to explain things to you clearly.

The characters are provided with some backstory, yet I found them to be mostly two-dimensional.

The rivalry between Cody and Rick, who are the big bad gang leaders, felt rather ridiculous and was poorly written.

I attribute this to the fact that it was written in the 80's. It's not that McCammon is a bad writer; it's just that the decade seemed to call out for cheesy rivalries like this.

Additionally, the friction between Cody and his father, the drunken Curt Lockett who is all sad about his dead wife, feels transparent and cliché.

This even extends to the inevitable redemption of the father, which feels like it came right out of Independence Day. (Again, this predates that movie by a decade, so I can forgive that.)

All that being said, this is a book that will keep you engaged and provide some entertainment.

It may not be great, world-changing fiction, but it is indeed a good read.

The awaited final, a well-presented story, many encompassing fates, and quite a bit of excessive padding - 3.5 out of 5 stars.

The anticipation for the final was palpable. The story had been told in a way that kept the audience engaged. It managed to incorporate the fates of many characters, which added depth and complexity. However, there was also a fair amount of padding in the narrative. Some scenes seemed to drag on without adding significant value to the overall plot. Despite this flaw, the movie still managed to score a respectable 3.5 out of 5 stars. It had its strengths in the well-developed story and the interesting characters. The excessive padding, though, did prevent it from achieving a higher rating.

Overall, it was an enjoyable movie with some areas that could have been improved. The final was exciting, but the padding detracted from the overall experience.

4.5 actually.

I have never come across an unentertaining book written by Robert McCammon. I have delved into the truly great ones like Swan Song and Boy's Life, and also the good ones such as Mine and The Five. However, I have not yet encountered the bad.

Stinger is perilously close to being in the realm of the great. There is something about it that I just can't quite put my finger on and express in words.

The 80s vibe that it exudes is simply killer. It manages to successfully walk the fine line between horror and sci-fi, while also incorporating a touch of the whole teen/angst The Outsiders thread.

It offers maximum fun-ness and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. It's a book that makes you eager to turn the pages and see what happens next.

McCammon has once again proven his prowess as a writer with Stinger, even if it doesn't quite reach the absolute pinnacle of greatness.

Nonetheless, it's a highly enjoyable read that fans of horror and sci-fi are sure to appreciate.