This one turned out to be a whirlwind of a story full of chaos and turmoil.

It was truly an enjoyable read for me. One of the main aspects I look for when reading King is character development.

This story definitely does not disappoint in that regard. I was really able to get a deep understanding of just how close these five friends were.

I feel like King always has some rather strong opinions about the government. He tends to depict them as being extremely corrupt and disreputable. (How similar it is to real life!)

I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I really like when King writes a sci-fi story. It's something he does exceptionally well in my opinion.

This story has an abundance of excitement and various happenings. I wouldn't exactly say it's non-stop action, but it comes close.

There were some quite gross parts that I won't elaborate on here, but yeah, they were unappetizing.

Definitely a five-star book for me. I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking more of a sci-fi story with some horror elements interspersed here and there.

It offers a unique and engaging reading experience that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you're a die-hard King fan or new to his work, this story is definitely worth checking out.

The truth is that when it comes to audiobooks, I have blindly plunged into King's books. I believe that the author's stories work perfectly in this format. What might end up boring me when reading can become more attractive when listening (it doesn't hurt to listen at 2x speed).

I don't know if this novel is adapted, but I feel that it is almost made for that, because I felt it like the classic American action/sci-fi movie in the style of Independence Day.

Four friends who have known each other since high school go on their annual hunting trip while analyzing what is happening with their lives and relationships. However, something falls near the place where they are and before they know it, they are immersed in a fight between species and the strange connection they share could be the only thing that saves us.

As I said, I plunged in without knowing what it was about and was surprised by what I found. It may be absurd, but my favorite part was the beginning. I liked learning about each friend, how they were facing their thirties while thinking about who they wanted to be when they were children. I liked the mystery of the beginning when they separated and had to deal with strange people. Really, I think it was my favorite part of the whole book.

At one point, more characters belonging to the US military appeared and I confess that they bored me. I feel that the entire presence of the military was very much like a classic American movie. All these characters, their interactions, all of this was very cinematographic for me. Almost as if it had been planned this way. Here I lost my attention. What I liked was the mental connection between the friends and discovering what had happened in the past. The military were... transparent, direct, characters without much complexity and I wasn't interested in them at all. In addition, it was in this part that it was more or less understood what story King wanted to tell and it didn't approach what I thought it would be based on the first part.

For me, King has two levels: one literal, what happens is what there is, more action, violence and not very complex descriptions. The second, something a little more worked on, which has to do with interpretation and an action that cannot be seen, but one that takes place within the minds of his characters. He usually uses the first level most of the time. I like his books, but a large part of them are a "what you see is what you get". I think that at the beginning of the book it was more ambiguous and I enjoyed that. Much of what was told was not actions of characters, but rather their concerns in their minds and different sensations.

I liked the group of friends. I don't know if I ended up seeing the affection between them as well as the one they felt for Duddits. The latter was the affection that I could really notice that all the characters felt when they mentioned him. Among them, I noticed it, but it didn't touch me as deeply as the one for Duddits. Perhaps that's why I didn't suffer as much with what happened until the end. Of the four, the story had two obvious protagonists. Unfortunately, neither was one of those who caught my attention at the beginning and the truth is that it was hard for me to remember which was which because the introduction of each one felt a bit rushed.

As usually happens to me with King's books, although it entertained me, it seemed unnecessarily long to me. Although I was listening at 2x speed, there came a point in the middle where I wasn't interested in what was happening. In addition, although I think it was an emotional book, nothing of what it gave me seemed to be worth the length of the book. I'm trying to remember what happened and I have a confused mix of the beginning and the end, but the whole middle part I don't have as clear. Honestly, I wouldn't have read the book in print. As I said at the beginning, it worked very well for me in audiobook format because otherwise I probably would have abandoned it.

It was an emotional book with the characters and, although it didn't do it with the same depth in all of them, I liked the development of these and their personalities. I liked that they were ordinary people who were immersed in everything. In particular, I liked Duddits and his mother, the way the friends related to them and the connection they had. Everything that had to do with the past and the connection they shared I liked. I think it was my favorite part and I really enjoyed how they used it for the end.

It was a book with action, for there were soldiers for a reason, but also with mental action. I think it worked but in a tangible, easily adaptable way. It wasn't like Dune whose mental action I think is wonderful, but very difficult to adapt. Here no, although King always twists and turns, they were shorter and not very complex turns. It seemed to me a simple book to read and if they like movies like Independence Day, it may appeal to them.

The Dreamcatcher is a book full of action, but that also takes its time for the emotion centered on a group of childhood friends who share a connection that is put to the test.

Ya, so this was not one of my favorite King books.

The writing was great and some parts really kept me going. Don't get me wrong.

But, Lord, I had to constantly keep myself from getting sick in the first 200 pages.

It's kind of weird, isn't it? I could handle the Chestbursters in the Alien franchise without much trouble.

Yet, I just couldn't handle the ones that seemed to be coming out the back door. LOL

Maybe it's because the way King described those scenes was just too vivid and disturbing for my taste.

It made my stomach churn and my mind race with all kinds of unpleasant images.

However, I have to admit that despite this, I still found some aspects of the book quite interesting.

The characters were well-developed and the plot had its moments of excitement and mystery.

But overall, this particular King book just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

>>>Evil Dreams,
evil awakening<<

“Duddits Dreamcatcher” by Stephen King – Four men plan a hunting trip in the forests of Maine… and then everything goes so differently than planned!

I really don't want to say much more about the content because, of course, with Stephen King there is so much to discover, experience, and learn here that theoretically one could almost write a small novella just for the plot summary.

“Duddits” really appealed to me! At times I had to laugh heartily, now I know in detail about human emissions, and what Stephen King has done so well here is to extract the horror to the fullest from disgusting, sometimes absurd situations. Overall, much of it seems crazy, like a trip, but precisely this, in combination with the serious elements that King incorporates here, makes the book a real reading experience! For me personally, a really really good book from Stephen King's pen!

The only small criticism point are the long military scenes, which were sometimes too long for me, but I think this is just an aspect that didn't interest me in such detail and is simply a matter of personal taste

The book I just read was so incredibly bad that I had an actual urge to burn my copy. Seriously, it was that terrible. The plot was filled with such absurd and unappealing elements. Farts and creatures emerging from a person's 'back door' - these are not the ingredients for a good horror novel. In fact, the first time this happened in the book, I couldn't help but laugh aloud. It was more comical than scary. I would highly recommend using this book for other purposes rather than reading it. You could use it as a paperweight to hold down your important documents, or as a doorstop to keep your door open. Maybe even give it to your dog as a teething toy. But whatever you do, don't bother trying to read it. You'll just be wasting your time and energy.

Not my favourite Stephen King book, by any stretch of the imagination, but still a brilliant story. The character of Duddits broke my heart. Rarely do I cry when reading a book, but numerous times I had to stop reading because I felt overwhelmed. His vulnerability and the special bond he shared with the other characters were truly moving.

At times I did feel like the book was a tad long, and the story could have been shorter. There were some sections that seemed to drag on a bit. However, when you're reading Stephen King, it is still a joy to read his words, even if overdone. His descriptive language and ability to create a vivid world make the reading experience worthwhile.

Such a touching story around the theme of friendship. The loyalty and sacrifices made by the characters for each other were inspiring. It made me think about the importance of true friendship and how it can withstand the test of time and adversity. Overall, while not my absolute favourite, it was still a great read that I would recommend to others.

Those who know me a little bit know that I don't like to criticize or highlight the bad in a book. On the contrary, I try to see more of its brilliant parts (probably losing objectivity in the process). But with "The Dreamcatcher" - by the way, a really bad translation, its original title is "Atrapasueños" which makes much more sense - I don't feel that I can write a review in which I feel comfortable because it went from average to very bad. But here I am to get wet. Without spoilers, of course.

The beginning, a bit slow and without "sparkle" for me, didn't make me faint in wanting to try more of Stephen King and his very good reputation as a writer. Let's say that I wanted to enter the "multitude" of fans he has all over the world and admire him as I do with other authors. We get to around page one hundred and really I thought that I had found a book that, although it wouldn't be one of my favorites, would end up pleasing me thanks to a horror scene that occurs and left me with a very good taste in my mouth.

The plot advances and not knowing where they were going to shoot left me with the worm. Maybe finally I was starting to see the magic of King!

But what should have been a science fiction and horror book ended up being a kind of drama of some adolescent-adults with a "very special" character along with that "very special adolescent friendship" on which most of the work is based and makes the alien invasion something in the background, as filler, along with "the military plot".

Although with "Salem's Lot" I was disappointed, but I thought that, after all, it was one of the author's first works. With this one, it has been a more complete disappointment. I don't know if I will continue trying to read more books by the author, time will tell.

This was an absolutely amazing book.

Even though it took me a full 3 months to complete, it was truly worth every moment.

Anyone who decides to embark on reading this book must be ready for countless sleepless nights and vivid illusions.

Stephen King is an incredibly fantastic writer. His descriptions are so vivid that it makes you feel as if right behind you, there is an alien lurking, waiting to drain your energy.

Throughout this entire book, I was constantly trying to figure out what the title truly meant and how it related to the overall story.

By the end, I was in awe of how the last few pages were dedicated to neatly explaining things and making everything crystal clear.

I firmly believe that Stephen King wrote this book to convey the message that we're all living in a dream, and it has us firmly in its hold, making it nearly impossible to let go.

This book had a plethora of different parts. As a 10th grader, I was challenged to find out how they all interconnected with one another and what each and every element symbolized.

But by the end, everything just beautifully came together.

At first, I thought there was a fair amount of "fluff" and what seemed like unnecessary details. However, I soon realized that the book was the perfect length to tell the story that Stephen King so skillfully wanted to convey.

This is an intense book, filled with so many twists and turns that it will keep you on the edge of your seat, constantly reading and eager to discover what comes next.

"El Cazador de Sueños" is a novel that combines terror, science fiction, and drama in a deeply human and chilling story. Set in the snowy forests of Maine, this work explores friendship, trauma, and the fight against an extraterrestrial threat, using characteristic elements of King: an eerie atmosphere, complex characters, and a blend of visceral and psychological horror.

Four childhood friends, Jonesy, Henry, Pete, and Beaver, gather at their annual cabin for a deer hunt. Their bond is marked by a past event: the rescue of a intellectually disabled boy named Douglas "Duddits" Cavell, who bestowed upon them a strange psychic gift.

What begins as a nostalgic reunion turns into a fight for survival when they face an alien invasion known as the "Byrus." These parasitic organisms infect humans, unleashing a physical and mental horror. In the midst of chaos, the friends must use their psychic abilities and confront their own personal demons to protect themselves and save the world.

Gary "Jonesy" Jones, a university professor scarred by a traumatic accident, plays a central role in the narrative. With his protective instinct towards his friends and his desire to overcome his past, he especially struggles internally with an alien presence trying to take over his mind.

Henry Devlin, a deeply empathetic psychiatrist battling suicidal thoughts, seeks redemption and meaning in his life. His ability to connect with others' minds, enhanced by his bond with Duddits, is crucial in the battle against the aliens.

Pete Moore, a charismatic salesman with a penchant for alcohol and a hidden trauma, is driven by his loyalty to his friends, though his personal weaknesses put him in danger. Joe "Beaver" Clarendon, the group's joker, uses humor to hide his vulnerability. He is the emotional glue of the group, and his sacrifice shows his courage and love for his friends.

Finally, Douglas "Duddits" Cavell, an intellectually disabled man with extraordinary power but physically vulnerable, is the emotional heart of the story. His connection with the protagonists and his role in resolving the conflict are crucial.

This novel deals with themes of friendship and loyalty, as the connection between the protagonists, forged in childhood, is the emotional core of the novel. Both past events and current challenges reflect how trauma shapes the characters. The alien invasion is a vehicle to explore physical and mental vulnerability, and Duddits symbolizes the purity and power of selfless love.

King employs a dark and reflective tone, mixed with moments of black humor. The narrative is visually rich, although at times it extends in descriptions that slow the pace. His style combines visceral horror with emotional introspection that gives depth to the characters.

"El Cazador de Sueños" is an ambitious work that blends terror and emotion, with memorable characters and a plot that reflects on friendship, internal struggle, and human connection. Although not perfect, its thematic depth and emotional intensity make it worthy of exploration.

Against all logic, I still have an unwavering love for this book.

I first read it in high school, immediately after falling in love with the movie. It was one of those rare books that I practically committed to memory and internalized so deeply that I didn't even realize some of my thoughts originated from it.

It's not just nostalgia that fuels my affection. As you might know from my reviews, I've endured a breakup, a summer of depression, and a hideous book slump. I was initially afraid to reread this, fearing it wouldn't hold up and might even worsen my slump. However, I devoured it like a teenager, when every book seemed new and wonderful.

Objectively, I'm aware that this isn't King's best work. It's brutally gory, filled with scatological and repulsive body horror. If I hadn't internalized King's aliens at a young age, I might have been more put off by his unnecessary gross biology.

Assuming you can overlook the gore or are as desensitized as I am, the book is also extremely ableist in its portrayal of Douglas Cavell. King often falls into the unfortunate trope of赋予 minority characters super special magical powers.

Yet, I find myself returning to my original point: Despite its flaws, I adore this book. It's the characters that truly make it. I fell in love with Duddits, Jonesy, Henry, Beaver, and Pete at first sight, and their friendship is the heart of the novel.

Despite its nearly 700-page length, the pace never dragged for me. I was never bogged down in the details of the history or world-building. It's well-focused on character development and plot progression.

All in all, this remains one of my favorite King novels, and I'll have no hesitation in reading it again when I want to reconnect with my friends.

I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.

It's done... but not the book... my work with the book!

I really, really didn't like this book at all, and translating it made it even worse because I had to do the work that I least wanted to do and leave the book half-finished.

It will take a long time for the memories of the bad and annoying spaces of the first half of this book to be erased from my mind!

This book is half-read on the shelf, and it's a book that I never go back to and will never be finished.

Published in 2001, Dreamcatcher is a novel that Stephen King wrote while recovering from a very serious car accident he suffered at the end of the last century. There are several comparisons that can be drawn with King's Tommyknockers. The most obvious one is that both novels deal with extraterrestrial invasions. But in both cases, it's also clear that King is dealing with personal demons through fiction and that completing this project means expelling them from within.

Just like Tommyknockers, Dreamcatcher oscillates between "oh, this approach to aliens is interesting" and "what a dud".

Four childhood friends gather every year to spend a week of hunting and camaraderie at one of their cabins. This year will be the last: an extraterrestrial race that has been probing the planet Earth for decades has finally decided to make the final offensive. The only salvation lies in finding the fifth friend, a boy they once saved from a bully and who always showed amazing sensitivity.

I can't say that Dreamcatcher is a bad book, because few of Stephen King's works are. It just so happens that it's too long and not exciting enough to justify that length. What does it excel in? Well, in what King does marvelously: the parts about the boys' childhood, their precious friendship with Duddits (I think it's the first time I come across a character with Down syndrome as the protagonist in a book) and how knowing him affects them. There's even a link to It, as it couldn't be otherwise. The beginning of the book is really solid as we get to know the four protagonists, and all the parts related to Richie are great. Then... then the problems start and ugh.

The big problem with this novel is that the action is very repetitive. There are like two hundred pages or more of an endless pursuit, and neither Mr. Gray nor Kurtz (especially the second one) are interesting enough villains to maintain the excitement for that long. Beeping and problems, that's what all that part sums up to. King tries to pay homage to those invasion works like War of the Worlds, in fact there are countless references to popular culture throughout the entire novel, but it doesn't quite gel because as I said it's too long and it's hard to maintain the interest. Also, I think the fact that some characters are out of the game so soon ends up harming the narration, as the strong point that is the friendship between the boys is diluted much earlier than it should be.

The novel is well closed, that's true, and the good parts make it so that overall it's not the worst that the author has produced, but King himself admits that he's not very fond of this work and that shows, because it's not at all memorable and it's one of those books that basically gives you a sense of relief when you reach the last page. For the completist fans of the author, yes, for those who are looking for a good novel about extraterrestrial invasions, better not.