The Dead Zone is an outstanding book.

It is truly remarkable as it contains practically no filler content.

Surprisingly, it is criminally underrated, which is a pity.

From the very beginning to the end, it offers a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.

In a certain way, Johnny Smith, the protagonist, reminded me of myself.

The basic plot structure is not the most crucial aspect here.

I firmly believe that a human life should always be regarded with dignity.

However, this doesn't always hold true for our hero.

I use the term "hero" in the context of the Greek sense of tragedy.

If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend that you do.

It is far superior to many of Stephen King's recent works.

I once tried, on another website, to ask for suggestions on underrated King books.

The Dead Zone was among the recommendations, and it turns out that everyone knew about it except for me.

So, indeed, give this book a chance and discover its hidden gems.

What comes from knowing things? Nothing.

What is the purpose of knowing the future? So you can change it? But wouldn't what you knew about the future and the change you were going to bring to the future, be the way it was supposed to be anyways? Just think about it...

I think in the case of Johnny Smith and The Dead Zone, I would have to say what happened to Johnny and the events surrounding him, happened for a reason.

This is not a horror novel, in my opinion. This is more of a sci-fi novel done in King-style. I have been really surprised, especially as I read The Dead Zone, that this isn't more of a popular read, especially with King readers. Johnny Smith's character and his ability were done very well. I really liked all of the characters, especially Johnny and his parents.

About halfway through the novel, I felt like something else was going on, and it turns out I was quite wrong. I thought the killings were Johnny while he was in the dead zone, because he seemed to not really know what was happening to him while he was there. I'm glad King made me think one way, and had it turn out to be something else. Mainly because, if it had been what I originally thought, it would have just been too easy for King.

My favorite part of the book would have to have been when the killings were going on, and Johnny's role in that particular part. Having just finished the book, that is not a spoiler, and doesn't give away 99.99% of anything which happens within these pages.

I really like sci-fi, but only if it is realistic, and is done like The Dead Zone. I'm really happy King penned this novel, and didn't take it to certain lengths I thought it might go.

Great job, King!

Reread in 2023. Here’s my review from 2018:

The first part of Stephen King’s The Dead Zone was an absolute delight to read. It had that eerie Something Wicked This Way Comes vibe with the spinning wheel, the creepy carnival worker, and Johnny Smith taking risks and attracting a crowd. It was the opening chapter of what would eventually become The Saga of John Smith, Psychic or Something.

The remainder of the book follows the events where this psychic ability proves useful in numerous ways, ultimately culminating in a thrilling, larger-than-life climax that places Johnny in a perilous situation with extremely high stakes, almost unbelievably so. But when you reach that point, who really cares anymore? This guy is magical and he’s saving the world!

Having multiple plots build upon each other was a bit cumbersome at times. I’d finish one storyline and move on to the next section, and suddenly Johnny has a new job and is living elsewhere, time has jumped forward a bit, and those crucial events are only briefly mentioned, replaced by something even more significant. Johnny has to take his powers to the next level. It’s time to leave the minors and show the majors what he can do.

Mr. King is a master at setting a scene and developing his characters, and his skills are on full display here. Vera, the mother, is a bit excessive with her fanatical religious behavior, but there’s a reason for it. Sarah and her adventures, which become more of a subplot, are well-written, and her relationship with Johnny unfolds in an interesting and mostly believable way. The bad guys are truly bad. There are several of them. I adored the small town setting, especially as the political elements started to emerge later. Hearing King express his political views through the dialogue was a treat. I really like his style.

This was definitely a thrilling adventure, and at times it even made me think. If I had that kind of ability, if I could see future events, how would I handle it? What decisions would I be willing to make? It was great to read a King book and get completely immersed in a wild story, but I also came away with some thoughts about life. That doesn’t always happen with his books. Sometimes it’s about vampires and werewolves. Other times it’s about dead zones and saving people.

Firestarter is next (my iPhone insists it should be two words, so maybe I’m wrong). I haven’t read that one yet. I’m looking forward to taking another step on this journey of reading King books in order. I’ve never made it this far before, and I have a long way to go, but it’ll be nice to fill in the gaps with books like this one that I skipped or never got around to. Also, there’s Drew Barrymore.

Oscura, fascinante y enigmática.

This story was known to me through its series, but it has truly astonished me.

With an irreverent air, King is in his purest state, and the ending is a real heart-stopper.

The darkness that pervades the narrative adds an element of mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

The story unfolds in a way that is both unexpected and captivating, leading the reader on a journey through a world of secrets and surprises.

Overall, this is a truly remarkable piece of work that showcases King's talent as a writer.

It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark and mysterious tales.

Okay here we go, Mr. John Smith. I know you possess this strange and rather remarkable ability to see into the future. But did you see this review coming? Well, did you? You feeling lucky, John? Because I sure as hell am after reading this. I'm not as sad to finish it as I was the Dark Tower series (because I poured so much emotion into finishing those damn books), but this was quite an enjoyable read. It was one that I could really sink my teeth into when given a full day to do so.

The development of John, his relationship with his family (and Sarah), and the progression of his ability/the perception of his ability by others, was truly the driving force of this novel. In fact, it was far more entertaining than the ultimate climax of the text, which dealt with the question of "if you could stop Hitler before he rose to power would ya?"

John felt an inordinate amount of pressure from his gift, which I thought served this book extremely well. Rather than making him a superhero, his gift became more of a profound question about mankind and morality.

It's just another lovely King book that solidifies his status as the legendary author he is. His ability to craft engaging characters and thought-provoking storylines is truly remarkable. This book is a testament to his talent and creativity.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and would highly recommend it to any Stephen King fan or anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Johnny Smith had almost spoiled his date even before it really got started. He was extremely grateful that Sarah had a good sense of humor. So, Johnny quickly took her to the fun fair. Thanks to the powerful 'gut instinct' he had possessed since childhood, he bet a large amount of money on the wheel of fortune and, miraculously, won.

Meanwhile, as Johnny was playing, Sarah closely watched his face. It scared her to see his expression turn dark and frightful. What was going on? Feeling increasingly unwell, Johnny took her home and put her to bed. Then he called a cab for himself. The next time he woke up, it was 4.5 years later, and he was in a hospital. He had huge medical bills to pay. Sarah was now married, and his mother had become mentally unstable. However, something much more menacing was bothering him. Whenever he touched another person, a wave of energy would penetrate him, revealing lost things, future events, and horrors that Johnny could never have imagined.

This is Stephen King at his finest. "The Dead Zone" is definitely a must-read. It wasn't exactly what I had anticipated, but it was actually better. I adored Johnny's modest and unassuming character, as well as the relationship he had with his father, Herb. The antagonists also didn't disappoint! I give it 5 stars. ✨

An incredible run of good luck with a Wheel of Fortune game at a county fair marks the beginning of things spiraling out of control for John Smith.

He is on the verge of losing five years of his life in a truly horrible manner. When he eventually returns, everything has transformed.

Fate and predestination play their crucial roles. The pungent stink of burning rubber lingers, and there is a dead zone within his brain.

I'll be completely honest with you. More terrifying to me than any monster are religious fanatics. There is one in here who will really give you a tough time.

With eyes shining a crazed light, she gibbers maniacally, spouting dire warnings of hellfire and spraying spittle far and wide in her self-righteous frenzy.

Bring in the clowns, or even the spiders if you have to. They pale in comparison to the crazy person within these pages.

Originally published in 1979, it was a nostalgic journey for me, referring to thirteen cent stamps, those old rabbit ears antennas enhanced with aluminum foil, and Walter Cronkite concluding the evening news with his iconic "And that's the way it is."

I purchased it fresh off the presses when it was released, and now, 40 years later, my appreciation for it has increased with this second reading.

3.5 Stars

I truly adored the concept that underpinned this paranormal thriller. The initial setup was highly engaging and had me hooked from the start. However, as the story progressed into the middle section, I felt that it became overly burdened with political discussions. This detracted from the overall flow and excitement of the narrative for me. It seemed to slow things down and take away from the supernatural and thrilling aspects that I was most interested in.

Surprisingly, though, I actually had quite a liking for the ending. This is not something that I can usually claim when it comes to a King novel. The conclusion managed to bring together various threads in an unexpected and satisfying way. It had a certain charm and resolution that left me with a relatively positive impression, despite the hiccup in the middle.

3.5 Stars

I also read my first book by King, and I must say the experience was very, very enjoyable and interesting.

Johnny, the young boy, skated at an astonishingly fast pace, only to encounter an accident that, for a terrifying instant, thrust him into The Dead Zone.

Johnny Smith, the small-town schoolteacher, spun the wheel of fortune and emerged victorious, winning a four-and-a-half-year journey into The Dead Zone.

John Smith, who awoke from an endless coma, was burdened with a cursed power - the ability to foresee the future and the dreadful fate that awaited mankind in The Dead Zone.

Not this, nor indeed this: or this:

Will the real Johnny Smith please stand up, please stand up...

This film is an absolute must once I have completed the book.

The politics in the lead-up to the bi-centennial election in this story are captivating. Ford, Reagan, and Carter are all in the mix. In New England, there is an independent fascist contender who is doing well in terms of popular appreciation, and he has a biker crew serving as bodyguards/intimidators. Does this remind you of anyone? All we need to do is watch closely in case he drags an innocent person in front to save himself - it will likely happen.

I was completely engrossed in this book. It worked extremely well as an audio while I curled up on the settee with my sudoku book.

A month of Halloween 2015 reads included various titles such as Nobody True by James Herbert, The Horror Stories of Robert E. Howard, Brain Child by John Saul, Domain (Rats #3) by James Herbert, The Mourning Vessels by Peter Luther, The Doom of the Great City, Long After Midnight by Ray Bradbury, The Dead Zone by Stephen King, The Chalice, and Seven Gothic Tales.

2.5 Stars: This audiobook is a bit of a mixed bag.

On one hand, it's excellent and I would highly recommend it to fans of James Franco (who reads it with great verve and a distinct accent) and those who enjoyed the John Travolta movie "Phenomenon." However, it's my least favorite Stephen King book so far.

It's not bad per se, but it's not especially gripping either. It's entertaining enough, with things happening here and there, but the integral plot is somewhat lacking. The end reminded me of the last third or so of 11/22/63, which is one of my all-time favorite King books despite its slightly weak ending.

There are some parallels to the current president, which is a bit chilling. (See article.) But other than that, the book isn't particularly scary. It's listed as a "science-fiction thriller," but mild suspense might be a better description.

The main character, Johnny Smith, is a rather vanilla character with a touch of psychic abilities. King's prose is as vivid as ever, painting beautiful pictures and really taking the reader there. And James Franco's narration brings the book to life, making it worth it just for the audio experience.

Overall, it's an okay read/listen, but not one of King's best.

On my journey to read every Stephen King novel in publishing order, I am currently on the eighth one. I must say that Johnny Smith is my favorite protagonist up until now.

The story had a really interesting aspect with the serial killer plot, and I truly wish that more time could have been dedicated to exploring that part in greater detail. Additionally, the ending felt a bit rushed to me, but these are just minor nitpicks.

Anyway, up next on my reading list is Firestarter.

Here is my ranking so far:

1. Salem’s Lot

2. The Stand

3. The Dead Zone

4. The Shining

5. Carrie

6. The Long Walk

7. Night Shift

8. Rage

I'm excited to see how Firestarter will fit into this ranking and what new adventures and characters it will bring.