Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
45(45%)
3 stars
24(24%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Excelente libro!!! It was truly addictive. I just couldn't put it down and I really liked it a great deal. From the very beginning, it kept me hooked. The plot was tough and challenging. For me, the ending was a bit sad, but I think it couldn't have been otherwise. I really enjoyed reading it.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters were well-developed and the author did a great job of creating a vivid and engaging world. Despite the sadness at the end, it added a sense of authenticity and depth to the overall narrative. This book is definitely one that I would recommend to others who enjoy a good read.

Overall, it was an excellent literary experience that left a lasting impression on me. I look forward to reading more works by this author in the future.

July 15,2025
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When Stephen King was asked here about his favorites, he said that The Running Man was the novel he enjoyed writing the most, and he even finished it in just 10 days!

The novel was full of excitement and intense emotions, as if you were the runner yourself. In the future, will humanity strive for the dream of the ideal city, or will it descend into the abyss of despair? Stephen King描绘了一个2025年的反乌托邦幻想世界,这个世界并不遥远。和往常一样,反乌托邦只有在黑暗的视角下才会变得有趣。

In 2025, poverty reigns and corruption spreads. As a direct result, there is a sharp contrast between the social classes, and the gap between the rich and the poor widens, devouring all human values. Only greed, hatred, and envy remain, repeating history in a new guise of civilization. Our protagonist, Ben Richards, is born into this harsh world, and his daughter is diagnosed with a lung disease. The only way for him to find a cure is to participate in the Games.

The Games are a government-owned entertainment organization that uses the poor and the chronically ill to play for money. It's a strange mix of sadness and excitement. What kind of game will Ben play? How will it end? The game is intricately woven in a fabricated world with elements not too different from our current ones, as human nature remains the same. Didn't Romans love to watch gladiators fight against the dark and wild for entertainment?

Stephen King published this novel in 1982 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman because one Stephen King novel a year wasn't enough for him
July 15,2025
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The fear factor of this book was huge and I think I will continue with The Long Walk very soon. What I like most about King is that he always thinks about how to bring more entertainment and pleasure to the reader, not only with the plot but also with his style.


Stephen King is a master at creating intense and engaging stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. His ability to build suspense and develop complex characters is truly remarkable. In this particular book, the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty is palpable from the very beginning.


The story takes you on a wild ride through a world filled with danger and mystery. You never know what's going to happen next, and that's what makes it so addictive. King's writing style is also a big part of the appeal. He has a way of making you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action, experiencing everything along with the characters.


Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller. It's a must-read for fans of King and anyone who enjoys being scared out of their wits.

July 15,2025
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I have liked it more than I expected.

As the story of the fugitive's escape unfolds, a great deal of information about the society in which he lives is given to us, and this seemed very interesting to me and I didn't expect it. I think that much more could be gained from this dystopian society.

Moreover, the fact that we are going in that direction nowadays... And that is really scary. Free-vision would say that it already exists
July 15,2025
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Think of this book as a fascinating blend of The Hunger Games and Fahrenheit 451. It truly captivates with its futuristic theme, which transports readers to a world that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed was Ben Richards’ smug attitude. It added an interesting layer to his character and made him all the more engaging to follow.

The movie adaptation of this novel is also quite remarkable. It manages to capture the essence of the story and bring it to life on the big screen. And having Arnold Schwarzenegger play as Ben Richards is a real treat for fans. His portrayal of the character is both powerful and convincing.

If you’re in the mood for a short thriller book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this one is definitely right up your alley. It offers a unique combination of action, suspense, and social commentary that is sure to satisfy any reader looking for a quick and exciting read.
July 15,2025
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Pronto la reseña.

This simple phrase holds a certain anticipation. It implies that the review will be available soon.

Perhaps it's a review of a product, a book, a movie, or an event. People are eagerly waiting to hear the thoughts and opinions of the reviewer.

The anticipation builds as they wonder what aspects will be covered, what the pros and cons might be, and whether it will meet their expectations.

Soon, they will have access to the review and can make an informed decision based on the information provided.

Whether they agree or disagree with the reviewer's assessment, it will surely spark a discussion and add to the overall conversation about the subject matter.

So, let's wait patiently for "Pronto la reseña" to arrive and see what insights it brings.
July 15,2025
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I have been gradually making my way through my collection of Stephen King novels. Recently, I decided to read ‘The Running Man’ which I had seen on screen many years ago and absolutely loved.

Ben Richards signs up to appear on a reality show. The reason is to obtain money for his little girl Cathy, who is suffering from pneumonia and is in a critical condition. This is the last resort for Ben as he views it as his final opportunity to get the money he needs to afford the much-needed medicine for Cathy. In this dystopian world, there exists a reality game show where contestants have to run, avoid being caught, and most importantly, not die. Ben Richards is a desperate man who is forced to take extreme measures in an attempt to save his daughter.

The novel follows Ben's struggle to survive the game in this fast-paced story that is filled with numerous suspenseful moments and problems along the way. It is a fast-paced, suspenseful novel with a good plot. I would rate it 3.5 stars.
July 15,2025
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I ended up reading this book in one day!

It is an extremely fast-paced and action-packed book. From the very beginning, it grabs your attention and doesn't let go. The story unfolds at a breakneck speed, filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists. You'll find yourself constantly on the edge of your seat, your heart pounding with excitement and adrenaline.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, and you'll quickly become invested in their fates. The author has done an excellent job of creating a vivid and immersive world that you won't want to leave.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure or action story. It's a real page-turner that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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On my journey of reading/re-reading all Stephen King's books in publication order, I have now completed the Bachman book. I must say that this one ranks as my second favorite, right behind The Long Walk.

When I was younger, I absolutely adored The Running Man (film), and it remains a classic for me to this day. Although the plot line of the book shares some similarities with the film, there are also many differences. I have a particular fondness for the main character in this book, Ben. I think he is an iconic and ruthless figure. In this book, the world is controlled by the media, and what people are shown to be real is often far from the truth. This couldn't be more relevant in our current age.

The book is set in 2023 and has some truly scary similarities to the world we live in today. People are being corrupted into believing that those with low incomes are all criminals and don't deserve to live. They volunteer for game-shows, fully aware that they will probably die in the process, simply because of money problems and the feeling that they have no other choice. It's a sad reflection of the real-world issues we face.

While there are elements of horror in this book, with some vivid descriptions, it is more of an exaggeration of the world today and its problems. It makes us stop and think about the society we live in and the choices we make.
July 15,2025
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The future for Mr. Ben (Benjamin) Richards in 2025 is far from grand or bright.

It's a dreary time as the economy has sunk, leaving the poor even poorer. The harsh government shows no care, only desiring to rule. Stephen King, writing in 1982 under the pen name Richard Bachman to have unrestricted freedom from his reputation, crafted this novel to be as hopeless as possible for the sake of the plot.

It's a not-so-accurate forecast of future events but still entertaining. However, be warned, as it's full of unbridled brutality and cruelty that dominates the action.

Who knew the author had such venom? Ben has a sick daughter, Cathy, perhaps on the verge of dying, and a plain-looking wife, Sheila. He's frequently fired for not following instructions from his superiors, filled with hate for those in authority.

Consequently, he has no money and lives in a squalid slum. The mother of the child has to walk the streets. He only loves his little family. Lately, Richards has been glued to the television, watching the most popular show, The Running Man.

Big prizes await anyone who survives for 30 days while hunters try to eliminate the contestants, and they never fail. Cathy needs medicine, and the depressed father is willing to sacrifice himself for their well-being.

After a long process, the desperate gentleman, admittedly stretching the term, gets the job. He's an anti-hero, unlike the popular Scifi film, with an obviously changed story line.

The anger against all the well-off explodes, and it's not just Mr. Richards but the sleazy people working for the government-sponsored television program who pay the price.

Planes, numerous cars, hapless victims, and buildings evaporate as the eager hunters track down the fleeing fugitive all over the country, and red liquid spills frequently.

The ending will surprise and bring back bad memories of many similar occurrences in the recent past. Stephen King will, in the succeeding years, ease the throttle as there was no choice if he wanted to continue being read.

The traveling contestant shows unusual cunning, escaping seemingly demoralizing situations, and the audience begins to change their opinion of Ben, from a criminal butcher to an icon.

The government doesn't tolerate this for long, and the heavy hitters are brought in to finish the task of making Richards obsolete and liquidating him.

It's a novel quite different from the usual books of the famous author, much more pessimistic in atmosphere yet still a good read for some.
July 15,2025
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4.0 Stars
In this dystopian novel, King painted a vivid picture of a near-future society that was both terrifying and eerily plausible. The world he imagined was filled with pollution and poverty, creating a desolate and hopeless atmosphere. What made this vision even more chilling was King's accurate prediction of a society that is entertained by the desperation of those in need of money, long before the age of reality TV.

The premise of the story was indeed quite bleak, but King's masterful storytelling kept me engaged from start to finish. The narrative was fast-paced, filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hooked from the very first chapter and couldn't put the book down until I reached the end.

Despite the dark and dystopian nature of the story, there were also glimmers of hope and moments of humanity that shone through. King's characters were well-developed and complex, making it easy for me to empathize with their struggles and root for their survival. Overall, this was a thought-provoking and engaging read that left a lasting impression on me.
July 15,2025
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The dystopian story is set in a distant future of King and is very close to us.


It tells about Richard, who follows various competitions on TV, especially the Runaway competition, which always ends with the death of the participant.


The game of hunters... They choose a few specific people from a large number and release them on the street for a long escape that lasts up to a month, but the pursuit does not last more than a few days in the best of circumstances.


Richard, despite his illness, decides to participate in the Runaway competition. With his sufficient physical abilities and enough intelligence, he is eligible to participate, and the pursuit begins.


The story contains concise and very dark details, and it takes place in the slums.


The division of the story and the division of the state itself is similar to dystopian stories in general, like the Hunger Games and other.


Unfortunately, unfortunately, unfortunately, the translation is extremely bad, and it may be the reason for the low rating. There is definitely a great injustice to the story itself, as many events have been damaged.


King's style is of course well-known, and the psychological idea that he plants in the story in the form of false fear creates a slight psychological pressure, but it pleases me, and this is one of the few times, of course, because of my love for dark stories of this kind. But unfortunately, the translation has damaged everything in it.


This confirms to me after a very bad experience more than once, and the biggest one is that I will be better off reading in English a million times than the laziness of the translators to provide a good enough translation that preserves the original atmosphere of the story.


And the fault of the publisher who accepts anything and is silent.


Thanks to my friend Ahmed Saqr for the wonderful participation, and never mind my choice of this beaten one, don't let me choose another one

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