Another re-read on my journey of reading all Stephen King's books in publication order. As soon as I started this book, it felt like yesterday I last read it, even though it was years ago. TAK. This is a SK book that manages to stay with me.

I am reminded why I am on this journey reading "Desperation" because there are so many Easter Eggs in this book. It includes references to "The Dark Tower", "The Tommyknockers", and "Rose Madder". The fact that this book has a mirror book, "The Regulators", is really fun and I can't wait to read it. As far as I am aware, the Regulators and Desperation are the same story told on different paths on the beam (The Dark Tower), like a parallel universe.

Jonny is such an unlikeable character, but his redemption story is really well done. You go from thinking Jonny is a bit of an ass to hoping he makes it. TAK. As villains go, the cop is really well done. He's a complete madman and brutal. There is a lot of body horror in this book and plenty of moments to make the reader squirm. Because the cop is so unpredictable, it's quickly apparent that everyone is expendable. Even people who you think are main characters never feel safe. There is no safety net.

David is such an interesting character too. I think the flashbacks he has give him real depth and personality. The reason that this book doesn't get full marks from me is for a few reasons, but the main one is the lack of character depth for everyone other than David and Jonny. TAK. Steve and Cynthia didn't need to be in this book at all. They didn't bring anything extra to it, just a waste of page. Cynthia is actually from "Rose Madder" too, and her character made no sense. She immediately jumps into Steve's care even though she doesn't know him, and if you have read "Rose Madder", you'll know how flawed that is.

I am really looking forward to the difference in "The Regulators", and I am interested in how SK writes differently as Richard Bachman. I think I am expecting less detail and a little more freedom when it comes to Bachman. TAK.

¡Vaya locura!

**4.5-stars rounded up**

Stephen King's Desperation is a captivating tale that follows a diverse and strange cast of characters. They find themselves brought together in a fight against an ancient and menacing evil force. This would be my concise synopsis if someone were to inquire about the book. However, if you've ever delved into a Stephen King novel, you know the actual answer is far more intricate than that.

I first read Desperation around 2001. Having just completed my undergraduate studies, I was eager to have the time to read纯粹 for pleasure. What I recall from that initial reading is that while I liked the premise, I didn't fully grasp it. If I had been rating books then, I probably would have given it a 3.5-star rating.

Now, nearly 20 years later, this book is almost a perfect read for me!!! I'm not entirely sure what changed. This time around, I became engaged very quickly. The characters were a significant part of the enjoyment for me. King is a master at developing every aspect of a character's personality and their backstory. You never question their motivation. In my humble opinion, no one does character development quite like King. But a lot of it also had to do with simply settling into another one of his stories. His style is very distinct and nostalgic for me; it feels like home.

Desperation also features one of my all-time favorite tropes: a mismatched group of characters, thrust into extraordinary circumstances, who unite, despite their differences, to battle the forces of evil. Good versus Evil is a theme I love every time.

This novel is extremely graphic, with gore and violence vividly described on the page. Some of the scenes were so intense that they made my toes curl and my stomach lurch. The use of creepy crawlers to evoke fear was expertly done. If this isn't your cup of tea, you'll likely want to skip this one. Otherwise, if you're a seasoned King or Horror reader, get ready for a bloody, brilliant adventure!

My only minor criticism is that the final showdown felt a bit rushed, which is why I gave it a 4.5-star rating instead of a full 5. The book has a nice, long build-up, and I would have liked to read more substance at the end. It was great, but I still craved more! Overall, I'm beyond happy that I took the chance and reread this 706-page behemoth of modern Horror. I'm currently rereading The Regulators and uncovering the many connections I missed the first time. I would highly recommend reading these two books back-to-back for maximum enjoyment!

4,5. How I rejoice every time I come across one of those little gems by King Stephen. He is one of my all-time favorite authors. However, a person with a writing pace as frantic as this gentleman's cannot always maintain the same level. That's why I usually divide his books into three categories: little gems, those that are not bad, and the very average ones. And this one is among the very good ones.

On Interstate 50, a desolate road that crosses Nevada, we will encounter Collie Entragian, a huge police officer. This man is dedicated to stopping the few travelers who cross said road and taking them to Desperation, a nearby town. And he will not do so precisely with good intentions.

The first thing that stands out is the villain of the story. Original, personal, characteristic, and with strength. I'm thrilled when King creates antagonists as powerful as this one, like Annie Wilkis, Pennywise, or Jack Torrance. I feel that Stephen King is one of the best at creating villains, which is one of his strong points. And the villain of this story is so good that it has kept my eyes glued to the novel all the time. The tension is increasing all the time, that sense of disorientation and constant fear for the characters that I hadn't felt with King for a long time. Maybe since I read Pet Sematary.

Another thing that I really liked is the setting. Both the one that refers to the town and how destroyed it is, as well as the one that revolves around the mystery of this curious evil that is plaguing "Desperation". The origin of this being and everything that surrounds its existence seemed very well done to me and, in part, it reminded me of "It", which is always a joy. The group of survivors who have to face it also really appealed to me and in fact I couldn't help but notice a certain similarity with the losers of "It" as well, but in their adult version. I really liked reading how they were arriving in the town, how some were gradually falling. Above all, I really liked Cynthia, Mary, Johnny, and, of course, the villain.

And to finish off a good King read, we come across a powerful, tense, and well-executed ending. I deeply love this author, but the drawback that I often find in his books are their endings, so I was delighted to discover that the one in "Desperation" is among the very good ones. The only thing that I didn't like as much and that led me to give it 4.5 stars instead of five is the religious theme, with the all-powerful God who can do everything. If the religious theme had been a bit more relaxed, it would have received five stars. Even so, it has entered my top 5 King books. Now it's time for its twin brother "The Regulators".

What I learned from this book: tall people are The Devil. *lol*

This was not the most excellent King I’ve read so far, but it was still pretty good.

There are four groups of people in this story. First, there's a young couple, Mary and Peter Jackson. Then, there's a family of four consisting of a father, mother, an 11-year-old boy, and his younger sister. There's also a washed-up writer and his assistant, who has to follow him at a distance while his boss crosses the US on his motorcycle. And finally, there's a hitchhiker the writer picked up not long ago.

These four groups have one thing in common. They are each either stopped by a cop on the highway or are connected to the people who have been arrested and end up in the small town of Desperation.

The problem is that there's something seriously wrong with the cop. From supposedly planted weed to eerie phrases that seep into his speech pattern, unnerving those he's talking to. Also, the town is completely empty. From the recently re-opened mines to the main street, not a soul can be seen. And here's a third unnerving fact: the animals, from coyotes to buzzards and scorpions, seem to have been used for some unknown purpose.

But why and how did all this happen? Well, that's exactly what the people are trying to figure out after they realize they've landed in a kind of hell.

One thing I wasn't a fan of was the whole religion aspect. I know King isn't religious himself, but the pious message was a bit too strong for my taste. I actually hoped David would die, preferably while praying, realizing in his last moments that it was all just his imagination. Alas, that didn't happen.

For those who regularly read Stephen King, this will be one of those rewarding stories that has some connection to others. It tells us about children with powers like Danny in The Shining and yet another hole in the fabric of our reality that let in something. Pennywise was such a thing, and the mist in the novella of the same name was basically a curtain drawn back as well.

I really liked the atmosphere in the little town when we didn't know exactly what was wrong but could sense that something was very wrong indeed. The origin story itself was cool, although I'm not sure how they found out. Not to mention that I hated all the used animals and that they had to die.

Like I said, it was very enjoyable, but not King's best. By the way, my audiobook was narrated by King himself, and let me tell you, the man is a great audiobook narrator!

P.S.: It was September 21st when the miners accidentally freed Tak from its underground prison, thus unleashing evil upon the world. My sister was born on September 21st. IT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING!

UUUUUUUUUUGGGHHHH I feel so betrayed by this dumb book.

The first half, maybe even two thirds, and I was all HEY THIS MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE KING NOVEL. A creepy rural Nevada cop starts kidnapping innocent travelers! Like all post-AA King, they're all thinly veiled representations of parts of his personality/personal history! THE COP IS POSSESSED BY AN ANCIENT EARTH-GOD WITH POWER OVER THE LOWER BEASTS OF THE DESERT?@?!!? DUDE!

There's a movie adaptation where RON PERLMAN PLAYS THE COP! DOUBLE DUDE!!

And then... I mean. You know how King can't write an ending? (And neither can his son for that matter, file that away for later...) How every single novel ends with a MAJOR deus ex machina??

Usually he can come up with a better name for his 'deus' than God.

The entire second half of Desperation is a pile of proselytizing garbage. Literally every single obstacle encountered in the latter 300 pages is resolved by a character praying. PRAYING.

PRAYING.

I am so upset. So upset. This got two stars for each hundred pages I could stand.

So upset.

I was really enjoying the story at first. The premise was exciting and full of potential. The idea of a possessed cop in a rural Nevada setting was creepy and engaging. I was hooked and thought this could be one of King's best works. But then, as the story progressed, it all went downhill. The ending was a huge letdown. It felt like King just gave up and resorted to using prayer as a convenient way to solve all the problems. It was lazy writing and it really disappointed me. I expected more from a master of the genre like King. I'm still a fan of his work, but this book was a major disappointment.

This book has its share of ups and downs. In my opinion, with better editing, it could have easily trimmed at least 75 pages or so. Nevertheless, it is still a good read.

For a novel by King, it places a significant emphasis on the religious aspects. After finishing this one, I always feel compelled to immediately pick up 'The Regulators'.

'The Regulators' is the 'other side of the story' written by King's friend, 'Richard Bachman'.

It's interesting to see how these two works, one by King and the other by his friend under a different pseudonym, complement each other and offer different perspectives on what seems to be a related narrative.

Jen from Quebec :0)

Although this particular book is not one of my absolute favorite Stephen King works, I would still highly recommend it to all readers. Stephen King is a master storyteller, and even in this book, his unique style and ability to create captivating and suspenseful narratives shine through. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. There are elements of horror, mystery, and drama that blend together seamlessly, making it a truly engaging read. Even if it doesn't rank at the top of my personal favorites list, I recognize its value and believe that it has something to offer to a wide range of readers. So, if you're a fan of Stephen King or simply enjoy a good thriller, I would encourage you to give this book a try.

Lust and death are two profound and often intertwined themes that have intrigued human beings throughout history. The connection between them is both complex and captivating. Lust, with its intense desires and passions, can drive individuals to take risks and make choices that may have fatal consequences. On the other hand, the awareness of death can also heighten our sense of lust, as we strive to experience life to the fullest before it ends.

There are countless examples in literature, art, and real life that illustrate this connection. From tragic love stories to tales of forbidden desires, the relationship between lust and death has been explored in various ways. It can be seen as a powerful force that shapes our lives and destinies, sometimes leading us to great heights of pleasure and sometimes to the brink of destruction.

Understanding the connection between lust and death can offer us valuable insights into the human condition. It can help us to recognize the power of our desires and the importance of making conscious choices. It can also remind us of the fleeting nature of life and the need to cherish every moment. Whether we view it as a source of inspiration or a warning, the connection between lust and death is a topic that demands our attention and reflection. Must read!!

A clean and bloody thriller from King with his hair-raisingly realistic descriptions.

If there is a book of his that could come after "It", then it is "Desperation". It is worth reading and is recommended.

I continue with "The Regulators" which is something like a sequel or prequel to it, as will be shown.

King's works are known for their ability to grip readers and keep them on the edge of their seats. "Desperation" is no exception. The story is filled with intense moments and a sense of dread that lingers throughout.

"The Regulators" further explores the same universe and adds new elements to the already complex narrative. It offers a different perspective and continues to engage readers with its unique plot and characters.

Together, these two books form an exciting and unforgettable reading experience for fans of King and lovers of thrillers in general.

One thing that truly intrigues me is the way so many critics simply dismiss Stephen King as a hack just because he writes horror novels.

Unlike those literary authors who focus on extraordinary individuals in ordinary situations, King has his own unique approach. He writes about regular people who find themselves in extraordinary and often terrifying situations, and this really appeals to me.

Desperation, for instance, is very much reminiscent of King's magnum opus The Stand. In this novel, King revisits many familiar and powerful themes such as the eternal struggle between good and evil, the concepts of salvation, redemption, and faith, and so on.

Of course, there's also a significant amount of blood and gore, which might put off those who aren't fans of such things. However, in my opinion, the absolute best aspect of the novel is the eerie and desolate atmosphere that King so skillfully creates in the ghost town located in the middle of nowhere Nevada, where all the action unfolds.

King is truly a master at telling human, character-driven stories, even when there are non-human, often demonic entities involved. Desperation is no exception and is a truly great read. I highly recommend that you go and check it out!

PS: If by some strange chance you happen to be driving through the desert and a creepy cop pulls you over, my advice is to wait until he gets out of his cruiser, and then floor the gas and get out of there as fast as you can!

I just can't seem to get into this particular book. There's nothing within its pages that truly grabs my attention and compels me to keep reading. It lacks that certain something, that spark that makes a story come alive and draw the reader in.

As I flip through the pages, my eyes glaze over and my mind starts to wander. I find myself more interested in the world outside the book than in the words printed on its pages.

So, with a sense of disappointment, I place the book into the abandoned book pile. It will join the other volumes that failed to capture my imagination and hold my interest. Maybe one day, I'll give it another chance, but for now, it's just another book that didn't quite make the cut.