Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
26(26%)
4 stars
43(43%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Shot your wife. That's what you did. Good fucking deal, uh?

Wow... This was a BLAST! Is it too long? YES! Could it stand to lose a dozen characters? YOU BET! Was it a coke fueled 80’s Si-Fi/Horror tour de force? ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY!! I understand that this book gets a lot of hate from readers as well as the author himself. Although, King does say he thinks there’s a good 350 - page book trapped in it somewhere. But I don’t care. I loved this.

Here are the elephants in the room. It’s bloated. Sure. There’s a lot of stuff in this book that really doesn’t matter. However, King’s descriptions and the character’s inner dialogues are so strange and amusing that it’s totally forgivable. There are too many characters. I agree. There are some folks in this book that I have no recollection of even after just putting it down. But I really didn’t mind. I didn’t allow myself to get too precious about keeping track of everyone or getting attached to anyone because foreshadowing and nonlinear story telling lets you know who’s not going to make it sometimes before a character is even properly introduced.

Is this book perfect? No. It’s long and it’s arduous and it’s bleak. But it’s also fun and funny and full of references to “The Shining” and “IT”. At one point I had to check the published date on “Trucks” because I forgot this wasn’t “Maximum Overdrive”. Imagine what it must have been like to be Stephen King in the 80’s. You could go on a coke binge and pay homage to yourself!

Seriously... I can’t stress how much I enjoyed my time in Haven. What a wild ride. It was a truly unique reading experience that took me on a journey filled with strange and wonderful moments. Despite its flaws, I found myself completely immersed in the story and the world that King had created. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of horror or science fiction, or anyone who is looking for a truly unforgettable read.
July 15,2025
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The next book on my journey of reading all Stephen King's published works in order is The Tommyknockers.

3 stars is the lowest rating I had ever given to a Stephen King book until now. This one just really wasn't for me. I always get nervous when there is a dog in a book or film, especially an older dog. I knew going into this that it wasn't known as one of SK's best books. There are quite a few mentions of other SK's books, including 'Ka' from The Dark Tower and someone seeing a clown in a sewer drain, which I always appreciate.

I thought Bobbi reading Watchers by Dean Koontz was pretty funny as they always get compared. Weirdly, I did get a strong Dean Koontz vibe from this with all the talk about conspiracies and the Sci-Fi plot line. This book takes such a long time to get going. It's a 992-page book, and in my opinion, it could have been a short story.

Having said that, there is some good body horror and some pretty creepy moments. But overall, I didn't think it was scary, just a bit odd. The characters that I thought were actually interesting (unlike our main characters) were in and out of the book within a chapter or two. I ended up being really disappointed in this book, but I will always love Stephen King and I will carry on reading his books.

I was really looking forward to reading The Tommyknockers, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The story seemed to drag on for a long time, and I found myself getting bored. The characters weren't very well-developed, and I didn't really care about what happened to them. The only redeeming features were the mentions of other Stephen King books and the few creepy moments. I would recommend this book to die-hard Stephen King fans only.
July 15,2025
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Out of all the SK novels available, this one presents the greatest challenge when it comes to writing a review.

Why is that? It's because I'm fully aware of the reasons why the general readership might dismiss this novel. However, its wildness, peculiarities, and downright crazy nature are precisely the aspects that make me love it.

The only other series that delves this deeply into the realm of the absurd is the DT series. Don't take my word for it? Consider the Coke machine, the little red wagon, the brothers, the automatic typing machine, or even taking a flying **** through a rolling doughnut. :)

This is indeed a horror novel, but it's also an absolute science fiction novel. If you thought the old B-movie SF horrors were enjoyable in the past, you'll truly appreciate it when they are transformed into a hardcore SK novel that pays homage to the great Poul Anderson.

"Tommyknockers" is a wild and crazy ride of the imagination. It's not for the faint of heart. Perhaps when it was first released, it was too intense for general readers. But now? I think it's just right. And here's the best part: a significant portion of it anticipates later SF works like "Matrix" (in several excellent, green, battery-related ways) and some clever bio-hacking concepts.

In comparison to all of SK's other great novels, it may not rank among his very best. However, it does shine brighter in one particular area: sheer imagination. For this, I offer my applause.

On a more personal note, for those who read my reviews: I'm now open to readers for my new SF. Just send me a direct message for a free copy.
July 15,2025
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Okay, so I may have read this when I was twelve. But let me tell you, it really messed me up!

It's an extremely long book that contains violence and intrigue. If you're twelve and start reading it in December, you might not finish it until mid-January.

The best part is that it was the first book that made reference to a location that I had actually been to. It took place in Maine, people. What could be creepier than that?

This is an underrated classic with perhaps the best title of all time. Just say it: Tommyknockers. It's awesome.

The story is filled with mysterious events and characters that keep you on the edge of your seat. The description of the Maine setting adds an extra layer of authenticity and spookiness.

Even though I read it when I was young, it left a lasting impression on me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

Give it a try and see for yourself why it's such a great read.
July 15,2025
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Let me share a story with you.

2.5

Many years ago, I first delved into "The Tommyknockers." It was a hefty hardcover book that immediately captivated me. As a budding Stephen King fan, after reading my first King book, I couldn't resist devouring more.

The build-up in "The Tommyknockers" was intense and filled with numerous engaging elements. There was an entire town communicating telepathically, aliens, disappearing children, a buried spaceship, and an abundance of references to menstruation. It seemed to have everything to love.

However, the ending was a major letdown. I had never felt so cheated by an ending in a book before. In a fit of teenage rage, I hurled my hardcover copy across the room. It hit the wall with such force that it left a softball-sized hole in my bedroom wall.

To my dismay, my parents were far from impressed.

This year, I decided to give the book another chance by listening to the audio version, hoping to let go of some of that lingering anger. But it was a resounding failure. I ended up disliking the book even more this time around. As I've grown older, I've become more attuned to the hidden messages in books, and in this case, I felt that Gard's obsession with nuclear power plants and the endless drunken rants were King's way of expressing his own views. Whether that's true or not, it was highly annoying and so prominent that I constantly anticipated a nuclear incident.

Another aspect that irked me was the abundance of useless filler. The book was filled with so much extraneous information that I found myself trying to keep track of it all, only to discover that most of it was inconsequential.

There are very few books (less than five) written by Stephen King that leave me with such a sour taste in my mouth, but when they do, it's truly unbearable. I feel this way about "The Tommyknockers." If you could see the expression of disgust on my face as I write this review, you would understand the sincerity of my words.

So, why did I rate it 2.5 stars instead of 1? Well, let's be honest - it's Stephen King. And as any King fan will attest, even a subpar Stephen King book is still better than many others. Additionally, there were still some aspects that I genuinely loved. The disappearing act at the magic show remains one of my favorite King moments, and I also greatly enjoyed the doll scene. There were glimmers of greatness hidden within this tome, but it's clear that King lacked direction in this particular work and could have benefited from a more stringent editor. It's by no means one of his best, but it's an okay book overall.
July 15,2025
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It is truly an enjoyable experience, yet it can get a little crazy at times. There are moments when this craziness is of a good kind, adding an element of excitement and adventure. It makes the whole thing more thrilling and memorable. However, there are also occasions when it goes a bit too far. The crazy becomes not so good, perhaps overwhelming or causing a bit of chaos. It's like a fine line that is sometimes crossed. But despite the moments of excessive craziness, the overall experience still manages to be enjoyable. There is a certain charm and allure to it that keeps pulling you in. It's a unique blend of fun and a touch of wildness that makes it an experience worth having, even if it does have its ups and downs in the craziness department.

July 15,2025
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"Tommyknockers, Tommyknockers knocking at my door"

The Tommyknockers, not among Stephen King's most renowned novels and often ranked lower in his bibliography, yet its storyline piqued my interest. Bearing some resemblance to the great Sci-fi film Invasion Of The Bodysnatchers, I felt compelled to explore this one.

The tale commences in the small town of Haven, Maine. Famous author Bobbi Anderson, along with her beloved dog, discovers something peculiar buried in her backyard. Deciding to dig further, it soon becomes evident that this should have remained buried. It leads to strange occurrences, and Bobbi herself, despite longing for her good friend "Gard" to return home, displays extremely odd tendencies and suddenly becomes an expert in fixing and assembling technical equipment without realizing why.

Strange happenings and other rapidly eccentric behaviors afflict the other town residents, and it's clear that something sinister and otherworldly is causing these irreversible transformations.

When Bobbi's best friend "Gard" (James Gardner), an alcoholic poet, finally does return, he immediately senses something amiss. Thanks to a steel plate in his skull (resulting from a skiing accident in his youth), Gard seems immune to the ongoing transformations. Somehow, he knows of The Tommyknockers and senses their responsibility. He attempts, in his own way, to put an end to this madness that has completely overtaken the town.

I found enjoyment in this book. It's not for everyone, and it is overly long. However, there are parts of the story that are highly engaging and entertaining, some truly frightening (like Altair 4), and characters you care about, as well as those you despise (such as Annie Anderson). Similar to horror films, this book is best read at night, as it has a fever dream-like vibe that cannot be replicated during the day. Personally, I would recommend this to those who appreciate good stories and don't mind long books. Although there is a fair amount of filler, the good parts are truly excellent.

3.5 Stars, Recommended.
July 15,2025
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This book disappointed everyone when it came out, myself included.

However, upon rereading it today, it offers a wild and unhinged tour of Eighties America.

The era was one that seemed to be jacked up on cocaine, with a sense of excess and a certain wild abandon.

At the same time, there was an underlying current of something darker, as if the nation was slowly dying of cancer.

The book captures this complex and tumultuous time in a way that is both captivating and disturbing.

It makes one realize that perhaps our initial disappointment was due to not fully understanding the depth and significance of what the author was trying to convey.

As I delved deeper into the story during this reread, I found myself uncovering new layers and meanings that had eluded me the first time around.

It was a truly eye-opening experience.

For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of this reread, you can read more over at my Great Stephen King Reread.
July 15,2025
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The Tommyknockers is a truly scary tale that has the ability to send shivers down your spine. However, in an unexpected twist, it also managed to make me laugh.


There is a famous saying: "For want of a shoe, the kingdom was lost… for the choice of a path, the ship was found." This shows that wisdom can sometimes be a double-edged sword. It can lead to success or failure, depending on how it is used.


Advanced technology and unearthly wonders are often the focus of science fiction stories. In this case, we have the idea of a flying saucer. Despite being debunked by the Air Force, scientists, and psychologists, and being considered a joke by science-fiction writers and editors, flying saucers still manage to capture our imagination.


But even though they may seem funny, flying saucers can be dangerous. Aliens are often portrayed as bringing terror and horror. This is a common theme in science fiction.


Nonetheless, there is a solid moral to the story: if you find an alien spaceship in your backyard, don't ever try to enter it. This is a lesson that we should all take to heart.

July 15,2025
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I don't know why so many people don't like this book.

It is true that the book is long, but that doesn't mean it lacks charm.

In fact, it is highly entertaining from beginning to end.

The story is filled with exciting plot twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The characters are well-developed and full of personality, making it easy for the reader to become invested in their lives.

Despite its length, the book never feels dull or拖沓.

Each chapter brings something new and interesting, and the author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow.

Perhaps those who don't like the book simply didn't give it a fair chance.

They may have been put off by its length or by the subject matter.

However, for those who are willing to take the time to read it, this book has the potential to be a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience.
July 15,2025
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I feel truly awful for assigning such a low rating to this book. However, I wholeheartedly believe that I endured a significant portion of it with great difficulty.

Some parts of it were truly outstanding, and I breezed through those sections with great enthusiasm. But then, there would be another 100 pages with horribly slow pacing and information that I deemed so unimportant that I didn't retain any of it at all.

I have read that King himself feels that this is his worst book, and perhaps he is correct. I suppose it was inevitable that I would eventually come across a book of his that I didn't completely adore.

Overall, while there were some亮点 in this book, the majority of it left me feeling disappointed and frustrated. I had such high expectations for a work by King, but unfortunately, this one just didn't meet them.
July 15,2025
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This book is narrowly escaping a single star rating solely due to the respect I hold for the author and his ability to often redeem himself with his storytelling. However, among the thirty or more books I've read by him, this one stands out as the most repulsive in terms of its writing. I've never been so critical in my reading of his works. I meticulously underlined phrases and sentences that made me cringe, were awkward, unnecessary, or clunky. He is, in his own words, the ultimate putter-inner. It seems he loves adding more just for the sake of it rather than because it truly contributes to the story. The book could have easily been 200 pages shorter. He milked every situation to the extreme, and instead of a satisfying result, we're left with a mess.

For example, on page 885, "Never fired a warning shot," Weems cackled breathlessly. "No, I never did. Never did at all." King could have stopped at "breathlessly" or even "cackled." Another common example that every King fan has likely encountered is "No, Bob didn't like it. No, he didn't like it at all. Nosirree Bob!!" Five words would have sufficed. These excessive words not only bombard the reader but also draw attention away from the story in an awkward and melodramatic way.
There are many more such examples throughout the book. While some readers may find these perfectly normal and consider me too sensitive, so much of this book is simply bad writing. The overuse of similes is overwhelming. If it had been only 700 pages, I might have been more forgiving. But almost 1000 pages of this bad writing takes a toll on your love of words. King once said he wished he was better at writing, and unfortunately, I have to agree, at least sometimes. His imagination is undeniably efficient, and the story is the only reason I can't completely dislike the book. But seriously, why the excessive and often unnecessary writing?

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