I don't know why I don't like horror novels! The fear of ghosts and spirits has vanished since class five or six. The main element of a horror novel is fear, and if one can't enjoy that fear, there's nothing left.

This novel is a Lovecraftian horror, written about the monstrous and otherworldly creatures. I don't like it even more. Before this, I had read "One Pair of Eyes Seeks Another Pair of Eyes" by Jahid Hosen.

The first fifty pages of the book are a bit slow. It is written about typical American life. Then it is written about the struggle of a group of people trapped in a supermarket. The story then starts to gain momentum.

There is very little of the Lovecraftian element. Instead, there is a skillful description of people's panic and psychological conflicts. In danger, panicked people can think and do all kinds of things, and Stephen King has written all these in a skillful description.

I got a bit bored in one place. People are trapped in a supermarket. Outside, there is thick fog and the panic of the monstrous creatures. No one can get out. David and his five-year-old son Bill are trapped. David loves his wife very much and is worried about the misfortune of his wife left at home. Why does he have to have sex with another woman at the right time!

This was my first Stephen King novel that I have read up to this point.

And for me, it was most definitely a 4-star rating.

I truly believe that his writing and storytelling abilities live up to all the praise that people give. I now understand exactly where people are coming from when they refer to King as the 'King of Horror'.

The story was so gripping that it held my attention from start to finish. It was also very emotional, making me feel a wide range of feelings.

You never know what is about to happen next, which added to the excitement and suspense. I absolutely loved it!

I am now eager to explore more of King's novels as they have piqued my interest to a great extent. I have high hopes that I will discover many more wonderful things in his other stories.

Let's go!

3.5ish

The first half of this book was an absolute delight! The writing was engaging, the setting was atmospheric, and the characters were so vivid that they seemed to leap off the page. I simply couldn't put the book down and was amazed at how easily I could picture every scene in such vivid detail. However, the second half took a bit of a different turn for me. This book had its creepy moments, to be sure. The premise was great - a mysterious mist, people locked in a grocery store, and death all around. But then our main character, who is stuck in the store with his son while his wife is at home, starts fantasizing about having sex with some other women who are also there. Like, come on, man! You have a wife and a son! Stop that! Then, about halfway through the book, he sees someone's dead body and is confused about what's missing. "His head was gone, that's what it was." Umm, okay? XD
Despite these issues, I have to say that the descriptions in this book were truly amazing. There were several times when I got chills down my spine. It's not my favorite Stephen King book, but it's still definitely worth a read if you're a fan of his work.

The Mist is yet another remarkable work by King. Similar to Carrie, it has become deeply ingrained in society's collective understanding of fear, almost to the point of being a cliché. However, my encounter with The Mist completely transformed my perception of a story I thought I was familiar with. In my view, it significantly contributed to my understanding of why King opts to end his stories in the way he does, a topic I will explore later.

Overall, The Mist is a brief but intense exploration of the frightened mind, a dissection of mob mentality, and how fear manifests within a group of strangers thrust together by sudden and inexplicable danger. It is both disturbing and thought-provoking, effectively placing readers in the shoes of its characters.

One of King's strengths, in my opinion, is his ability to create believable characters who make understandable, albeit unfortunate, decisions based on their fear. Our main protagonist and his son find themselves trapped in a supermarket with a diverse group of people, from holidaymakers to long-time neighbors. After a powerful storm, a strange mist descends upon the town, concealing terrifying, otherworldly creatures that hunger for human flesh. Unable to leave the market for fear of being devoured, this motley crew must determine how to survive.

I was utterly fascinated by how the group dynamics were formed and changed as a result of being confined together. Small factions emerged, and their leaders vied for power and more members. We witness the emergence of a cult led by one of the most disturbing human antagonists I've encountered in King's fiction. We see inhibitions disappear, animal instincts surface, and heroism emerge in the most unexpected individuals. We observe bravery and cowardice, greed and selflessness, adaptability and blatant narrow-mindedness, all within the confined space of the supermarket, which serves as a microcosm of humanity.

King's ability to convey the idea that belief can be right and true, even while depicting religion as horrid and garish, is something I truly appreciate. I've read approximately twenty of King's books, and at least half a dozen of them have presented religious fervor in a negative light. Nevertheless, King does an excellent job of not presenting religious belief itself as evil. Instead, he shows these villains as fanatics who have distorted religion to suit their own purposes. So far, this has always been a warped form of Christianity, but I have never felt that King was making fun of Christians. Instead, he is highlighting the evil that can be committed in the name of religion and how Christianity can become a terrifying and dangerous force when approached with a desire to judge and appear superior rather than a desire for forgiveness, acceptance, and love. I have witnessed such distortions of my own faith in real life, and it always saddens and angers me. I sense a hint of this in King's work, and it really resonates with me.

One aspect of this book that I particularly valued was a passage near the end that, in my opinion, elucidated King's approach to endings, which are often ambiguous and for which he is somewhat notorious.

"This is what happened. Or, nearly all - there is one final thing I'll get to in a moment. But you mustn't expect some neat conclusion…It is, I suppose, what my father always frowningly called 'an Alfred Hitchcock ending,' by which he meant a conclusion in ambiguity that allowed the reader or viewer to make up his own mind about how things ended. My father had nothing but contempt for such stories, saying they were 'cheap shots.'"

I truly believe this is both an apology and a defense. King is drawn to ambiguous endings because they leave the outcome in the hands of the readers, but he is aware that this tendency of his is not always popular. I actually quite like ambiguous endings for the very reason King presents here through the words of his protagonist. Without a clear conclusion, readers are free to imagine their own endings, and such stories often linger in our minds longer than those with neatly tied-up endings. This is why I think King excels at short stories, as ambiguous endings seem more acceptable in that format.

The Mist, like most of the books I've read by King, is not without flaws. However, these flaws did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. This novella is as engaging as a story set mainly in a grocery store can be. I happened to read the majority of this book on an unusually foggy day, which added an odd and fitting ambiance to my reading experience. I also can't help but think that novels like Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer might never have been written if it weren't for this little book. The Mist is definitely worth reading and is a great way to dip your toes into King's scarier works.

You can find this review and more at Novel Notions.

Stephen King is a renowned author, and I recently came across a rather short novel of his that I absolutely loved. It was extremely entertaining, and at some moments, it even managed to scare me.

The first few pages might seem a bit slow-paced, but once the story reaches the supermarket, everything turns into a beautiful chaos. The description of the events and the atmosphere is so vivid that it feels like you are right there in the middle of it.

Personally, I really liked the ending. I know there are some people who might not be fond of it, but for me, it added a perfect touch to the entire story. It left me with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to read more of King's works. This short novel is definitely a must-read for all fans of horror and mystery.

4.5 stars.

Stephen King is truly a master of storytelling, and "The Mist" is just another shining example of his mesmerizing ability. From the very first page, I was completely gripped and couldn't put the book down until the final sentence. Despite being the size of a novella and originally published as a short story, it manages to pack in enough creeps and chills to send shivers down your spine.

The way King builds up the atmosphere in this book is simply brilliant. There's no wasted time in setting the stage and diving right into the heart of the story. He doesn't spend an excessive amount of time exploring the whys and the whats; instead, he just gets right into it, which is both refreshing and exciting. The result is a fast-paced and engaging read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

While the creatures lurking in the gray mist, seeking human flesh, are terrifying enough, the real fear in "The Mist" lies in the grayness of human nature. The story revolves around how people react to the terror and to each other in such a desperate situation. It's a powerful exploration of the darkness that can lurk within us all, and it's this aspect that really makes the book a true horror classic.

My only minor complaint would be that there isn't much explanation about why the mist has suddenly appeared. Additionally, there is a sex scene in the book that I felt was completely unnecessary and detracted from the overall tone of the story. However, these are relatively small issues compared to the many strengths of "The Mist."

Overall, "The Mist" is a damn good short, quick read that is sure to satisfy any fan of monster horror. It knows exactly what it is and goes for it with gusto, without mincing words or beating around the bush. It's well-written, engaging, and barrels along at a breakneck pace, making it definitely worth the read.

**Title: 4.25 Stars - A Great Rating**

4.25 stars is an excellent rating that indicates a high level of quality and satisfaction. When a product or service receives such a rating, it means that it has met or exceeded the expectations of the majority of its users or customers.

This rating is not easy to achieve. It requires a combination of factors such as excellent performance, reliability, good customer service, and value for money. A product or service with a 4.25-star rating is likely to be one that stands out from the competition and has earned the trust and loyalty of its users.

Whether it's a restaurant, a hotel, a product on an e-commerce site, or a service provider, a 4.25-star rating can have a significant impact on its success. It can attract new customers, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and ultimately lead to higher sales and profits.

In conclusion, a 4.25-star rating is something to be proud of. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people behind the product or service and a sign that they are doing something right.

This was an extremely fun and spooky read.

It truly had the power to send shivers down one's spine and keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

However, I couldn't help but wish that it could have been a longer novel, perhaps in the vein of The Stand.

I firmly believe that there is an enormous amount of potential within this world that the author has created.

There are so many storylines and characters that could have been explored in greater depth.

A longer format would have allowed for a more detailed and immersive experience, enabling the reader to fully understand and become invested in the world and its inhabitants.

Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing what else the author has in store for this captivating world.

I’ve only ever read a few Stephen King books, but the ones I’ve read have truly left a lasting impression on me. They’ve not only creeped me out but also made me feel an odd sense of unease in my own home.

Take “The Mist” for example. It was absolutely terrifying and horrific. The vivid imagery of people being brutally ripped apart was enough to make me feel sick to my stomach. What makes this imagery so powerful is that it not only sets the scene but also creates a character out of the scenery itself. The little town overrun by monsters from another dimension (presumably a result of a government project gone wrong) is a truly frightening place. The fact that the human characters are cut off from their loved ones and the rest of the world while trapped in a grocery store adds an extra layer of suspense. The combination of the imagery and the mood really makes this novel a must-read.

The characters in the story, like Dave, his wife Steffi, and their son Billy, are an ideal middle American family. Many of the other characters in the town, both townies and out-of-towners, are very normal. They could easily be any one of us or our neighbors. So, when the situation turns bad and the threat of death looms, it’s truly awful to see how these normal people respond. King does an excellent job of exploring how people deal with life and death situations, often turning on one another in order to survive.

The ending of the novel is ambiguous, which adds another layer to King’s themes. Dave, the narrator, even compares it to a Hitchcock ending, where you’re not quite sure if everything is going to turn out okay or not. And isn’t that just like life? It feels like the most natural ending for this piece. Overall, I really enjoyed being scared and haunted by “The Mist”!

TL;DR A short and gripping monster horror that I had such a fun time reading. I recommend for any horror fans!



I have said it before and I will say it again: I have a penchant for BEEG BOOK NORMBORS. So, when I became aware on Monday that I had only read two books in March, I knew I had to increase those numbers. I then scoured my small library (which consists of one bookshelf, two tubs, and two waist-high stacks of books) in search of something short and sweet. I spotted The Mist and recalled the movie from 2007. I remembered it had a cool ending that I won't spoil and some freaky monsters, so I picked it up. And I absolutely loved it!



The book follows David Drayton as a strange mist blankets his town. Along with this mist come monsters and the breakdown of civilized life. We accompany our protagonist as he attempts to traverse this new world of horrors while safeguarding his son, Billy. While it is a monster-based horror, there is also a strong element of psychological, human-based horror. I won't go into details, but this novella is filled with a great deal of emotion and suspense on every page. I read over half of it in a single day, and although it is a novella, I simply couldn't put it down. The characters and setting feel incredibly real, there is a nice blend of action and suspense, and there is so much mystery intertwined within the story that I have been thinking about it ever since. King doesn't explain anything about the mist; instead, he drops some unreliable hints and clues about what it could be. I adore ambiguous elements in stories, and the focal point of this book was just ambiguous enough to maintain my interest.



If you're still reading, I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts. I highly recommend this one as I found it to be both entertaining and delightfully short. If you have a taste for horror, definitely give this one a try!

Expiation!

Skeleton Crew is brimming with killer stories, yet The Mist stands alone as an immortal classic. Most writers would not envision their eerie fog and beast tale within a grocery store. However, King has a profound understanding of people. By providing them with food and safety, the conflict zeroes in on interpersonal drama, which proves far more terrifying than any supernatural element.

Soon, we are introduced to Mrs. Carmody, who, in my opinion, is one of King's greatest creations. Her ability to cultivate a cult following and persuade skeptics of her fanaticism overnight becomes the true horror of the novel, even though it is a relatively minor side plot overall. King's prowess in handling a large cast of characters, each burdened with their own world of troubles, is truly remarkable. Somehow, each character gets their moment in the spotlight and enriches the fictional world around them.

I am firmly convinced that when Yellowstone erupts, the nukes fall, asteroids strike, or whatever real horror befalls us one day, if there are people trapped in a grocery store at that time, life will unfold precisely as Stephen King has written it in this novel. It is exquisitely attuned to human nature and the uniquely human tendency to exacerbate a bad situation.

My only criticism is that I believe the 2007 Frank Darabont film adaptation boasts a superior ending. Darabont's conclusion is devastating and shocking, yet it feels more in harmony with the novel's themes: we are all just one giant spider away from performing unimaginable deeds. Or, as the movie tagline proclaims, "Fear changes everything." The monsters are little more than a backdrop. Humanity under duress is the real source of chills.

Despite the novel's somewhat lackluster ending, there is no doubt that it is a masterpiece. Perhaps in some ways it is merely a reimagining of the old Twilight Zone episode "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" (okay, maybe in many ways), but King has certainly left his indelible mark on it. I might even boldly assert that The Mist belongs in King's Top 10 novels of all time, even without the assistance of the numerous other outstanding works collected in Skeleton Crew.

The investigative court cases are not comparable to the disasters that your mind can imagine for your loved ones.

We often tend to have a certain perception of court cases, thinking that they are just legal procedures. However, in reality, they can have a profound impact on the lives of those involved.

Unlike the fictional disasters that we can conjure up in our minds, court cases are real and can bring about emotional turmoil, financial hardships, and a sense of uncertainty.

The images associated with court cases, such as the ones shown here, may seem like just pictures, but they represent the real experiences and struggles of people.

We should not underestimate the power and significance of investigative court cases and should approach them with empathy and understanding.

It is important to remember that behind every case, there are real people with real lives at stake.

We should strive to ensure that the legal system is fair and just, and that the rights and interests of all parties are protected.

Only then can we hope to achieve a more just and equitable society.