Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
30(30%)
4 stars
36(36%)
3 stars
34(34%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Really good. I have been on a King family spree for the last week. It has been an amazing literary journey. I have read End of Watch, which was a thrilling and captivating read. Then, I delved into The Fireman, and it was equally enthralling. And now, I have come across this one. In total, I have devoured 1600 pages of pure fun. This particular work is really good. It has kept me on the edge of my seat, with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and masterful writing. Stephen King and his family truly know how to create stories that grip the reader from start to finish. I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us.

July 15,2025
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A very readable piece of gory horror from the master of the art, Stephen King.

I was truly captivated by the idea about the sparrows. It added an element of mystery and unease that was simply brilliant. And let's not forget the part about the twin being absorbed into his brother's body. While such a thing can happen in reality, King's visualization of it is nothing short of extraordinary. He has a unique ability to take the ordinary and turn it into something truly terrifying.

King is known for writing good books, and he also writes excellent books. So far, he has never let me down by writing a bad book. This particular one is no exception. It is a great addition to his collection of horror novels. If you have a penchant for horror and enjoy being scared out of your wits, then this book is definitely for you. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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A man. He is an average American man, a fledgling author who has written two novels with mediocre sales. Like many famous authors such as J.K Rowling, Nora Roberts, and Stephen King, he uses a pseudonym to write in a different genre. However, no matter how many names he uses, it is still the same person writing. Or is it?

Have you seen Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds? Did it fascinate you or did it give you the creeps? Do you have a different perception of large flocks of birds now?

In a small town in Maine, there is a diverse group of characters. Alan Pangborn, Polly Chalmers, Norris Ridgewick, Andy Clutterbuck, and others will reappear some years later when they meet a newcomer who sets up a mysterious shop called NEEDFUL THINGS. And did someone mention a rabid dog?

These three paragraphs form the central horrifying plot of Stephen King's The Dark Half. This book is not a blatant horror like IT, nor does it involve a large cast of characters from one town like Under the Dome. King draws on his own knowledge and experiences, making the main character an author. It is a classic tale of good versus evil that doesn't keep you guessing. The point is for you to understand what's going on from the early pages. You know the why, but how will it end?
July 15,2025
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Reread this one for a writing thing, and it's truly remarkable how different the things that stand out to you as a young reader are compared to what stands out as an adult.

As a young reader, perhaps it's the vivid descriptions, the exciting adventures, or the charming characters that capture your attention. You are more likely to be drawn to the surface-level elements that make the story engaging and fun.

However, as an adult, your perspective changes. You may notice the deeper themes, the complex character relationships, and the author's writing style and techniques. You are able to analyze and appreciate the story on a more intellectual level.

A full review will come eventually... at some point... soon, I swear. I look forward to delving deeper into this piece and sharing my thoughts and insights with you.
July 15,2025
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The sparrows are flying again.

This simple statement holds a great deal of significance and is, unfortunately, bad news for Thaddeus Beaumont, as well as for his family and friends. It seems that his dark half has returned with a vengeance, wreaking havoc and laying waste to all those in its path in a skillful and rather ruthless manner.

I have to say that I truly love this book. Part of the story is set in Castle Rock, a town that I have mentioned before and one that I have a particular fondness for. The character of Sheriff Pangborn from Castle Rock is also a favorite of mine, and he does not disappoint in this story.

If you're looking for a thrilling and engaging read, I highly recommend this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end and leave you eager for more.
July 15,2025
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This story is truly intense! King steps on the gas pedal and doesn't let up for a moment!

The body count is extremely high, and the death scenes are described in great detail, explicitly and graphically. It's enough to make your heart race.

I really liked the characters in this book. Stark is undoubtedly one of King's finest villains. He is menacing and evil, yet there is something about him that makes you unable to look away. Liz is super cool, with her own strength and determination. And Thad, well, he's Thad - a complex and interesting character. Sheriff Alan Pangborn is also a great addition to the story, and of course, we get to see him in other books too.

I think it's really cool that King wrote this book about a pseudonym that represents pure, concentrated evil. As King fans, we know that he has a pseudonym of his own, and I'm guessing he had a great time writing this one. It's like he's exploring the darker side of himself through this character.

The Dark Half is definitely King at his peak, doing what he does best: shocking readers while also making us care deeply about the characters. It's a must-read for both new and old King fans alike. You won't be able to put this book down once you start reading it.
July 15,2025
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I have no words for this wonderful and captivating story of King! Undoubtedly one of his best!


The whole idea is simply fantastic! Having also placed a fantastic character of his own to write some of his books - which character is grateful that it died at the beginning of this book - he has managed to capture in its entirety and the whole psychological makeup, the way of thinking and the reactions of both his main hero and the other, twin self of his.


The book doesn't let you put it down... It's all an unrelenting action, a continuous development that starts from a simple event (as usual) and climbs up to the unbelievable, captivating ending! It is read in one breath!

July 15,2025
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George Stark. He's not a pleasant character at all.


The Dark Half was my fourth Stephen King reread in 2019, and it was every bit as brilliant as I recalled!
This story, which is equal parts warped, dark, and brutal, is an absolute must-read for any King fan.
I won't delve into the connections between this and King's own life and his experience with Richard Bachman. Let's just hope this twisted tale of a 'pseudonym gone rogue' is entirely a work of fiction. I mean, a man gets beaten to death with his own prosthetic arm! That's intense, and it doesn't even scratch the surface of this extremely violent narrative.
The story commences when our protagonist, Thad Beaumont, is just a child suffering from debilitating headaches and auditory hallucinations. During a surgical exploration of his brain, it is discovered that Thad !
With that strange incident behind him, Thad goes on to lead a healthy, normal life. He becomes a college professor and writer, gets married, has twins, creates a pseudonym, George Stark, to write under, and then kills him off after being exposed. You know, the typical stuff.
However, there's one problem with this. George Stark doesn't want to be dead. He wants to continue his successful pulp fiction writing, and he needs Thad on board to do so.
When people associated with Thad's career start being brutally murdered, Thad becomes the prime suspect. Even though he has a solid alibi, there is physical evidence linking him to the crimes, like fingerprints!
Thad, who is innocent, sets out to prove it and stop the person responsible. Alongside everyone's favorite Sheriff, Alan Pangborn, the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together with startling results.
If you're seeking a vicious, creepy read, look no further. This King classic contains some of the best body horror ever written and will keep you in a state of dreadful anticipation throughout the entire book!!! Highly recommended!
July 15,2025
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"Cut him. Cut him while I stand here and watch. I want to see the blood flow. Don't make me tell you twice."

This line gives a sense of a menacing and violent scene. However, the overall book didn't quite grip me as much as some of his other works. I felt that there wasn't a whole lot happening in this one.

After a second attempt, I did manage to finish it, and it became my 58th Stephen King read. But I have to say, I think this is the only book of his that I've read so far that I won't be eager to return to for a re-read.

On the positive side, it was good to see the return of Sheriff Alan Pangborn. And there were indeed some moments in the book that were interesting.

If you have already read a bunch of King's better work and are still hungry for more, I would recommend "The Dark Half".

I'm definitely looking forward to watching the adaptation to see how they bring this story to life on the screen.
July 15,2025
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An Ode to Richard Bachman and pen names, twins, and the creations of authors that are real for them.


Sparrows was a nice touch. It added a certain charm to the story. At least it wasn't those damn ants again. Hahaha. The use of sparrows instead of ants brought a different flavor to the narrative. It made the reader's imagination soar in a new direction.


Overall, this work earns a 3.5 Stars rounded up. It has its strengths and weaknesses, but the unique elements like the use of sparrows and the exploration of pen names and authorial creations make it an interesting read. It leaves the reader with something to think about and discuss.

July 15,2025
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I read this book some time ago and I really enjoyed the story.

It's truly remarkable how Stephen King has this unique ability. No one else can make me feel as if I'm constantly looking over my shoulder while reading a book quite like he does.

His storytelling is at its absolute best. He weaves tales that are not only engaging but also have the power to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The way he creates vivid characters and builds suspense is simply masterful.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read. Whether you're a fan of horror or just enjoy a well-written story, Stephen King's work is sure to satisfy.

So, pick up this book and prepare to be taken on a thrilling journey. You won't be disappointed.

July 15,2025
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A totally wild ride!

It's something that I likely wouldn't have picked up on my own because I'd somehow missed this King novel.

However, I'm so glad that I did as I enjoyed it much more than expected.

As always, Stephen King is a genius at creating characters who are flawed, intriguing, and yet somehow redeeming.

The way he develops these characters makes the story come alive and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Now that I've finished the book, I'm really looking forward to hunting down the film version to compare notes on how it varies from the book.

I'm curious to see how the filmmakers have translated King's vision onto the big screen and whether they've been able to capture the essence of the story and the characters.

It's going to be an interesting comparison, and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Oh, and by the way, this was a buddy read with Amber and Kelly! Woot and double woot.

It was so much fun sharing our thoughts and opinions on the book as we were reading it.

We had some great discussions and it really added to the overall experience of reading this amazing novel.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller or mystery.

It's definitely one of King's best works and is well worth the read.
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