La danza de la muerte

I truly love the concept and the start of this particular thing. It has a certain charm and potential that initially catches my attention.

However, when it comes to this mega padded edition, I just can't bear all the meaningless detail that it contains.

It seems as if there is an overabundance of information that doesn't really add any value or enhance the overall experience.

The excessive padding makes it feel cumbersome and difficult to get through.

I wish that the focus could be more on the essence and the important aspects, rather than filling it with so much unnecessary fluff.

Maybe a more streamlined and refined version would be more appealing and engaging.

As it stands now, the meaningless detail detracts from the otherwise great idea and beginning.

It's a shame really, because with a little more editing and pruning, it could be truly outstanding.

Apocalypse is the longest book that King has written. And rightfully so, it takes its good time to take off. Well, as is customary for his readers with some unnecessary filler here and there.

To begin with, perhaps giving it four stars seems a bit excessive to me as it is a story that loses its rhythm on several occasions. Sometimes, it's not exactly clear what the focus is when so many characters are being narrated. Among them, there is a terrible imbalance where the good guys have more prominence and the bad guys (who are extremely interesting) don't have as much until almost the end. The main problem I see is that at the beginning, there are some who have a lot of screen time, promise too much but then deflate like a balloon throughout the book and disappoint. And there are others who are given the same prominence but only to go around and around on the same topic, overshadowing the rest, which becomes tiresome and very, very monotonous.

The first part of the book is introductory. With the epidemic, the virus, and all the chaos that comes with it among the few survivors. The apocalyptic tones are very palpable, which is great, but there are some scenes that are really unnecessary and can be cut without mercy.

The second part develops more and we are given some action, in addition to finally focusing on the main plot (the very tired and recycled confrontation between good and evil). However, this is where I was most disgusted and it shows the waste of time dedicated to a certain annoying couple of characters.

And the last part is the best of the whole book. The characters collide, there is a final confrontation, deaths, bittersweet surprises. In short, it's a delight to see how everything can go even more to hell. The only problem I see with this final part is that it incurs what in my opinion is a very serious deus ex machina that I can't overlook.

However, it's a good book and although it has its ups and downs, it's worth it. Although it's also true that if I were to compare and evaluate it with respect to It, the latter is undoubtedly a better book than Apocalypse. Both have things in common, such as being extremely long, coral novels with very many characters, there is a villain who somehow manipulates the mind and human evil is explored in different facets. Only that It does it much better and Apocalypse comes across as a bit bland next to it, wasting good characters and going around and around on other less important things. So for that reason, I'm reluctant to put it at the same level and it gets its four well-deserved stars for being a long adventure with ups and downs that I liked despite being a bit of a mess.

One of the reasons why I would never club Stephen King together with any of the other best-selling writers of his generation (Grisham, Archer, Patterson, Sheldon and so on) is this:

None of them match King's calibre as a story-teller. They don't even come close.

If somebody spins an intriguing tale, his characters get in the way of my enjoyment of it. If somebody excels at characterization, his plotting is rather unconvincing. If somebody plots a story well, then his writing turns out to be flat. (And if you're unlucky enough, some of them mess everything up.)

But Stephen King possesses that rare talent of getting everything right - the story, the unraveling of the plot, the imagery, the underlying implications, the characters, the backdrop, the world-building, the writing - down to the very last detail.

He can grasp your attention at the onset, reel you in slowly but surely, give you nerve-wracking moments of pure anxiety, make you visualize a scene exactly the way he must have imagined it, feel for the characters in his story as if they were people of flesh and blood you were familiar with and, at some point, render you completely incapable of discerning between reality and the make-believe world of his imagination. And you're caught in the same nightmare as the characters of his book are plunging deeper into with every passing moment.

The Stand is one such Stephen King creation. Arguably known as his best written work yet, The Stand, I'm happy to inform readers, deserves every bit of the praise and adulation it continues to receive worldwide till this day.

Now don't get me wrong. The book is nothing new when you glance at the blurb. It is nothing you haven't already read or known about because it is the story your mom/dad/grandma must have read to you as a kid - while you listened moon-eyed with wonder and awe, overcome with emotions you couldn't quite fathom.

It is the ever-fascinating and timeless tale of good triumphing over evil that you have come across enough times yet can never possibly get over. It is that same story, but with a distinct Stephen King-esque flavour.

Add a dystopian, post-apocalyptic, anarchic world in the grip of an epidemic that claimed most human lives to the eternal conflict between good and evil, and the summation result will lead to The Stand.

But it is so much more than this simple one-sentence summary. Every character, every plot device, every written scene has been constructed and put together so fastidiously in this book that at the end of it one feels that the reader is assigned with the task of collecting and preserving every piece of the gigantic puzzle to form this humbling, larger-than-life image the author had begotten.

Everything is done so ingeniously, that the mesmerized reader can only sit back and watch this spectacle of gargantuan proportions unfolding right in front of his/her mind's eyes.

Horror, psychological ramifications of events, political intrigue, war, chaos in the absence of a centralized administration, a crumbling world order, basest of our human tendencies - King doesn't shy away from exploring the entire gamut of human actions and emotions in a world where nothing of the old establishments has survived.

This man can write. There's no doubt about it.

In terms of sheer volume, scale and narrative sweep, it is an epic. In a way it is The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Iliad and The Odyssey or a concoction of all the elements that transformed each one of these stories into epics the world will never cease to look upon with the utmost respect.

It is the story that never becomes stale despite the number of years you insert between the time you read it first and read it for the umpteenth time in some other form. It is the story that transcends barriers of language, culture, religion and history and will always be told and retold in possible ways imaginable, for as long as humanity survives.

It is the story you are bound to be won over by even if you're snotty enough to swear by your copy of Ulysses and frown upon the Stephen Kings of the world of writing simply because they don't have much of a chance of ever winning the Man Booker or Pulitzer or *gasp* the Nobel Prize.

It is the story of good, evil and everything in between. It is the story of love and hatred, loyalty and betrayal, sin and redemption, fate and co-incidence, rationality and the inexplicable. Of unalterable mistakes and innocence lost. Of the goodness of the human heart and the face of the Devil.

At 1100+ pages, it was rather much too short. I almost wished for it to never end. But then again one can always re-read to start the cycle of awesomeness all over again.

I never grow tired of reading this book. It's truly my all-time favorite. Every now and then, I feel the urge to go back and read it again and again. And each time, it's just as captivating as the first time I read it those many years ago.

The Stand is a remarkable novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. It presents a world on the brink of destruction, where humanity is forced to take a stand between good and evil. The story is filled with complex and well-developed characters, each with their own motives and struggles.

The vivid descriptions bring the plot and characters to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in this post-apocalyptic world. The book explores themes such as greed, corruption, faith, and redemption, leaving readers with much to think about long after they've finished reading.

One of the things I love most about this book is the way Stephen King weaves together different storylines and characters. It creates a rich and detailed tapestry that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The Stand is a true epic that will appeal to fans of horror, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic fiction alike.

In conclusion, The Stand is a must-read for any book lover. It's a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

The Stand by Stephen King is an absolute gem that I deeply regret not delving into sooner. I was well aware that this novel held great promise, as it is widely regarded by many readers as one of King's finest works. And let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations.

I have recently embarked on a journey to explore The Dark Tower, and I decided to do a significant amount of pre-reading to ensure I get the most comprehensive experience possible.

The Stand is just the beginning of this epic adventure. After weeks of research and seeking feedback from numerous Constant Readers, I have determined the best reading route. Here it is:

The Stand
The Eyes of the Dragon
Insomnia
Hearts in Atlantis
‘Salem’s Lot
The Talisman
Black House
Everything's Eventual (The Little Sisters of Eluria)
The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three
The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands
Charlie the Choo-Choo
The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass
The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole
The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla
The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah
The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower

I know it seems like a daunting task, with 17 books to read and thousands of hours ahead of me. However, if The Stand is any indication, this will无疑 be one of the most remarkable reading experiences of my life. I am truly excited to finally immerse myself in all these books, some of which I have already read. My goal is to complete this journey before King's next new anthology, You Like It Darker, is released on May 21, 2024.

Before I begin my review, it's important to note that I came across a significant number of trigger warnings while reading The Stand. These include cancer, suicide, abortion, domestic abuse (physical), racism, pandemic, quarantine, dead animals, drugs, drinking and driving, parental abuse (mental and physical), vaccination, rape, bullying, dead children, burning churches, homophobia, death of a child, self-harm, cannibalism, violence against women, religion, politics, and violence against animals. If any of these topics are triggering for you, I would highly recommend skipping this novel.

Despite the numerous triggers, The Stand is an undisputed horror masterpiece. At 1,348 pages, it is the longest book I have ever read, but it is well worth the investment of time. There are two versions of The Stand: the original 1975 release, which was truncated due to its length, and the 1990 "complete and uncut" version. I chose the latter, as King re-added over 400 pages of text and revised the entire novel to bring his true vision to life. I appreciate how King was transparent with his readers about this in the beginning of the book.

The Stand kicks off with an intense opening that sets the stage for an unforgettable ride. I was immediately drawn in by the tension and suspense, and I fell in love with all the unique characters I encountered along the way. There are so many characters in this novel that I had to take notes to keep track of them all, but it was well worth the effort. I also loved all the references King made, from my hometown of Queens in New York to Freddy Krueger, The Lord of the Rings, Shirley Jackson, Norman Bates, and many more.

The novel is divided into three books, each containing a series of mini-stories in addition to the main narrative. This formatting was brilliant, as it kept me engaged with both the main characters and the side characters. I never knew who would emerge as a key player as the story progressed.

There were no dull moments in The Stand. The dialogue, situations, and horror were all top-notch. King is a master of subtle horror that gradually builds and continues to haunt you long after you've finished reading. This novel hit particularly close to home for me, as it bears an eerie resemblance to the COVID-19 pandemic we experienced a few years ago. King takes this concept to new and terrifying heights, creating a world that is both familiar and utterly terrifying.

The descriptions, stories, atmosphere, and overall horror in The Stand are simply perfection. I couldn't put this novel down, and it took me over two weeks to read, even with dedicating my days off from work to it. It's a massive and addictive book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves horror or is looking for a truly immersive reading experience.

Another great aspect of The Stand is the addition of graphic illustrations. These illustrations capture some of the most pivotal and creepy moments in the novel, adding to the overall reading experience. I love when authors include illustrations in their books, as it reminds me of my teenage days of reading horror paperbacks.

King holds nothing back when it comes to the horror, gore, and creepiness in The Stand. Some of the scenes were so intense that I found myself making strange faces while reading. As the mystery of the disease unfolds, a whole new world of horror is revealed, and I was completely captivated.

Once all the characters are finally connected and the race to the end begins, The Stand truly shines. There is even more horror, including a bloodbath of an action scene that was both unexpected and incredibly intense. Out of all the characters, I particularly loved Frannie, Stu, Nick, and of course, Kojak the dog. And I can't forget the main antagonist, the infamous "Man in Black" Randall Flagg. His scenes were truly spine-chilling, and I can see why he is despised by so many.

This was my first encounter with Flagg, and I'm excited to see what his future holds in King's Dark Tower universe. The climactic race to the end is monumental, with King taking the classic "good vs. bad" trope to new and horrific heights. The plot twists and turns are unexpected and lead to a drop-the-mic ending that left me completely satisfied. I went back and re-read the last few chapters multiple times because they were so good.

I give The Stand by Stephen King a resounding 5/5, and if I could, I would give it a 10/5. This is hands down one of the best novels I have ever read by King and in my entire life. The story is incredible, the characters are memorable, the villain is iconic, the horror is brutal, and the power of hope is palpable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare for the next step in my journey to The Dark Tower as I plan to start The Eyes of the Dragon next.

Cough.

This is my favorite book of all time. It is the kind of book that I would choose if I could only have one book with me on a desert island.

The story is captivating and engaging from the very first page. It takes you on a journey through different worlds and experiences, making you feel as if you are a part of it.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, and you can't help but root for them as they face their challenges and overcome their obstacles.

The writing style is beautiful and流畅, making it a pleasure to read. I have read this book multiple times, and each time I discover something new and wonderful.

It is truly a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

The last Stephen King book that I'd read before this one was The Green Mile. Oh my goodness, that one just completely blew my mind. It was an absolute masterpiece.

Unfortunately, The Stand didn't live up to my expectations at all. I'm fully aware that many people love this book and claim it's possibly King's best work. But for me, it was definitely just average King.

The book started off quite well. The first chapter really had my attention firmly grasped. I was completely immersed in the story until around halfway through. And that was when I began to lose interest gradually. I just felt that I simply wasn't invested enough in the story anymore.

This book is advertised as an 'epic thriller', so that was precisely what I was expecting. But instead, I felt like the book did have some thrilling scenes in it, no doubt. However, it moved at an incredibly slow pace. In its defence though, the character development was incredibly detailed. Although, I cannot say that I had a favourite character.

I had absolutely no time or tolerance for Trashcan man. The chapters with him in were just horrendous. For me, they added nothing at all to the story. What on earth was his purpose anyway?

I found the ending was extremely anticlimactic. And I'm left feeling pretty disappointed, especially considering it's a Stephen King read. I know what he's truly capable of, and I wanted so much more from a book that was a whopping 1325 pages long. I'm really hoping that my next King read will be much better.

Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/cnCPVKr2VHw

Many people assert that this is Stephen King's greatest book, and it's truly difficult to dispute their claim. The most astonishing aspect of The Stand is that King doesn't rely on scaring the readers to make it memorable, as he did with many of his early works. Instead, he demonstrates that he has always been capable of crafting a great American novel.

What King accomplishes over 1152 pages (the complete & uncut 1990 version hardcover) with more than 30 main and secondary characters is an amazing feat of literary prowess. None of these characters seem like mere throwaways, nor do you get them confused with one another. Each character has their own unique personality and style, and you learn to either love or hate every single one of them. The hatred is in the sense that you're supposed to, because they are detestable human beings.

I don't bestow 5-star reviews lightly, and this is one of the few books that I would give a 6 if possible. It's a stunning achievement that has aged beautifully and is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Don't let the size of the novel intimidate you; this is a journey that is absolutely worth taking.