Cell: A Novel by Stephen King Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $1.78 You Save: $25.17 (93%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Cell: A Novel
Book Review: 28 days later...
Summary: 4 Stars
Civilization ends when a mysterious satellite-borne pulse wipes the minds of America's 200-some-odd-million cell phone users, and turns them into rampaging homicidal maniacs. Only those without phones will retain their minds. The similarity of this premise to "28 Days Later..." is almost certainly intentional (but replace the rage virus with cell phones, London with Boston, and Manchester with rural Maine), as is the book's being dedicated to George Romero and Richard Matheson. In fact, it was the dedication that convinced me to the buy the book in the first place.
For most of the novel, a small band of vividly drawn survivors takes stock of what little is left of civilization, and follow what few clues they have left into Maine -- familiar King territory. There are also echoes of "The Stand" and "The Tommyknockers", albeit with significant differences -- for example, a smaller scope, fewer characters, and a more ambiguous resolution. The earlier two books had happy yet bittersweet endings; "Cell" ends on a virtual cliffhanger.
Most interesting for me is King's choice of villain: none. Most King novels have a big reveal towards the end to the alien or extra-dimensional entity that's causing the havoc: the "Tommyknocker" spaceship; the car in "From a Buick 8". Here, though, apart from the zombified humans created by the Pulse, there is no tentacled, foul-mouthed entity waiting to spew curses at the good guys at the end of the book. Just the worst of humanity's suppressed impulses. You don't see that very often in King fiction.
I really liked the cast of supporting characters, especially the plucky 15 year-old Alice and gentle suburbanite Tom. King is not afraid to kill off a character halfway through for dramatic effect; this book also features more than one instance of self-sacrifice. "Cell" is one of King's darker worlds, and the young and old alike are most definitely not safe.
Highly recommended, and one of King's strongest non-"Dark Tower" novels since he switched publishers a decade ago.
Book Review: 4 Stars
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this to be very similar to The Stand. I'm sure most people who have read his earlier novel will agree. I was still glad that Mr. King decided to write a rather gory sci-fi horror story. Even though it did remind me of his earlier novel, I still enjoyed the ride and the graphics. I didn't enjoy the ending so much, though.
I think readers new to Stephen King will really enjoy this novel, more so than his established fans.
Book Review: A Great, fast read
Summary: 5 Stars
This book jumps right in at around page seven and takes off until the last page.
I see how people might compare to "The Stand" and complain that it is 'watered' down, but King goes into detail of each moment that entirely captivates the reader and makes this book a true page turner. I felt like I was in the middle of the story and I was captivated by each event that took place.
I highly recommend it - you will not be disappointed. The Stand is great - don't misunderstand me. However, because of the shorter length of this book, you will be done with the book very quickly.
Enjoy it! I did.
Book Review: A Horror Buffs veiw....
Summary: 5 Stars
i love horror movies. I was raised on them. So i also like Horror books. I was so excited to get this book i could hardly wait.When it arrived (Yesterday) i opened it and thought i would read a few pages..i couldnt put this book down.I am almost done with the book. It grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. Its a great read. P.S. I also wont use my cell phone at 3 pm for any reason!!!Book Review: A King book up untill the end
Summary: 4 Stars
Great story line, A slow start. King combines modern technology with his sence of horror. The ending is open ended. A lot left for you to imagaine. King kept me hooked Till the Ending, I have to admit I was dissapointed.