Revival

The whole story was enjoyable and compelling, and I connected with the characters, but the climax seemed rushed and out of nowhere.

I have followed Stephen King books and movies all my life. My favorite book was “Needful Things!” Unfortunately the “Revival” is another in an ever growing list of disappointments! I would not recommend this book!

Good story line for the most part. Ending didn’t exactly disappoint but not the best Steven King has written.

The build-up to the end was typical King. Well-written, first person story with flashbacks and a good grasp of ancient books, symbolism and rites. The clues, however obvious, led to a revival of the dead wife and son. Which would have been a conclusion even more (dare I say) electrifying than the actual ending, which was more fantasy than horror. This was the second SK book in years. But a week ago, I read a blurb about Fairy Tail, and that kind of novel appealed. I snarfed it up as quickly as my everyday tasks would allow. When I told my sister, who is a die-hard SK fan and preorders all of his books, how much I like it, and was thinking about Revival, she said it was not a favorite of her, and for the same reason - didn’t like the ending. I ceased reading King many years ago, along with Dean Koontz. However, I cut my genre teeth on Poe, Lovecraft, with some Bradbury thrown in. But by the time I discovered modern (and not-so modern) mystery novels, I was hooked on the characters, the plots, unraveling clues and red herrings, and sometimes making that leap of cognition to the “Who” became addictive. Less so, in TV because then you can use intuition by watching faces and expressions.

This book was a random read that turned out to be the hook that reeled me back into the arms Stephen King in my Adulthood. This book has no comfort to give. This is King at his best Lovecraftian. King takes us on a journey of existential terror, and much like Pet Semetary, provides us with an intimate look at humanity grappling with agony, the trauma that comes from experiencing the agony, and the huge impact our coping methods have on our humanity— Whether it be through suicide, therapy, drugs, or trying to become a God…Death is still always patiently waiting at the end of that tunnel, and we all share that same sense of dread when thinking about it. The book ultimately ends with the reader forced to consider, “What if our collective dread is 100% justified?”

I was drawn to pick up this book because of its religious themes and characters. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble into a lovecraftian fabrication of life, death, and what comes after. Its strong sense of nostalgia and fluid passing of time had me emotionally gazing into my own past as I flipped through the pages. This was my first King novel. It wont be my last.

I enjoyed 80% of this book. The last 20% is just ridiculous. Don’t waste your time or your money on this one.

Pretty good, he’s still the best ever

King is famously known for his ability to weave intricate story lines with gritty detail, and he does not fall short in regard to ‘Revival’. A strong starting narrative develops an instant connection with the speaker and forces you to care for him. His journey is long and arduous, but it is the reoccurring appearances of his childhood pastor throughout his life that forges his path. Prepare to enjoy a tale that questions the very notion of reality, religion, and relief after death, but don’t expect numerous cliffhangers in transitions. The story itself is a wonderful work of fiction, but doesn’t quite match his previous novels that grip you so hard you find yourself hours past your perceived time. While it is not a constant attack on your psyche, it is a very well crafted piece you will ultimately enjoy.

Very scary it gives life to all of my wondering I do at 4 am about life and death and the meaning of it all. As I read I could picture every scene. It scared me to death and back. Great writer and story teller that Stephen King is. I love his words and always will. Keep em coming scare master!!