Top 10 Best Stephen King Books
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and ghouls, gather 'round the flickering firelight as we prepare to embark on a journey through the dark and twisted corners of the human imagination. In the shadows that lurk just beyond the edge of our periphery, there dwells a man who has made it his life's work to tap into the abyss, to harness the power of our deepest fears and to reflect them back upon us in the most terrifying ways imaginable. That man, my friends, is the maestro of macabre himself, Stephen King.For over four decades, this master of the dark arts has been weaving his sinister web of stories, taking our deepest fears and anxieties and spinning them into gripping, chilling tales that linger long after the final page has been turned. From the haunted hallways of the Overlook Hotel to the mist-shrouded streets of Castle Rock, King has created a world teeming with monsters both human and supernatural, a realm where nightmares are as real as the pages that contain them.
And so, dear reader, as the clock's hands draw ever closer to the witching hour, we invite you to join us as we delve into the top ten best Stephen King books. Prepare to venture into the heart of darkness, to witness unspeakable horrors and spine-tingling suspense, all borne from the twisted mind of a man who has dedicated his life to the art of terror. Together, we will explore these masterpieces of malevolence, from the early days of a fledgling writer to the seasoned wordsmith who has come to define the genre of horror for a generation.
Take a deep breath, steel your nerves, and say a silent prayer, for we are about to embark on a journey through the chilling, the supernatural, the bone-chilling realms of the best Stephen King books. May the fates have mercy on our souls.
A horror novel about a shape-shifting creature that terrorizes a group of childhood friends and reappears when they are adults IT is wonderful! IT is terrific! IT is terrifying. IT is everything. Before I read It, I used to think horror books were over rated. Could read a whole roll of them over bars of chocolate and even chuckle at the supposed gory scenes. But in IT, there is absolutely nothing to laugh about! Like, it gets you and holds you and your whole world is spell bound. It takes courage to read that book. At a point, if you don't have balls, you'd drop it. The town Derry itself evokes a scary image in your mind, Penny wise, formidable or is it the timelines or the omnipresent nature of the demon behind it all. It is horror at its best!
Where to even begin.. The third person omniscient writing, seamless transition between the years 1958 & 1985 alternating chapters in last third of book- those who have read know. Main characters who almost everyone can relate too, the "apocalyptic rock fight" chapter, the awesome back stories/histories of the town of Derry. It.. Pennywise.. The Deadlights.. Bob Gray- ultimate villan! The movie although not bad simply didn't do it justice. I'm just sad I never read this when younger. My favorite book of all.. You could read this book every other summer easily. Lastly Dark Tower fans should enjoy the subtle references.
A chilling tale of a family isolated in a haunted hotel during the winter My first King book and my favorite. This and misery both creeped the heck out of me, and I think this is a slight bit better than Misery. The Stand was good, but not my kind of book. This just creeped me out, especially when I read it at eleven in the night! Great job, King!
One of the best books that I've ever read, and I've read many books. It's not as scary as people made it sound, but it definitely is a bit creepy. Overall a great book, and I definitely recommend it.
Nerve racking! The creepiest part for me was red rum, murder... the aspect of Jack being a sorta abusive and ex-alcholic who just wants to do good for his family but never succeeding is sad.
A post-apocalyptic epic where survivors of a deadly pandemic face the ultimate battle between good and evil One of the best, if not THE best apocalyptic novels of all time. Well-written from start to finish; with a sobering and unsettling description of the collapse of humanity by a man made virus, memorable characters and a deliciously evil villain. For anyone who wants to start reading books by Stephen King, this is must read; along with "The Shining" and "It"
This is by far my favorite Stephen King novel and one of the best novels ever written! The character development is superb and even though it is quite long I was disappointed to finish it because reading it is such a treat!
Such a well-written novel with an intense storyline and in-depth characters that keeps the pages turning. This is a book that will keep you thinking long after you've finished it.
A psychological thriller about a famous author who is held captive by an obsessed fan Should be one my top five
5. The girl who loved Tom Gordon(very well written but surprisingly underrated)
4. Fire starter (suspenseful and intense great book
3 It (incredibly long but worth it. It is scary and filled with detail)
2 Christine (really well written and and feels real which makes it scarier)
1.Misery (the creepiest and one of the best books ever written in my opinion 10 of 10 stars
Annie Wilkes, sawing away at poor author Paul Sheldon's foot, cutting off his thumb, and running over a park ranger with her lawnmower, is not a lady you want to mess with.
I think it's one of his most unique books to be honest. It's also one of the most realistic, which I personally find a bit more terrifiyng than a clown hiding in a sewer.
A supernatural drama set on death row, where a guard discovers an inmate with miraculous healing powers This book has great character development and a fantastic story line. It makes the reader realise that capital punishment has no place in modern society.
It was just awesome and just because it is Stephen King doesn't mean it has to be all horror and that's why I think this book should be in the top ten!
This is such a sad story, which is half the reason it's so great. I'm glad Percy gets what he deserves later on.
A horror novel about a writer who discovers that his hometown has become infested with vampires The best place and time to read this book is when you are alone at home in a stormy winter night and you just know what true horror is. The terror oozes from the pages and collects at your lap, spiralling down to your legs to cover you and hold you breathless. The best vampire book ever.
This and pet cemetery are my favorites from King, a great horror story that gradually builds in creepiness and intensity, until you are engrossed in the darkness of Salem's lot, get the illustrated edition if you can as it has some great bonus story's.
This was the first Stephen King book I read years ago, and it scared me to death. It also made me a life long fan of King's writing. I've read most of what he's written, and this is still my favorite.
A time-travel novel centered around a man trying to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy I started reading this book when I was 13 and never ended up finishing it. I picked it up once again but now 18 and I couldn't put it down. This book's central plot is Jake going back in time to stop Kennedy's assassination, however I found that the side plots (killing Frank Dunning, George/Jake and Sadie) just as intriguing and felt compelled to continue on reading. This book got me through 2 weeks of work and I never wanted it to end. By far King's best work!
I started reading King not to long ago. I read The Stand first and followed with the Dark Tower Series, It and a couple other. The Stand was my favorite book by King, up until now. Like many of the other comments I couldn't put this book down. Excellent characters and story. This is a must read.
Perfect from start to finish. I hesitated buying it originally having heard it wasn't his typical format. Didn't I feel stupid! I made the mistake of "typecasting" one of the greatest story tellers of my generation. 11/22/63 = edge of your seat, heart wrenching, and thought provoking ride you will not want to get off of.
A horror novel exploring the consequences of resurrecting the dead through an ancient burial ground This is literally the best Stephen King book I've ever read! I couldn't put it down, and the ending was so unexpected and incredible! A lot of people think that The Stand is his best, but I think it's boring, probably because I'm 12, but this was my favourite. I haven't watched the movie, but I heard it's bad, so don't judge the book by the movie. This book almost made me cry, and I was literally chanting Louis not to do what he did. It wasn't really scary until the last 30 pages, and in those 30 pages, I was trembling. This book was close to Misery, but I think this is better, please read it. My favourite book by Stephen King. I've only read 6 and 1/2 f his books, but so far, this is my favourite!
I totally agree with the positive comments you made about this book guys. Actually, it's much more than a horror book. To me, it's the most moving novel of Stephen King. It's full of emotions and I detected a lot of tenderness and love in it.
King's debut novel about a bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers who takes revenge on her tormentors Carrieta White, the creepy girl who is relentlessly bullied, is also psychologically abused by Margaret White, her mentally ill mother. If only Chris and Billy didn't pour that bucket of pig blood on her, hundreds of lives would be saved.
A novel about a friendless girl with telekinesis who takes her final revenge upon the world. Stephen King's first book!
I have been bullied and this book really helped me with it (I didn't kill anyone) it just showed me I wasn't alone.
A novella about the wrongful imprisonment of a banker and his quest for justice Not many people know that this was a short story written by him in Different Seasons. One of the most beautiful stories (and movies) ever written.
Well the novella from Different Seasons was called Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.
Awesome story. More people should read this to "get busy living".
A horror novel about a rabid Saint Bernard dog terrorizing a small town I remember going to my local supermarket with a small book stand and purchasing this. Read it in my room everyday and finished it a week later. It was a great page turner that you didn't want to put down no matter what you had to get up for. The second king nook I read was this one and it doesn't disappoint
Genius, sad and unique. It takes some time to get rolling but when it does you are in the story completely. One of the best books I ever read. Highly recommended.
This book should be under the top 2! It's the best book I have ever read!
The Gunslinger: The first book in the Dark Tower series, introducing Roland the gunslinger and his pursuit of the mysterious Man in Black The gunslinger is a little different from other stephen king books but its still probably his best book. Even King admitted that. Also this book "ties in" with other stephen king books like the avengers movies which is pretty cool.
The Gunslinger has to be higher. I'm only sixteen, and I've read all seven dark tower books. I have to say that the first is the best. Nothing can beat that end palaver between Roland and Walter. The entire book is just so enlightening.
I can't believe TDT I is 12. It's the beginning of a legend, it should be, at least, at 5, or even 1. The Gunsliger introduce us to the most amazing adventures of our lifes, and more important than that, introduce us to our beloved Roland Deschain, the guy that we all want to have as a friend. It's awesome, it's perfect.
A novel about an insomniac who develops supernatural abilities and becomes entangled in a cosmic conflict Quite possibly King's most imaginative plot. Creepy and effective.
A science fiction novel where a small town is suddenly trapped under a mysterious, invisible barrier The best book ever written. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Perfect characters, and perfect pacing. This needs to be number one.
A real page turner from start to finish..
The best book of him in my opinion.
A psychological thriller centered on a housekeeper accused of murdering her employer And another thing I love about it is there is no undead or rabid dogs or other MONSTERS, it could really happen, and last of all it shows us that the real monsters in this world are people...
This is a really good read. The movie is also fantastic.
Dolores is one of Stephen King's best characters.
A psychological thriller about a man who gains psychic powers after waking up from a coma The first Stephen King book I ever read, and possibly my pick for the best for sentimental reasons. I love "It" and "The Stand" and so many others, but there is a true tragic arc to this novel that makes the reader truly care about what happens, even though it's practically foreordained.
One of the most valuable and memorable boks I have ever read. Not only an emotional rollercoaster, but the science fiction takes you on a crazy ride that captivates your attention. Definitely my favorite by King
The main character (John Smith) is just your average American who can see the future. Great story, keeps you intrigued from beginning to end.
A dystopian tale where 100 boys participate in a brutal walking contest with deadly consequences It's a bloody shame that more people don't know about this masterpiece. This book will leave you thinking long after you've finished the last page. Though she may not admit it, the author of the Hunger Games took inspiration from this book (as well as King's "The Running Man" and the notorious, but incredible, "Battle Royale"). It makes me wonder why the Hunger Games is so poorly written. But I digress. This book is an incredible psychological thriller. The characters were flawless. My favorites were Stebbins and McVries. Best of all is the inherent knowledge that no matter how much the boys try to socialize and hide from the truth, they are essentially competing for their lives, and 99 of them will inevitably die. This factor adds so much tension. Please, even if you are not a fan of Mr. King's works, give the Long Walk a chance. It has made me a more insightful person and I hope that it will have the same effect on you.
The Dark Tower: The final installment of the Dark Tower series, where the gunslinger Roland reaches his ultimate destination The ending contains the most glorious moment I've ever read in a book (Although it goes on to a completely frustrating ending). I highly recommend it.
The final battle was really anticlimactic, but the ending itself? That was mind blowing, and fit the series perfectly.
Best series, most captivating characters I have ever met and grew to love. The movie is sacrilegious and an insult to this masterpiece.
Jeanine
A Novel: A psychological thriller and the first book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, featuring a retired detective trying to catch a mass murderer "From start to finish I didn't know where this book was going, it was a hell of a ride and I enjoyed every part. A completely different and refreshing book, not only by King, but of the genre also."
A very enjoyable read, and not the typical horror story of King's earlier novels. Along with 11/22/63, it just proves that King has not lost his touch after all these years.
I love this book! Stephen king made this book amazingly start to finish an amazing mystery detective book written by him
A horror novel about a haunted car that possesses its owner It should not be as low as this; its both hilarious and horrifying in turn. King's skills are so good that after a while you see Christine as a breathing evil thing that has every right to live on this damn earth, not a simple car. There is a scene where Leigh wakes up in the middle of the night just to see Christing granting outside the windows on the snowy night and if this does not horrify you, you are a zombie...
This was the first King book I ever read. My favorite King trait is that he makes you fall in love with one of his characters and then they die.
It's sad that Arnie dies at the end. This would have never happened if it wasn't for Christine.
A dystopian novel set in a totalitarian future, where a desperate man participates in a deadly game show I CHALLENGE Hunger Games fans to read this. Then again, they're so easily satisfied by poor writing, they probably won't be able to appreciate it, let alone comprehend its quality. This book is THE ORIGINAL dangerous reality T.V. show story. Even though The Long Walk is my favorite book by Mr. King, I love it to the end.
I just finished reading this a few days ago and really putting it 28 is drastically under ratting The Running Man! It might become one of my all time favorite books.
Amazing book that I can't put it down if I start it again! Hunger games holds nothing against this book, I cry, scream and laugh while reading this I love it
The second novel in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, featuring a young boy who discovers a buried treasure with dangerous consequences I finished Finders Keepers today and I thought it had some spooky yet extremely humorous moments which I loved.
This was the first King book that truly captivated me from start to finish.
A psychological horror novel about a woman who accidentally kills her husband during a bondage game
A collection of 20 short stories, showcasing a variety of horror and suspense themes This has multiple stories in one book, which is totally awesome. Stephen King is so creative, one reason I like him so much!
A psychological thriller about a writer who battles his murderous alter ego come to life