Revival

Stephen King

Nov 2014 · Hachette UK

About this ebook

A spectacularly dark and electrifying novel about addiction, religion, music and what might exist on the other side of life.

In a small New England town, in the early 60s, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister, Charles Jacobs. Soon they forge a deep bond, based on their fascination with simple experiments in electricity.

Decades later, Jamie is living a nomadic lifestyle of bar-band rock and roll. Now an addict, he sees Jacobs again - a showman on stage, creating dazzling 'portraits in lightning' - and their meeting has profound consequences for both men. Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil's devising, and Jamie discovers that revival has many meanings.

This rich and disturbing novel spans five decades on its way to the most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written. It's a masterpiece from King, in the great American tradition of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe.

Ratings and reviews

Just finished this book. I hadn't read King in a long time admittedly (or fiction for that matter - at least I hope it's fiction!) but the synopsis prior to its release seemed to include many sub-genres which interest me both in the real world and the ethereal one which mostly comes in a more visual than written format these days. Fantastically delivered first person narrative throughout makes reading easy, raises the anticipation levels considerably and a climax which is as unexpected as it is unsettling. Sweet dreams.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. Interesting build up then MASSIVE ANTICLIMAX. I actually went back to check I hadn't accidentally skipped a couple of chapters. The writing itself is very familiar but the ending is utter garbage.

Would award this book 3 1/2 stars if I could, enjoyed it up to the so-called climax. More of a let-down for me. Certainly not vintage King but a good way to pass a couple of hours.

About the author

STEPHEN KING is the author of more than seventy books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His crime thrillers featuring Holly Gibney include Mr Mercedes, winner of the Edgar Award for best novel, and The Outsider, both of which were adapted into successful TV series, as well as Finders Keepers, End of Watch and the title story from If It Bleeds. Many of his titles are the basis for major motion pictures including IT, Stand By Me (adapted from The Body) and The Shawshank Redemption, which is IMDb's top-rated movie of all time. King is the recipient of The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence 2022, the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.