Even though he’s often – unfairly – dismissed by some as the “…literary equivalent of a big mac and fries …” Stephen King is one of the most popular and talented of modern authors. Ever since Carrie, his first novel, was unleashed onto unsuspecting audiences King has been scaring people the world over with terrifying tales and scary stories. Whilst he’s always had an acute sense of the grotesque, people often forget that King’s genius lay in his ability to take ordinary people and thrust them into extraordinary situations. It’s the spark of the normal being confronted by the unknown is what has always given King’s work its unique power. It’s also why, aside from creating fantastical worlds and immense horror, King can write such understated tales at The Body (upon which the film Stand By Me was based) and Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption (and if you can’t guess which film was based on that story, then you’re clearly not paying attention).
King’s latest book, due to published on November 10th by Hodder & Stoughton, is Under The Dome an epic story that explores what happens to a Maine town when an invisible barrier suddenly seals it off from the rest of the world, in a perfect example of a King thriller. If you can’t wait to read it, then get ready to do a bit of detective work as the story has been broken into more than 5,000 snippets (scattered across hundreds of websites and locations throughout the UK) as a way to celebrate the breadth of this masterpiece and to give fans a one-off opportunity to piece the book back together before its release. Extracts of the book have been hidden across Stephen King fansites as well as horror, thriller and lifestyle websites, and offline. Fans are invited to continue this hiding process and also to find the snippets using the clues given on www.stephenking.co.uk and deliver them back to the website.
All those playing the game to uncover this hidden masterpiece will be entered into a draw to win a weekend in a London hotel to read a limited edition copy of the book the weekend before its general release. Closing date is 6th November. A creative writing competition also gives aspiring novelists the chance to have a 2,000-word piece of work judged by King himself.
For a chance to win the Under the Dome hide-and-seek competition, visit www.stephenking.co.uk. Clues and news are also available on Twitter (@under_the_dome) and Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155501074886
Under The Dome which will be published on 10th November
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton we have set of Stephen King books to giveaway to Culture Vultures. It consists of copies of The Stand, Misery and Different Seasons (which contains The Body and Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption). So if you would like the chance to win one please head on down to the comments box and tell us your favourite Stephen King book and why.
NB: Please be sure to read our terms and conditions which you are deemed to have accepted by entering! Winners will be picked by random so why not give it a go! Closing date: 10th November 2009.
And the winner is Julie! Congratulations – an email is heading your way now…
Got to be ‘Salem’s Lot’ – the most terrifying book I’ve ever read. Would like to read it again but I’m too chicken.
The Stand has got to be my favourite Stephen King book. A big read to get your teeth into. The story is very gripping about a group of people fighting for survival in apocalyptic conditions. The book leaves the reader with a strange sense of isolation and tension. At the end of the story there is a satisfying conclusion and it leaves hope for the future. However,the fear still remains when you go to bed and you slide the bolt across the back door just a little bit faster than usual.
Definately Misery, and the film adaption was fab. That Woman !! how Scary was she
“Duma Key”- Absolutely loved this book and could not put it down! I have recommended it to so many people. A truly great read!
‘IT’ – a book which has altered my perception of clowns since a child!
It must be The Shawshank Redemption. It is really great book, loved reading it. I like to read again and again. I think it is one of the best books I have ever read.
TOMMYKNOCKERS
really scarey couldnt put it down
IT has to be my favourite book. Not only does the storyline twist and turn but each revelation is absolutely terrifying! Must admit, though, there are many other titles by Stephen King which are just as awesome…
I found his collaboration ‘The Talisman’ to be the best page turner I’ve read, you really sympathise with the characters. The sequel’s not nearly as good though unfortunately.
The Stand is my favourite Stephen King book. I have read it lots of times, first in the original release, then in the expanded release. Fantastic story, that you can get completely lost in.
It has to be The Shawshank Redemption. It is really great book and it became a great movie
Competition closed! Winner will be announced forthwith…