Themes play a big role. For example, in '11/22/63', the idea of time travel and the potential to change history is not only an exciting concept but also makes the reader think about the implications. King often tackles big themes like fate, morality, and the human condition. When a novel combines these deep themes with a great story and engaging characters, it can be regarded as one of his greatest works.
Some of the greatest are 'The Shining'. It's a classic with its terrifying Overlook Hotel and the psychological horror of Jack Torrance's descent into madness. Another is 'It', which features the menacing Pennywise the Clown and the story of the Losers' Club. 'Misery' is also great, with the obsessive Annie Wilkes holding the writer Paul Sheldon captive.
I think 'The Stand' must be on the list. It's a complex and engaging post - apocalyptic story. 'Misery' is also a great one as it shows the horror that can come from an obsessed fan. 'Pet Sematary' with its dark premise of bringing the dead back to life is also likely to be among his 10 greatest.
In my opinion, 'The Shining' is one of the best. The way King builds the atmosphere in the hotel is amazing. The isolation, the ghosts, and Jack's mental breakdown make it a terrifying read. 'It' is also up there. The character of Pennywise is so iconic, and the story has a great sense of friendship among the kids as they battle the evil clown.
" Since the Return of the Clown's Soul " is a suspense novel written by the author, Folk Zuodao. The general plot of this novel is as follows: Starting from the clown's soul, I embarked on the journey of horror movies…I have experienced Stephen King's black tower world view. I have also transformed into a priest and ran around just to drive away the demons. I have kicked the Japanese Zombie Dazuo, controlled Annabel, slapped Annie Baby's big mouth, seen a wife-protecting demon who killed a car full of zombies, robbed a tomb with Hu Bayi, and fought against the old gods as a mortal. I have witnessed A Hui's silent love for Xiao Xue. I've never said that I like you, but you've always been the most important person to me. I've also witnessed the reincarnation of Qiu Sheng and Ninth Uncle. In the end, I've lived like you… This was a nostalgic story. ---------------------------- The Final Nightmare was a sci-fi and doomsday crisis novel written by the author, Chewing Persimmons. The general plot of the novel was: Shapeless Dream, Traceless Nightmare. Every nightmare would cause one to toss and turn in bed, unable to extricate themselves from the terror of the nightmare. When the nightmare descended upon the real world, when the calamity was unavoidable, all we needed to do was to work hard to survive in this real Nightmare World. The darkness that we fear, the nightmare that we fear, it has come…Reading Notice: In addition, there is only one main character in this book, the Hellworm. Other characters similar to the main character are all reading illusions. ---------------------------- " This Strange Story Is A Little Cold " was a novel written by the author, Little Target. The general plot of the novel was: He traveled to Hawkins Town in Stranger Things and became Will's brother, Jonathan Byers. The M Nation was too dangerous. Horror stories were happening everywhere, and the sweet air was filled with evil forces. The town next door was called Silent Hill, and there was a street called Oak Street. There was a Shining Restaurant on the street, and it was said that there was a cabin in the forest outside the town. It was said that there was a fairytale town deep in the forest. The vampires and the young wolves lived in the town, and Jason and Voldemort lurked outside the town. From time to time, demons from hell would invade the world, aliens would not stop causing trouble on the Fourth of July, and the director of the Universe Department, Thanos, would snap his fingers at any time. If he was unlucky, he would turn into ashes. Fortunately, he had the DNF game system with him, so he became a professional exorcist and established the exorcist alliance. Gather Hell Detective Constantine, Ghost Rider Johnny, Monster Hunter Van Helsing, Green Apostle Nick, and Supreme Mage Gu Yi. Let me kill this monster. I'm super strong… ---------------------------- " Bizarre Sorcerer " was a fantasy-mystery fantasy novel written by the author, Born in Flames. The general plot of the novel was: Gus was a wizard, but there was no such thing as being able to make fireballs in this world. In this mysterious world of the Golden Tree, wizards were the weak group, and fear and madness were the main melody. A world that had woken up from the Calamity Era. A golden feast that would never fade away. A group of greedy people who shouted that the truth was eternal, but they worshipped an indescribable god. A transmigrator who had delusions of seeking the truth. But as he gradually delved deeper into it, he felt that the world was more and more bizarre and unpredictable, like a sophisticated machine that was weaved with lies and operated infinitely. Could it be that the end of truth…was strangeness? ---------------------------- " Secret Panic " was a mystery novel written by the author since he was a child. The general plot of the novel was: The Ancient House of the Evils, the Ghost High School, the Wilderness of Mystery, and the Desperation of Life. He shuttled through one mysterious and dangerous scene after another. This was a world of endless panic! ---------------------------- " The Fear Clearing Project " was a sci-fi time-travel novel written by the author, Little Cannon. The general plot of the novel was: What should a person who never dared to watch horror movies do when he transmigrated into the world of horror movies? In order to prevent himself from being scared to death, the only thing he could do was to kill the terror. ---------------------------- " Mysteries: Witch and Disaster " was a fantasy-mystery fantasy novel written by the author, Sky Mountain. The general plot of this novel was: This was the worst era. The apocalypse was approaching. Chaos, conspiracy, and war were the main melody of the continent. The birth of The Fool lit the fire for the people in the darkness. Then, what kind of fate did Joisse, who had also fallen from Sefirah Castle, bear? What kind of change would his arrival bring to the world? This was a legend of disaster. ---------------------------- Nightmare Awakening was a mystery novel written by Sleepwalker. The general plot of the novel was: Extraordinary power meant that one had to pay a price! After transmigrating, Shen Mi awakened the mind-reading ability, but the price was…He said what he had read. This was the story of a group of failed writers. Everyone lived like they were in their own books. ---------------------------- 'Bait' was a reality-society mystery novel written by the author, Big Cup Kvass. The general plot of the novel was: The best-selling author, Yu Lan, was taken away by the police in front of everyone at the press conference for her new work. Zhou Rui, his old friend who should have appeared at the press conference, had also died mysteriously at home. However, he had left a suicide note written by him on his desk. Following a series of investigations by Xiao Yu, a police officer who studied criminal investigation, the real murderer was inextricably linked to the small town where Yu Lan taught eleven years ago. Memories and reality intertwined. What price did this female writer with a mysterious background pay to escape from the town eleven years ago? ---------------------------- " Scary People " was a suspense-mystery detective novel written by the author, Modern and Ancient. The general plot of the novel was: In this magical world, there were two kinds of people. One was the living and the other was the dead. Which kind of person was scarier?
For some people, 'From a Buick 8' is the worst. It's a slow - burning story that doesn't really build up to a very satisfying climax. The mystery around the Buick 8 just doesn't seem as engaging as the mysteries in his better - known novels.
For a book to have literary merit, it typically needs a unique style of writing, depth in themes, and the ability to evoke strong emotions in readers. Also, it should stand the test of time and have a lasting impact on literature.
For a book to be a classic fiction, it typically showcases excellent writing style, offers insights into human nature and society, and has stood the test of time. Good examples are works like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
Definitely 'Carrie'. A bullied high - school girl with telekinetic powers who finally snaps. The prom scene where she unleashes her wrath is iconic. The build - up of her being an outcast, constantly tormented, and then the explosive revenge she takes is both shocking and terrifying. It also shows how ordinary people can be pushed to the extreme and do extraordinary and terrifying things.
Well, many would say 'It'. The complex characters and terrifying plot make it a standout. But opinions can vary as Stephen King has written so many great novels.
Some of Stephen King's works that are considered novellas include 'The Mist'. It has a relatively shorter length compared to his full - length novels but still packs a powerful punch in terms of story and atmosphere. Another one is 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption'. It's a novella that was later adapted into the well - known movie. '1922' is also a novella which delves deep into the psyche of a man haunted by his actions in a rural and desolate setting.