In 'The Stand,' a deadly virus escapes from a government lab, decimating the population and ushering in a battle between good and evil among the survivors. As the few remaining humans find themselves drawn to two opposing leaders, the stage is set for a climactic confrontation in a post-apocalyptic America. King's tale explores themes of morality, survival, and the ultimate struggle for humanity's destiny. With richly developed characters and chilling details, the story immerses readers in a world shattered by chaos and fear. Will the forces of good prevail, or will darkness consume what remains?
By Stephen King
Published: 2012
"The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... and still on your feet."
#1 BESTSELLER • Stephen King’s apocalyptic vision of a world blasted by plague and tangled in an elemental struggle between good and evil remains as riveting—and eerily plausible—as when it was first published. This edition includes all of the new and restored material first published in The Stand: The Complete And Uncut Edition. A patient escapes from a biological testing facility, unknowingly carrying a deadly weapon: a mutated strain of super-flu that will wipe out 99 percent of the world’s population within a few weeks. Those who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader. Two emerge—Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious “Dark Man,” who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them—and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity. Also a limited series on CBS All Access
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“The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there... and still on your feet.”
The Stand
By Stephen King
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Stephen King is a renowned American author, celebrated for his mastery in the horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and thriller genres. With over 60 published novels and 200 short stories, King is best known for his iconic works such as "Carrie," "The Shining," "It," and "Misery." His writing style is characterized by vivid storytelling, deeply developed characters, and an ability to tap into the fears and anxieties of everyday life, weaving them into gripping narratives. King's influence on contemporary literature is profound, with many of his works adapted into successful films, miniseries, and even stage plays, earning him the title of the 'King of Horror.'
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In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place in a brutal televised competition known as the Hunger Games, where only one victor can survive. As she navigates the treacherous arena filled with deadly foes and oppressive government forces, her resourcefulness and instincts are put to the ultimate test. Alliances form, betrayals loom, and the line between survival and morality blurs in the fight for freedom. With each turn of the page, readers are drawn deeper into a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the quest for justice. Will Katniss's defiance spark a revolution, or will she become another pawn in a deadly game?
In Ursula K. Le Guin's groundbreaking science fiction novel, "The Left Hand of Darkness," an envoy from Earth, Genly Ai, embarks on an extraordinary mission to the icy planet of Gethen, where inhabitants possess a unique gender fluidity that challenges his every assumption. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape and forges an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic Gethenian, Estraven, Genly confronts the profound implications of identity and belonging. The harsh, frozen world mirrors the complexities of human relationships, weaving a tale of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery. Le Guin crafts a mesmerizing exploration of how culture shapes our understanding of gender and love. Will Genly's quest for acceptance and unity transcend the boundaries of difference, or will it be lost in the unforgiving cold?
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In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, Lauren Olamina possesses a unique gift: hyper-empathy, the ability to feel others' pain. When her walled community is destroyed, she embarks on a perilous journey toward safety, guided by her vision of a new belief system called Earthseed. Along the way, Lauren faces brutal realities of survival, meets diverse companions, and confronts the harshness of humanity. As she navigates this treacherous world, her resilience and ideals are put to the test. Will Lauren's revolutionary philosophy provide hope for a better future, or will it be lost in the chaos?
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