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  • Under the Dome

  • A Novel
  • By: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: Raul Esparza
  • Length: 34 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (28,655 ratings)

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Under the Dome

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Raul Esparza
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Publisher's summary

On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when - or if - it will go away.

Dale Barbara, Iraq vet and now a short-order cook, finds himself teamed with a few intrepid citizens - town newspaper owner Julia Shumway, a physician's assistant at the hospital, a select-woman, and three brave kids. Against them stands Big Jim Rennie, a politician who will stop at nothing - even murder - to hold the reins of power, and his son, who is keeping a horrible secret in a dark pantry. But their main adversary is the Dome itself. Because time isn't just short. It's running out.

©2009 Stephen King (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Featured Article: The Shining—Book vs. Movie


Set in the claustrophobia-inducing snow-covered peaks of an isolated hotel in the middle of the Rockies, The Shining is a classic work of psychological horror that’s just about as chilling as it gets. But it’s so, so much more than your classic story of spirits and a man’s descent into madness—it’s also a tender yet deeply painful meditation on addiction, family, abuse, and redemption. Stanley Kubrick rejected Stephen King's initial treatment of the screenplay, and the author was largely dissatisfied with his novel’s jump to the big screen. So what exactly are the differences between The Shining movie and the novel?

What listeners say about Under the Dome

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    17,517
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    7,352
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excellent narrator

the reader for this book should get extra credit. he had to voice at least 30 characters and he does them all recently. it was truly a joy to listen to all the accents.

to me this book most closely resembles a mini version of the Stand. the premise is simple... what if we were the ants under a child's microscope. King fleshes this out brilliantly, including a lot of science I wouldn't have considered.

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UNDER THE DOME

This was an excellent book. I watched the TV series a few years ago and loved it, but, as always, the book is SO much better! Great story about how humans might act/react if suddenly & totally cut off from the rest of the world. Definitely recommend! Of course it's good, it's written by Stephen King!

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Great book.

Would have been satisfying to hear about the reactions of some of the characters to the ultimate fate of other characters. If you read the book, you probably know what I mean, just trying to avoid spoilers!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

It's not bad if you can get past the first 1/4

Long winded, extremely slow to start, book is saved by a rather competent narrator.

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Wow!

Excellent read! Well recommended. This is as good as The Stand and IT. Kept me on edge throughout the story!

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May be my new favorite King

I’ve read several King novels, my favorites being The Stand, the shining, the mr Mercedes series, and needful things. This may be my new favorite. The story is very interesting and thought provoking. I personally like the longer listens-especially King’s because of the character and plot development. So, I had my eye on Under the Dome for a while but was skeptical after reading the description. I wasnt sure I would like it, but it is excellent!

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What a treat!!!

fantastic adventure 😊. not a single disappointment. great reader. looking forward for more King

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Way better than the show.

I held off on this one for a while, because I had seen the show and while the first season was good, it began to get stale quickly after. Why I thought the book would be the same, I do not know. For 30+ hours, this book held my attention. Fast paced, considering how long it is and barely a dull patch. So glad I finally listened to the book. What a tale!

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Excellent in every way

Narrator creates incredible voices— and Steven King’s storycraft is top notch. Fabulous. I did many chores while listening. I wish it were not over— books this good are rare.

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Another Masterpiece, From The Master of Horror!!

A writer's crowning achievement is often a lengthy novel or a series of novels, spanning several decades, like Under the Dome and 'IT', as they showcase the author's talent, ambition, and dedication to their fans. Within our community of Stephen King's constant readers, a longstanding debate ensues regarding his ultimate masterpiece.

Certain readers contend that The Dark Tower series holds this esteemed position, primarily due to its creation spanning three decades. Conversely, I assert that 'IT' claims the title of his crowning achievement, owing to its impressive length and intricate character development. Personally, I am inclined towards the latter viewpoint. Nevertheless, Stephen King has, over the years, treated us to several novels worthy of the crowning achievement status, including Under the Dome. The narrative skill and writing style employed in this work facilitate a seamless reading experience, despite the myriad characters and their individual stories.

In conclusion, I hold great admiration for this story. The book far surpasses its televised adaptation, and I highly recommend immersing yourself in its pages to discover the intricacies of the plot, the depth of each character, and the profound themes it explores. So, if you're a fan of epic tales that draw you in and refuse to let go until the final word, this is a novel that promises to enthrall you for hours on end. Dive into the rich world of Under the Dome, and let the masterful storytelling of Stephen King take you on an unforgettable journey. Happy reading!

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