Revival

A Novel

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: David Morse

Stephen King presents “a fresh adrenaline rush of terror” (People) in this electrifying #1 New York Times bestseller!

The new minister came to Harlow, Maine, when Jamie Morton was a boy doing battle with his toy army men on the front lawn. The young Reverend Charles Jacobs and his beautiful wife brought new life to the local church and captivated their congregation. But with Jamie, he shares a secret obsession—a draw so powerful, it would have profound consequences five decades after the shattering tragedy that turned the preacher against God, and long after his final, scathing sermon. Now Jamie, a nomadic rock guitarist hooked on heroin, meets Charles Jacobs again. And when their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, Jamie discovers that the word revival has many meanings….

A dark and disturbing novel about addiction, fanaticism, and what might exist on the other side of life, Revival spans five decades on its way to the most terrifying conclusion Stephen King has ever written.

Early reviews raised expectations too high.

Would you listen to Revival again? Why?

No. David Morse is the best reader I've ever heard but this story was barely mediocre. I think the earliest reviews (prior to 11/11) set my expectations so high (best new work since Carrie, blah blah blah) I was seriously disappointed at the denouement which didn't occur until the last 30 minutes of the book and made little to no sense at all.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Introduce more of the supernatural elements revealed at the end, earlier in the novel. Weave them into the picture slowly with enough detail and experience to make them feel real. Aside from electricity and lightening the strange reality lying just beneath the surface of "our" reality was never even hinted at, aside from a couple of comments about dead ivy on the door (whatever that was intended to mean). The book ended and I felt cheated, disappointed and dissatisfied.

What does David Morse bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's the best narrator I've ever heard, and I've heard a lot of them. I used to like Scott Brick, but the last work of his I tried to listen to was so irritating with his breathless and overdramatic delivery, I couldn't stand it. This narrator made the central character (Jamie) come alive. His delivery was perfect, easy to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Other than confusion and befuddlement, no.

Any additional comments?

Although I did enjoy his previous work - Mercedes Man, as a modern detective story not horror, I'm not sure I'll listen to or read any further work from him. It's just too disappointing. King has been the master of prose, painting a vivid picture that draws you into the story. Maybe he has run out of ideas.

Stepen phones it in again

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. Typical King formula: Long build up to fight against evil forces. The writing was high schoolish.

What could Stephen King have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Stepped out of his comfort zone

What about David Morse’s performance did you like?

Brilliant! Morse
s voice transformed with each new plot advancement! His narration was one of the ony reasons I listened through to the end.

Disappointing

What did you like best about Revival? What did you like least?

The beginning of the story was quite strong - in a small New England town, a young boy meets the minister who will end up changing his life. The end of the story was incredibly disappointing and unusually weak.

If you’ve listened to books by Stephen King before, how does this one compare?

It is not one of his best.

What does David Morse bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator was good enough that I continued listening.

Do you think Revival needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The story just wasn't strong enough to need an additional book.

What the Hell Happened?

What did you love best about Revival?

There wasn't really much to recommend this book. I haven't a clue what I can say about it other than there were few spelling mistakes

Which character – as performed by David Morse – was your favorite?

I'm not a fan of narrator's taking on, obviously, the voices of the different characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Bring a pillow

Any additional comments?

Stephen King, as much as I love him, really missed the mark with this one.

Meh.

This book was so slow.
It felt like a short story
that went on too long.