I've always hated it when people said "such and such book is so and so's best work ever!" That being said, I'm going to admit that DUMA KEY is, indeed, one of Stephen King's best books ever. Probably the best he's had in the last few years.

The great thing about DUMA KEY is that it's not out-and-out horror that grabs you right away. It's an isidious type of evil that's at work in this story, and it's actually the very real character of Edgar Freemantle who makes it worth reading. The horror, which comes later, advances the plot very well, but watching Edward tumble, soar, and then crash through it all is what makes the book one that's hard to put down.

If you like King, if you like stories of horror mixed with the supernatural, and if you want a book you'll read within a matter of days, then DUMA KEY is for you. It's that good!

After reading all the glowing reviews and remarks that this was the return of the "Old King", I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of Duma Key. By the time I was 1/4 of the way through, I found myself totally bored. This was the first King book that I put down numerous times and had to force myself to pick up again. I know the main character is recoving from brain damage (this is not a spoiler, but is how the story begins) but do we have to read pages and pages of the same phrases & dialogue? This happens over & over throughout the book. Ever since King became the success that he is (and after his accident), I think that editors gave him free reign and are hesitant to edit his work. This was one that needed editing badly - maybe 200-300 pages could have been removed. This is not how King wrote in the beginning of his career. Even in his long books (like the Stand), he easily managed to grab your attention and keep it till the book's end. Every word was a precious morsal to devour & relevant to the plot.

I did enjoy the final chapters of the book. But, the payoff was not worth the hours of tedious reading. I am beginning to realize that King can no longer can recapture the brilliance of his first works. I'm sure this one will end up as a movie - and I'll probably watch it, but this is nowhere near the caliber of early King.

Good fantasy/horror story.

King has really evolved as a writer, and the stories that he has been writing lately are more in the fantasy genre than horror. This story was scary in places, but overall, I think it was more of a scary, fantasy story than the kind of horror one expects from Stephen King.

The writing itself was very good. I hate to say it is his best work, but I found myself rereading passages, because the prose was so well done. I don't believe I have ever done that with anything he has written.

I was really impressed with the writing and the character development, and I would recommend this story to readers who don't think of themselves as fans of King's work, and to those who don't usually read horror stories. I think you may be surprised by this one.

Duma Key was pretty good. I was hooked all the way through but thought the 'reveal' and ending left a bit to be desired. Kudos to King for creating great story and plot, he just missed on the bad guy, which is usually his forte.

Although I enjoyed King's newest story, I didn't find it as promising as I was led to believe. The story felt like it was ready to be transformed into a movie script--and King even suggests a director via the dialogue between the characters. At 600 pages, I felt that some of the repetition could have been deleted and made the story flow easier and been a much better read. How many times do we need to be reminded that Edgar only has one arm?

Besides all of that--the writing was edgy--especially in the beginning--reminding me of contemporary writers such as Christopher Moore and Chuck Palahniuk. That freshness dissipates after the first 1/3 of the book, though.

Rather than a horror novel I'd consider this story more a supernatural tale of suspense.

I loved the charater development in Stephen King's latest work. I found it hard to put down for the first 3 quarters of the book. The ending was a little too loose at times for me. Being a constant reader it's hard for me to comprehend the fact that he loses me at the end of some of his books with the somewhat unexplained dark forces at work. I like the endings a little more tightly explained.

I really enjoyed this- Stephen King's books have changed over time but, IMO, for the better. Sure I enjoyed getting the cr*p scared out of me in Carrie, 'salem's Lot etc but there seems to be so much more depth in his more recent writings (they kind of remind me of really long Twilight Zone episodes- the madness, for lack of a better word, doesn't smack you over the head so much as creep up on you in the wee hours) and this book is a good example. Edgar is hurt, physically and mentally, and King explores that drawing you in to view Edgar's relationships and his healing process (and maybe even a bit of Mr. King's own healing process as well). And, oh by the way, Edgar got a little something 'extra' when he hit his head.

Libbit's story is related parallel to Edgar's which gives the reader an insight he doesn't have- it's sort of like watching a horror movie and you just *know* that girl is going to fall in the woods as she's running away and you want to scream at her to watch out. You see what's coming before Edgar, or even Wireman, does (to a point) and you want to tell him 'Noooo!' but can't.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat...from the sounds of the "talking shells", to the new pictures that were being painted, to the mighty ship out in the ocean, to the supernatural prowess that Stephen King's books are known for so well...there was never a dull moment for me in this book. Wonderful work, King's outdone himself in my eyes...this has become one of my top 5 King books.

I was a huge fan of Stephen King when he was in his prime. His novels were fuel to my imagination, and I collected them with plans to read again. I kind of lost touch with his work as the years went by, but Duma Key somehow made it into my queue.

I read recently a review of another book (Edgar Sawtelle) that echoed my thoughts when I hate a book: I couldn't care less what happens, had to force myself to read, and spending time I'd never get back.

Well, that does NOT apply here. I found myself totally engaged with the main characters, and happily drawn into the story. You've read one of those books that you just hope keep going and going, because you love it, right? For me, Duma Key was that kind of book.

I have to say, once I got sucked in, I almost had to put the book down and not finish it. I know King's work well enough that something awful is going to happen, and I liked the characters so much I almost couldn't bear to stick around for it.

I resigned myself to their inevitable fate, and plunged ahead. I am happy to say I lived through whatever awaited the players, and came away feeling my reading was time well spent. I'll be watching for more from Mr. King.

This was my first read of a Stephen King book and it was amazing. It held my grip and I did not want to put it down. I have recommended it to everyone I know!

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I have read almost every Stephen King book, and this ranks easily in my top 5. It takes place NOT in Maine (which I think gets redundant after a while). I actually started painting after I read this book because I was soooooo inspired. I also quit about 15 minutes later b/c I am terrible. Overall, fun story, crazy ending, classic Stephen King.

I enjoyed this book. A lot of Stephan King books lagged for me after the first few came out but this one has renewed my interest in the author.

Long......almost to much back ground. With that said, I did finish the book and enjoyed it. The ending is worth the wait....

Held my interest - well written. Mr. King knows how to spin a yarn :)

Loved it! One of the best Stephen King has written in a long time. Creepy, with elements from a few of his past stories thrown in there to create a whole new scary tale.

I will join the bandwagon.... one of King's best works to date!

While the book itself was very good-I got distracted by all the spelling errors he had througout the book. I mean, I know he is Stephen King and all but surely he knows how to spell by now? If you like Stephen King though you'll like this book.

One of King's best! Great story, characters you can connect with, fascinating (and creepy!)family history. Wonderful!

An outstanding piece of work! One of the better ones he's had in a while - not like the recent ones he's churned out. This book reminded me of the early Stephen King writing - the writing that got me hooked on his writing.
I couldn't put the book down!

Wierd,but it's Stephen King. You could feel his injuries from his accident and recuperaction stint he did down here in Sarasota area. A good read for the island relaxing this summer.

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