Book Review: The Long Walk by Stephen King

 

Title: The Long Walk

By: Stephen King 

Genre: Horror

Pages: 319

Release Date: December 1st, 1978 

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping...with the winner being awarded “The Prize”—anything he wants for the rest of his life. But, as part of this national tournament that sweeps through a dystopian America year after year, there are some harsh rules that Garraty and ninety-nine others must adhere to in order to beat out the rest. There is no finish line—the winner is the last man standing. Contestants cannot receive any outside aid whatsoever. Slow down under the speed limit and you’re given a warning. Three warnings and you’re out of the game—permanently...

 

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Review:The Long Walk is proof that only Stephen King could take something as simple as people walking and turn it into a gripping, haunting, and unforgettable story. The premise is deceptively straightforward, but the tension builds with every step, pulling you deeper into the psychological and emotional unraveling of the characters. King’s mastery lies in how he makes you care, fear, and question alongside the walkers, transforming a basic act into a battle of endurance, humanity, and survival. It’s chilling, brilliant, and one of his finest works.