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Sep 16, 2020TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The Institute by Stephen King is a horror fiction novel that I picked up a few months ago and finishing the novel left me with no regrets. I am usually not a major fan of horror books but the way the book delivers a mix of sci-fi and horror is done so brilliantly, it's as if my distaste for horror never existed. The story revolves around our 12-year-old protagonist whose intelligence is very high, to the point of being offered attendance at a highly prestigious university. This introduction of our protagonist is not apparent until after you read a side-character introduction at the beginning which will come into play later in the story. As the story progresses, we discover more abnormal traits surrounding our protagonist as he meets kids his age who share his strange traits. We are shown the highly engrossing progression of relationship dynamics between the many characters introduced throughout the story. This novel did very well in terms of blending the genres to create a masterpiece. The Institute isn't overly fixated on the horror aspect, but instead, provides the readers with unparalleled humour and a compelling storyline. The Institiute is perfect for someone who is looking to read a horror fiction book, that at the same time, relates to real life in many aspects. Once you pick up this masterpiece, it might be difficult to put down. @Reader1564 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library I think very few people can say that The Institute is one of King's best works, but I think it's up there with some of his most entertaining works, for one thing. The Institute takes a very familiar plot-it has to be said, the plot of a few thousand YA novels-and adds thorough characterization, long-winded but still fun narrative, and no small amount of fodder for conspiracy theorists everywhere in King's trademark. Children with special powers are exposed to cruel experiments, secret government agencies, and confidence in the belief that if we all face it together, no adversary is too large. EXCITIVE! It's easy to see why a) people run out to devour every new King book by reading this book, and b) the book snobs don't take him seriously. Any other author will have this manuscript submitted to the YA section directly. It isn't an insult. This was a highly entertaining novel, novel snobbery be damned. And I mean sometimes so bad and unjust by "entertaining" that I absolutely had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Final rating 5/5! @Barcelonafan1 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library This is an excellent book, a real page-turner. If you like books that go straight to the point and don't have a long introduction I think this book is worth a read. Stephen King is really good at writing very developed characters. This book doesn't disappoint at all. The story has this very interesting take filled with mystery and fantasy. From the beginning of the book, we know that Tim Jamieson and Luke Ellis are going to cross paths. When they finally do, it's very dramatic and entertaining. King is a true master of writing and this novel is very well written. I would give this novel a rating out of 5 stars. Recommend to everyone. @Nando90 of The Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board