Stephen King's Under the Dome captivates with its gripping plot and well-developed characters. Reviewers praise its intense atmosphere and social commentary, but some feel the lengthy narrative can be overwhelming and occasionally meanders. Despite these pacing issues, it remains a compelling read for fans of dystopian thrillers.

A reader who enjoys intense, character-driven drama with elements of horror and science fiction will find Under the Dome engaging. Fans of King’s own The Stand or George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, which blend intricate plots with vivid character arcs, will appreciate the suspense and complexity in this novel.

In Under the Dome by Stephen King, an invisible, electrified Dome encapsulates Chester’s Mill, cutting it off from the external world. Chaos breaks out as civic order collapses, with Big Jim Rennie seizing power and framing outsider Dale Barbara, a former soldier. Barbara, aided by local allies, discovers the Dome's source—an alien generator—and strives to survive amidst escalating violence and tyranny. The source material depicts sexual assault, graphic violence, substance use, and suicidal ideation, and features offensive language directed at women and LGBTQ+ people.

Dark / Suspenseful / Mysterious / Unnerving / Gritty

Stephen King

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Chapters 1-10

Under the Dome Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-14

Under the Dome Chapters 11-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-18

Under the Dome Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-22

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Chapters 23-26

Under the Dome Chapters 23-26 Summary & Analysis

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Under the Dome

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