If you are not a Stephen King fan you may not like this book. And that's ok. But I have to say I could not put this down. There is just enough probability and realism in this to make you wonder. An excellent story.

This actually was my first Stephen King read and I have to say, I find the movies more exciting. The Institute was good and the storyline was very King but the detail, oh so much detail. There were times it just seemed so wordy and I was like, "This is why this damn book is 600 pages long!" I was engrossed and invested, building suspense, until about halfway in. It then became a battle to finish and get to the point and climax of the story. I was expecting a lot more fear and horror (because this is listed in the horror genre) and was served more science fiction, with a sprinkle of some action/thriller. Throughout the read, I could definitely visualize King's words being transformed onto the movie screen and thought he did a great job with creating and developing the main characters, Luke and Tim. I did get a little lost at times with the whole "hums" and Gorky park and assassins for hire, but was able to piece it all together a bit more clearly by the end. Many of the ancillary characters seemed a little flat too; like they might be presented in a movie - just "supporting actors." I liked, but did not love, this read.

I could not put this book down. I love how Stephen King wrote this book based on science fiction rather then horror. I mean would you send innocent children to die to control outcomes of the world to save humanity?

I would read this book over and over again! Stephen king has such a beautiful mind. I love how every character had such a iconic role in this story. You will never look at abductions the same after this. What a great conspiracy theory!