My first King novel, and still my favorite. Is it better than The Regulators? (review)

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twiggymarie

Daughter of One
Mar 17, 2011
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I read Desperation first; it was probably the third or fourth King book I devoured. (It's been ages, and I've slept quite a bit since then. ;;D) I had no clue Bachman existed, or that Desperation has a twinned, until I found the Regulators and started reading. I honestly can't say which I like better. Can I just like them both equally? ;-D
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
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Cambridge, Ohio
I read Desperation first; it was probably the third or fourth King book I devoured. (It's been ages, and I've slept quite a bit since then. ;;D) I had no clue Bachman existed, or that Desperation has a twinned, until I found the Regulators and started reading. I honestly can't say which I like better. Can I just like them both equally? ;-D
66426319.jpg
 

mal

content
Jun 23, 2007
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Just finished Desperation yesterday. I really liked it, but it could have used some editing. My paperback version put this at 693 pages. The backstory toward the end could have been trimmed or omitted IMO, and the plot wouldn't have lost any of its steam. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars IMO.

I'm now reading The Regulators. The pacing is much more intense, although the character development isn't (at this point anyway). IMO, D is more character-driven; TR, plot-driven.
They are two different writers after all. I jest of course but I wonder if Mr. King goes into a consistent mindset/technique/style when writing as Bachman vs. himself. I loved 'em both and give 5 out of 5 Gold Stars!
 

Jonathan's Mom

New Member
May 30, 2017
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I loved Desperation but both The Regulators and Dreamcatcher resound with me because I have a special needs adult child (autism). But I do think I've got every book SK has written!!
 
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Owenk

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Nov 13, 2014
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Just finished the audiobook and two things struck me, firstly
a rash of referencing other King's works - the two which spring to mind are Cujo and Andy Dufresne, although I'm sure there were more. Why do I like it so much when Mr King does this in books? Is it a way of us making feel like treasured readers in a "Ooo Mr and Mr King sharing a little joke - I recognise that reference." No idea but is certainly works on me every time.
Actually ignore all that I have also been listening to the Apt Pupil at the same time and that's what I am remembering I think - sorry completely wrong thread!

and

I always always enjoy Mr King reading his own books. I always think when he does read them "what voice could this better than the author's own......"

But since finishing I have started listening to The Regulators which in narrated by Frank Muller and he is just so good I love each and every narration he does. And the voice of Tim Sample narrating Drunken Fireworks is just superb - what an accent, in fact I think I will have to re-listen to that next. Come to think of it I will stop beating myself up over who I most like narrating stuff and just conclude we are blessed with a superb variety of great narrators. (I do love Tim's accent though!)
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
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Jul 10, 2006
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Maine
Just finished the audiobook and two things struck me, firstly
a rash of referencing other King's works - the two which spring to mind are Cujo and Andy Dufresne, although I'm sure there were more. Why do I like it so much when Mr King does this in books? Is it a way of us making feel like treasured readers in a "Ooo Mr and Mr King sharing a little joke - I recognise that reference." No idea but is certainly works on me every time.
Actually ignore all that I have also been listening to the Apt Pupil at the same time and that's what I am remembering I think - sorry completely wrong thread!

and

I always always enjoy Mr King reading his own books. I always think when he does read them "what voice could this better than the author's own......"

But since finishing I have started listening to The Regulators which in narrated by Frank Muller and he is just so good I love each and every narration he does. And the voice of Tim Sample narrating Drunken Fireworks is just superb - what an accent, in fact I think I will have to re-listen to that next. Come to think of it I will stop beating myself up over who I most like narrating stuff and just conclude we are blessed with a superb variety of great narrators. (I do love Tim's accent though!)
Tim is also the narrator for "The Sun Dog" if you want to hear more of his narration of Stephen's work.
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
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Maine
In which case I'm off to Audible to buy it now. Is it in that astonishing, amazing New England/Maine back-country accent again?????
I was hoping we had a sample on the Audiobook section you could listen to but no luck. It's been a long time since I've heard it but my recollection is that he does use the Maine accent.
 

Owenk

Well-Known Member
Nov 13, 2014
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I was hoping we had a sample on the Audiobook section you could listen to but no luck. It's been a long time since I've heard it but my recollection is that he does use the Maine accent.

Ah OK not on Audible either so I will have to have a search.

Kind regards. (Edit - Kind regards ......you can tell I am mitching at work and so still writing as though I an writing a business email :))

Found it now it is in Four Past Midnight which I saw on my 'phone this morning so I can listen on the way home! Huzzah!
 
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Tak96

Well-Known Member
Mar 23, 2018
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Have started Desperation, Have finished The Regulators.



It could change by the end of Desperation but right now The Regulators is about 10 miles better. I like the idea of It's A Good Life written by Stephen King.
 

Bobby Sawyer

Member
Oct 22, 2018
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New Jersey
Just read them back to back, regulators last. Feel that Regulators is a story of the "random" vs desperation the "purpose". Desperation is the story that was pre destined or of gods will. Regulators is the random luck of the perfect vessel for tak coming within its range.

I enjoyed both but Desperation more as I was more invested in the characters.

What sticks with me is wondering how many of the strings Seth was pulling in the regulators and how much of the terror that was unleashed was taks design vs Seth allowing it to play out that way so he could get the ending he desired.