Skeleton Crew by Stephen King Review: "There's Something in the Mist!"

Hello Lovely Readers!❤️📚

Welcome back to A Library in April! Hope you've been having an awesome week.

Today, I wanted to chat about my recent read, Skeleton Crew by Stephen King. This book is a mix of short stories, a novella, and poems that dive into different types of horror and enlightenment. And by "enlightenment," I mean that not every story ends in darkness; some actually uncover a sense of hope or a mysterious force that changes everything.

You will get the reference in this gif if you decide to read the book, as I don't want to give away any spoilers. 😉

The first story in this book is actually a novella, the ever-popular "The Mist". Set in the fictional Bridgton, Maine, we jump in at the start of a storm. The next morning a father and his son leave his wife to go to a grocery store for supplies along with their neighbor as a dense mist rolls in from the water. When at the store a man runs in with blood on his body screaming that the mist killed someone.

They are now trapped in the store as the mist surrounds them, this story really dives into humanity. Can society survive in an apocalyptic scenario? Does righteousness keep the same meaning? Or do we go back to an archaic way of thinking? What do you do as a father and husband? Do you risk the unknown outside, or chance the outcome of "safety' indoors?

This is a damn good horror and I highly recommend it, on its own I would rate it 4.75⭐️!

Alright, let's talk a bit more about "The Mist" before I move on. Don't worry, I promise not to go on and on about each story, haha! "The Mist" is actually one of my favorites. You can buy and read it in its own individual copy, so I thought I'd give it a little review in case you're interested in just the novella.

So, this story has had 2 adaptations - one as a movie and the other as a limited series. Both adaptations made some significant changes, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the 2007 movie starring Thomas Jane.

And here's why!

So, for me, the 2007 movie adaptation stands out. It keeps the same plot, characters, disasters, and issues from the novella. The vibes and aesthetic are spot on, and the cast's performances are top-notch. Watching the movie, you can definitely see a true adaptation of the novella. Even with a few tweaks, the heart of the story remains intact.

Let's delve into the 2017 series - it's a completely different scenario! Imagine this: a teenage girl grappling with serious issues following a date rape incident and she accuses a popular boy she had feelings for. Drama ensues! The series introduces fresh characters, delves into their backgrounds, and reveals surprising revelations (SPOILER ALERT!: the girl is revealed to be the half-sister of the boy she accused! Now, that's a plot twist!).

While some aspects of the show may seem overly explained, there are still elements worth appreciating. CGI has come a long way therefore the effects were able to elevate the horror factor. Additionally, certain actors truly stand out in their respective roles. Just keep in mind to expect A LOT of changes - this time, the setting shifts from a grocery store to a mall!

The reason I adore the original story so much is because it just throws us into someone's life, picking up where they left off. We step into the shoes of a father going through a terrifying event where he can't afford to break down. He's a husband and a father, with the responsibility of protecting his son while yearning to reunite with his wife. We witness his struggles with his role, battling his weaknesses, and grappling with what's right, all while maneuvering through societal changes. It's something we can all connect with; those moments when we realize we're the grown-ups now. If there's a monster in the closet, it's on us to figure it out. So, I felt the series missed the essence of the story and opted for Lifetime drama instead. With the direction they took, they might as well have labeled it as inspired by the original rather than an adaptation. If you enjoyed it, that's awesome! It wasn't a terrible show; it had some fantastic actors. Maybe I would've appreciated it more if I hadn't compared it so much to the source material and the initial adaptation. But hey, no hard feelings, we all have different tastes!

Now, let's discuss the Skeleton Crew book as a whole. It is a unique read, giving off that captivating "The Twilight Zone" vibe. 🌀 If you're new to King's writing, you may observe his gradual storytelling approach in this collection. The narratives build up slowly, becoming particularly engaging halfway through. So, if you prefer faster-paced beginnings, this book may not be your preference. Nevertheless, it's worth exploring, even if it doesn't become one of your top favorites. 📚

Most of these stories tend more towards science fiction than horror, guiding you through journeys involving time warps, cosmic dread, and enigmatic enigmas. Certain tales provoke more questions than solutions, adding to their allure. Below is a summary of the stories featured in the book, including some of my personal favorites highlighted:

1. The Mist: An eerie mist conceals dark secrets and unexpected danger lurks at every turn.

2. Here There by Tygers: A young boy's trip to the bathroom reveals an unexpected monster.

3. The Monkey: A malevolent toy monkey wreaks havoc with its sinister powers.

4. Cain Rise Up: A seemingly normal college student returns from final exams with a surprising revelation.

5. Mrs. Todd's Shortcut: A new route becomes a haunting journey into the unknown with unbelievable consequences.

6. The Jaunt: A futuristic teleportation experience reveals horrifying and mind-bending consequences for those who dare to travel through it.

7. The Wedding Gig: A seemingly simple gig at a wedding unveils a chilling and unexpected confrontation.

8. Paranoid: A Chant: A poem from the diary of a person with paranoid schizophrenia.

9. The Raft: A group of friends relaxing day at a lake turns into a horrifying struggle for survival against a relentless, deadly force.

10. Word Processor of the Gods: a writer's new word processor grants him the power to alter reality, leading to chilling and unforeseen consequences.

11. The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands: A man's refusal to shake hands reveals a disturbing and sinister truth about his past.

12. Beachworld: Stranded explorers on a desolate alien beach face a horrifying and relentless cosmic force that preys on their sanity.

13. The Reaper's Image: A haunted mirror reveals a chilling glimpse of death to those who dare to look into it

14. Nona: A man’s brief encounter with a captivating but enigmatic woman unleashes a nightmarish and deadly chain of events.

15. For Owen: A poem for his son about walking to school and describing everyone as fruits.

16. Survivor Type: A shipwrecked surgeon’s desperate fight for survival turns into a gruesome and unsettling struggle for self-preservation.

17. Uncle Otto's Truck: A truck becomes a vessel for evil forces, revealing dark and unsettling secrets.

18. Morning Deliveries (Milkman #1): A routine milk delivery hides a chilling and deadly secret beneath its mundane surface.

19. Big Wheels: A Tale of the Laundry Game (Milkman #2): a mundane trip to the laundromat spirals into a nightmarish encounter with a sinister force.

20. Gramma: A young boy’s visit to his creepy grandmother’s house uncovers horrifying secrets that lead to a terrifying confrontation with dark forces.

21. The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet: A writer’s descent into madness blurs the lines between reality and fiction, revealing a chilling and sinister truth.

22. The Reach: An elderly woman’s final journey across a remote, icy landscape becomes a harrowing encounter with a supernatural force.

So, when it comes to diving into a bunch of short stories, it's like a mixed bag of goodies, right? Some you vibe with, others not so much - which makes it tricky to give a solid rating. But, if I had to slap a rating on this book, I'd go with a cool 3.5⭐️.

There are a few stories that have stuck with me, even days after putting the book down. Take "The Jaunt," for example - it has me mulling over time and alternate dimensions non-stop. And then there's "Word Processor of the Gods" - which had me rooting for the main character all the way, and I still think about his story's conclusion. Some stories got me all introspective, while others had me flipping pages eagerly.

All in all, I'd say it's a well-rounded collection that hits the spot. So yeah, 3.5⭐️from me!🤔🌟📚

That's a wrap for this post! Drop a comment below to let me know if you've checked out this book and what you thought about it. Also, if you have any other short story collections you think I should dive into, please share! Catch you later, Lovelies! 🥰✌🏼