Blaze

By Stephen King

Blaze is a novel centered around a mentally retarded criminal, on his own since the demise of his partner. The book is concentrated on the formation and carrying out of a kidnapping scheme in an effort to score big.

Once again, King does a great job at character development and making the story interesting because of this development. We feel for Blaze as a troubled youth who is slow because of abuse by his father. We learn of his tough life, and how he met George and began his life of crime. There are obvious parallels to the Steinbeck novel, Of Mice and Men. Blaze is a large, dim-witted soul, and similar to Lenny is lost without George. George, even in death, plays a big role in this book by guiding Blaze. Blaze follows Georges plan for wealth by kidnapping the young baby of a wealthy family.

While the main story carries on, we are given a great deal of information on Blaze’s history. This is typical King-style, and connects us further to the character. The story itself is interesting, and the history provided further endears us to Blaze. We are held in suspense as Blaze attempts the kidnapping, and his trouble with the law. With the help of George, he stays one step ahead of the law.

Overall I would recommend this book, especially for the King fans such as myself. It is not a novel that will blow you away, or leaving you at the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen. Despite this, it is an interesting and well written read.

Rating: 3.5/5 Bunsen Burners.

Up Next: Midnight by Dean Koontz (This is your last chance Dean).