skconaghan 's review for:

The Institute by Stephen King
5.0
adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

An absolutely brilliant story! It’s for stories like this one that King is known as America’s great storyteller of this era. 
 
Immediately, we are hooked and along for the unfolding mysterious ride to Tim’s redemption. Only, Tim’s story isn’t the only story we’re getting in this well-crafted novel. 
 
Enter Luke. A compelling young prodigy, a genius before his age, with some difficulty at social engagement with children his own age, but that’s to be expected for someone of his intellect. 
 
And then all hell breaks loose… 
 
King tells this story with PERFECT pace, dropping details and hints in at just the right moments, introducing Dickensian characters that enhance the plot and add to its complexities. 
 
A dark, ominous, and multi-layered adventure full of pointed political criticism, crafty satire, and humorous relief when necessary.