54 pages 1 hour read

Stephen King

The Running Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1982

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Running Man by Stephen King (written under the pen name Richard Bachman) follows Ben Richards in a dystopian future where he enters a deadly reality TV show to provide for his wife and sick daughter, risking his life as he is hunted by both professional and civilian pursuers while exposing societal corruption and media manipulation. The book includes themes of violence and child death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's The Running Man offers a gripping, dystopian narrative marked by relentless suspense and a fast-paced plot. Critics praise its imaginative storyline and timely commentary on societal issues. However, some find character development lacking and the writing style rough. Overall, it remains a compelling thriller that resonates with many readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Running Man?

A reader who would enjoy The Running Man by Stephen King is likely a fan of dystopian thrillers, high-stakes survival stories, and fast-paced narratives. Comparable to readers of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and Richard Bachman's Thinner, they appreciate tension, societal critique, and richly built, oppressive worlds.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Themes

Society: Class

Society: Community

Society: Politics & Government