Listen free for 30 days
-
The Institute
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Santino Fontana
- Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $43.85
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Buy it with
-
The Outsider
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Will Patton
- Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An 11-year-old boy's violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City's most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.
-
-
Not a Waste of Time
- By Kyle G on 2018-06-04
Written by: Stephen King
-
Fairy Tale
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Seth Numrich, Stephen King
- Length: 24 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was 10, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. Then, when Charlie is 17, he meets a dog named Radar and his aging master, Howard Bowditch, a recluse in a big house at the top of a big hill, with a locked shed in the backyard. Sometimes strange sounds emerge from it.
-
-
couldn't finish it- returned halfway through
- By A. Perry on 2022-12-21
Written by: Stephen King
-
Billy Summers
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Paul Sparks
- Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Billy Summers is a man in a room with a gun. He’s a killer for hire and the best in the business. But he’ll do the job only if the target is a truly bad guy. And now Billy wants out. But first there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong?
-
-
Absolutely Wonderful
- By Anonymous User on 2021-08-11
Written by: Stephen King
-
Under the Dome
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Raul Esparza
- Length: 34 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when - or if - it will go away.
-
-
Great book recommend !
- By George w. on 2018-12-07
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Stand
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 47 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the way the world ends: with a nanosecond of computer error in a Defense Department laboratory and a million casual contacts that form the links in a chain letter of death. And here is the bleak new world of the day after: a world stripped of its institutions and emptied of 99 percent of its people. A world in which a handful of panicky survivors choose sides - or are chosen.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Grantly on 2018-03-19
Written by: Stephen King
-
Mr. Mercedes
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Will Patton
- Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.
-
-
EXCELLENT LOVED IT
- By Richer M. on 2018-06-07
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Outsider
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Will Patton
- Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An 11-year-old boy's violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City's most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.
-
-
Not a Waste of Time
- By Kyle G on 2018-06-04
Written by: Stephen King
-
Fairy Tale
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Seth Numrich, Stephen King
- Length: 24 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was 10, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. Then, when Charlie is 17, he meets a dog named Radar and his aging master, Howard Bowditch, a recluse in a big house at the top of a big hill, with a locked shed in the backyard. Sometimes strange sounds emerge from it.
-
-
couldn't finish it- returned halfway through
- By A. Perry on 2022-12-21
Written by: Stephen King
-
Billy Summers
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Paul Sparks
- Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Billy Summers is a man in a room with a gun. He’s a killer for hire and the best in the business. But he’ll do the job only if the target is a truly bad guy. And now Billy wants out. But first there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong?
-
-
Absolutely Wonderful
- By Anonymous User on 2021-08-11
Written by: Stephen King
-
Under the Dome
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Raul Esparza
- Length: 34 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when - or if - it will go away.
-
-
Great book recommend !
- By George w. on 2018-12-07
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Stand
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 47 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the way the world ends: with a nanosecond of computer error in a Defense Department laboratory and a million casual contacts that form the links in a chain letter of death. And here is the bleak new world of the day after: a world stripped of its institutions and emptied of 99 percent of its people. A world in which a handful of panicky survivors choose sides - or are chosen.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Grantly on 2018-03-19
Written by: Stephen King
-
Mr. Mercedes
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Will Patton
- Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.
-
-
EXCELLENT LOVED IT
- By Richer M. on 2018-06-07
Written by: Stephen King
-
11-22-63
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Craig Wasson
- Length: 30 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King - who has absorbed the social, political, and popular culture of his generation more imaginatively and thoroughly than any other writer - takes listeners on an incredible journey into the past and the possibility of altering it.
-
-
#Audible 1 review of 11.22.63 by Stephen King
- By Jerry Kiviluoma on 2018-09-20
Written by: Stephen King
-
Duma Key
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: John Slattery
- Length: 21 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A terrible accident takes Edgar Freemantle's right arm and scrambles his memory and his mind, leaving him with little but rage as he begins the ordeal of rehabilitation. When his marriage suddenly ends, Edgar begins to wish he hadn't survived his injuries. He wants out. His psychologist suggests a new life distant from the Twin Cities, along with something else.
-
-
I absolutely LOVED this!
- By hdamoca on 2019-03-14
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Dead Zone
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: James Franco
- Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Johnny Smith awakens from a five-year coma after his car accident and discovers that he can see people's futures and pasts when he touches them. Many consider his talent a gift; Johnny feels cursed. His fiancée married another man during his coma, and people clamor for him to solve their problems. When Johnny has a disturbing vision after he shakes the hand of an ambitious and amoral politician, he must decide if he should take drastic action to change the future.
-
-
Compelling; scary accurate prediction of politics
- By metalxjamie on 2021-06-28
Written by: Stephen King
-
Needful Things
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Stephen King
- Length: 25 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Leland Gaunt opens a new shop in Castle Rock called Needful Things. Anyone who enters his store finds the object of his or her lifelong dreams and desires: a prized baseball card, a healing amulet. In addition to a token payment, Gaunt requests that each person perform a little "deed", usually a seemingly innocent prank played on someone else from town. These practical jokes cascade out of control, and soon the entire town is doing battle with itself. Only Sheriff Alan Pangborn suspects that Gaunt is behind the population's increasingly violent behavior.
-
-
Fantastic Narration from Stephen King
- By Michael Kolasa on 2018-10-13
Written by: Stephen King
-
Bag of Bones
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Stephen King
- Length: 21 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Even four years after the sudden death of his wife, best selling novelist Mike Noonan can't stop grieving, nor can he return to his writing. He moves into his isolated house by the lake, which becomes the site of ghostly visitations, ever-escalating nightmares, and the sudden recovery of his writing ability. What are the forces that have been unleashed here - and what do they want of Mike Noonan?
-
-
Slow and Uneventful
- By John on 2018-06-21
Written by: Stephen King
-
Dreamcatcher
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Jeffrey DeMunn
- Length: 22 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A dark and sweeping adventure, Dreamcatcher is set in the haunted city of Derry - the site of Stephen King's It and Insomnia. In it, four young boys stand together and do a brave, good thing, an act that changes them in ways that they hardly understand. A quarter-century later, as grown men who have gone their separate ways, these friends come together once a year to hunt in the woods of Maine.
-
-
Hard to follow
- By Rob and Trevor on 2018-01-25
Written by: Stephen King
-
Later
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Seth Numrich
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The son of a struggling single mother, Jamie Conklin just wants an ordinary childhood. But Jamie is no ordinary child. Born with an unnatural ability his mom urges him to keep secret, Jamie can see what no one else can see and learn what no one else can learn. But the cost of using this ability is higher than Jamie can imagine—as he discovers when an NYPD detective draws him into the pursuit of a killer who has threatened to strike from beyond the grave.
-
-
Entertaining listen.
- By Candace on 2021-03-03
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Tommyknockers
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
- Length: 27 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Writer Bobbi Anderson becomes obsessed with digging up something she's found buried in the woods near her home. With the help of her friend, Jim Gardener, she uncovers an alien spaceship. Though exposure to the Tommyknockers, who piloted the alien ship, has harmful effects on residents' health, the people of Haven develop a talent for creating innovative devices under their increasingly malignant influence.
-
-
Narrator elevates a so-so book
- By Kelly Brianna on 2019-04-02
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Talisman
- Written by: Stephen King, Peter Straub
- Narrated by: Frank Muller
- Length: 28 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On a brisk autumn day, a 13-year-old boy stands on the shores of the gray Atlantic, near a silent amusement park and a fading ocean resort called the Alhambra. The past has driven Jack Sawyer here: His father is gone, his mother is dying, and the world no longer makes sense. But for Jack everything is about to change. For he has been chosen to make a journey back across America - and into another realm. One of the most influential and heralded works of fantasy ever written, The Talisman is an extraordinary novel of loyalty, awakening, terror, and mystery.
-
-
Fabulous book and excellent narration.
- By hdamoca on 2018-03-27
Written by: Stephen King, and others
-
Insomnia
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Eli Wallach
- Length: 25 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since his wife died, Ralph Roberts has been having trouble sleeping. Each night he wakes up a bit earlier until he's barely sleeping at all. During his late-night walks, he observes some strange things going on in Derry, Maine. He sees colored ribbons streaming from people's heads, two strange little men wandering around town after dark, and more. He begins to suspect that these visions are something more than hallucinations brought on by lack of sleep.
-
-
Not sure about this one
- By joanne on 2018-05-02
Written by: Stephen King
-
Revival
- A Novel
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: David Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs - including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession.
-
-
Review of Steven King's Revival
- By Jose N. Alaras on 2019-03-05
Written by: Stephen King
-
The Shining
- Written by: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Campbell Scott
- Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack Torrance's new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he'll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote...and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.
-
-
so much scarier than I originally read
- By Chelsea Pasq on 2018-07-16
Written by: Stephen King
Publisher's Summary
A 2020 Thriller/Suspense Audie Award winner!
A New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2019 selection
From number one New York Times best-selling author Stephen King, the most riveting and unforgettable story of kids confronting evil since It.
“This is King at his best” (The St. Louis Post-Dispatch).
In the middle of the night, in a house on a quiet street in suburban Minneapolis, intruders silently murder Luke Ellis' parents and load him into a black SUV. The operation takes less than two minutes. Luke will wake up at The Institute, in a room that looks just like his own, except there's no window. And outside his door are other doors, behind which are other kids with special talents - telekinesis and telepathy - who got to this place the same way Luke did: Kalisha, Nick, George, Iris, and 10-year-old Avery Dixon. They are all in Front Half. Others, Luke learns, graduated to Back Half, "like the roach motel," Kalisha says. "You check in, but you don't check out."
In this most sinister of institutions, the director, Mrs. Sigsby, and her staff are ruthlessly dedicated to extracting from these children the force of their extranormal gifts. There are no scruples here. If you go along, you get tokens for the vending machines. If you don't, punishment is brutal. As each new victim disappears to Back Half, Luke becomes more and more desperate to get out and get help. But no one has ever escaped from the Institute.
As psychically terrifying as Firestarter, and with the spectacular kid power of It, The Institute is “is another winner: creepy and touching and horrifyingly believable, all at once” (The Boston Globe).
What the critics say
"Stephen King's newest audiobook is compulsively entertaining and features a dazzling performance by narrator Santino Fontana.... Fontana does wonders with this diverse lineup of young characters who band together to fight their captors. Each of them sounds authentic and unique. Meanwhile, the adult characters, with a few exceptions, are a nightmarish bunch. Through them, Fontana shows that evil can have many different voices.... [King's] and Fontana's talents are a winning combination." (AudioFile magazine)
Editorial Review
There is nothing quite as disturbing as taking the innocence of children and exposing them to pure evil. The gifted young ones that are taken to the Institute are no exception. Legendary author Stephen King tells the story of children with supernatural abilities who are imprisoned in a facility in Maine after their parents are brutally murdered. The disturbing plot of this supernatural mystery novel unfolds before the listeners in an intricate fashion, pulling them into the nightmare that has become these children’s lives. The Institute states that it experiments on the children for the greater good, which is a believable claim coming from a respectable organization, but there is a dark truth behind this peaceful front. King’s underlying political commentary and real-world parallels make this listening experience all the more chilling. Stephen King has been the recipient of countless awards throughout his career and sold over 350 million copies of all of his works. Partnering with this legendary storyteller is Santino Fontana, who’s narration truly brings The Institute to life. His tone, pace and inflections perfectly complement every aspect of the story and he narrates it as if it was his own. This audiobook will have listeners both absolutely hooked and horrified.
Featured Article: Stephen King’s 32 Best Audiobooks: The Definitive List
Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of all time. He has published 61 novels, more than 200 short stories, and six nonfiction books—and he shows no sign of stopping. With such an extensive portfolio, choosing one audiobook can be daunting. We’ve compiled a list of the 32 best Stephen King audiobooks to make the choice easier. Whether you’re looking to get stuck into one of his creepy, classic stories or a sci-fi novella, you’ll find a title on this list that will get your heart racing.
More from the same
What listeners say about The Institute
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Nate
- 2019-09-17
A modern classic
Not a scary book. But a thrilling, entertaining and emotionally resonant sci-fi/mystery. One of Stephen King's best. An imaginative and surprising narrative with memorable characters. And Santino Fontana's vocal performance is pitch perfect.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2019-09-15
another awesome Stephen King adventure
was really happy with this book I didn't allow myself to read to much about it going in as I knew I wouldn't be dissipointed with anything published by Mr King. this book grabbed my attention from the opening chapter and didn't let go even at the end. I didn't want it to end! don't want to say anything so I don't spoil any future buyers reading or listening experience. all I can say is it's awesome and well worth it!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Daniel
- 2019-12-10
Another great King story
I've never listened to any audiobooks by Santino Fontana before but I thought he was fantastic. This was a great story mainly told from the perspective of a 12 year old boy. Great build-up with a decent climax. I feel like more could have been done with the ending, but it's satisfactory and King isn't known for his endings anyways. Definitely recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Courtney
- 2019-10-22
so good
I couldn't stop listening !! it was so hard to turn off and go to bed!!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- naveriaheights
- 2019-10-22
Great read
This was a captivating story with the expected depth and character development from King. He builds up to moments that are both truly shocking and satisfying. It was read so well. Recommend to anyone who likes King or simply into thrillers especially with a paranormal edge.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Donna Trudeau
- 2021-03-18
NOT KINGS BEST WORK
I sometimes get the impression that King publishes books tohonor agreements rather than because he has something to say. This is one such book. However most of his works are brilliant, so one disappointment is no biggie.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- The Kurtenbach
- 2020-11-22
Typical, and that’s not a bad thing!
It’s Stephen King, so it reads just like Stephen King: strangely compelling, even when it’s bloated with descriptions or just wandering around instead of getting to the point. This made 12 hours in the car by myself very easy and enjoyable. It’s kinda like that movie on Rotten Tomatoes that only gets 63%, but you love it anyway because it struck your mood just right. Good bang for your buck. Not everything needs to be Hemingway.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2019-09-27
Great book, good narration
I love Stephen King books and this was another great one. I thought it was almost done somewhere around the middle, but there was a lot more story. Narration was great, he did use different voices for characters but it wasn't over the top.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- SaShepherd
- 2021-01-02
Not As Expected
My wife and I are voracious Stephen King readers. If I were given this book author unknown, I would never have guessed it was a King novel. It is surprisingly unenjoyable. Full disclosure, this review is written after only reaching chapter 46, and making the decision to not continue, but I would argue that 5 hours of listening is more than enough for a review. The first act of the book is alright but by the time the reader reaches act 2, at the Institute, with the children, the book bogs down into miniscule details written from a child's perspective. I keep waiting for something to happen and nothing so far has... the murder of the boys parents is expected, everything else after that seems anti-climactic. The narrator is ok, able to voice the different characters well enough but anything delivered that is not dialogue is delivered in such a monotone I feel the narrator is as bored as I am listening.
Obviously this book is not for me. I guess I was expecting another King version of the Doctor Sleep universe but sadly this book is a big let down.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Brian Darnell
- 2020-04-26
Fantastic book and beautifully read.
This was a fantastic book and was beautifully read. The reader brought the characters to life.
It reminds me of Stand By Me meets Firestarter.
A pleasure.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Wendi
- 2019-09-21
I really wanted to like this novel.. but..
Sometimes Stephen keeps me glued to a story. I have called in sick to work because I had to read a new section of the 'Green Mile,' and I think I ran and hid at the library and neglected my family for a day when I read 11-22-63. There have been so many others that I have devoured voraciously, and I *really* wanted to like 'The Institute,' but alas I did not.
The story starts out with a drifter in New England who takes a job as a door knocker/security person. He seems interesting enough. Then we get into the kiddos who have found themselves at 'The Institute' where weird things happen. Seemingly gifted children are subjected to several movies, food, and testing- and we really don't know why. It seems that there is a government conspiracy to suck the smart out of children for a greater purpose.
The problem is, it's repetitive and boring. I couldn't quite get into it. I felt like I was skimming the surface of the story because there was just, well.. no point where I could bite into it.
King's books are often hit or miss for me, and this one wasn't terrible, but it wasn't anything to write home to mom about.. And, I am disappointed.
-Wendi
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
226 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Charles Elmore
- 2019-09-16
Entertained But Disappointed
Ultimately, Stephen King’s “The Institute” left me disappointed, but I am not unhappy that I downloaded it. The narration is great, the characters and their motivations are portrayed clearly, and the plot, although one of King’s weakest in my opinion, is solid enough to keep my interest. In fact, I got through the audio (18 hours of it) very quickly and am sure I will go back for more. And yet, the book as a whole is unsatisfying: not bad but not one of his best.
Without revealing too much of the plot, I will say simply that it follows a “revenge” pattern, with the protagonist suffering horribly for two-thirds of the novel before getting anything like what might be called justice. After the brutal and (if I’m being honest) tiresome, torture sequences end, the action accelerates, story lines converge, and (some) mysteries are explained, all of it accompanied by a grand finale of the usual, imaginative depictions of The Big Good-vs-Evil Showdown.
Pardon me if my tone seems somewhat negative, but I was hoping for more. The world that King depicts in “The Institute” certainly seems to have more to it than what is presented here. It says a lot that if a sequel were offered, I would be back in line for more since even a mildly disappointing King novel is better than most of what is available, yet, I can’t help feeling disappointed. I was hoping for King to knock it out of the park with this one.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
157 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kerr
- 2019-09-12
Top Five King Novel
If you’re considering this book, chances are you’re a fan of King. And you’ve probably noticed that some of his novels are super weird and out there, while others are just regular weird—and I say that with the understanding that all of King’s books are awesome.
This one is just regular weird. It’s more like Doctor Sleep and Mr Mercedes than it is Tommyknockers.
For me - and I don’t want to spoil anything, so this will lack substance - this book pulled me in more than any other. Maybe it’s some unknown childhood baggage that my therapist will uncover one day. Or maybe King continues to get better and better—which doesn’t seem possible for someone who became the literal king of this genre decades ago.
King has used this “abused child” theme in other books and his use of telepathy is not new. He intertwines the two in a masterful way. He gets you rooting for the hero’s and pissed and the abusers—like really pissed. I was mad.
To my surprise, there were a few hours where I just could not stop listening (and I paid the price the next day at work!). I was too engrossed and wound up. That rarely happens for me.
Definitely worth a credit.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
149 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jackie Terry
- 2019-10-01
Disappointed
I remained hopeful for the full 18 hours of listening, but alas the last hour held all the juice, and was crammed into such a fraction of what I felt like was a large investment of my time. This is not the King I know and love. There seemed to be multiple missed opportunities to expand and develop these characters and instead those voids were filled with snarky political jabs that didn’t contribute anything to the story. I was also disappointed that Tim and his SC crew were bookended instead of developed a little more. The entirety of the story just felt like something was...missing. I got a Nazi Germany vibe from The Institute the whole time, but throwing in the visit from the Lisping Man after the fact (that went nowhere) was the only link to that, and felt very much like an afterthought, a quick add-in to give it some background that definitely deserved a little more.
The narration was top notch and quite honestly the only thing that kept me listening until the end. Otherwise, I was rather disappointed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
133 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Grant
- 2019-09-11
I love LOVE Mr. King's work... but
I think that Mr. King is an amazing author, one of the best of the 21st and 22nd century. I have read almost every one of his books... and I am working on the rest. I know how his works and writing styles have changed with different life events that he has lived through, and I think you can see how his writing styles have changed over the years. But here it is... since 2016 he has started really pushing a WOKE view into the background of his stories.... and this one is the most political that I have read. like I have stated, I love Mr. King's works, but his subtle little political jabs just take away from his stories. completely my opinion... I will continue to read his books, but it just makes his new books not as enjoyable as his past works. This is his art, his talent that he shares with us. Buyer, be aware that this book will have a political undertone that you may not enjoy.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
94 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- DT
- 2019-09-19
Did the King Really Write This?
I wanted so badly to like this book. A fan of King since around 1981, I've seen the grail, the great, the good and the not-so-good. I had hoped for a bit of the King of old, where character development was not something you noticed happening. Where laugh out loud moments were commonplace, not because something was necessarily funny, but because you were hit with just how TRUE something was. And really really mean and nasty bad guys. I mean, Mean.
Now, the bad guys in The Institute are mean, don't get me wrong. But they're mean like you're reading a textbook about mean people written by a person who normally writes math problems. Does that make sense?
Maybe the narration gets in the way a bit, as it has a habit of doing. It takes a very special type of person to do justice to an SK novel (Frank Muller, may he rest in peace).
Also, and I'm not sure if this is something that's always been present in King's novels...I don't think it is, but what's with the political jabs? Nothing stops your roller coaster with a brick wall like an ill-placed, almost non-sequitur of a political statement. I have to be honest, I did almost stop listening at one point.
All that being said, this book is better than most of those in the thriller and horror genres out there today, in my opinion.
Please keep them coming, Constant Writer.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
92 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- D. B. Patterson
- 2019-09-10
Fantastic
For the life of me, I couldn't stop listening to this audiobook without experiencing some kind of weird withdrawal.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
74 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- M
- 2019-09-13
Meh
Very, very predictable...
I didn’t hate it, but I was disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend it I don’t think. Maybe if someone was looking for an easy read.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
68 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Julie Mo
- 2019-11-29
Not number one, but still a really good read!
Spoiler Free Review:
This really was a good read and I don't think it was as incredibly predictable as some people claim. There were certainly aha moments, where you could piece together what was going on with the Institute and where things were going to go. In general though I wasn't predicting every little thing and waiting for things I knew would happen. the book still kept me guessing. Yes, this is not a terribly uncommon premise for a book, but I think King added enough of a unique twist to make it a nice addition to the collection of stories about kids getting kidnapped for experimental psychic testing.
It is a bit long and drags a tiny bit in some parts (any longer book will have this problem), so if a big book intimidates you, this might not be for you. Also, as the description for the book reveals, this is a book with quite a bit of unpleasant things happening to children, so if you're not a fan of child abuse, this probably isn't a book for you either.
I really enjoyed the narrator for this book. Like a lot of novels it is read in third person and the narrator has a "narrator voice" he uses. However, if the third person observation is the thoughts of a specific character, is describing what a specific character is doing, or is just about a certain character, he will use that character's voice instead of the narrator one. I thought this was a nice touch and I haven't heard it done like that before (although I will say I haven't read THAT many books on Audible yet so it could actually be very common). He did struggle a little bit with accents, but it wasn't the worst I've ever heard and personally didn't find it overly distracting.
The characters were all fairly interesting. There was strong development of our main characters throughout the book and I was able to connect and feel for them and their struggles. There were maybe a few too many side characters that didn't add as much to the story and could have been left out, but overall I enjoyed the main ones and understood their emotions, struggles, and growth in the story.
Overall, I would recommend the read. Although not an incredibly unique premise, it was still well written and brought some interesting ideas to the table. It has a dark atmosphere like any traditional King book, but still has that sliver of hope that everyone will get out okay. If you want to find out what happens to Luke and his friends and the secret of The Institute, you should dive in and find out!
With Spoiler Review:
I did not expect the book to go the way it did. I expected it to be almost entirely about the main characters' time in the Institute and maybe the last section be an escape. Based on the fact so many people in the reviews described it as boring and incredibly predictable, I was actually really surprised that a basic story about children being tortured for their powers and a simple escape at the end was actually NOT what I got.
Instead we open with the story of Tim and how he ends up in a small town in South Carolina (which at the time was weird, but we soon learn why he's important to the story). It then shifts to the main story of Luke and his time in The Institute. For the first 2/3 of the book we follow Luke and the abuse him and his friends have to go through. The reader is left in the dark for a LONG time on what exactly is going on at the Institute. You're given bits and pieces and it is possible to guess and figure out (especially if you have seen movies/read other books with a similar premise). Since it's not a new story, figuring out Big Brother is real, is not incredibly hard to figure out.
2/3 of the way into the book, Luke actually escapes quite easily and the rest of the story is about his revenge, trying to stay safe, getting the other kids out, and finally learning all the details of what's happening at the Institute. This is also where Tim comes back into the story as he helps Luke on this journey of revenge and freeing his friends. A secret organization trying to protect the world from itself and abusing kids to do it (again, not an incredibly new story, but still has a unique way of telling it). At the end Luke and a few of his friends are able to escape after a pretty intense climax at the institute. We find out there are many like this one around the world and that they all came crashing down (literally) because of the children and their revolt.
The book finishes with the children escaping and going on to live their lives free, but with the remains of the institute still existing. Will the institutes come back? King leaves it open for the reader to guess if this world will once again see the secret kidnapping and abuse of children for the "good of the world". At least for now we know that a few children are free, including Luke, and they get to go to live "normal" lives.
I would be interested to see if there will be a sequel to this with Luke and his friends as adults coming back to defeat a reformed Institute, It Part 2 style. Or maybe even a prequel going into how the Institutes first started and the experiences of the different kids trapped there. I guess time will tell. It would also be cool to see King expand on the Institute and it's leading organization. This book goes through a lot about what the one location does and how it fits into the bigger whole, but I would have liked to see at least a little more about this secret Illuminati like organization that runs the operation. It was a great read and I enjoyed the journey. It's far from perfect and somehow still needed a little more despite it's length. There were some sections that could have been left out or at least tidied up a little bit, but that is usually the case with King books and for me is something I've grown to like with his style.
This was a great read and I recommend taking a look!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
65 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sherry Wyatt
- 2020-01-21
Disappointment
Was this written by the REAL Stephen King???
It dragged on forever and I only stuck with it to see if it would get better. It didn’t. No disrespect, Mr King. I am a huge fan, but I will be returning this one
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
54 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mareva
- 2020-11-15
Enjoyable
Listened while driving. Easily could be an enjoyable movie to watch. The reader did a great job!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rosine
- 2022-08-08
Very good book and great reader
I just love Santino Fontana so had to buy that one and this book was a joy to listen to. It's quite reminiscent of Stranger Things which I found really cool. The setup is a bit disorienting because none of the characters appear in the book description. The problem now is that I want a movie adaptation and Santino to play Tim.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Douglas J.
- 2021-11-27
Captivating!
I wanted it to cease and end blindingly; all the while not wanting it to be over!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Florent Nolin
- 2021-04-15
One of his best
I couldn’t stop listening to this one. I hesitated trying it Bc when kids are being endangered in books it can be very disconcerting for me however this book wasn’t as depressing as I worried it would be.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Maxime
- 2020-12-28
is this supposed to be horror?
i can't bring myself to get into the story because of that God awful narrator who sounds like he's having a lively conversation during brunch rather than trying to set the mood of the story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Client d'Amazon
- 2020-10-17
Absolutly Amanzing
This is one of favourit Stephen King book. It's absolutly amazing. And the narrator makes it so real. His voice is great and soothing and he does really good women voices, not making them sound like a high pitched caricature. Highly recommend
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cheerioh
- 2020-07-22
Sympa, excellent narrateur
Luke est un petit gars exceptionnel, mais voilà il est enlevé et se réveille dans un centre pour enfants qui lui ressemblent. Ça c'est le pitch de départ, dans l'univers du Maine cher à Stephen King. Plutôt soft, quelques longueurs mais globalement sympa. Servi par un excellent narrateur.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- GOUSSELOT
- 2020-07-14
Great !!!!! :-)
Probably the best novel by Stephen King!!! Superbly imagined by the author & Perfectly read by Santino Fontana!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Gilles
- 2020-04-26
Gripping story
Amazing and gripping story. It lives up to my expectations. As good as Doctor Sleep.
Even if those 2 books are not related, The Institute has a lot of similarities with this other Stephen King's novel in the way it is pieced together. That doesn't make it less effective though.
The pace and the characters are still very compelling.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!