Stephen King Books in Order: Complete List 2024

Here's a quick guide to Stephen King books in order, starting with Carrie, moving to The Dead Zone.
Carrie coverThe Shining cover

Ah, Stephen King! When we read his books, we feel like we’re taking a wild ride through the spookiest parts of our imagination. From the eerie chills of ‘Carrie’ to the mind-bending terror of ‘The Dead Zone’, we’ve journeyed through many sleepless nights. We love how each story unfolds, bringing unforgettable characters and unpredictable twists. For those new to this literary legend, here’s a list of Stephen King books in order of release so you can follow his spine-tingling tales from the very start!

On this list:

1 Carrie by Stephen King

Carrie cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1974
  • Pages: 199

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Carrie is about a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers. We loved how King made us feel her pain and anger. The book is a mix of horror and a bit of high school drama, which is relatable for anyone who’s had a rough time in school. Though a bit slow to start, it builds up to an intense climax. It’s like when you shake a soda can and open it, causing a mess! Also, beware: you might want to avoid prom afterwards.

2 Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1975
  • Pages: 439

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Salem’s Lot introduces vampires to a small town. These aren’t your sparkly, romantic vampires – they’re scary! We got chills reading it, especially at night. The small-town vibe is spot-on, which made us think of our local coffee shop, minus the bloodsuckers. The book is slightly longer, and you might feel it’s dragging with details. But trust us, every bit is there for a reason. It’s like assembling a Lego set – each piece matters for the full picture.

3 The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1977
  • Pages: 447

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The Shining takes us to the haunted Overlook Hotel. It’s like a family vacation gone wrong. The spook-factor is high, and Jack Torrance’s descent into madness is gripping. We remember forgetting to breathe while reading some parts. A word of caution: the book is creepy. You might end up checking your own bathroom mirrors for ghosts. It can feel a bit slow initially as it sets up the horror. But like a roller coaster, once it gets going, you’re in for a ride.

4 Rage by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)

Rage cover

  • Genre: Psychological thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback
  • Year released: 1977
  • Pages: 211

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Rage is a controversial book about a school shooting. It’s intense, raw, and makes you think about the darker side of adolescence. We found it gripping but disturbing. The book is out of print, so it might be tricky to find. It’s like that discontinued candy you remember from childhood – you can’t easily get it anymore. Some scenes may be tough to read. It’s got the kind of tension that makes your stomach knot, reminding us being grounded as teens.

5 The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand cover

  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic, Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1978
  • Pages: 823

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The Stand presents the ultimate fight of good versus evil in a post-apocalyptic world. We found it immersive and epic. The characters are unforgettable, but it’s long – like watching a movie trilogy in one go! It’s like when you eat a giant burger in one sitting; satisfying but overwhelming. And yes, it can feel a bit like dragging your feet over the finish line. But, the journey is worth the epic ending.

6 The Dead Zone by Stephen King

The Dead Zone cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Science fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1979
  • Pages: 426

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The Dead Zone introduces Johnny Smith, who can see into the future. We liked how King intertwines psychic abilities with political intrigue. It’s a page-turner with moments that make you pause and think about fate. Sometimes, it felt like an intense version of a Magic 8-Ball! The pacing is good, but some might find a couple of sections slower. Just like waiting for your mom at the store when all you want is to rush home and read the ending.

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Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!