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Crossroads
CROSSROADS SERIES: PART 1 by Stephen L. King
Two short stories from the “Crossroads” series that will help keep you entertained late into the night. Discover the bright imagination, suspense, thrilling drama, picturesque visions, and the first look into the true meaning of the “Crossroads” series message.
Follow the series to piece together the hidden meaning of the stories to determine the overall message that is being portrayed. Will it bring enlightenment? Will it be the light at the end of the tunnel? Does fear take over and leave the message hidden? The journey starts now and the message will surely begin to appear.
WARNING: Not the famous Stephen King from Maine.
Two short stories from the “Crossroads” series that will help keep you entertained late into the night. Discover the bright imagination, suspense, thrilling drama, picturesque visions, and the first look into the true meaning of the “Crossroads” series message.
Follow the series to piece together the hidden meaning of the stories to determine the overall message that is being portrayed. Will it bring enlightenment? Will it be the light at the end of the tunnel? Does fear take over and leave the message hidden? The journey starts now and the message will surely begin to appear.
WARNING: Not the famous Stephen King from Maine.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2014
374 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Stephen R. King
21 books33 followersStephen R. King grew up in the Midwest. He enjoys writing short stories in many different genres such as thriller, sci-fi, action-adventure, horror, supernatural, fantasy and more. If you enjoy a good late-night read, or want to spend some time away in another realm or universe, feel free to relax and go on many different journeys with multiple short stories to choose from.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 2, 2014
WARNING: per stephenking.com this is NOT THE STEPHEN KING OF UNDER THE DOME, THE SHINING, and CARRIE FAME!!¡
February 18, 2016
I tried to remove my previous, more positive review that originated in Amazon... But I must have it linked here as well - so this is an edit to correct myself.
Thinking it was the master fiction writer we all know, (Stephen King), perhaps in an early, extremely undeveloped writing phase, I tried to be charitable - I have seen in many other reviewer comments and responses to my own that it's actually someone else. This would explain the appalling number of typographical and grammatical errors that pervade the Crossroad series; I plodded through the first three and felt conned... and don't get me started on plot weaknesses. Sometimes it feels like a kid writing the storyline! So, I had thought it must have been some of King's high school era writing! Though surely they would have been cleaned up by now.
I don't like to be so harsh, (though aspiring authors with poor language skills kind of deserve it for publishing without paying dues in learning the craft) but I really don't see how it's fair to the consumer for booksellers to put substandard material that hasn't even been proofed or edited on the shelf next to top selling authors so the consumers won't know that it's a case of self publication using a famous name. How is this not an encroachment of intellectual property rights? Famous people have to use fake names all the time because someone else already uses theirs. We pay for their material, the least they can do is make sure the protagonist's name is consistent throughout the story.
Don't waste your time and money on the Crossroads anthologies. More importantly, don't offend your sensibilities when you realize you've been duped by an unskilled writer that has much work to do before crafting a readable story that won't distract with errors. I'm not sure which bothers me more, the theft of one of my favorite authors' name, or the careless English, or the fact that I paid for it.
Thinking it was the master fiction writer we all know, (Stephen King), perhaps in an early, extremely undeveloped writing phase, I tried to be charitable - I have seen in many other reviewer comments and responses to my own that it's actually someone else. This would explain the appalling number of typographical and grammatical errors that pervade the Crossroad series; I plodded through the first three and felt conned... and don't get me started on plot weaknesses. Sometimes it feels like a kid writing the storyline! So, I had thought it must have been some of King's high school era writing! Though surely they would have been cleaned up by now.
I don't like to be so harsh, (though aspiring authors with poor language skills kind of deserve it for publishing without paying dues in learning the craft) but I really don't see how it's fair to the consumer for booksellers to put substandard material that hasn't even been proofed or edited on the shelf next to top selling authors so the consumers won't know that it's a case of self publication using a famous name. How is this not an encroachment of intellectual property rights? Famous people have to use fake names all the time because someone else already uses theirs. We pay for their material, the least they can do is make sure the protagonist's name is consistent throughout the story.
Don't waste your time and money on the Crossroads anthologies. More importantly, don't offend your sensibilities when you realize you've been duped by an unskilled writer that has much work to do before crafting a readable story that won't distract with errors. I'm not sure which bothers me more, the theft of one of my favorite authors' name, or the careless English, or the fact that I paid for it.
July 27, 2015
Unfortunately, rights of publication must be lax because it's evident from the get go it's not the highly publicized award winning, grand poobah of horror and fiction.
Why it's allowed is an excellent question. Even with actors/actresses they are card carrying screen actors guild and have to add a middle initial or off spelling to not duplicate another's work. What's astounding is the lack of Amazon's response to at least have a FYI, or asterisk forewarning a reader of this person's lack of credibility. Obviously I read reviews prior to free unlimited purchase but curiosity got the best of me and I received as everyone has deliberated on, the worse. Plagiarism ...I don't know. Accountability, you betcha.
Why it's allowed is an excellent question. Even with actors/actresses they are card carrying screen actors guild and have to add a middle initial or off spelling to not duplicate another's work. What's astounding is the lack of Amazon's response to at least have a FYI, or asterisk forewarning a reader of this person's lack of credibility. Obviously I read reviews prior to free unlimited purchase but curiosity got the best of me and I received as everyone has deliberated on, the worse. Plagiarism ...I don't know. Accountability, you betcha.
April 30, 2016
Not by that Stephen King
Two short stories that are underwhelming and apparently unedited. I thought this was the beginning of a series by Stephen Edwin King, the master of horror and fantasy; however, it is clear that this author is using the name to sell his own books. In addition to the dissatisfaction with this not being what I perceived it to be, the stories are short to the point of having no setup, no context, and apparently are supposed to be related. I have no idea how I would feel if I had just paid $8 for a 28 page "book". Maybe this author could and will improve, but given the dishonest way that I came to read this, I feel like that is unlikely.
Two short stories that are underwhelming and apparently unedited. I thought this was the beginning of a series by Stephen Edwin King, the master of horror and fantasy; however, it is clear that this author is using the name to sell his own books. In addition to the dissatisfaction with this not being what I perceived it to be, the stories are short to the point of having no setup, no context, and apparently are supposed to be related. I have no idea how I would feel if I had just paid $8 for a 28 page "book". Maybe this author could and will improve, but given the dishonest way that I came to read this, I feel like that is unlikely.
May 1, 2015
Not MY Stephen King
This WAS NOT written by the world-acclaimed, awarded, highly talented Stephen King that we all know and love. These stories are poorly written, full of grammar and spelling errors and even misuse apostrophes! Having said that, this is the best of the series. Yes, the others are even worse. As a guess, I would say they were written by a somewhat talented teenager in a high school creative writing class. Don't spend your money unless you are feeling charitable.
This WAS NOT written by the world-acclaimed, awarded, highly talented Stephen King that we all know and love. These stories are poorly written, full of grammar and spelling errors and even misuse apostrophes! Having said that, this is the best of the series. Yes, the others are even worse. As a guess, I would say they were written by a somewhat talented teenager in a high school creative writing class. Don't spend your money unless you are feeling charitable.
November 17, 2014
I originally gave this two-story collection three stars, but on reflection that's being way too generous. The stories here are interesting, but very light. They seem to want to be deep, but come off as pretentious.
Don't be fooled - this is not the Stephen King, of horror fame, this is someone else entirely whose name happens to be the same as the master of horror. Thankfully, it was part of my Amazon Unlimited subscription, otherwise I'd be demanding my money back.
Don't be fooled - this is not the Stephen King, of horror fame, this is someone else entirely whose name happens to be the same as the master of horror. Thankfully, it was part of my Amazon Unlimited subscription, otherwise I'd be demanding my money back.
August 20, 2015
I was fooled ... it's not that Stephen King. These books are terrible. At best its on the level of a creative writing project submitted by a C student. There is no redeeming quality. At first I thought Stephen King had suffered a stroke, then I checked. Putting that name on these books is sacrilege.
July 19, 2014
This author is passing himself off as THE Stephen King on Amazon. The bio provided here has a link to a photographer's website and that site makes no mention of any books. Think this person is scamming here as well. Buyer beware!
April 9, 2016
Utterly disappointed
This is NOT the King of 11-22-63, etc.
Stephen, do you need money this badly? I have read everything King and am a huge fan, but this is totally disappointing.
This is NOT the King of 11-22-63, etc.
Stephen, do you need money this badly? I have read everything King and am a huge fan, but this is totally disappointing.
May 6, 2015
Just boring
Never would have thought it was Steven Kings work.
Not one interesting thing to say about it. Boring and slow.
Never would have thought it was Steven Kings work.
Not one interesting thing to say about it. Boring and slow.
October 10, 2015
I thought that this was the real Stephen King. I was so wrong. The book isn't by him. This book has a ton of grammatical errors and not well sentence structure. This whole series is the same way.
January 1, 2018
Elvis in & out of the underground!
Different from King work I have read in past. Also short read from my usual novels. Found myself wanting more. I believe King has another hit series working here.
Different from King work I have read in past. Also short read from my usual novels. Found myself wanting more. I believe King has another hit series working here.
October 4, 2018
Good short stories.
Stephen King is always a good choice when looking for something good to read. These two stories were both interesting.
Stephen King is always a good choice when looking for something good to read. These two stories were both interesting.
August 14, 2019
I don't even understand what I read. 2 short sci fi fantasy stories. Neither made much sense or has a plot worth following.
September 3, 2023
Crossroads
Very strange and weird could not get into it. Would not recommend and wish I could return. Will not read series.
Very strange and weird could not get into it. Would not recommend and wish I could return. Will not read series.
April 9, 2015
We all meet at a crossroad
what we think we are and what others think we are can lead to a crossroad. life decisions have to be made. would recommend, now on to book 2
There have been discussions on this being THE Stephen King. Whether it is or not I liked the book. Do I read for grammatical errors no. I rate a book based on how it makes me feel at the time I'm reading it. Reading is my entertainment and temporary escape from reality. So it's the overall storyline that I respond to and not the edits.
what we think we are and what others think we are can lead to a crossroad. life decisions have to be made. would recommend, now on to book 2
There have been discussions on this being THE Stephen King. Whether it is or not I liked the book. Do I read for grammatical errors no. I rate a book based on how it makes me feel at the time I'm reading it. Reading is my entertainment and temporary escape from reality. So it's the overall storyline that I respond to and not the edits.
December 11, 2014
Crossroads (Book 1)
I am a Stephen King fan, have been for years and will be for as many as I have left. He always gives me a good dose of the creepies and willies. I wish he had been around when I was in grade school. I greatly enjoyed the book, some of the writing by the other authors was quite a surprise in that they were remarkably close to Mr. King in shock, concept and writing. I would and do recommend reading this book. I look forward to reading more of the series.
I am a Stephen King fan, have been for years and will be for as many as I have left. He always gives me a good dose of the creepies and willies. I wish he had been around when I was in grade school. I greatly enjoyed the book, some of the writing by the other authors was quite a surprise in that they were remarkably close to Mr. King in shock, concept and writing. I would and do recommend reading this book. I look forward to reading more of the series.
March 17, 2014
I'm ready for the sequel!
It's just like Stephen to leave us wanting more. When we were introduced to "The Green Mile" by way of "chapter books", we were left waiting one month to the next for the next part of the saga to continue. Also reminds me of "The Gunslinger" series. I'm ready for the next part of these two stories! Come on, Uncle Stevie! I AM your Constant Reader.
It's just like Stephen to leave us wanting more. When we were introduced to "The Green Mile" by way of "chapter books", we were left waiting one month to the next for the next part of the saga to continue. Also reminds me of "The Gunslinger" series. I'm ready for the next part of these two stories! Come on, Uncle Stevie! I AM your Constant Reader.
May 7, 2015
Interesting.
For being a true fan of Stephen King and not a true fan of short stories; the first one was ok, the second peaked my interest and would have continued reading if it had continued.
UPDATE: Was told this isn't by THE Stephen King. For being an avid fan I should have known.
For being a true fan of Stephen King and not a true fan of short stories; the first one was ok, the second peaked my interest and would have continued reading if it had continued.
UPDATE: Was told this isn't by THE Stephen King. For being an avid fan I should have known.
March 1, 2015
Not one of my favorite stories by King. Science fiction has never been one of my favorite genres. Will not be finishing this series. First time I have not liked a Stephen King novel.
I would only recommend this series to fans of Science Fiction. King should stick to his original style of writing.
I would only recommend this series to fans of Science Fiction. King should stick to his original style of writing.
May 31, 2015
Not worth it
This is a poorly written short story far below Mr King's current abilities. It takes about 15 minutes to read the whole thing and then you must buy another installment. I do not like these "serials." When you purchase a book,I would like to have the entire book...not a portion of it. Thanks but no thanks to anymore of these made-for-kindle e-readers.
This is a poorly written short story far below Mr King's current abilities. It takes about 15 minutes to read the whole thing and then you must buy another installment. I do not like these "serials." When you purchase a book,I would like to have the entire book...not a portion of it. Thanks but no thanks to anymore of these made-for-kindle e-readers.
August 11, 2015
My ,my.
What is going on? This is just crap for the dumb heap.I am thinking at a few bucks a pop, any rabid fan like me will buy and put a few cool million in King,s pocket. This must be just for grins and giggles because very little effort was put into this almost mindless entertainment.
What is going on? This is just crap for the dumb heap.I am thinking at a few bucks a pop, any rabid fan like me will buy and put a few cool million in King,s pocket. This must be just for grins and giggles because very little effort was put into this almost mindless entertainment.
August 15, 2014
Don't Make It Into a Series
Don't Make It Into a Series
The story kept me reading, only to be disappointed that it never got interesting. I have always looked forward to reading new books by this author but this was a real disappointment.
Don't Make It Into a Series
The story kept me reading, only to be disappointed that it never got interesting. I have always looked forward to reading new books by this author but this was a real disappointment.
May 3, 2015
Short and sweet.
Not horror,pleasant st leaving me wanting more. The brevity reduces Kong's usual character development, but it is not absent. An enjoyable read on a rainy afternoon.
Not horror,pleasant st leaving me wanting more. The brevity reduces Kong's usual character development, but it is not absent. An enjoyable read on a rainy afternoon.
May 31, 2015
Good book love Stephen king
Love Stephen king he's one of the best story telling Novelist that there is. This series is just one of a long line of Stephen works that I love! Keep it up Mr. King.
Love Stephen king he's one of the best story telling Novelist that there is. This series is just one of a long line of Stephen works that I love! Keep it up Mr. King.
July 20, 2015
Alright
I would recommend this book to someone who might be in the can for a little while. Two short stories, one about monks in space and the second about a post-apocalyptic sewer raid, leave something to be desired. Unless of course you're in the john. Then you're fine.
I would recommend this book to someone who might be in the can for a little while. Two short stories, one about monks in space and the second about a post-apocalyptic sewer raid, leave something to be desired. Unless of course you're in the john. Then you're fine.
August 18, 2015
Average short read
This book contains two short stories and is apparently part of a larger series which may explain why they also seem unfinished. Was expecting a little bit more but we'll have to see what the Crossroads series of books brings.
This book contains two short stories and is apparently part of a larger series which may explain why they also seem unfinished. Was expecting a little bit more but we'll have to see what the Crossroads series of books brings.
October 25, 2015
Chapter...
I would consider this a few chapters from a story rather than a short story. I'm going to read the next one because this one left me wondering everything still, so I guess stephen king accomplished his goal and I read the next story.
I would consider this a few chapters from a story rather than a short story. I'm going to read the next one because this one left me wondering everything still, so I guess stephen king accomplished his goal and I read the next story.
December 27, 2015
Different
This was much different than typical king, but I'm definitely not complaining. Worth the read. As a rabid king fan, I love anything he does, and this set my head spinning for sure.
This was much different than typical king, but I'm definitely not complaining. Worth the read. As a rabid king fan, I love anything he does, and this set my head spinning for sure.
January 9, 2016
I liked it, different but still great Stephen King
Stephen King has a way of surprising his Constant readers. This was a funky trip through Kings mind. You just have to hold on and just do it!
Stephen King has a way of surprising his Constant readers. This was a funky trip through Kings mind. You just have to hold on and just do it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews