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The Sickness
Possibly the darkest and most shocking six scary short stories yet ever created from bestselling author Stephen R. King. An instinct of passion and disrespect for decency and humanity fill this volume of life experiences we mostly keep in the back of our conscience, never wanting to bring to the forefront. Its truly sick!
- GenresHorror
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2016
3416 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
July 15, 2020
The first and third stories were my favourites. Both were chilling (as per usual!) and there was room for philosophical reflection in the latter especially.
I would recommend. But, if I were you, I would skip the second and fifth stories!
I would recommend. But, if I were you, I would skip the second and fifth stories!
June 18, 2019
THIS IS NOT STEPHEN KING
.
Even so, I decided to give it a try. It was a waste of time.
Six stories and I only enjoyed one of them. Also this book is not horror, do not let the cover or the shelves some people have placed it on fool you.
The Sickness
This story certainly did not go in the direction I had anticipated, mostly because I had no idea what to expect, but it was still relatively dull. The two point of views were unnecessary, and I didn't really enjoy reading a guy getting all hot about a corpse.
And she has purple toned skin?? What?
The Clarion Call
This one made me seriously question what genre this book was. I know it's a collection (if six constitutes a collection) of short stories, but the only thing even remotely connecting this one with the others was that it had a very small supernatural element in it. But it wasn't anywhere near creepy or spooky or continuing with the same concepts as the others.
The main dude was an asshole, and I couldn't get myself to feel anything for him. I wasn't sure if we were supposed to sympathize with him? If that was the purpose then the author failed because I most definitely did not.
What the Blind Eye Sees
The only story in this collection that I actually enjoyed, and the only reason I gave this collection two stars instead of one.
The beginning of it was sort of confusing and it took me a bit to figure out what was going on, but it was easier to put pieces into place as the story progressed. I think the reason I enjoyed this one so much more is because I actually felt for the main character, and I actually liked her a whole lot. The descriptions were beautiful, I felt her desire to be tricksy, and then her fear and pain as events unfolded.
Phantom Scry
Don't have much to say about this one because it was just meh. It was predictable and not much of a plot twist when you know exactly how things are going to play out.
Temptress
It's bad when you feel more for the "antagonist" than you do for the protagonist, whom I hated. He deserved what happened to him.
The Deadly Lion
In case you're wondering, this one has nothing to do with lions. At all. I don't know where the title came from.
Also I basically just skimmed this because I was so bored. I almost didn't even bother finishing it because I just didn't care. This was another extremely predictable one, also one with extremely stupid characters who ask really stupid questions.
Overall, I would not recommend, other than the third story. It needed to go through editing because I'm not even sure it went through a first round. There were just so many glaringly obvious issues with it. It's even worse that so many people read this thinking it is the Stephen King and are disappointed because it is so bad, when it has nothing to do with the well-known author.
Even so, I decided to give it a try. It was a waste of time.
Six stories and I only enjoyed one of them. Also this book is not horror, do not let the cover or the shelves some people have placed it on fool you.
The Sickness
This story certainly did not go in the direction I had anticipated, mostly because I had no idea what to expect, but it was still relatively dull. The two point of views were unnecessary, and I didn't really enjoy reading a guy getting all hot about a corpse.
And she has purple toned skin?? What?
The Clarion Call
This one made me seriously question what genre this book was. I know it's a collection (if six constitutes a collection) of short stories, but the only thing even remotely connecting this one with the others was that it had a very small supernatural element in it. But it wasn't anywhere near creepy or spooky or continuing with the same concepts as the others.
The main dude was an asshole, and I couldn't get myself to feel anything for him. I wasn't sure if we were supposed to sympathize with him? If that was the purpose then the author failed because I most definitely did not.
What the Blind Eye Sees
The only story in this collection that I actually enjoyed, and the only reason I gave this collection two stars instead of one.
The beginning of it was sort of confusing and it took me a bit to figure out what was going on, but it was easier to put pieces into place as the story progressed. I think the reason I enjoyed this one so much more is because I actually felt for the main character, and I actually liked her a whole lot. The descriptions were beautiful, I felt her desire to be tricksy, and then her fear and pain as events unfolded.
Phantom Scry
Don't have much to say about this one because it was just meh. It was predictable and not much of a plot twist when you know exactly how things are going to play out.
Temptress
It's bad when you feel more for the "antagonist" than you do for the protagonist, whom I hated. He deserved what happened to him.
The Deadly Lion
In case you're wondering, this one has nothing to do with lions. At all. I don't know where the title came from.
Also I basically just skimmed this because I was so bored. I almost didn't even bother finishing it because I just didn't care. This was another extremely predictable one, also one with extremely stupid characters who ask really stupid questions.
Overall, I would not recommend, other than the third story. It needed to go through editing because I'm not even sure it went through a first round. There were just so many glaringly obvious issues with it. It's even worse that so many people read this thinking it is the Stephen King and are disappointed because it is so bad, when it has nothing to do with the well-known author.
February 2, 2025
Okay.. let's talk about it..
First off .. I grew up with a mother who read SK books and because of that I've seen a ton of the films to the books..but never have I read a publication of one until now...so this is a first.
This is also my first anthology and because of that I find myself giving it a 3.5 star rating. I wanted to try something new but I'm not too sure I was in the mood for a bunch of short stories. I find myself feeling unsatisfied but with that said..I now know I want to read another one of his books but in full form so I can get the full experience of emerging myself into a story. This one just kind of left me with a bit of whiplash unfortunately.
No discredit to the writing as Sk is clearly an iconic author..
So if you're looking for something with - mass murder - mermaids and ghost sightings - then these are just a few of the eerie worlds that The Sickness will take you through.
Weather youre looking for - Sci fi - psychological suspense or paranormal .. this one you'll find, has a bone chilling plot with every ominous chapter.
First off .. I grew up with a mother who read SK books and because of that I've seen a ton of the films to the books..but never have I read a publication of one until now...so this is a first.
This is also my first anthology and because of that I find myself giving it a 3.5 star rating. I wanted to try something new but I'm not too sure I was in the mood for a bunch of short stories. I find myself feeling unsatisfied but with that said..I now know I want to read another one of his books but in full form so I can get the full experience of emerging myself into a story. This one just kind of left me with a bit of whiplash unfortunately.
No discredit to the writing as Sk is clearly an iconic author..
So if you're looking for something with - mass murder - mermaids and ghost sightings - then these are just a few of the eerie worlds that The Sickness will take you through.
Weather youre looking for - Sci fi - psychological suspense or paranormal .. this one you'll find, has a bone chilling plot with every ominous chapter.
March 17, 2025
Pretty good horror stories. Nothing amazing but still interesting enough to listen to on audio book.
November 21, 2017
Very good night time reading
Very good stories in the typical Steven King style.... Very strange and always good to the end. If you're looking for a book to cozy up with at the end of a long day,this is it.
Very good stories in the typical Steven King style.... Very strange and always good to the end. If you're looking for a book to cozy up with at the end of a long day,this is it.
August 3, 2022
Get your own pen name.
October 7, 2020
Six short stories of sickness and rage.
Short stories. You just about have time to decide whether the story is good or just flaky, then it's over. So. Two of the tales I would like to read a longer version. The rest are short enough that I have time to determine that it's just not for me and push on to the next one. All in all, I found the book a touch short of everything - plot, characters and interest. Sorry, while curiosity couldn't find the bright spot it needed, it was a bit of a waste of time. Sorry, the author's name drew me in but didn't cover the bad grammar and typos.
Short stories. You just about have time to decide whether the story is good or just flaky, then it's over. So. Two of the tales I would like to read a longer version. The rest are short enough that I have time to determine that it's just not for me and push on to the next one. All in all, I found the book a touch short of everything - plot, characters and interest. Sorry, while curiosity couldn't find the bright spot it needed, it was a bit of a waste of time. Sorry, the author's name drew me in but didn't cover the bad grammar and typos.
June 27, 2017
I loved each uniquely written story.
I loved each story they were great little reads.
Sexy, ghosts ghosts,mermaids everything rolled into one book. <3
Never stop writing!
I loved each story they were great little reads.
Sexy, ghosts ghosts,mermaids everything rolled into one book. <3
Never stop writing!
August 19, 2017
Nono
Return. Didn't like it at all. I tried to get into it, but it was very strange. Its not my taste.
Return. Didn't like it at all. I tried to get into it, but it was very strange. Its not my taste.
March 10, 2025
I wrote review below before I knew this was not THE Stephen King but an author with same name and middle initial R. Duh! The review can stand though, I assume that is why this was a free choice on Audible.
There were six short stories by King included in this collection and most of them didn’t seem like traditional King. Although I did enjoy some of them. I listened to this as an audiobook narrated with a virtual voice (which I didn’t realize until after I started it.) I did get used to the virtual voice narrator after a while but it was difficult to know when the story shifted characters when the characters’ voices didn’t change.
This set of stories felt like a group of experimental ideas that were pulled together (sitting in one of King’s draft folder) to create a book for the sake of publishing another book. I did enjoy it from the standpoint of understanding King’s range. You’ll enjoy these if you like shocking horror, science fiction, and are interested in seeing a different King.
I’m going to add: Phew! It’s good to know the King who wrote these is not the other King we all know from The Shining, It, etc. For this King author’s sake I’ll mention the first story was my favorite. It was definitely creepy in a this “creeped me” out way.
There were six short stories by King included in this collection and most of them didn’t seem like traditional King. Although I did enjoy some of them. I listened to this as an audiobook narrated with a virtual voice (which I didn’t realize until after I started it.) I did get used to the virtual voice narrator after a while but it was difficult to know when the story shifted characters when the characters’ voices didn’t change.
This set of stories felt like a group of experimental ideas that were pulled together (sitting in one of King’s draft folder) to create a book for the sake of publishing another book. I did enjoy it from the standpoint of understanding King’s range. You’ll enjoy these if you like shocking horror, science fiction, and are interested in seeing a different King.
I’m going to add: Phew! It’s good to know the King who wrote these is not the other King we all know from The Shining, It, etc. For this King author’s sake I’ll mention the first story was my favorite. It was definitely creepy in a this “creeped me” out way.
October 3, 2025
Every single woman in this is either raped, a man is plotting to rape her, or seems to be up for sex with her leading male protagonist.
Genuinely felt like I was reading a bad porno.
How this has such high reviews is beyond me.
I realised I had made a mistake and wasn’t reading THE Stephen Kings book. Unfortunately, I only realised this as I finished the book and checked the front cover. I wont be reading anymore.
The author has a very odd way of characterising women.
Boring, weirdly paced, fragmented writing, that I felt myself in a hurry to finish as soon as possible.
Also, way too many grammatical errors for a published book.
Shame copying a name can’t replicate actual talent. This book is proof of that.
Genuinely felt like I was reading a bad porno.
How this has such high reviews is beyond me.
I realised I had made a mistake and wasn’t reading THE Stephen Kings book. Unfortunately, I only realised this as I finished the book and checked the front cover. I wont be reading anymore.
The author has a very odd way of characterising women.
Boring, weirdly paced, fragmented writing, that I felt myself in a hurry to finish as soon as possible.
Also, way too many grammatical errors for a published book.
Shame copying a name can’t replicate actual talent. This book is proof of that.
May 25, 2018
Not THE Stephen King !
Glad I didn't have to pay for this. Okay reading but I THOUGHT this was written by the original guy. Reads more like the old detective stories in writing style. Pretty good but seriously dad that others are trying to make money off of the name. Do you ever wonder if people buy your books because they don't realize there is an extra letter there or because they think your writing is top notch? I see you do have lots of books out. Guess you don't really care as long as you are getting your money. Anyway, fair reading but feel duped by the author name.
Glad I didn't have to pay for this. Okay reading but I THOUGHT this was written by the original guy. Reads more like the old detective stories in writing style. Pretty good but seriously dad that others are trying to make money off of the name. Do you ever wonder if people buy your books because they don't realize there is an extra letter there or because they think your writing is top notch? I see you do have lots of books out. Guess you don't really care as long as you are getting your money. Anyway, fair reading but feel duped by the author name.
May 8, 2025
This is actually 0/5 stars, but you can't put that on Goodreads.
I got this book because it was free on Audible. After listening to it, I understand why.
From the very first scene, where a guy gets an erection while digging up a corpse, has sex with said corpse, and then prays over her reburied body, to actual lines like:
“People gathered around him like semen to a siren call”
...this book is disturbing in all the wrong ways. Not clever. Not insightful. Just deeply gross.
Do yourself a favor and don’t get this book—not even for free.
You’ll save money on both the audiobook and the inevitable therapy you’ll need after listening to it.
I got this book because it was free on Audible. After listening to it, I understand why.
From the very first scene, where a guy gets an erection while digging up a corpse, has sex with said corpse, and then prays over her reburied body, to actual lines like:
“People gathered around him like semen to a siren call”
...this book is disturbing in all the wrong ways. Not clever. Not insightful. Just deeply gross.
Do yourself a favor and don’t get this book—not even for free.
You’ll save money on both the audiobook and the inevitable therapy you’ll need after listening to it.
July 9, 2019
Like many of the readers on Goodreads, I was suckered in by the name of the author. Unfortunately, like the rest of the readers, discussed that this was not the Stephen King I thought it was. Completely different author. Not my taste at all. The second story The Clarion call was my giveaway. Nothing the other King writes has anything so mawky as this one. Ugh. But the stories are quick reads, and didn't have much to do, so finished all six stories in an hour. Not much improvement but if you are killing time in an airport, they is not much to do anyway.
November 24, 2019
I love picking up Stephen King’s books of short stories from time to time and it was The Sickness’ turn this time. I really enjoyed. I thought THE TEMPTRESS was my favorite - but then I got to THE DEADLY LION and I swear it played through my brain like a movie. I’d be so curious how they’d create that effect on screen. Reminded me of a mash up of “The Beast” from SPLIT and VENOM. I thought it was a much different kind of story than that I have typically read by King and I loved every minute of it and wanted more to that story!
May 6, 2025
Greatness
King is always noted for his ability to terrify readers. I guess horror is different for everyone. I love the way he makes me fall in love with characters and miss them when the story is over. I’m still wondering how some of these fictitious beings will finish their stories after gaining a brief glimpse into the turning points in their lives. His ability to make me giggle when I’m perplexed, horrified, or sad is what makes him great to me. He is a short story master. Excellent read.
King is always noted for his ability to terrify readers. I guess horror is different for everyone. I love the way he makes me fall in love with characters and miss them when the story is over. I’m still wondering how some of these fictitious beings will finish their stories after gaining a brief glimpse into the turning points in their lives. His ability to make me giggle when I’m perplexed, horrified, or sad is what makes him great to me. He is a short story master. Excellent read.
July 24, 2023
Short stories leave me wanting more…
Some of the best short stories I’ve read are short horror stories. Some memorable. Some leave an ice cold dread at the end.
I suppose, without the differences we, the readers, would succumb to our own expectations.
This book was by a master storyteller.
I can only draw breath and fear for better and for far far worse.
Until next time,
yours truly,
James
Some of the best short stories I’ve read are short horror stories. Some memorable. Some leave an ice cold dread at the end.
I suppose, without the differences we, the readers, would succumb to our own expectations.
This book was by a master storyteller.
I can only draw breath and fear for better and for far far worse.
Until next time,
yours truly,
James
November 27, 2025
Awful writing and tedious
Don’t know how this guy was ever able to use the name, Stephen King and attempt to write the same genre.
I’m glad he has to put a middle initial ‘R’ now so we can all know which Author is the one we want, and it’s not the one with the ‘R’.
I read this to see what his writing was like, and it was not good. It doesn’t flow and is a bit juvenile.
Stick to Stephen King……without the middle ‘R’, you will be glad you did!
Don’t know how this guy was ever able to use the name, Stephen King and attempt to write the same genre.
I’m glad he has to put a middle initial ‘R’ now so we can all know which Author is the one we want, and it’s not the one with the ‘R’.
I read this to see what his writing was like, and it was not good. It doesn’t flow and is a bit juvenile.
Stick to Stephen King……without the middle ‘R’, you will be glad you did!
May 25, 2018
This is not Stephen King, this is a different author. I was duped. That said, these were six very nice and different short stories, but clearly not The Stephen King. The story of the grieving husband actually brought me to tears. This is not a horrifying book, but is is horror genre. It is eclectic more so than straight horror. I actually enjoyed it though. Kept me engaged most of the time.
June 4, 2020
Disappointing
Unfortunately for me I’m a true Stephen King fan and made this purchase before realising it was not the original Stephen King ! So felt disappointed from the get go but decided to push on through and can honestly say I stayed disappointed through out sorry . I did try to like it but was left wanting 😕
Unfortunately for me I’m a true Stephen King fan and made this purchase before realising it was not the original Stephen King ! So felt disappointed from the get go but decided to push on through and can honestly say I stayed disappointed through out sorry . I did try to like it but was left wanting 😕
February 17, 2022
Review
I give this book a three.And the reason for that is I don't know , just maybe he's gotten a bit stale. think that Stephen king has run out of good ideas. He had so many really good books when he first started out. My personal favorites of his early work would be the shining it
I give this book a three.And the reason for that is I don't know , just maybe he's gotten a bit stale. think that Stephen king has run out of good ideas. He had so many really good books when he first started out. My personal favorites of his early work would be the shining it
June 11, 2022
Not the famous Stephen King
I am disheartened that this author uses the same font and cover format as the famous Stephen King - likely to get more sales. It worked on me. I didn't see the "R" in his name. However, the stories were very good. I'll read more. There were quite a few typos in the Kindle edition I read.
I am disheartened that this author uses the same font and cover format as the famous Stephen King - likely to get more sales. It worked on me. I didn't see the "R" in his name. However, the stories were very good. I'll read more. There were quite a few typos in the Kindle edition I read.
June 7, 2023
Its Stephen King.!!! Gotta Love It.!!
For many years I lived in the Same City I was born in, Bangor Maine. As a young girl I did not realize I had one of the most upcoming New Authors in the World. You have done it again my friend Stephen. And its Awesome.!!!! I can read your books and Short Stories and am always in awe of your Talent. !!!!
For many years I lived in the Same City I was born in, Bangor Maine. As a young girl I did not realize I had one of the most upcoming New Authors in the World. You have done it again my friend Stephen. And its Awesome.!!!! I can read your books and Short Stories and am always in awe of your Talent. !!!!
July 8, 2023
Impossible Tales
King is his usual master of the weird story. Three stories are used to display different type s of uncanny evil .. They all however display his ability to make them nail bitting in there own way.
The first deals with very revolting subjects but stay on it as each story has a lesson to challenge you!
King is his usual master of the weird story. Three stories are used to display different type s of uncanny evil .. They all however display his ability to make them nail bitting in there own way.
The first deals with very revolting subjects but stay on it as each story has a lesson to challenge you!
December 17, 2024
Fun Collection of Short Horror Stories
These are great, relatively quick reads that satisfy my need for good stories that can be read in one sitting.
Stephen R. King is coming into his own with his writing: I was intrigued by his first book, and now I seek him out, regularly.
You will, too! Enjoy!
A+ Well-done!
These are great, relatively quick reads that satisfy my need for good stories that can be read in one sitting.
Stephen R. King is coming into his own with his writing: I was intrigued by his first book, and now I seek him out, regularly.
You will, too! Enjoy!
A+ Well-done!
May 27, 2019
I confess I couldn't even finish this book. I actually thought it was "the" Stephen King when I ordered it and of course was disappointed, but gave it a try anyway. I enjoy the weird and macabre, but these stories we're just too much and frankly boring. My recommendation is don't waste your time.
December 21, 2019
A good set of interesting stories
I liked these stories,...except for the fact that the text contained a lot of wordings that seemed clumsy. This is NOT a trait of the wordsmith, Mr. Stephen King. Was it voice-to-text written? I don't know. The errors were distracting.
I liked these stories,...except for the fact that the text contained a lot of wordings that seemed clumsy. This is NOT a trait of the wordsmith, Mr. Stephen King. Was it voice-to-text written? I don't know. The errors were distracting.
January 20, 2020
The first two paragraphs made me pause and check to see who the author was. I've never read any of his books but I do love a few of his movies. When I read further I just chalked this up for one of the books he wrote while he was dealing with drug abuse.
March 5, 2020
Some good stories
I found Mr. King a proficient writer. A few stories were predictable. A couple were original in thought and very well written. In general I would enjoy reading more of his work.
I found Mr. King a proficient writer. A few stories were predictable. A couple were original in thought and very well written. In general I would enjoy reading more of his work.
December 20, 2020
One is enough for me.
The author should write under a pen name if that is his real name. The feeling of being misled outweighed everything else. The writing seemed to be fine, but necrophilia, maybe put that story at the end. I might have read more.
The author should write under a pen name if that is his real name. The feeling of being misled outweighed everything else. The writing seemed to be fine, but necrophilia, maybe put that story at the end. I might have read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews