A Review of the Book "Firestarter" by Stephen King

Title: Firestarter

Author: Stephen King

Publisher: The Viking Press

Year: 1980

428 pages

From the Back: The Department of Scientific Intelligence (aka "The Shop") never anticipated that two participants in their research program would marry and have a child. Charlie McGee inherited pyrokinetic powers from her parents, who had been given a low-grade hallucinogen called "Lot Six" while at college. Now the government is trying to capture young Charlie and harness her powerful fire-starting skills as a weapon as the couple desperately tries to hide their daughter from them. Her father taught her how to defuse her power, but as Charlie turns 11, the fire becomes harder and harder to control. When a mysterious operative finally finds the family, he tries to seize Charlie once and for all - but she has other plans.

Personal Thoughts: In my opinion, this story leans more into the science-fiction genre than horror or thriller. Which I didn't mind because I also love reading science-fiction books. There were multiple layers of storylines throughout Firestarter. The main point of the story was that the government wanted to capture a young girl, Charlie, who has very destructive powers, powers that she is slowly losing control over. The question is, how did she get these powers to begin with? The government trying to capture and possibly eliminate her was the primary cause of her powers.

When Charlie's dad was in college, he was short on money and decided to take part in a government experiment. The issue is that the people involved weren't told the truth about the effects of the drugs they were given. One of my favorite parts of this book was how King wrote about the side effects of the mini-super power Charlie's dad has. King's writing makes you believe you could actually feel his symptoms.

As the book progressed, more and more of Charlie's history was revealed and you can't help but root for her and her dad in their fight against the government. There were spurts where I just couldn't put the book down. Firestarter is full of action, government conspiracy, excitement, and familial love and King's writing pulls you deep into the story. His ability to write across genres is incredible.