Stephen King Book Rankings | Part III: 1990-1997

Mike continues to rank the works of his favorite author, Stephen King, resuming with his works from 1990 through 1997. This is a spoiler-free discussion.
Want to send Mike something? You can do so to the below address:
Mike K.
15201 Mason Rd
Suite 169
Cypress, TX 77433
Support Mike on Patreon: / mikesbookreviews
Join Mike's server on Discord / discord
Visit Mike's Amazon Wishlist: amzn.to/2zpHooW
Follow Mike on Goodreads: / mikesbookreviews
Follow Mike on Twitter: / zepp1978
Like Mike's Book Reviews on Facebook / mikesbookreviews
Follow Mike on Instagram / zepp1978
Follow Mike on TikTok / zepp1978
Microphone used in these videos: amzn.to/3IpFSAX
Camera used in these videos: amzn.to/3IqqdBv
0:00 Introduction
1:36 Tier Explanation
2:34 Ranking 1990-1997
25:36 Final Thoughts
------------------------------------------------------
Theme music provided by Infraction
/ @infraction
Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
infractionroyaltyfreemusic.ba...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0(CC BY 3.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
------------------------------------------------------
#MikesBookReviews #StephenKing #TierList

[@readinsteadbyjake]

Been waiting for this one bro. Sober King vs high King… always a fun subject to talk about..

[@Themaninblack19]

Cocaine King and Sober King , i prefer Cocaine King but its funny because Sober King wrote The Green Mile , my favorite ( So far ) King book

[@baciliogomez375]

You definitely should rank the short story collections in a separate video! Fair idea!

[@atom0191]

Thanks for part 3!! So exciting

[@texaspipeman8973]

Another great video. Thanks Mike for everything you do

[@kylerieman221]

I find it hard to argue with anything on this list really. In my memory, of the ones that I have read, I would probably put them around the same spots. I do agree that Needful Things is criminally underrated.

[@Dylan13Collins]

Desperation was one of the first King books I read and I loved it! Going back and rereading it after having over 20 under my belt, it's just an okay King book. I totally agree with you.

[@michaelmccourt4992]

Thanks Mike! I appreciate your work and I would rather see you take time to do these re-reads and make the best possible list. Looking forward to part 4 but no rush!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

You gotta stop making me want to chuck everything out the way to try some more King! 🤣

[@DaveShaves44]

FINALLY!!!!! I love ranking vids haha

[@laurenduke300]

Insomnia was actually the first Stephen King book I ever read and I was 16. King has been my favorite author ever since.

[@donovanchilton5817]

That’s about the roughest first novel ever. So many dark tower references and shit. I would’ve been very confused.

[@d.m.3133]

I believe it was mine too. I remember being hooked. I’m about to reread it. I’ll read Dark Tower first. I haven’t read that.

[@perfect77]

It was my first King novel too!

[@bookscoffeeandadhd]

I read Insomnia last year, and it took me a while to get through it. I did really enjoy it, though. I didn't know until the ending that it has anything to do with the Dark Tower series. I was also reading with other people who had read DT. I tried reading that series probably 7yrs ago and couldn't get into it at all.

[@BaldBookTuber]

I’m really hoping Bag of Bones lands for you this time. I absolutely loved it.

[@angelaholmes8888]

That book is so great but also underrated I'm surprised that many people don't talk about it

[@dragonflii]

I loved it so much more in my second read through.

[@justaguy2365]

My first King book. That was 20 years ago and I can't really remember many details. But I did like it

[@Karlipagemaster]

I love watching Stephen King rankings because no two lists are exactly the same. It makes me feel like I never know what I'm gonna get when I start a book from him that I've never read before.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Totally agree needful things is so underrated along with rose madder and Dolores Claiborne

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@TangerineGrizzly]

Part 4 please!

[@Miss_Cherry]

Soooo when do we get part 4? I just subscribed and you may a have already reviewed the newer books already. I really want to hear your thoughts on the Mr Mercedes trilogy, Outsiders and Holly. But Holly didn't come out until recently so I get that that may be in part 5 lol

[@valeriesreadingcorner8451]

Gerald's Game actually made me cry.... it really got me in the feels.

[@DerdyDubs]

I found you through your King content! been waiting for this

[@jackdyer8655]

Take your time! Great vids

[@dannyplaza5474]

Wizard and Glass.. absolutely incredible

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely had a blast reading the wastelands one of my favorite books in the series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@gordonfelesina3170]

Love the channel!

[@MORGUE88]

These videos are helping me through a hard time

[@vincentlorusso689]

Great video. I appreciate the level of thought and analysis, even when I disagree about this or that. Thank you.

[@baciliogomez375]

I’m gonna read desperation soon and I love the thoughts on it! I’ve heard a decent amount of good about it but is also good to hear a little of the bad and not make me get my absolute hopes up. Great video Mike!

[@ejsmith2246]

Thanks for the King content!!!

[@midnightunicorn5139]

Needful Things is one of my favourites 😊 probably my fave out of this videos additions, but also a fan of Insomnia and Desperation but I think I preferred the Regulators (been ages since I read it). Waiting for my fave book which came out in 1999 (I think)

[@dylansullivan3258]

Hey Mike! Love the videos. Do you have a timetable on a release for part IV of this series?

[@scottibee2167]

February 2, 2024 and we're still waiting on part 4.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I told you at the end it would be awhile.

[@matttrench7823]

When do you think you'll release it??@@mikesbookreviews

[@Vera-fy5qb]

I love these series, please make the next part

[@silverkyle]

I haven't even watched the video yet but I've already clicked like simply on the title alone. Finally starting reading Stephen King for the first time because of you earlier this month with Carrie, and Salem's Lot is already on the way!

[@matteofrance]

We need part 4

[@angelaholmes8888]

I'm totally all in with wizard and glass it was interesting learning so much about roland Deshain definitely one of the best books in the series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🙂

[@Cowboys09WM]

Agreed. I didn't care for it that much my first go round but loved it my second and third

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Needful things is top tier!!! I’d out it either in front of the stand or behind it

[@nsartin23]

Finally… let’s goo!

[@billkeon880]

Just finishing Wizard and Glass now and the series so far does get better with each book. I loved Gunslinger and read it twice before book two. I also love Good, Bad and the Ugly as well, so maybe that’s why. I like meta books and I hear book 6 and 7 go that way, so I think I’ll like the entire series.

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

Needful Things is one of my favorites. It is definitely in my top 5!!

[@peglamphier4745]

Me too. King writes it so well you feel like you're in town with these imperfect people.

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

@@peglamphier4745 Exactly!

[@sandy23stories40]

I love you t- shirt I need one too 😊 amazing video Mike

[@joshuabillings5108]

I loved Wizard in Glass , I just hated sitting on that cliff waiting for Wolves to come out.

[@markb3534]

Dark tower will probably always be my favorite.

[@coffeedude]

Christmas came early this year boyss!!!

[@cristy-annhoughton755]

Got the green mile and 11-22-63 as palete cleanser which one you suggest I read first

[@beardedpriest9715]

Mike I think your absolutely right about The Green Mile. That book was fantastic. Easily in King’s top 5 in my opinion. Such a wonderful story.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Max von snyder was brilliant in the role of Leland gaunt in the movie adaptation of needful things 🙂

[@aprilrich807]

Max Von Sydow.

[@NamasteBbooktube]

So begins the long wait for part 4.

[@anotherbooktubechannel]

Haven't even watched yet. Just wanna say AWWWWWWWWWWWW YEAH! WHAT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!

[@vaughnhess2320]

Reading Needfull Things now, very underrated book. So…So…..Good.

[@chrisconrod6265]

I think people are so desperate for part four because they love to hear your opinion on King. I'm on my first read through of King and have to say I'm loving almost everything I've picked up! When I started I just picked up whatever King book I had within arms reach, but since then I've decided to go in (mostly) publication order. You've convinced me to pick up Gerald's Game, and I'm going to read it before Dolores Claiborne although the next King I read is Wastelands. I've been itching to get back to the Dark Tower! btw I can't wait for The Regulators re-read. Read both back to back, loved one and strongly disliked the other! Bachman had a few bangers IMHO!

[@actung74]

Always interesting to see how other King fans feel about his books. There are so many that opinions can really vary. There are three books which mostly, not always, get top billing and when they don't, it can be cause for shock. Your on point, I think, with those three thought there is one I put ahead of them just because the subject matter fascinates me. The Dead Zone my favorite in general, not just favourite King, followed by IT, The Shining, and The Stand. 🙂

[@timmeyer9191]

I had a feeling Green Mile was going to come in behind Pet Symetary. Looks like lines 2 and 3 are going to need expanding soon. I was looking at the icon of the books coming up, but I didn't see The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. Also, do you plan to include Storm of the Century on this? I know it was written as a screenplay, but if you're including novellas why not this?

[@b_love09]

Is there a part 4?!

[@xvarzka33]

How many of your books are read vs unread percentage wise?

[@BishopWalters12]

Needful Things is easily my favorite King book from the 90's and I think it was an underrated decade for King. Of course it doesn't match his work from the 70's or 80's but that's impossible.

[@vsg915]

Let’s GOOOO

[@robbiemcphee2852]

Dying for part 4 man! Any ETA for that?

[@JokerJon00]

Where's part 4? Just kidding 😉 great vid Mike!

[@mayzo51184]

I love all your stephen King reviews. First, , I think Gerald's game was pretty scary too and it's the stuff that you could see actually happening that really does scare me too. . I mean don't get me wrong, Penywise and Zelda will still scare the crap out of me any time I read those books (same with Salem's Lot and the Shining), but damn! When you see what she has to do to get out of that room and then when you realize about the moonlight man, that's some scary stuff!Still havne't read any of the dark tower books so can't comment on that yet but I also agree with you on desperation. I read that book earlier this year and I have to say that it started out great but then like you, didn't care for most of the characters. Needful things is on my TBR list and I'm looking forward to reading it. I've heard only great things about that book. Looking forward to part 4 of this and whatever you have coming out on this channel. I know what you mean though about reading your favorite author and not wanting to rush it. He's my favorite too and I always want to take my time reading his books. I even reread some of Stephen King's classics once I'm done reading other books. Great video and I'll see you in the next one

[@itscatoclock]

Stephen King has written so many books.

[@anotherbooktubechannel]

I just finished Dolores Clairborne yesterday and I loved it. I plan to do a full review on my channel soon but I was incredibly surprised by how compelling it was.

[@thatfuzzypotato1877]

Drawing of the Three was my favorite DT book, and always got treated like an idiot for not choosing gunslinger over it so I got super excited to hear someone else did too!

[@BubbaStaines]

I disliked flashing back in Wizard and Glass, but it eventually grew on me. The witchy scary lady was awesome.

[@LivinNexus]

I've only read The Mist soo far, but I'm going to start Salem's Lot soon!! 🥰

[@scottcecil5441]

I know I’m late to the party but I’ve been enjoying this book tube channel lately and when I came across your comment on reading salems lot and the mist as your first king entries I thought that was so cool because I consider those the two scariest out of everything he’s written. Hope the rest of your king reading has gone well!

[@jordanm6843]

Part 4 has gotta be coming soon!!!

[@piousmutilator4513]

Thanks for all you do, bro! As a Constant Reader myself, I love and appreciate your channel! I loved Desperation a lot more than I was anticipating! The beginning section of the book was WILD and threw me for a loop (in a good way). I get what you’re saying about the character work in this one, but I think it’s a different kind of book than his usual character-based novels (like The Stand, IT, TDT series, etc) and it’s more about the unrelenting chaotic events that take place in this town vs being mostly character focused. I give it 4.5/5 stars IMO.

[@piousmutilator4513]

And I really appreciated Rose Madder probably more than most CRs. The third act wasn’t as zany as I was expecting and it was a great read in line with my other reads along my journey to the Dark Tower! The first half of the book is GOLD!! Although it’s incredibly heartbreaking… kind of reminds me of what Beverly Marsh went through when she was an adult! Makes you wanna reach through the book and destroy that guy!

[@carnissa]

Wizard and Glass is BY FAR my favorite DT book.

[@ericdringenberg7033]

Loved Wizards and Glass... And Needful Things. looking for The Green Mile now... Thx

[@Joda23]

Waiting for another part my friend

[@mikesbookreviews]

I know, I know. Gotta re-read many of them first.

[@Yamp44]

Oh! I forgot to ask : you often talk about the movie adaptations of some of King's book, and I was wondering if eventually, you could do videos on your appreciation of some of those movies? Like if you think they did justice to the book, what you thought worked or didn't work, are the characters well represented and are the actors casted in the roles like how you envisioned them in your mind and would you reccommend watching it? Same with the Lord of the Rings movie. You being such a Tolkien fan, I'm curious to hear what was your take on the LOTR trilogy. Did you think they respected Tolkien's vision? Do you think some things they left out of the story would have been important additions? Do you think they did the characters justice? Etc.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

I think Gerald's Game is about why some of the past traumas should NOT stay repressed. Underrated gem.

[@andrewlavigne44]

Honestly still a very strong section of King's career: none of those books I hate, though Desperation was pretty weak last time I read it, Insomnia/Madder/Gerald's Game middle tier but decent (maybe Insomnia at the top of those for me), the remaining six books good to even great with a few like Green Mile and the Tower books being all timer contenders. I'd say the lowest period of King's career for me is 1998-2008 but still has some great books spread out among...Dreamcatcher and Cell or the almost aggressively mid titles like Duma Key and Lisey's Story (not to mention his worst short story collection, Just After Sunset).

[@kingofcomment-jn5rf]

hope part 4 gets here soon.

[@turtleanton6539]

Liberay Police man is disturbing for sure

[@valerieramirez6446]

Yes! King is my favorite author. Just finished reading It, and completely love it. “It” and “the shining “ are my top favorites.

[@token4774]

I read everything by Stephen King in my teens and I loved it all, especially The Stand, which is one of my all-time favorite books. When I was in my 20s in the 1990s, I got busy with work and life, and I lost interest in King. I remember reading Gerald's Game, and I hated it. I gave up on King then and I have not read much King since. But Stephen King always held a place in my heart. Many times, I stayed up all night reading Stephen King as a teenager. A few years ago, I found Blake Crouch and he reminded me of Stephen King and now I've read most of Crouch's books. Mike, your channel has inspired me to read some more Stephen King and I'm currently reading The Talisman, and I'm loving it. Yes, Richard whines and and he is weak, but I like him anyway. The story is vintage King. Mike, I really enjoy your channel. I found your channel when I searched for Blake Crouch - I found your interview with him. I like your taste in literature, and I'm watching lots of your videos. Thanks, and please keep the videos coming!

[@markmiles3768]

Insomnia is my favorite of the 60 King books I have read! It hit me hard! Ralph Roberts is my favorite King character.

[@marccoleman8937]

Can't wait to read the Green Mile! Thanks!!

[@adamrasmusson6976]

Can we get a countdown of "Most Satisfying moments" of Stephen king novels. Such as the ending to Salems Lot, with Ben Mears and Barlow. I just remember pointing at the book saying, "Yes, you get what you deserve!" The lead up and climax was so satisfying in that book.

[@scary_cactus334]

Part 4 please???

[@aprilrich807]

I adored Gerald’s Game…until the end. I remember thinking “Huh???”

[@tomahawkchop7669]

I am also doing a reread and I like you originally read them in my teens. Just finished tommyknockers:(

[@tysonmindham2986]

You’re right. The Breathing Method does keep Different Season from being a 10/10

[@dpeady78]

I still want a tv series of Needful Things with Tom Cruise as Leland Gaunt He’s got that creepy charisma

[@alynam82]

I can't really do anything differently here. I LOVED Wastelands and Wizard and Glass, so they were appropriately placed. Green Mile, Gerald's Game and Delores Claiborne were great reads, but it's been a long time since I read them. And I felt the same way about Desperation and Rose Madder, though it's been MANY years since I read those. Either way, I love hearing you talk about King. I was fanboy'in during the whole video

[@codytidwell5086]

I agree on Gerald’s Game. I’ve always considered it King’s scariest novel.

[@markb3534]

27 minutes is more than long enough to click the thumbs up button. ;)

[@Yamp44]

This is the point where I stopped reading Stephen King. The only book I have read in this whole selection was The Green Mile, which is indeed a very good book. My not reading more Stephen King was not because I thought these books wouldn't be any good, but at that point, I had my fill of horror books and wanted to venture into other types of writings. I had a big "crime and thriller" phase after that. Now I'm back in the horror genre, but I'm mostly reading the classics (like Blackwood, M.R. James, Robert Bloch, etc). I've read the entirety of Lovecraft's work. I always mean to go back to King, but never get around to it. But these videos sure get me in the mood to do go back at some point.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Love Dolores Claiborne it's really great king did a great job along with insomnia

[@anthonylee923]

Have you read house of leafs

[@jacobsimac4492]

You always make me want to read Stephen king but the couple I’ve read I just couldn’t get into it.

[@victorpavymusic]

Completely agree about Gerald’s Game. I have read it twenty years ago but the memories of it stills haunts me. The first half of the book is great but the second half is absolutely fantastic. From the 14 King books I have read it is very close to the top. I am currently halfway through The Green Mile. It’s fantastic. On the other hand Desesperation that I have read in the period it was released was a huge disappointment. I struggled hard to get some enjoyment from that book.

[@michaelevans4515]

I loved The Wastelands also but I found Wizard & Glass so boring and so difficult to finish. In fact I stopped reading Dark Tower at that point. I will go back to it one day. Edit: I just watched towards the end of your video and heard you just mention how a lot of people stop reading at this point also. Haha.

[@lukegibson2838]

Where is part 4?!? PLEASE 😢

[@billkeon880]

First read of Desperation rated it as 4/5. Regulators was 3.75. Second read of Desperation was 3.9. It just felt like Gunslinger environment and wasteland, combined with a true crime novel with a demented killer. Liked it quite a bit. Regulators was very close behind, though a little acid trippy. Read Gerald’s game thirty years ago and remember liking a lot so you’ve convinced me to re-read it soon and read Delores for first time. Green Mile is due as well. I love new King so will be interested in part IV

[@notbo4669]

#1

[@coltonsmith5917]

Hit like as soon as I seen the title.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@VinceAnity]

Part 4 ? 😂😊

[@chrisbronico3667]

I have not read all of his books, but I've read a decent amount. In this timeframe, I have 3 in my top 10 books. I have needful things at number 4. So underrated. Leland gaunt is an amazing villain. Ending a little goofy, but so good! I have the green mile at number 7. Such a beautiful book and proof that Stephen King can write good dramatic fiction. and then I have desperation at number 10. I agree that his characterization is fantastic, and I don't even remember the characters in this book. But the characterization is oddly enough not why I really enjoyed this book. I think this book is one of his strongest plot wise. And I really enjoyed the plot and the journey. I also think he has some fantastic action scenes in this book.

[@alexm3448]

Wizard and Glass was the series highlight for me but really DT books 1-4 are perfect

[@annnnnnn.9728]

Can You do a video talking about Stephen king film adaptations?☺️

[@tg10tg]

I finally caught up

[@christopherseymour5210]

Needful Things is one of my all time favorites, and I am an all in person on Wizard & Glass- it might be my favorite King novel. Gerald's Game was so much better than I expected, though I'd probably never read it again because it's got some rough parts. Desperation was a huge disappointment for me, you're spot on about the character's lacking depth.