I devoured King's The Stand and am looking for something similar.
To give more info, here is what I liked in particular about The Stand:
Pacing
Rather easy language bordering on the "trashy" (sorry I can't describe it better, what I mean is it's not too intellectual)
Character development
Quite realistic every day people behaving in extreme situations
Description of psychology / internal thoughts of the characters, like the pyromaniac
Setting (dystopian)
Epicness/length
Evil vs good
The fucking ending!
What I didn't like:
Occasionally the whole hanger stuff was a bit too much for me since my wife was pregnant at that time. But I do enjoy horror in general, just not gore.
Also the supernatural stuff (black old lady, visions etc.) I found a bit annoying.
I'm considering reading The Shining but I have watched the movie while I enjoyed going into The Stand fully blind. Trying to find other options.
PS: started the black tower saga twice but found it boring. Can't explain why though.
by biglyhonorpacioli