The Institute

Stephen King’s “The Institute” is a thriller novel published in 2019 that tells the story of Luke Ellis, a 12-year-old boy with exceptional intelligence, who is kidnapped and taken to a secret facility known as “The Institute”. Here, he is subjected to tests and experiments that enhance his psychic abilities.

The story begins with Luke being abducted from his home in the middle of the night, and waking up in a room that looks like his own, but is not. He soon learns that he is not the only one being held captive, as he meets other children with similar abilities. Luke quickly discovers that the Institute is run by a shadowy organization that is using the children’s powers for their own mysterious purposes.

As Luke and his fellow captives become increasingly aware of the danger they are in, they start to plan their escape. Meanwhile, former cop Tim Jamieson, who is battling his own personal demons, becomes involved in the story when he takes a job as a night knocker in the small town where the Institute is located.

The novel is a fast-paced thriller that explores themes such as the abuse of power and the consequences of playing god. King uses his masterful storytelling skills to create a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to root for them as they fight to regain their freedom.

King also weaves in references to his other works, creating a sense of interconnectedness in his literary universe. For example, the character of Tim Jamieson is a nod to the character of Bill Hodges from King’s “Mr. Mercedes” trilogy.

Overall, “The Institute” is a gripping novel that showcases King’s talent for crafting suspenseful and memorable stories. It is a must-read for fans of the horror and thriller genres, as well as anyone who appreciates well-crafted and engaging storytelling.