Stephen King's Firestarter blends intense suspense with psychological depth, showcasing his talent for creating compelling characters. The pace and rich storytelling receive praise, but some criticize the plot as occasionally predictable. This novel's exploration of power and control captivates, yet certain plot points might feel overly familiar to seasoned King readers.

A reader who enjoys Firestarter by Stephen King is typically drawn to intense psychological thrillers with a mix of supernatural elements. Fans of Carrie and The Dead Zone by King, or The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey, would appreciate the exploration of human emotion and extraordinary abilities set against a backdrop of suspense and government intrigue.

Firestarter by Stephen King follows a father, Andy, and his daughter, Charlie, who are on the run from a secretive government organization known as the Shop. Both possess extraordinary abilities as a result of a failed experiment: Andy has telekinesis and can mentally “push” people, while Charlie has dangerous pyrokinetic powers. The Shop seeks to capture and study them, leading to a tense and action-packed pursuit. The novel includes themes of government overreach, psychological manipulation, and ethical concerns regarding scientific experimentation on living subjects. The book displays severe fatphobia and relies on harmful stereotypes about disability and disfigurement.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Emotional

Stephen King

Adult

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Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Firestarter reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Firestarter | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Firestarter Summary and Study Guide

Background

Firestarter Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Firestarter Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Firestarter Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Firestarter Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Firestarter Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Firestarter Character Analysis

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Themes

Firestarter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Firestarter Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Firestarter Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Firestarter Essay Topics

Firestarter

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