Firestarter

This is Stephen's most straightforward, science-fictiony novel. (Assuming “psionic” powers to be science-fiction—let's not get into why that's so, yet muttering an incantation and waving a wand makes it fantasy. Just 'tis.)

Here, Stephen's at his most gripping, page-turning best. He even has the chutzpah to start with the climax of the novel, fergodsakes! Then, he winds back to how it all began and what led to that. I read it more than 30 years ago, I still remember thinking "Wow, he's really going to do that?! OMG, he's pulling it off!”

Plus, I frikkin’ loved the coda! (Which properly… show more.

I could easily pick five Stephen King novels to put on this list. But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be Firestarter.

The main reason is that, out of all of King's stories, I felt this one perfectly nailed the ending. How many books have you read, and you reach the end and think, "Really? You made me read hundreds of pages for that?" Not Firestarter.

Ever since writing my first novel, I've strived to leave the reader completely satisfied or desperate for more.

Andy and his sweet daughter Charlie are on the run from a cynical and unaccountable agency, the Shop. As students, Andy and Vicky took part in an unethical government experiment that gave them psychic powers – when Charlie is born, she turns out to have an even greater power, creating fire with her mind. The Shop tries to snatch them, and Vicky is killed. What makes the story shine is how adorable Charlie is and the lengths to which Andy goes to protect her. He has taught her to shun her power, and yet in life and death situations, she… show more.