4.5 stars. It wasn't as well-written as the prequel, although King himself says that he is a different author now than he was. The Shining had some really special, memorable passages. It is also a classic in its genre, so it is very difficult to follow it up and keep the fans happy. I found myself trying to read slowly so I wouldn't get to the end. I am hoping that he may turn it into a trilogy at some point or at least write another novel in the same universe.