Roaming charges and dropped calls are the least of your concerns. What if instead of a bomb or biological warfare, terrorists attack using your cell phone? This is the basic premise of 'Cell,' Stephen King's newest thriller. The novel tells the story of Clay Riddell and various other refugees in the aftermath of The Pulse, an unexplained 'virus' that attacks people through their cell phones. Violence ensues as the 'phone crazies' first attack each other, and then begin to evolve into zombie-like creatures with group telepathic powers. The only ones saved from this terrible fate are the people not using their cell phones during or after The Pulse. The story follows Clay and his loyal band of followers as they head north in search of loved ones. Making various stops along the way, more people join their group in the struggle for survival in a now- uncertain world.
While the first couple of chapters promise an intriguing story, King, known for leaving plot details open to interpretation, makes this particular plot too loosely-woven for comfort. The story dawdles for most of the novel and the ending leaves much to be desired. The lack of plot fails to make the novel what it could really be'a tantalizing and frightening zombie thriller. While there are indeed many instances of graphically-explained violence, it is nothing that frightens. King also limits the reader's knowledge about what is happening in the aftermath of The Pulse to the perspectives of a handful of survivors. While it would seem that this narrowed scope might provide some insight into the characters, it also limits true understanding of what is really happening in the world.
Furthermore, there is an extreme lack of character development. After a cursory explanation, King never elaborates on what makes these characters tick. Readers are told that Clay is separated from his wife and is worried for his son's safety, but not much more. The other main character, Tom, is an older man with a strong love for his cat. The interaction between Tom and Clay and the younger Jordan leaves a confused feeling. The constant touching and kissing seems odd and misplaced. In addition, the relationship between Clay and the 15-year-old Alice is worrisome. While it certainly makes sense that these two people would turn to each other for comfort after the terrible events they witness, the line that should exist between a full-grown man and an underage girl seems to be quite blurred.
The book does have its good points, however. King draws his inspiration from zombie-flick director George Romero and horror/fantasy author Richard Matheson, whom he acknowledges in his dedication. As such, his descriptions of the zombies are realistic and imaginative. The fact that the telepathic messages between the zombies are sent through some of the worst 'elevator music' ever written is King's own little joke.
Overall, this is not the worst book ever written, but it lacks the spark of King's classics such as 'Carrie' and 'Salem's Lot.' If you are looking for a frightening zombie thriller from one of the world's best writers, keep looking. Wait until King publishes a new novel and hope that he regains some of his old spark.
