The Running Man Audiobook By Stephen King cover art

The Running Man

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The Running Man

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly
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A desperate man attempts to win a reality TV game where the only objective is to stay alive in this number-one national best seller from Stephen King, writing as Richard Bachman.

It was the ultimate death game in a nightmare future America. The year is 2025 and reality TV has grown to the point where people are willing to wager their lives for a chance at a billion-dollar jackpot. Ben Richards is desperate - he needs money to treat his daughter's illness. His last chance is entering a game show called The Running Man where the goal is to avoid capture by Hunters who are employed to kill him. Surviving this month-long chase is another issue when everyone else on the planet is watching - and willing to turn him in for the reward.

With an introduction by Stephen King on "The Importance of Being Bachman".

©1982 Richard Bachman (P)2010 Penguin Audio Fantasy Fiction Horror Science Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scary Game Survival

Featured Article: The definitive guide to the very best Stephen King adaptations


If you’re a Stephen King fanatic, or are interested in learning about the movies and shows made from his books, this round-up will provide you with a comprehensive list of the very best Stephen King screen adaptations. Watch the adaptation and then listen to the audiobook, or vice versa—this choice is yours. Either way, you can see how the adaptation stacks up against the source material and experience these legendary frights over and over again.

Featured Article The definitive guide to the very best Stephen King adaptations
Gripping Dystopian Thriller • Fast-paced Narrative • Compelling Protagonist • Suspenseful Countdown Format • Rich Tones
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If you’re reading or listening to “The Running Man” for the first time with limited familiarity of its conflict/resolution, do yourself a favor and skip the foreword until after you finish the story. While Kong’s insights to this portion of his journey as an artist are equal parts articulate, insightful, and interesting, he explicitly states the resolution in no uncertain terms as he takes his readers through his journey.

A huge oversight in the foreword

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The narration given by the author before the story gave away the ending. WTF. Who does that?

Narrator spoiler!

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Over 25 years ago I saw the movie, The Running Man, and as a result I was hesitant about getting this book believing that I knew the story. To my surprise it was different from the movie. Good listen. I would recommend it, as a matter of fact, I recommend it to my daughter.

Different from movie

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Stupidly I never read this because I assumed it was like the movie which was just OK, but this book was way better and it's dark and doesn't leave much Room for hope but it's realistic and gritty and well done.

Exceptional , nothing like the movie-this is good!

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great plot I was interested all the way though take a journey with one of Kings better novels.

spectacular story sad when it ended.

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great story. the humor in it is very cynical and dark but it's got that sunny disposition that makes you giggle. Ben is a smart desperate man and a great character to follow around. if you love King books you will love this one.

action packed and suspense

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This book only becomes more prescient with time. Its completely different than the 1987 film adaptation. Not only is this thrilling and suspenseful but it has a lot to say.

One of King's Best

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Running man has always held a special place in my heart among King’s works. Most people it doesn’t even make the top 10 but to me this is top 3 material easy.

Short but action packed

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The king of horror does it again. The book was very different from the movie. I wish they would’ve stayed closer to the book.

Better than the movie.

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An engaging and original story, with incredible tempo and a thrilling ending. Exceptionally well done.

Phenomenal Suspense

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