Stephen King has published more than 50 books over his decades-long career, achieving tremendous success with iconic works such as The Shining, IT, and Cujo. Yet some of his novels never received the recognition they deserved, partly because King chose to publish them under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Under that name, he authored Rage (1977), The Long Walk (1979), Roadwork (1981), The Running Man (1982), Thinner (1984), The Regulators (1995), and Blaze (2007). Two books in particular—Blaze and Elevation—have left readers weeping, yet they remain largely overlooked by fans.
Why These Books Are Overlooked
Both titles suffer from modest ratings on Goodreads: Blaze holds a 3.77/5, while Elevation sits at 3.63/5. Many readers skip books rated below four stars, but those who ignore these two miss out on profoundly moving stories. Blaze was originally published under the Bachman pseudonym, and current editions now carry King's name, but its initial obscurity contributed to its underappreciation. Elevation, a novella released in 2018, won a Goodreads Choice Award for 'Readers' Favourite Horror,' yet it reads more as a tale about humanity than a horror story, which may confuse potential readers.
Blaze: A Tragic Hero You Can't Help But Love
In Blaze, King crafts a protagonist who is deeply flawed but sympathetic. The story follows Clayton Blaisdell Jr., a man with a difficult childhood who turns to crime as an adult. Despite his actions, King's prose compels readers to look beyond the surface and consider the reasons behind his behaviour. One Goodreads user wrote: 'This book is now definitely in my top 10 favourite King books (if not the top five). Seems like this one is even frequently skipped by King fans - please, stop skipping and read! This book has a great story and great characters. It is quick and easy to read and kept me interested on every page. Blaze is a flawed but easy to sympathise with tragic hero who doesn't really know what he is doing, but thinks he is doing it for the best. The course of his life is driven by unfortunate events, and I am left wondering how much different it would have been if the cards hadn't been stacked against him.' The empathy evoked for Blaze is extraordinary, making the novel an emotional gut-punch that rivals King's best work.
Elevation: A Novella That Devastates and Uplifts
Elevation is a brief novella, but it packs an enormous emotional wallop. The story centres on Scott Carey, a man who begins to lose weight inexplicably—not in pounds, but in actual mass—while his appearance remains unchanged. As he grapples with his condition, he learns to embrace life and mend relationships. One Goodreads user shared: 'Cherish your friends and defend them until the end of time. Do what makes you happy. Elevate yourself to new heights by following your heart. These are just a few of the feelings I had when I finished this novella. It was a great break from my usual horror and was a memorable read that I will never forget. That ending? Surreal.' The conclusion leaves readers weeping yet strangely optimistic, a testament to King's ability to blend heartbreak with hope.
Impact and Takeaways
Both books challenge readers to look beyond surface judgments and find empathy for flawed individuals. Blaze explores how circumstances can shape a person's destiny, while Elevation reminds us to cherish every moment. According to one Goodreads reviewer, the novella imparts 'feelings of cherishing your friends and defending them until the end of time.' These themes resonate deeply, making the books unforgettable despite their lower ratings. Fans who skip them are missing some of King's most emotionally resonant work.
