The Institute

There are two intertwining stories here. First we meet Tim who is a disgraced cop trying to figure out his next step in life. While on a road trip to Florida, he ends up becoming a Night Knocker in a small town called DuPray.

Luke is a twelve year old genius. He is set to start college, not one but two, when his home is invaded. His parents are murdered, he is kidnapped and later wakes up in a room that eerily looks like his back home.

Luke soon finds other kids, and learns he is at what they call The Institute where kids are either a TP (telepath) or a TK (telekenetic). He also learns there are two sections here, the Front Half and the Back Half. Tests are ran, mistreatment of the children occur, and when kids “graduate” from the front to the back they aren't seen again.

Such a great read. Typical King writing style which I love, even during the longer portions. Not his normal scenario as this is more sci-fi than horror BUT I loved that about this one. Be forewarned: if you have any aversion to child abuse (non-sexual) then this may not be for you. It's not saturated with it but there are a couple of scenes that made me cringe with the horror of the children's treatment.