Under the Dome

Synopsis

Now with a stunning new cover look, King's 'propulsively intriguing . . . staggeringly addictive' (USA Today) No. 1 bestseller, that inspired the hit television series, centres on a small town suddenly cut off from the rest of the world.

Time isn't just running short. It's running out.

On a beautiful autumn day, a small New England town is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into the dome and rain down flaming wreckage. A gardener's hand is severed as it descends. Cars explode on impact. Families are separated and panic mounts.

No one can fathom what the barrier is, where it came from, or when - and if - it will go away.

Now, a few intrepid citizens, led by an Iraq War veteran turned short-order cook, face down a ruthless politician dead set on seizing the reins of power in the town. But their main adversary is the dome itself . . .

Summary

Chapter 1: Darkness

* The town of Chester's Mill is suddenly encased in an impenetrable dome, severing all contact with the outside world.
* Dale "Barbie" Barbara, an army veteran, witnesses the dome's descent and tries to escape, but is trapped.

Chapter 2: Dealing

* The townspeople grapple with the reality of their isolation and the dwindling supplies.
* Julia Shumway, a reporter, investigates the dome's origins and discovers strange electromagnetic readings.

Chapter 3: Panic

* A small group of survivors, including Barbie and Julia, escape into the woods in search of a way out.
* They are attacked by a pack of rabid wolves, highlighting the increasing danger in the trapped town.

Chapter 4: Fear

* Jim Rennie, a local bigoted politician, exploits the chaos to seize power, leading to fear and unrest among the townspeople.
* Barbie and Julia return to the town to discover the extent of Rennie's tyranny.

Chapter 5: The Hand

* A giant, disembodied hand emerges from the dome, provoking both awe and terror.
* The hand acts as a judge, punishing those it deems worthy with swift and brutal force.

Chapter 6: Grace

* Julia discovers that the dome is not random but has chosen Chester's Mill for a reason.
* The townspeople begin to believe in the hand as a divine force.

Chapter 7: The Egg

* A giant metal egg appears in the town square.
* It crackles with energy and attracts the attention of the dome, which becomes more threatening.

Chapter 8: The Outbreak

* A deadly virus spreads through the town, turning people into aggressive, zombie-like creatures.
* Barbie and Julia are forced to fight for their lives as the town descends into chaos.

Chapter 9: The Battle

* The townspeople band together to confront the virus-infected hordes.
* In a climactic battle, the dome is shattered, and the survivors face the unknown beyond.