Thriller novels have been a popular genre in literature for many years now, with countless authors making a name for themselves within this exciting and suspenseful realm. Among these authors are Stephen King and Lars Emmerich, whose works Mr. Mercedes and Devolution have become two of the most well-known and highly-regarded thriller novels of our time. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these two books, comparing and contrasting them in various aspects and understanding why they enjoy such immense popularity.
Mercedes by Stephen King
First published in 2014, Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes is a novel that’s loosely defined as a detective thriller, and it follows the story of Bill Hodges, a retired police detective in his 60s who is haunted by the unsolved case of a mass murderer who used a stolen Mercedes to plow through a crowd of job-seekers, killing eight and injuring more. A year later, he receives an anonymous letter from the killer, which ignites a cat-and-mouse pursuit that takes on a dangerous life of its own.
The novel was well-received by critics and readers alike, and it went on to win the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2015. It was also adapted into a television series of the same name, which premiered in 2017 and ran for three seasons. The series starred Brendan Gleeson as Bill Hodges and Harry Treadaway as the killer, Brady Hartsfield. While the series deviated from the novel in some ways, it remained faithful to the overall tone and themes of the book, and it was praised for its strong performances and suspenseful storytelling.
An Overview of Devolution by Lars Emmerich
Lars Emmerich’s Devolution, on the other hand, is a novel that explores the thriller genre with a science-fiction twist. The book follows protagonist Alex Fletcher, an environmentalist, and former marine who is trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world after the eruption of the Yellowstone Supervolcano. The story is told largely through the use of journal entries by Fletcher, who is part of a community that’s under constant threat from the Sasquatch – a group of monstrous humanoid creatures who are meant to be extinct – but are now salivating for their next meal.
One of the most interesting aspects of Devolution is the way it blends science-fiction with horror. The Sasquatch creatures are not just mindless monsters, but are instead given a backstory and a reason for their existence. Emmerich’s attention to detail in creating this world is impressive, and readers will find themselves fully immersed in the story.
Another notable feature of Devolution is the way it tackles environmental issues. Through the character of Alex Fletcher, Emmerich highlights the importance of taking care of our planet and the consequences that can arise if we don’t. This message is woven seamlessly into the plot, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Plot Summaries: Mr. Mercedes vs. Devolution
Both books offer intriguing and captivating plotlines that hook the reader from the get-go. Mr. Mercedes follows the hunt for a madman out to do the most harm possible, with the fate of many lives on the line. Devolution, on the contrary, invites us into a post-apocalyptic world filled with monsters, an intentionally primal conflict between man and monster.
In Mr. Mercedes, the protagonist, retired detective Bill Hodges, is haunted by the unsolved case of a mass murderer who drove a stolen Mercedes into a crowd of people, killing eight and injuring many more. The killer, Brady Hartsfield, taunts Hodges with letters and emails, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse between the two.
On the other hand, Devolution takes place in a secluded eco-community called Greenloop, nestled deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. When Mount Rainier erupts, the community is cut off from the outside world and forced to fend for themselves against a tribe of Sasquatch-like creatures. The story is told through the journal entries of one of the community members, providing a unique and intimate perspective on the events that unfold.
The Protagonists: A Comparison between Bill Hodges and Alex Fletcher
Bill Hodges and Alex Fletcher are two very different protagonists in equally different worlds. Hodges is portrayed as a tired, cynical, and lonely man who is haunted by his past and yearns to be needed. On the other hand, Alex Fletcher is portrayed as a tough, confident, and self-reliant person who remains calm even in the most extreme of circumstances. Both protagonists, however, share a defining characteristic plot-wise: they’re driven by the need to save others and overcome their own demons in the process.
Despite their differences, Hodges and Fletcher also share some similarities. Both characters have experienced loss and trauma in their lives, which has shaped their personalities and motivations. Hodges lost his wife and daughter in a tragic accident, while Fletcher lost his wife to cancer. These losses have left both men with a sense of purposelessness and a desire to make a difference in the world. Additionally, both characters are willing to take risks and make sacrifices in order to achieve their goals, even if it means putting themselves in danger.
The Villains: A Comparison between Brady Hartsfield and the Sasquatch
In Mr. Mercedes, the villain is none other than Brady Hartsfield, a remorseless psychopath who cares little for human life and goes on a killing spree because of his emotional and psychological issues. Devolution, on the other hand, has the Sasquatch – terrifying creatures that are driven by the same instincts as the readers themselves; they only want to survive.
Despite their differences, both Brady Hartsfield and the Sasquatch share a common trait – they are both products of their environment. Brady’s abusive childhood and traumatic experiences have shaped him into the monster he is, while the Sasquatch’s isolation and lack of resources have forced them to become ruthless hunters.
However, while Brady is a human being capable of rational thought and decision-making, the Sasquatch are animals that act purely on instinct. This makes them more unpredictable and dangerous, as they cannot be reasoned with or appealed to in the same way as a human villain like Brady.
Writing Style: A Comparison between Stephen King and Lars Emmerich
Stephen King and Lars Emmerich have vastly different writing styles, but they share similarities in their ability to create tension, suspense, and vivid imagery that comes all too easily to their readers. King’s sentences are generally long, descriptive, and engaging, while Emmerich’s are short and to the point, with very gripping language.
Psychological Thrillers: Analyzing the Themes in Mr. Mercedes and Devolution
Both Mr. Mercedes and Devolution are psychological thrillers with themes that keep the readers at the edge of their seats. The common themes in both books include survival, loneliness, human reaction to crisis, and the fine line between sanity and madness.
The Role of Technology in Mr. Mercedes and Devolution
While Mr. Mercedes centers its plot around traditional detective methods, Devolution employs the use of technology as a way for the protagonist to survive and adapt to his new environment. With the reliance on journaling as well as access to a video chat, laptops, solar power sources, and other gizmos, we see technology as a fundamental aspect in expanding upon the narrative.
Reception and Criticism of Mr. Mercedes and Devolution
Both books have received critical acclaim and have gained loyal fanbases since their respective releases. While Mr. Mercedes has been praised for its unique concept and character development, Devolution has been lauded for its terrifying monsters as well as its apocalyptic theme. However, both books have received some criticism too, with some readers feeling that Mr. Mercedes might be too similar to other King novels while Devolution can be too predictable and too reliant on its opening premise.
Conclusion
In summary, Mr. Mercedes and Devolution are two exceptional thrillers that showcase the versatility of the genre itself. Both books offer well-thought-out narratives, complex characters, and themes that appeal to a range of readers. While each work has its highs and lows, the common denominator is the level of excitement that they both elicit in readers. If you’re a fan of horror, science fiction tales, or psychological thrillers, we highly recommend checking both books out- and then spending hours discussing their various pros and cons!