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Cover of The Institute

Science fiction · Horror

The Institute

by Stephen King

4.1 out of 5, from 933 ratings from Hardcover readers

Twelve-year-old Luke Ellis, a gifted boy, is taken from his home overnight and wakes in a facility in the Maine woods. There, kids with psychic abilities are tested and pushed by adults who claim it is for a greater good.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2019
Pace
Fast
Length
Long
Pages
496
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like a King story of children banding together against a cold, organised evil.

Skip this if you find harm done to children upsetting, since the book depicts it often and in detail.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Kidnapping
  • Child abuse
  • Violence
  • Death
  • Torture

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Child death
  • Addiction
  • Ableism
  • Body horror
  • Alcoholism
  • Bullying
  • Abandonment

Quick answers about The Institute

What is The Institute about?
Twelve-year-old Luke Ellis, a gifted boy, is taken from his home overnight and wakes in a facility in the Maine woods. There, kids with psychic abilities are tested and pushed by adults who claim it is for a greater good.
Who should read The Institute?
Read it if you like a King story of children banding together against a cold, organised evil. Skip it if you find harm done to children upsetting, since the book depicts it often and in detail.
How long and how fast is The Institute?
It is a fast-paced, long read of about 496 pages, first published in 2019.
Does The Institute have content warnings?
Content we flag: Kidnapping, Child abuse, Violence, Death, Torture.
Can I borrow The Institute for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Institute; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Institute?
Readers who liked it often move on to Never Let Me Go, The Maze Runner, Carrie.

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