10 Most Underrated Stephen King Novels

6. Firestarter

Firestarter came during what is largely considered to be King's golden period, sandwiched between 'Salem's Lot and The Shining. Of those books, it's probably the one that non-King fans are least likely to know - about and, narratively, it's the least successful. That's not to say, however, that Firestarter is anything other than a brilliant and underrated entertainment, centered on a young girl with pyrotechnic abilities who, along with her father, is pursued by the government. Essentially, this is a thriller story with elements of horror thrown in, filled with compelling characters and some very interesting twists. The book was made into a rather underwhelming film starring a small Drew Barrymore as Charlie McGee, the "Firestarter" of the title, but it was a box office flop. If you're yet to delve into this one, though, Firestarter isn't the second-rate Carrie you've been led to believe it is. It's a real page turner packed with tons of great moments.