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The Talisman Audiobook
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(4.00) - 48,160 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
On a brisk autumn day, a twelve-year-old boy stands on the shores of the gray Atlantic, near a silent amusement park and a fading ocean resort called the Alhambra. The past has driven Jack Sawyer here: his father is gone, his mother is dying, and the world no longer makes sense. But for Jack everything is about to change. For he has been chosen to make a journey back across America—and into another realm.
One of the most influential and heralded works of fantasy ever written, The Talisman is an extraordinary novel of loyalty, awakening, terror, and mystery. Jack Sawyer, on a desperate quest to save his mother's life, must search for a prize across an epic landscape of innocents and monsters, of incredible dangers and even more incredible truths. The prize is essential, but the journey means even more.
Let the quest begin.
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"Excellent read....one of my all time favorites....Jack & wolfie...gotta love them ;) This is not one of King's usual scary novels, but rather a great story of one young boy on a quest to save his mother....wonderful story with weird twists. Take a ride on the "flip" side - an enjoyable ride!!!"
— Jana (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Extraordinary…Makes your hair stand on end.”
— Washington Post -
“Rare and dazzling…A journey to rival the greatest adventure stories ever told.”
— New York Daily News -
“Award-winning reader Frank Muller continues his long string of superlative performances…A must for current fiction collections.”
— Library Journal (audio review)
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A 1985 World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel
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A 2002 Audie Award Finalist
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
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A 1985 Locus Award Nominee
The Talisman Listener Reviews
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amy hux, 12/11/2023
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" I remember reading this book over 30 years ago. Since it has become harder to read over the years, I really enjoyed having the audiobook version now. An absolute classic. "
— MIkeG, 3/18/2022 -
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Lisa Allison, 1/27/2021
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James Barnes, 1/20/2019
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" Wow. A great story. co written with Peter Straub. I was dubious at first, as it's co written, but i loved it. For some reason it reminded me of the Dark Tower books. It had a good ending and kept me enthralled throughout. Can't wait for Stephen King's new novel. Also the narrator was perfect. "
— Chris Hunt, 1/24/2018 -
" I listened to 8 chapters before giving up and deleting this book. story confusing and hard to follow. could not get into this one for I had no idea what was going on. "
— craig, 5/21/2017 -
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Diana Helms, 4/28/2015
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David, 10/24/2014
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" It drags in places, but it's a wonderful story. I enjoyed it very much, and despite a few cliched characters, there were some truly horrific villains that made for a good time. "
— Suzanne, 2/19/2014 -
" This novel is truly a roller coaster ride - from horror to fear to joy to triumph to hate to love..... Following Jack in and out of the Territories and along the American road was quite a journey! I thank my friend Karen for sharing this book with me - I think I will "feel wolf in my dreams! "
— Terri, 2/8/2014 -
" This is in my top 3 Stephen King books, along with The Stand and It. "
— Jay, 2/6/2014 -
" Not a huge fantasy reader, but enjoyed every page of this book "
— Sean, 1/27/2014 -
" This book is okay (a lot better than the sequel 'Black House' at least). If you're a 'Gunslinger' fan, then check it out for the tie-in's. If not, I can't recommend it. "
— Chad, 1/26/2014 -
" LOVED this book as a kid, and now I want to read it again! I also think my son would love it :) "
— Denise, 1/23/2014 -
" Loved it. A really good fantasy. "
— Gisele, 1/21/2014 -
" Wow. This book just made me cry like a baby.... "
— Bryan, 1/17/2014 -
" Ok boek van Stephen King. Niet het beste, maar nog steeds best goed. "
— Edelhart, 11/11/2013 -
" One of my favorite books S.K. wrote. Fun read. "
— Trevor, 11/11/2013 -
" Probably my favorite Stephen King book. "
— Elton, 11/5/2013 -
" In my opinion, his best book. "
— Shannon, 10/15/2013 -
" Read this one many times over the years. Something about those winged men leaping off high towers in the distance... "
— Jeff, 10/4/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat at times, feeling the feelings Jack has and experiences. The ups and downs, trials and tribulations. I definitely recommend this book. "
— Jill, 6/22/2013 -
" This book holds a special place in my heart. I love books where people slip into strange alternate realities/worlds. "
— Jenn, 5/7/2013 -
" My favorite Stephen King Book! "
— Laurel, 2/18/2013 -
" A fantastic novel. Stephen King and Peter Straub at their best. "
— Chris, 1/25/2013 -
" This was an exquisite fantasy story with a wonderful werewolf touch. I loved it. It made up my mind about finding Peter Straub's other works, especially the Gothic Julia. Highly recommended for all the fantasy and supernatural saga lovers!! "
— Missya, 12/27/2012 -
" One of my all time favorite books! "
— Raistlin, 10/31/2012 -
" This was quirky, futuristic and mystical but I remember liking this one. "
— Karen, 7/11/2012 -
" I first read this book way back when it came out in paperback. I decided to listen to the audiobook. The story was just as good. Still iffy on if the narrator's voice and style was appropriate for this story. "
— Michael, 2/29/2012 -
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SweetDee73, 2/10/2012
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" This novel just bored the hell out of me and it had a number of the cliches that crop up in Stephen Kind and Peter Straub books. All I can say is that these two writers bring out the worst in each other. King is always hit and miss. "
— Christopher, 10/30/2011 -
" I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. "
— Wayne, 9/29/2011 -
" 650p "
— Michael, 7/7/2011 -
" one of the more memorable things i ever did as a young teenager was read this book. fantastic on every lever "
— Jason, 6/9/2011
About the Authors
Stephen King has written more than sixty books, many hitting the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. He has won the World Fantasy Award, several Bram Stoker Awards, and the O. Henry Award for his story “The Man in the Black Suit.” He is the 2003 recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2007 he received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His epic works The Dark Tower and It are the basis for major motion pictures.
Peter Straub (1943-2022) was the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels. He has won the Bram Stoker Award for his two of his novels and a short story collection, 5 Stories; he has also won a World Fantasy Award and an International Horror Guild Award. He received a BA degree in English at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MA from Columbia University.
About Frank Muller
Frank Muller (1951–2008) was an Audie Award–winning narrator. A classically trained actor, Frank appeared on both television and the stage. His credits include Hamlet, The Crucible, The Taming of the Shrew, The Importance of Being Earnest, Law & Order, All My Children, and many, many more. In 1999 Frank was awarded the AudioFile Lifetime Achievement Award, the top honor in the audiobook community. He has also won twenty-three Earphones Awards.