The Talisman
By Stephen King
- Release Date: 2012-09-25
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
Soon to be a Netflix series! The iconic, “extraordinary” (The Washington Post) collaboration between bestselling authors Stephen King and Peter Straub—an epic #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy thriller about a young boy’s quest to save his mother’s life.
Jack Sawyer, twelve years old, is about to begin a most fantastic journey, an exalting, terrifying quest for the mystical Talisman—the only thing that can save Jack’s dying mother. But to reach his goal, Jack must make his way not only across the breadth of the United States but also through the wondrous and menacing parallel world of the Territories.
In the Territories, Jack finds another realm, where the air is so sweet and clear a man can smell a radish being pulled from the ground a mile away—and a life can be snuffed out instantly in the continuing struggle between good and evil. Here Jack discovers “Twinners,” reflections of the people he knows on earth—most notably Queen Laura DeLoessian, the Twinner of Jack’s own imperiled mother. As Jack “flips” between worlds, making his way westward toward the redemptive Talisman, a sequence of heart-stopping encounters challenges him at every step.
An unforgettable epic of adventure and resounding triumph, The Talisman is one of the most influential and highly praised works of fantasy ever written.
Reviews
Excellent fantasy experience
4By Iceman255As I finished this book I felt a sense of peace. We’ll done to the writers. Thank you, from a constant readerWanted to like it
2By Second and Goal FantasyI read Stephen King’s On Writing, didn’t agree with a lot of it, but still wanted to see how he put his ideas into practice. Turns out that taking 100 pages to set up a rather boring plot and weak characters means that readers won’t be interested. This would be a good premise in the right hands, but it’s just too bulky and slow to enjoy.Great Storytelling
5By kALAL2005My first Stephen King book and I’ve been a big fan ever since. I was 12 when I came across this book - that was 30 years ago. I’ve read pretty much every book he’s ever written over the course of my 30 years.Kinda slow
4By jessijo29Really slow beginning, for me. I am reading all of Stephen King's published novels in chronological order, so I pushed through it. The end did move faster and get more interesting.Highs and Lows
3By Bee RanesThe overall idea and story were engaging, but I felt like the pacing was a bit off. I thought it resonated with a lot of the same themes and ideas from King’s Dark Tower series.A true blend of horrific magic and dark fantasy
5By G.StandeferFirst of all, Stephen King is an unbelievable writer whose stories are some of the best of all time. The Talisman was one example of such beautiful, artistic yet gruesome writing. He wrote a huge novel that was packed to the brim with dark creatures, eye watering heroes, and truly malicious villains. The Talisman is a compelling story filled with revolutionary writing. I recommend this book for tweens and teens, 10+. Great Book, StephenThe Talisman
5By Figgy00169I remember reading this book so many years ago and being carried away at time I truly needed an escape to wonder and a better place. Reading it again more than twenty years later still brings that joy, feelings of loss as you connect, and wonder and optimism as the journey comes to its climax.So much potential.
2By Mandy3852Just couldn't get in to it.Best SK book!
5By CrissyckI have read this book 3 times, and it remains my favorite out of any book I've read. It is a bit slow to start, but so worth it! Love the characters!Awesome uplifting intense
5By Truthallways7Connie pEpic story
5By kka##71I've been reading a lot of books lately but always go back for a Stephen King. It's like meeting up with an old friend who never lets you down. This story was an adventure for the mind and well worth my time.Phenomenal!
4By MatrixVoomI remember reading this book at 11 years old, devouring it for hours on end, both terrified and entertained. At that time and several decades later I consider it one of my favorite Stephen King novels. On a whim I decided to read it as an adult and still find it engaging and mesmerizing. I did not pay attention at the time, but reading the novel now, I am disappointed in some of the racist and homophobic undertones, but it is a book of its time. Looking past those unfortunate choices by SK at that time, this is still an amazing read.... A great blend of fantasy and horror. Genre busting in its day and still original!My fav SK book
5By Melymo VI read my 1st SK book at age 13 and was hooked. I've read them all and The Talisman is my favorite. I read it so many times over the years that my paper copy fell apart.The Talisman
5By RaiderpaulaLet me preface my review by saying that my favorite Stephen King book of all time has to be "The Stand". I have read all his books and truly enjoyed each and every one.Then along came "11/22/63", another great masterpiece of storytelling! Now, having just stumbled across and finished reading, "The Talisman", I can say without a doubt, Stephen King pulls you in and doesn't let you go. His stories come alive in your mind. What a mind blowing talent Mr. King has for taking you away with his visions. This story is another success.Republished
4By EpmesThis was first published in 1984. The store says it was published in September, 2012, but that date is probably for the electronic version here. Regardless, good book.One of my favorite books of all time!
5By Thomas SandovalRead this book 3 times, great characters, if Harry potter was rated R and took place in a more real environment. It was a journey that you never wanted to end. Good thing Peter Straub was there to make sure it did..haha! And what a great ending...unlike some of the others I've read by Steven King. I promised you won't be disappointed. Once you get past the first 60 pages or so things really pick up!Amazing
5By TopherSpringThis book took me back to my childhood. The fabric of two worlds blurred. Very good read.
