The Talisman

By Stephen King

The Talisman - Stephen King
  • Release Date: 2012-09-25
  • Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 573 Ratings

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

    4
    By Iceman255
    As I finished this book I felt a sense of peace. We’ll done to the writers. Thank you, from a constant reader
  • Wanted to like it

    2
    By Second and Goal Fantasy
    I 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

    5
    By kALAL2005
    My 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

    4
    By jessijo29
    Really 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

    3
    By Bee Ranes
    The 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

    5
    By G.Standefer
    First 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, Stephen
  • The Talisman

    5
    By Figgy00169
    I 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.

    2
    By Mandydirtythirty
    Just couldn't get in to it.
  • Best SK book!

    5
    By Crissyck
    I 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

    5
    By Truthallways7
    Connie p