Author: Stephen King & Peter Straub
Category: Fiction, Suspense, Fantasy
Synopsis [c/o Barnes & Noble]: "Why had twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer’s mother frantically moved the two of them from Rodeo Drive to a New York City apartment to the Alhambra, a fading ocean resort and shuttered amusement park in New Hampshire? Who or what is she running from? She is dying . . . and even young Jack knows she can’t outrun death. But only he can save her—for he has been chosen to search for a prize across an epic landscape of dangers and lies, a realm of innocents and monsters, where everything Jack loves is on the line."
Overview: Remember last week when I recommended Black? I told you that I had another novel similar to that one to share. The Talisman is another novel that tells the story of an alternate reality, one in which our actions share consequences. Following the path of a young boy traveling across the country in an effort to save his mother, the reader also discovers that there is more to the situation than meets the eye; for little Jack is more than a twelve year old holding on to love as only a child can. He is also a tool, the likes of which certain adults are more than happy to use for their own fulfillment. Complete with mystery, intrigue, action, and more than a little evidence of King's scary imagination, this novel is definitely a page turner, if you like those types of stories.
I'm usually not a Stephen King fan at all. Up until maybe four years ago, I avoided his novels like the plague. I'm almost positive this was one of the first I attempted to read, and was pleasantly surprised. While it's not full of rainbows and butterflies, it is also loads less creepy than his horror stories. The Talisman definitely has a darker twist and nightmarish characters only King could dream up, nor is it a novel for those with tendencies toward the predictable and light hearted. But if you're in the mood for a great read with horrific detailing, Talisman is definitely worth it.
Other good King that is not horror... The Green Mile!! Excellent book.
ReplyDelete