Swan Song

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 34 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

"We're about to cross the point of no return. God help us; we're flying in the dark, and we don't know where the hell we're going."

Facing down an unprecedented malevolent enemy, the government responds with a nuclear attack. America as it was is gone forever, and now every citizen - from the president of the United States to the homeless on the streets of New York City - will fight for survival.

Swan Song is Robert McCammon's prescient and shocking vision of a post-apocalyptic nation, a grand epic of terror and, ultimately, renewal.

In a wasteland born of rage and fear, populated by monstrous creatures and marauding armies, earth's last survivors have been drawn into the final battle between good and evil, that will decide the fate of humanity. They include Sister, who discovers a strange and transformative glass artifact in the destroyed Manhattan streets... Joshua Hutchins, the pro wrestler who takes refuge from the nuclear fallout at a Nebraska gas station... and Swan, a young girl possessing special powers, who travels alongside Josh to a Missouri town where healing and recovery can begin with Swan's gifts. But the ancient force behind earth's devastation is scouring the walking wounded for recruits for its relentless army, beginning with Swan herself.

Please note: Two chapters were originally missing from Part 2 of this book. We were alerted to the problem on 11/21/11 and have corrected it. We're very sorry for any inconvenience. If you had already downloaded the book, don’t worry - your library has automatically updated with the corrected version. Simply re-download from your library, at no additional cost, to get the complete book.

©2009 Robert McCammon (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Post WW3 saga with some supernatural

This is an epic saga of a nuclear World War 3, and the aftermath. It follows a handful of characters, both good and bad. Much of this is about surviving nuclear winter, and it is predictably bleak. Early on, it was clear that there was some degree of supernatural in this - a young girl with special connections to all forms of life, and a Satan-like evil man. I am not a huge fan of the supernatural element, but most of this novel was about real people surviving nuclear winter. I liked that a lot. I liked much of this book, but it was a bit too long for my taste. More than 30 hours. I quit books I don't like, but stayed with this until the end. Some parts felt a little juvenile, but I still enjoyed this. The reader was amazing, and elevated this decent epic saga into a good audio experience for me. It had a Stephen King feel to it, which is a good thing. The writing was very good, and I cared a lot about the characters.

Beauty amidst the Wastes

This is a book I return to again and again. Visually this book strikes you as a ray of sunshine in a storm cast sky, a pale, green sprout lifting itself gently but defiantly out of a crack in the pavement in some collapsed, urban no man's land, or a cool breeze that breaks the oppressive heat of an endless summer. The book is one filled with characters as epic as Old Testament prophets and tyrants, and it leaves you refreshed, with new purpose and a trust in the victory of goodness against all odds, even when things are at their darkest.

This is a book well worth getting .

Really enjoyed the story line , Great Narrator, Great Characters, you either Love them or Hate them .
Blows the Stand out of the water ( sorry King ).
Hope you enjoy it half as much as I did.

Epic Story Ruined by Predictable Ending

Would you try another book from Robert McCammon and/or Tom Stechschulte?

Possibly. Depends if their other works are as politically correct as this.

Would you ever listen to anything by Robert McCammon again?

No but it does make we want to go back and listen to Stephen King's "The Stand" to see how it compares to this. It's been at least 20 years since I read that.

What does Tom Stechschulte bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The bulk of the story is engaging and well done. The ending just wraps up completely predictable and feels like it was written for a child's book.

Do you think Swan Song needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nothing. narrator was fantastic.

Any additional comments?

This book is noteworthy for 2 things:

1. It is obvious that the author belonged to the "Reagan is evil/crazy" clique of the 80's. They go a long way to blame the nuclear holocaust and other WMDs on "Star Wars" and also to portray the President in the novel to be an indecisive idiot, bordering on insanity. I wonder how the crow buffet liberals like McCammon had to eat tasted like when Reagan ended up being the single biggest influence in ending the Cold War and reducing the threat of nuclear war.

2. This book is also a relatively early example of politically correct writing that has become common place. Written almost 30 years ago, it features almost universal "good" characters as women and/or black. All the villains are white men. All of 'em. There's a few semi-good white male characters but they're shown as deeply flawed and secondary followers at best.

Excellent!!!

This was an excellent story, that I truly enjoyed. Similar to The Stand, but I thought it was much better. I do recommend it.

Still love this book

A top ten pick for me. I have read it numerous times and I have own several copies of this book.

Swan Song

This was an absolutely awesome book. I LOVED everything about it and I was so sorry when it ended. In my opinion this is a classic that rates up among the very top. Do not miss out on this one. I rarely write any kind of review but this book definitely rates one. A++++++ all the way.

I’m glad I finally read it!

This book was suggested to me by a stranger on FB and I bought it several months ago. I don’t know why I put off reading it, perhaps because I had never heard of this author all I know is something compelled me to read it now and I am so glad. I had meant to download another book to read but “accidentally” clicked this one and figured I may as well. After the first few minutes I was hooked and went on a marathon listening spree for 3 days: 10 hrs a day for 2 days and on the 3rd day I was finished. It really is a book you won’t want to put down. The worse part about the book is that it ended.

I have never have reread a book so much.

I have read this book 6 times. i always come to this book whenever i want an exciting and thrilling book. it will make you cry and shiver with fear. The audiobook does a wonderful job at depicted the way the characters should sound. and I love it. and the book ends great. totally worth it.

Something’s just get better with age!

There seems to be a steady increase in books focusing on apocalyptic themes, which I must admit I find entertaining and thought provoking. Having read quite a few of the newer apocalyptic books being written I was amazed by how unique and well developed Swan Song still is when considering it won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel clear back in 1988.

I am frankly awed that after more than 30 years not only has this book remained an excellent reading/listening experience, but I find it has become even more engaging as times have progressed. The twists and ideas presented have not been negatively affected by the passing of time despite all the incredible advancements that have occurred in the past several decades. I feel that this story not only has endured the test of time, but it has actually gotten even better as our world has become more advanced and dependent on technology.

If you have not yet read this book or if it has been some time since you have I highly recommend that you treat yourself to what I would define as a cutting edge classic! This is well worth the credit given that it provides you with 34+ hours of listening time that will actually leave you wanting even more.