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Swan Song  By  cover art

Swan Song

By: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
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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.

What listeners say about Swan Song

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An absolute masterpiece of a novel!

This book is an essential read in the list of postapocalyptic novels. From the very beginning of the novel, Robet McCammon grabs the reader by the guts and takes him/her on an epic journey through Hell itself. This book explores the classical clash between good and evil, between the moral and immoral and this book takes you to the very depths of human capacity for great evil. Swan Song is a perfect illustration of how fast a society can dwindle into chaos and mayhem without laws and rules, and it's a perfect illustration of what kind of leaders would emerge in a world when civilization has collapsed. This novel follows epic journeys of good and evil characters, sometimes depicting things in either black or white fashion. The main characters are richly illustrated with strong emotional foundations (even if some of them are a bit typecast and a bit too much on the fantasy side of things). The episodal characters are also very, very colorfull.

I am personally a very big fan of Steven King's "The Stand" and McCammon's "Swan Song" has many parallels with King's epic masterpiece. Yet, in my personal opinion - McCammon has managed to make his characters more "colourful," while King's characters are better built and developed professionally. I love both books, but in my opinion, "Swan Song" has a slight upper hand in the emotional side of things. I found myself to be emotionally invested in Sister, Josh and Swan. Rusty was another great person, whose actions were sincere, heroic and selfless. The illustrations are a bit richer, and the evil involved has much more of an emotional and violent impact on the reader than the more political, intelligent and darker Randall Flagg evil in "The Stand." My advice to everyone - read both novels and enjoy them equally. Do not try to over-analyze things. I would say that Swan Song would be better suited to those readers who love more dark fantasy-oriented themes and epic "good vs evil" struggles. At the same time - "The Stand" is overall a stronger and a more professional book.

The antagonist - the Man with the Scarett Eye is a very good illustration of primordial evil and its chaotic nature, as well as to the famous old phrase - "the greatest trick that the Devil pulled was convincing everyone that he doesn't exist." He represents the very essence of rising evil as society and civilisation falls apart.

It also has to be noted that Tom Stechschulte is a great voice actor - doing an amazing job in bringing the characters to life. His voice acting is impeccable and fits perfectly the tonality and the themes of the novel.

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perfectly read

Such a powerful message. Evil only wins when good men do nothing. Let us each do something good.

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One of the best books I've ever listened to!

this book should be required reading for all human beings on the planet! I mean it! Loved it!!

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read this about 20 years ago! was like a new story

i love this book and narrated was an awesome experience! love that this helps my driving. keeps me awake bieng a truck driver.

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Making choices

the book is very detailed in the writing which helps you form a picture of the landscape and characters. it tells the story of greed, power, and the fall of false greatness. While giving hope That there is still good in the world and the people within the world.
This book is sad In the reality of truth but joyful that we can overcome even the toughest of times.

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Excellent listen

I had read this book when it was released on 1987. It is just as good as I remember. I enjoyed the Audible version very much & highly recommend it.

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Long during journey

This story will sweep you up into this world of what it could be if we decide to destroy each other. Those who struggled and survived and about a little girl who did not know how big of a story she's gonna make it in pack the world

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Great Story!!

This story had me hooked from the beginning to the end. I originally downloaded it for my long rides to and from work, but found myself sitting in my driveway for 20 minutes for a chapter to end! I would recommend this book to anyone.

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In many ways better than The Stand

I love SK, and The Stand. But I've listened to Swan Song three times, on my fourth. RM doesn't get cutesy or gimmicky like SK can get. Less cultural allusions and references, just a really good story told real directly and very well. But like I said, I love SK and The Stand and am looking forward to the new mini-series in the fall. But Swan Song should have been adapted to the screen long long ago. fingers crossed.

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How Did I Miss this Book?!

It’s The Stand mixed with The Walking Dead with a sprinkle of Jon Snow.

Tom Stechschulte is the Kevin Durant of narrators.

Worth the credit. Can’t wait to check out more from this amazing author.

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