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 apocalyptic with hope

Written in the late 80s but still has relevance today. Was a little heavy on good vs. evil but much is very true to human nature. It’s a cautionary tale. Surviving an apocalyptic event is no picnic and some of us do not have better angels to guide our actions.

The writing was great and the narration was very good. If you want to read something very bleak but with some great characters, this is the book for you.

Similar to The Stand but definetely worth it.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Grabs your attention at the very beginning. Not what you expect instead it takes a turn for the interesting. Makes you want to keep reading.

What did you like best about this story?

Ending was not anticipated. Never would have guessed or come close to the comclusive end. Very refreshing!

What about Tom Stechschulte’s performance did you like?

Just the right inflection at the right times. Made the characters and story come to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me think.

Any additional comments?

Good book.

exceptional

I didn't know much going into this book, but the added story to the story was amazing!

A long listen but worth it

If you liked the book the stand, then you will enjoy this one. It is a long book and I feel it was a little long winded, but I ended up appreciating the depth of the characters. This does make it a little slow going, but stick with it. The story will captivate you and make it hard to stop listening.

Epic Masterpiece

Having finished this novel, I am now qualified to join the long-standing debate over which is better, Swan Song or The Stand? Hard pass from me. I am thankful we have both to enjoy.

every year

I have read this book yearly since I found it 20 years ago.. I absolutely believe it's one of the best post apocalyptic books out there

Amazing Story

Incredible blend of reality with just the right amount of the fantastic. Excellent narration...the narrator has an incredible range and is able to capture the essence and tone of each character...not an easy feat given all the female characters!

Just as great as I remember

I read this book when I was a teenager. I loved it then and now that I'm an adult I loved it even more. There was so much to the story that I did not understand and it went right over my head. It is a very long story but worth the listen.

Very captivating from the beginning!

The narrator is phenomenal and the story is compelling and terrifying. I read the book back in high school but I loved it even more as an audiobook.

One of the best post apocalypse books

It's really rare that I re read/listen to a book, because there are just SO MANY new books out there! Swan song is the one I've went back to the most by far. One of two (the other being...the stand) that I've been through more than twice. This was my first time listening to the audiobook after 4 or 5 readings over the years. Narrator did a good job of making each voice distinct but, at the same time, not making it feel forced or weird. I'll add my "if you like the stand, you'll most likely enjoy this" to the long list of times its said when this book is brought up. I prefer this one to the stand, but it's just barely. 5 star rating is something I reserve for books I'll go back to, because I feel 5 stars should be special and rare. If I could give this one 6 stars I would.