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.

Best of it’s kind

If you liked The Stand by Stephen King, you will Love Swan Song. At least I did, in fact I enjoyed it more!

Long and beautiful story

There were definitely parts of this book that were a little hard to listen too due to the graphic description of incidents, but over all it was a well told story that had just the right balance of explanation and flow. The worst parts were needed in order to carry the story. Well worth the listen. I'll definitely be checking out more stories by Robert McCammon.
At 1st it reminded me of The Stand by Stephen King, but more focused on the south and east of the US. Obviously nukes were the culprit over a virus, but there were many similarities. Well told, somewhat religious but no demonizing of pagan elements which was nice.
Loved the narrator's voice, he did a great job of engaging each character both male and female. I'll also be checking out more of his stories.

Great car ride listen.

I was driving from Wisconsin to Missouri while listening to Swan Song. The story starts on the East coast and ends in Missouri. People who survived a radiation bomb encounter many life threatening events much like the TV series The Walking Dead but without the zombies. This book is a very fun ride across the country sighting real towns, environmental destruction, river crossings and an endless supply of gas, guns and horrible people. Thank you for the good people.

Great audible story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story on Audible. I read this book many many years ago,it was great to see it on audible and I thought I’d try it. WOW, it was wonderfully done!

Good storytelling! Loved the audio book narrator!

Good storytelling! Loved the audio book narrator! Got to give credit where credit is due and both author and storyteller on the audio cassette performed well. Seriously the girls got a... talent silly.

Okay Apocalyptic Fiction

Interesting story, I just couldn't sympathize with the characters for the most part. I've tried to write the next sentence several times now, and just can't seem to pin down the right words. I felt that while the motivations, inner thoughts, and personas of the evil characters were very well defined, those of the good guys were not as presented as completely, especially as the book progressed. It's probably more fun for an author to come up with this stuff as it relates to the villains.

The narrator did an excellent job. Consistent voices for each character.

Overall, an interesting listen, just not a masterpiece in my opinion.

Listen to this if you liked "The Stand"

This book has a lot in common with Stephen King's "The Stand," as an apocalyptic event leaves a 1980's-era America in shambles, and a few survivors are left to square off in a good-vs-evil battle.

A few of the plot twists are predictable. As is common in long books, this one has a few slow sections. But overall, the pacing was good. It's a well-told story, with compelling characters, and excellent narration.

The Best Book I've Ever Read

What made the experience of listening to Swan Song the most enjoyable?

Swan Song could be so close to reality that people just don't even realize it. The entire book keep my attention and I hated putting it down when I had to. I was always happy to pick it back up and continue reading/listening on. I was very sad when it was over. The book was superior.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Swan Song?

There were so many to just pick out one. I will tell you, I will be reading/listening to this book in it's entirety again because I'm sure I missed something.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Sister finally found Swan. It was so touching. They formed a bond that could never that could never be broken.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The relationship between Josh and Swan. I loved how this big bad wrestler was really a softy when it came to this little girl and ended up calling her his daughter. Absolutely loved it.

Any additional comments?

With everything that's going on in the world today, with the gun control issues and everything, the weapons were the only thing that saved them when they were attacked by the animals and the armys. We, as a Nation, have always been concerned about being attacked by nuclear weapons so I think every person in America should read this book

wonderful

needs to be a movie. would rival Steven King for a story line.
great narration

Great story

What did you love best about Swan Song?

The battle between good and evil reminded me of a Stephen King novel

Who was your favorite character and why?

Josh was my favorite as a protector and great character. Everyone needs a Josh in their life.

What about Tom Stechschulte’s performance did you like?

Very good

If you could rename Swan Song, what would you call it?

Changing