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.

Just wanted it to end...

I've listened to many audio books of this length or even longer with no problems, but I just wanted this one to end. Many other reviewers have compared this story to King's "The Stand," but this comes nowhere close IMO. The characters weren't very well developed and even the "good" characters weren't particularly likable. I was annoyed by how un-resourceful many were, especially in the beginning. The "evil" characters also weren't very intelligent or cunning. McCammon relied on graphic violence to make scenes scary, whereas King's evil characters were often intelligent and relied on psychological manipulation vs. senseless violence. I don't avoid violent books or am particularly squeamish, but I found the violence in this story was more for shock value than story enhancement.

No spoilers, but I also felt like the "evil" characters became less interesting and almost laughable as the story progressed. I also felt like this story just wasn't very believable / realistic, and not because of the supernatural aspect. One of the things I've always admired about King's stories, which ALL involve some degree of supernatural elements, is that his characters are believable - ordinary humans like me thrust into bizarre circumstances with realistic reactions. I know McCammon is not King, but if you loved The Stand for the reasons I mention, you might not enjoy this one nearly as much.

For another long-haul, post apocalyptic story, I thoroughly enjoyed Justin Cronin's The Passage Trilogy. It's about 80 hours across 3 books, but I found it far more interesting - better character development & fascinating story.

Horrible and beautiful at the same time

Imagine the horror of a sudden and devastating nuclear war. Russia has apparently bombed most of the United States, rendering most cities and much of the countryside as a nuclear wasteland. Pair that horrible situation with small groups of survivors and a mystical and beautiful crystal/jeweled ring which has unfathomable powers and you have story which portrays mankind at its worst and best at the same time. The story is long (34 hours long) and at first I did not think I would get through the entire book. It did not fully draw me in until about 12 hours in, but once it did I could not put it down and finished it in a few days. If you like apocalyptic tales you will likely enjoy this one. Excellent story and performance.

as good as the first time

I remember reading this in high school in '92, i was really into post apocalyptic type stories. All these years later this story has not lost one bit of greatness that it was to me back then. It's well read by the narrator and different voices he performs for the many characters in the story are well done. This is a must have for any sci-fi lover that hasnt already picked this up.

Fabulous!

Where does Swan Song rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved this book. I found myself trying to find hidden corners to listen.

What did you like best about this story?

I really like trying to figure out what was with the characters. What was so special about them.

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

When swan's horse died. The raw emotion she felt moved me. I felt for her.

One of the best!

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

I would recomennd this to anyone who likes epic stories. Post nuclear war, regular people, bad people, a touch of supernatural and magic, mystery, etc.

What other book might you compare Swan Song to and why?

Stephen King's

Any additional comments?

Great book!

it was ok

felt like it was too long, plenty of plot holes, found it mostly boring and was dissatisfied with the end

review

writing felt spoonfed, at times. narrator was meh but story was engrossing. ending was a bit tacked on and not very satisfying. protagonists were extremely well fleshed out, antagonists were extremely 1 dimensional. read if you liked the stand.

Started slow but finished strong. loved it.

Ok, this ended up being a really good book. Loved it. Wish it was one more chapter.

I listened to the whole book ...but

I was never grabbed by the story. I felt I was pulling it along like a stubborn mule. narrator was fine. it is a "Wednesday at work" story. mid-week ho-hum.

Good but sooooo long!

Written a while ago so everything is dated. Good performance but the story really drags at times. Brings to mind Stephen King's The Stand.