The Dead Zone

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: James Franco

Never before on audio! A number-one national best seller about a man who wakes up from a five-year coma able to see people's futures and the terrible fate awaiting mankind in The Dead Zone - a "compulsive page-turner" (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

Johnny Smith awakens from a five-year coma after his car accident and discovers that he can see people's futures and pasts when he touches them. Many consider his talent a gift; Johnny feels cursed. His fiancée married another man during his coma, and people clamor for him to solve their problems.

When Johnny has a disturbing vision after he shakes the hand of an ambitious and amoral politician, he must decide if he should take drastic action to change the future. The Dead Zone is a "faultlessly paced...continuously engrossing" (Los Angeles Times) novel of second sight.

©1979 Stephen King (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"Originally published in 1979, this title is finally available for the first time as an audiobook, with actor James Franco narrating... Franco's impressive acting talent is on full display. As the troubled Johnny, he narrates with restraint and melancholy. As Stillson - an amoral businessman who cons his way towards the presidency - Franco oozes menace." ( AudioFile)

A masterful classic narrated perfectly!

I had read this back in high school, but just re-read on Audible. Wow. I had forgotten just what a master storyteller King is! A master of creating the image in your mind with his words.. and how powerful and sometimes dreadful that is! I got goosebumps, I got teary eyed, I laughed aloud. Man, he knows how to tell a story.. How to draw out suspense in an almost offhand way, creating just enough tension to make you sit forward and grit your teeth for the inevitable horror to be revealed. Yes, some things can't be rushed, and he knows it.

And James Franco's narration was fantastic!

Tears of sadness

I’ve just recently started listening to Steven King books. While I listened to The Dead Zone I became drawn into Jonny and Sara’s life, deeper and deeper into the story. This is the first Steven King book that moved me to tears of a broken heart...just as the characters had portrayed. I Loved this story and will read it again soon!!

Wow

It is eerie how parts of this book are well suited for the political atmosphere of American politics now. Having James Franko. narrate was an added treat

Couldn't think of a better story or narrator.

I have been a Stephen King fan for as long as I can remember. I've never read The Dead Zone before but decided to give it a try and I could not have asked for a better narrator for this story than James Franco. His narration was beyond exceptional. He delivered this amazing story the best way possible. If you have never read The Dead Zone or if you have, but never listened to the audible version I highly recommend listening to The Dead Zone by Stephen King narrated by James Franco! I truly felt the characters come alive and I did not want the story to end. They felt extremely real. Just an amazing novel and narration.

Loved the story ... narration not so much

I enjoyed the story - I’ve been a fan of Stephen King for 40(!) years. I think James Franco is a talented actor, but he was inconsistent as a storyteller. His accents would change or sound bizarre. I think James was sometimes a bit lit while reading. 🤔

Revisiting a Favorite with a Great Narrator

I've been revisiting Stephen King's books as an adult since I haven't read some of the older ones since they first came out when I was in high school. This book was always one that I had loved reading. The reason I purchased this book though was because of the narrator James Franco (who in my opinion can do no wrong). I found him a perfect fit for the task of bringing this novel to audio. I've enjoyed Frank Muller a lot and is one of my favorite King narrators. Steven Weber wasn't too bad in "It", but James Franco really brought me a new appreciation of this novel. I found myself thoroughly engrossed and could not put it down till I had finished. Listen to the sample and if you enjoy Franco's voice then you really should check this audiobook out. It's not King's best work, but definitely one of the better ones.

Not what I was expecting....

This is not his best book, but was okay. Seemed a little drawn out and not as much intensity as his past books. Maybe that was the intent....
Again.... not a bad book, just not what I was expecting.

great listen

very well done. really enjoyed the characters as always in King books. good listen and slightly sad that it ended.

Some of the best Stephen King

The Dead Zone is Stephen King in top form. This book manages an interesting premise, with great characters and a satisfying end that will leave you wishing for more.

Excellent Listen

Stephen never fails to keep me a rapt listener and thankfully this reader keeps up with the pace – excellent.