The Dead Zone

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: James Franco

The #1 New York Times bestseller and “frightening” (The New York Times) thriller from master storyteller Stephen King about a clairvoyant man who must weigh his options when he sees the terrible future awaiting mankind.

When Johnny Smith was six years old, head trauma caused by a bad ice-skating accident left him with a nasty bruise on his forehead and, from time to time, those hunches…infrequent but accurate snippets of things to come. But it isn’t until Johnny’s a grown man—now having survived a horrifying auto injury that plunged him into a coma lasting four-and-a-half years—that his special abilities really push to the fore. Johnny Smith has come back from the void with an extraordinary gift that becomes his life’s curse…presenting visions of what was and what will be for both the innocent and guilty alike. But when he encounters a ruthlessly ambitious and amoral man who promises a terrifying fate for all humanity, Johnny must find a way to prevent a harrowing predestination from becoming reality…

UGH! Narration Killed it for me

What did you love best about The Dead Zone?

The story is another fantastic Stephen King story! Read the book yourself; this audio version is not worth purchasing! Although it may be a great sleep aid.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I couldn't care less about any of the characters in this audio version. The narration was so bad my mind kept wandering off onto other things. I kept rewinding and replaying until I finally gave up. I've waited years for this to come out in audio. So sad the wait was for nothing!

Would you be willing to try another one of James Franco’s performances?

NO! I listen to many many audible and audio library books each year. The narration makes or breaks even the best story. That's what happened here! James Franco ruined this otherwise fantastic book for me. I'm not willing to have that happen again. He made this story incredibly dull.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

absolutely!

Any additional comments?

If this is your first encounter with Stephen Kings The Dead Zone, and the narration put you off too, please pick up the book and read it for yourself. It's worth it!

One of his best.

I’ve read/listened to a ton of King. This audio performance by James Franco is definitely one of his best. Not scary at all. The title is misleading. King is at the top of his game with this one. A few references to other books. I would put this as a good brother to the loose collection related to “The Shining.” Worth the credit.

My first Stephen King read!

Now I know what he is such an amazing writer! The story was great! Suspenseful, intriguing! Loved the narration too! I hope Franco narrates all of Kings book!

Great book great movie

The man deserves the Nobel prize. He will never get it because too many people read and love his books. Great book & also a great movie.

James Franco captivates reading this book

This book is so down to earth and comfortable with the working men and women of Maine .... and it handles the paranormal issues and how the people in Johnny’s life try to understand his new “gift” (curse).

I was astonished at James Franco’s reading style it was hypnotic but very energetic I never fell asleep.

Another great Stephen King book. Can we have James Franco read them all ??