59 pages • 1 hour read
The Talisman
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Book Brief
921
Novel • Fiction
American Midwest, Territories • 1980s
1984
Adult
15+ years
Super Short Summary
The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub is a fantasy novel with horror elements that follows 12-year-old Jack Sawyer on a quest to save his ill mother by seeking a mystical talisman. Jack travels across the country and through a parallel dimension called the Territories, confronting various dangers and encountering unique characters, including a werewolf named Wolf.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Dark
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub is celebrated for its compelling blend of fantasy and horror, praised for rich character depth and a vivid, imaginative world. While some find the pacing uneven and the length daunting, many appreciate its emotional journey and powerful storytelling. Fans of epic adventures will likely enjoy this collaboration.
Who Should Read The Talisman?
Readers who enjoy a mix of horror, fantasy, and adventure will be captivated by Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman. Comparable to The Dark Tower series and The Lord of the Rings, it appeals to those seeking epic quests and supernatural elements intertwined with richly developed characters and immersive worlds.
Lily Sawyer (Cavanaugh) / Queen Laura
Lily Sawyer (Cavanaugh) / Queen Laura
Jack's mother, whose mysterious illness acts as the catalyst for Jack's quest. She is an actress known as the "Queen of the Bs," and has a Twinner in the Territories, Queen Laura.
Morgan Sloat / Morgan of Orris
Morgan Sloat / Morgan of Orris
Jack's ruthless uncle, driven by a desire for power and wealth, who poses a significant threat in both Jack's world and the Territories. His Twinner in the Territories shares the same ambitions.
Richard Sloat
Richard Sloat
Morgan Sloat's son and Jack's best friend, who struggles with skepticism regarding the reality of the Territories. He is a "single-natured" being like Jack, without a Twinner.
Speedy Parker / Parkus
Speedy Parker / Parkus
An elderly African American man who acts as Jack's mentor, teaching him about the Territories and helping him navigate their challenges. In the Territories, his Twinner is known as Parkus.
Sunlight Gardener / Osmond
Sunlight Gardener / Osmond
A sadistic figure who runs a home for boys and is associated with Morgan Sloat. His Twinner, Osmond, is encountered first in the Territories and shares a similar set of brutal characteristics.
Wolf
Wolf
A friendly, 16-year-old werewolf from the Territories who becomes Jack's ally and protector. He struggles to adapt to the modern world when he flips over with Jack.
921
Novel • Fiction
American Midwest, Territories • 1980s
1984
Adult
15+ years
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