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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
5/5
One of the best novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A genuine masterpiece in the post-apocalyptic genre. Robert McCammon has truly become one of my favorite authors.
Swan Song is a story set in a post-apocalyptic world during the aftermath of nuclear war between the United States and Russia. This epic tale spans across the country, from Manhattan to Kansas, and hosts a wide variety of memorable characters. There are so many that are mentioned by name. Some that come and go in the story, and that is something I really appreciated. It added a very realistic feel to the narrative.
What I would call the three main protagonists in Swan Song, are some very well written characters. Everything from their introductions, their paths inevitably crossing, and their growth within themselves is all incredibly satisfying to read. The book is counter balanced by some fantastic antagonists who also really drive the plot and give you a growing feeling of tension. I thought the pacing, and the way the perspective shifted between all these main characters was handled extremely well. There's also so many great side characters that just fill this world and help it come to life.
This is a lengthy book that spans over 900 pages. But it never once felt like it dragged for me. I was enthralled with every chapter and was so compelled to keep going as much as I was able to each day that I read. I also listened to the audio as I read along (a method I genuinely love doing for added immersion, though usually with a slight bump in play speed), and it's fantastic. Tom Stechschulte handles the narration perfectly. He does such a great job of distinguishing the wide cast of characters and truly delivers on the emotional side of Swan Song. He brought this kind of quality to Cormac McCarthy's The Road and has become one of the better narrators that I have listened to.
Robert McCammon is an author I have absolutely been so thankful to have discovered in the last few years. I read Boy's Life in 2021, and it ended up being my favorite read of that year. And here we are, closing out 2022 with Swan Song, and I can't think of anything else from this year that tops this epic and emotional journey. I most certainly will be delving deeper into McCammon's novels and I'm excited to see what other wonderful stories are waiting for me. Do yourself a favor and give Swan Song and Boy's Life a read, if you haven't already, because I genuinely think these are some of the best books I've ever read in my lifetime.
One of the best novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A genuine masterpiece in the post-apocalyptic genre. Robert McCammon has truly become one of my favorite authors.
Swan Song is a story set in a post-apocalyptic world during the aftermath of nuclear war between the United States and Russia. This epic tale spans across the country, from Manhattan to Kansas, and hosts a wide variety of memorable characters. There are so many that are mentioned by name. Some that come and go in the story, and that is something I really appreciated. It added a very realistic feel to the narrative.
What I would call the three main protagonists in Swan Song, are some very well written characters. Everything from their introductions, their paths inevitably crossing, and their growth within themselves is all incredibly satisfying to read. The book is counter balanced by some fantastic antagonists who also really drive the plot and give you a growing feeling of tension. I thought the pacing, and the way the perspective shifted between all these main characters was handled extremely well. There's also so many great side characters that just fill this world and help it come to life.
This is a lengthy book that spans over 900 pages. But it never once felt like it dragged for me. I was enthralled with every chapter and was so compelled to keep going as much as I was able to each day that I read. I also listened to the audio as I read along (a method I genuinely love doing for added immersion, though usually with a slight bump in play speed), and it's fantastic. Tom Stechschulte handles the narration perfectly. He does such a great job of distinguishing the wide cast of characters and truly delivers on the emotional side of Swan Song. He brought this kind of quality to Cormac McCarthy's The Road and has become one of the better narrators that I have listened to.
Robert McCammon is an author I have absolutely been so thankful to have discovered in the last few years. I read Boy's Life in 2021, and it ended up being my favorite read of that year. And here we are, closing out 2022 with Swan Song, and I can't think of anything else from this year that tops this epic and emotional journey. I most certainly will be delving deeper into McCammon's novels and I'm excited to see what other wonderful stories are waiting for me. Do yourself a favor and give Swan Song and Boy's Life a read, if you haven't already, because I genuinely think these are some of the best books I've ever read in my lifetime.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I understand this fantasy is similar to "The Stand" by Stephen King? I found the premise is dated in the 20th Century and does not flesh out many of the concepts. That crystal crown seemed to be setup to provide a protective shell for the "empress" but does not serve that purpose. Much provision is made for a vegan lifestyle but livestock are ignored - the author is mean to the terrier ("Killer") and the workhorse ("Mule") but produces many wolves, two-headed cougars and such.
Language and topics were so outdated as to take you out of the story. Picture Red Dawn meets Valley Girls.
The easy comparison is to King's The Stand, and just like that one, I'm unsure about the supernatural elements to the story. When the rest of it is such a gritty exploration of life after a nuclear holocaust, a shapeshifter, a symbolic disease, and a magical crown feel strange. They're no weirder than zombies when you get right down to it, and a lot more creative. My thoughts for this one are a bit scattered, but it really is a huge novel that attempts -- and succeeds -- a lot of important points and big moments.
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Pedophilia, Rape, Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Excrement, Vomit, Suicide attempt
This is a masterpiece of the post-apocalyptic epic genre. McCammon tells the story about the aftermath of a nuclear war, when Earth’s last survivors have been drawn into the final battle between good and evil. Written in the 80's, when presidents of both sides declared the other side an "Evil Empire" and threatening nuclear assault on their counterparts.
The genre this novel is regarded as is dependent on the reader: fantasy, Science fiction, horror, fairy tale. But for myself it is ultimately a story of hope.
The story focuses on an antagonist known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, a malevolent being manipulating his followers’ nefarious appetites while seeking an innocent girl named Swan. His goal is to eradicate her. ‘Hope hurts me,’ he said. ‘It’s a disease, and you’re the germ that spreads it. We can’t have disease at my party. Oh, no. It won’t be allowed.’
The book presents an ensemble cast
Josh, the pro wrestler known as Black Frankenstein, who takes refuge from the nuclear fallout at a Nebraska gas station
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.
Sister Creep, a former bag lady who discovers a strange and transformative glass artefact in the destroyed Manhattan streets and joins Josh and Swan in their travels.
Arthur a gentle salesmen and Sister's companion who adds depth to her character and aids the group on their journey.
Paul a failed poet.
Killer: A loyal dog who joins Swan and Josh, symbolizing companionship and fidelity amidst chaos.
Mule: A horse that becomes part of the group, enhancing their survival as they navigate the wasteland.
On the side of evil, Colonel Macklin and Roland Croninger leaders of the Army of Excellence, a brutal force seeking domination. Their savage approach to survival reveals the harsh, unforgiving nature of a shattered society.
In my opinion, Swan is one of the most appealing heroines I have encountered. Swan is like a light in the dark, in spite of the horrifying depiction McCammon creates. Swan, Josh, and Sister encounter numerous challenges, from monstrous creatures to hostile survivors, their courage resonates throughout the narrative.
Robert McCammon crafts a narrative filled with layers of complexity, character depth, and moral dilemmas. Swan Song is not perfect, it is slow in parts and some characterizations and romance may appear weakly drawn, but I can honestly say I never once found myself bored and progressed through the book at a steady pace.
For many comparisons are made to [b:The Stand|149267|The Stand|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1213131305l/149267._SX50_.jpg|1742269] by Stephen King, but for myself I compare other post-apocalyptic novels to this well written epic and have yet to find one that equals my enjoyment that this novel provides. Robert McCammon in my humble opinion is one of the best and is often under-rated as a writer.
The genre this novel is regarded as is dependent on the reader: fantasy, Science fiction, horror, fairy tale. But for myself it is ultimately a story of hope.
The story focuses on an antagonist known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, a malevolent being manipulating his followers’ nefarious appetites while seeking an innocent girl named Swan. His goal is to eradicate her. ‘Hope hurts me,’ he said. ‘It’s a disease, and you’re the germ that spreads it. We can’t have disease at my party. Oh, no. It won’t be allowed.’
The book presents an ensemble cast
Josh, the pro wrestler known as Black Frankenstein, who takes refuge from the nuclear fallout at a Nebraska gas station
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.
Sister Creep, a former bag lady who discovers a strange and transformative glass artefact in the destroyed Manhattan streets and joins Josh and Swan in their travels.
Arthur a gentle salesmen and Sister's companion who adds depth to her character and aids the group on their journey.
Paul a failed poet.
Killer: A loyal dog who joins Swan and Josh, symbolizing companionship and fidelity amidst chaos.
Mule: A horse that becomes part of the group, enhancing their survival as they navigate the wasteland.
On the side of evil, Colonel Macklin and Roland Croninger leaders of the Army of Excellence, a brutal force seeking domination. Their savage approach to survival reveals the harsh, unforgiving nature of a shattered society.
In my opinion, Swan is one of the most appealing heroines I have encountered. Swan is like a light in the dark, in spite of the horrifying depiction McCammon creates. Swan, Josh, and Sister encounter numerous challenges, from monstrous creatures to hostile survivors, their courage resonates throughout the narrative.
Robert McCammon crafts a narrative filled with layers of complexity, character depth, and moral dilemmas. Swan Song is not perfect, it is slow in parts and some characterizations and romance may appear weakly drawn, but I can honestly say I never once found myself bored and progressed through the book at a steady pace.
For many comparisons are made to [b:The Stand|149267|The Stand|Stephen King|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1213131305l/149267._SX50_.jpg|1742269] by Stephen King, but for myself I compare other post-apocalyptic novels to this well written epic and have yet to find one that equals my enjoyment that this novel provides. Robert McCammon in my humble opinion is one of the best and is often under-rated as a writer.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Strong The Stand vibes with this one, but it grew into a story of its own. In fact, the beginning especially was written so that it brought back nasty memories of the atomic childhood every 80s teen lived through. Horrible to say, but it's difficult to tell from books from this period whether the misogyny and racism is good character writing or, you know, the other option. But otherwise a fine novel, which, despite its bulk, was never boring.
One of my favorite end-of-the world titles. I so wish this was a made for TV series. I could not put it down.