Risingshadow
Speculative Fiction Books Database
  • Main
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Articles
    • Terms of Service
    • Staff Members
    • Finnish (FI)
  • Browse
    • Activity Feed
    • New Books
    • Upcoming Books
    • Advanced Search
    • Book Reviews
    • Genres & Tags
  • Wall
    • Community Wall
    • Recent Messages
    • Recent Topics
    • Hot Topics
    • Popular Topics
    • Search
  • Challenge
    • Reading Challenge
    • Book Trivia Quiz
  • Sign In

The Talisman

Talisman #1 / 2
by Stephen King, Peter Straub
The Talisman (Talisman #1) by Stephen King, Peter Straub
  ★ 7.94 / 15
1★2★3★14★5★26★17★78★29★310★

World Fantasy Award nominee 1985.

"You got a job, Travellin' Jack," Speedy told him. "A job that ain't gonna let you go, and that's the Lord's truth. I wish it was different."

Jack Sawyer, twelve years old, is about to begin a most fantastic journey, an exalting, terrifying quest for the Talisman – for only the Talisman can save Jack's dying mother and defeat the enemy who is out to destroy them both. But to reach his goal, Jack must make his way not only across the breadth of the United States, but through the wondrous and menacing Territories as well.

The Territories lie as firmly in the imagination as Atlantis or Oz; they are as real as every reader's own vision of that parallel world evoked in the mind's mysterious eye. In the Territories Jack finds a world little removed from the Earth's own Dark Ages: though the air is so sweet and clear a man can smell a radish being pulled from the ground a mile away, a life can be snuffed out instantly in the continuing struggle between good and evil. Jack discovers 'Twinners', odd reflections of the people he knows on Earth-most notably the dying Queen Laura, the 'twinner' of Jack's own imperiled mother. But only a few can flip from one world to the other; Jack's late father could, the malevolent Morgan Sloat can, and so will Jack himself.

As Jack makes his way westward towards the redemptive Talisman, a dual array of heart-stopping encounters challenges him at every step – from a terrifying period when he's held captive in an Indiana home for wayward boys that is run by a sadistic religious fanatic, to sudden and murderous attacks by enemies of Queen Laura in the Territories.

Stephen King and Peter Straub have combined their talents to create an unforgettable epic of fantasy, adventure and resounding triumph.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

Book Order
Amazon
Kindle
Audible
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon Europe

Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves
Updated 04/08/2025
Category: Fantasy
Release date: 1984

People Also Read

Seeker (The Sentinel Archives #1)
  ★ 9.80 / 10
Free the Darkness (King's Dark Tidings #1)
  ★ 9.46 / 13
Creation's Captive (Broken Souls Trilogy #1)
  ★ 9.42 / 12
The Lions of Al-Rassan
  ★ 9.28 / 14
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1)
  ★ 9.22 / 174
Malice (The Faithful and the Fallen #1)
  ★ 9.08 / 12
The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings)
  ★ 9.08 / 160
Join the Ongoing Discussion
Start a New Topic (Visitors Welcome)
Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!
Stephen King

Stephen King

Stephen King’s name is synonymous with horror, suspense, and the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the final page is turned. Born in Portland, Maine, in 1947, his love for the macabre began early, drawing inspiration from his small-town upbringing and the creeping unease that would define much of his work. From his first short stories published in magazines to the blockbuster novels that changed the literary landscape, King's journey from aspiring writer to a cultural phenomenon is nothing short of legendary.

Read more ...

King's ability to tap into the darkest corners of the human psyche—where fears, regrets, and hopes collide—has made him a master of not just horror, but of emotional and psychological depth. Whether through the heart-wrenching terror of Carrie, the chilling isolation of The Shining, or the post-apocalyptic dread of The Stand, King’s work taps into universal themes that resonate far beyond genre conventions. His characters are not merely victims of circumstance but complex individuals battling with their own inner demons, making his novels as much about personal conflict as they are about supernatural terror.

His distinctive style blends vivid realism with eerie, often grotesque visions that feel unsettlingly familiar. King’s knack for pacing, his eye for detail, and his understanding of what keeps readers awake at night have earned him the title of "The King of Horror." But horror is just one part of his immense body of work. His genre-defying novels like The Dark Tower series merge fantasy, science fiction, and horror into a sprawling narrative that echoes with themes of fate, destiny, and the nature of storytelling itself.

Throughout his career, King has proven his prowess across all forms of writing—from short stories to epic novels, screenplays, and even non-fiction. His works have been adapted into more than fifty films, series, and miniseries, cementing his place in both literary and cinematic history. King's books have been translated into dozens of languages, and his influence extends far beyond the written page. His ability to blend horror with profound human insight has captivated readers for generations, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted global following.

Even in his more personal works, King’s touch is unmistakable. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft offers a raw and candid look at his journey as a writer, offering insight into both the creative process and the perseverance required to succeed. As he reflects on his life and work, he reminds us that storytelling is both an art and a lifeline, something that has defined his career and continues to shape the horror genre today.

For those who have ventured into his worlds of darkness, danger, and redemption, Stephen King's work offers more than just the thrill of a good scare; it’s an exploration of what it means to be human in the face of the unimaginable. From the shadows of his Maine hometown to the global stage, King’s legacy as a storyteller is unshakable, and his influence on both literature and pop culture remains profound.

Stephen King has written a number of books using the pen name Richard Bachman.

Photo: Shane Leonard

Talisman

Talisman consists of two books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Talisman (Talisman #1)
  ★ 7.94 / 15
Black House (Talisman #2)
  ★ 8.14 / 7


Back to Top
  • Risingshadow
  • Browse
  • Stephen King
  • Peter Straub
  • Talisman
  • The Talisman
Follow Us: Newsletter | Facebook | X | Mastodon | RSS
Hosted by Planeetta Internet Oy
© 1996 - 2025 Risingshadow. All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Privacy Policy