Wow - what an amazing epic story

5 stars!! This book was truly epic and absolutely fantastic!

I think I might just be one of the very last horror lovers to get around to reading this hefty door stopper of a book, but I'm so glad that I finally did.

I've been a die-hard McCammon fan for quite some time now. He's without a doubt one of my all-time favorite authors. However, for some reason, I'd never actually read Swan Song before. It wasn't because I wasn't interested in the overall plot or the genre itself. No, it was simply due to the sheer size of the book.

But let me tell you, Swan Song is an absolute apocalyptic masterpiece. It begins with the world being completely destroyed, and then it delves deep into showing the intense battle between good and evil. Sure, there are plenty of other books out there that have a similar type of plot, but this one truly stands out as one of the very best.

The plot is outstanding from start to finish. From the very beginning of the nuclear apocalypse, through the harrowing journey of our brave and unforgettable characters, to the evil that relentlessly hunts them down. It's a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The amazing thing about this book is not just the brilliant writing, which is truly top-notch, but it's also the characters. There are characters that you'll absolutely love, and then there are others that you'll HATE with a passion. Not just a mild dislike, but a full-on despise. A blinding rage of hate that will have you rooting for the good to prevail with every fiber of your being. This type of characterization is so powerful that it won't let you be BLAH about your emotions. It will make you feel strong, emotional, and you'll be gripped with anxiety not only for the characters you love, but for the entire world at large.

One last thing that I adored about this book is the magical realism that's woven throughout. With Swan, the Job's Mask condition, Friend, and so many other things. I just loved the fantasy element that was added to this already amazing story.

Definitely recommend Swan Song to everyone. Don't make the mistake of passing this one up because of its page size. Try to find the time to read it one day, and the sooner the better! You won't be disappointed.

Dystopic dark fantasy is a captivating genre that places a great emphasis on characterization and features some truly exceptional and freaky scenes.

We have a single girl pitted against the world. Thanks to the realm of fantasy, there is always the possibility of a one girl, who later becomes a woman, forming an army to fight against the forces of evil. This, at the time, unusual setting was indeed a further factor contributing to the success of this work. It shattered the traditional strong male lead paradigm by adding new, feminine rungs to the ladder.

The manifestations of good and bad play a crucial role in the endgame. However, even before that, the themes of tyrannies and democracies in the aftermath of the big bang serve as the driving forces of the novel.始终 keeping an eye on the main protagonists, the full picture unfolds by using disfigurement as a powerful metaphor for the color of the soul.

This work stands out as one of the best post-apocalypses precisely because it is so different. There are no big wars, fractions, or action scenes in the spotlight here. Instead, the focus is on the protagonists' struggle to survive and how they age and make the best of terrible circumstances over longer periods of time. It's not just a matter of a short few weeks or months, but rather longer durations that showcase the post-apocalyptic evolution in both its best and worst aspects.

There are many astonishing scenes throughout. McCammon is an amazing writer, and some of these scenes are etched in my wacky memory forever. As always, I'm left wondering how they manage to create such captivating and mind-boggling moments.

Subjectively, I suspect that there must have been a deluge of similar works, as this one perfectly combines the reading preferences of different groups and genders. However, I'm just not prone enough to the fantasy genre to be certain. Nevertheless, don't be deterred by the length or the initial overload of protagonist exposition. It's truly worth it. It may not be The Stand, as I guess nothing can compare to that behemoth, but it's definitely in a similar league.

Tropes offer insights into how literature is conceptualized and created, and which combination of elements makes works and genres unique: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...

Talk about 'condemned by faint praise'! This book was just okay. It suffered from being overly long and far too predictable.
I did enjoy the first two-thirds of it. However, when I realized that the author was truly going to opt for a saccharine ending, my enthusiasm waned. Up until that point, my only real lingering doubt had been regarding the plausibility of some of the story line. Would there really be an abundance of canned food and fizzy drinks lying around after seven years? Would they really still have gas for their vehicles? And would the settlement of Mary's Rest really transform from a feral, brutal, and violent group of muggers and rag tags into a loving and supportive community virtually overnight?
Ultimately, this book was reductive and moralistic in a way that didn't appeal to me. Take Job's Mask, for instance. It's a hard and crusty face covering developed over the years by victims closest to the point of the nuclear explosions. When these masks crack and fall off, all the good guys end up with smooth and flawless skin and a healthy head of hair, with 'their true souls shining through'. Can you guess what happens to the villains? They end up with very ugly faces because they have been very, very bad! There are no shades of grey for this author, no sirree!
The characters develop predictably, as does the whole story. The 'crown' hailed as the main magical savior of all the good people seems to just fade away. Items that were almost too much for me included the reappearance of the president, the sunshine and the stars, 'though I think the author forgot the rainbows and unicorns.....
I had expected this book to be better based on the reviews I read. It's not a great indictment that at 83% of the book, I wasn't sure I had the will to continue, especially considering how lengthy it is. I had come so far...
In the end, it was an interesting enough account of a post-apocalyptic world. I've seen it compared and contrasted to The Stand. In my opinion, they are about the same in terms of quality and interest and in their possible use as a door stop. Ultimately, though, The Road is a superior post-apocalyptic account. It's much more concise and spare, and therefore more effective in its delivery.

I’m gonna keep this review short.

Epic book! It is, without a doubt, probably one of the greatest pieces of literature ever. This post-apocalyptic adventure fantasy horror is filled with action and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The character of Black Frankenstein is simply amazing. He rules the story with his presence and charisma. However, Job’s Mask is not so good. It adds an element of mystery and perhaps a bit of unease.

One thing is for sure, make sure you never visit Roland’s black trailer. It’s a place that holds many secrets and perhaps some horrors.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry, and I cried some more after it ended. I didn’t want it to end. It was that good.

Done.

This was a truly dark ride. Nuclear war panic loomed large, with the concept of "Duck and Cover" being a terrifying reality.

I have been postponing reviewing this particular work because it was such a crazy and dark journey. It vividly depicted both the best and the absolute worst of humanity during apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic/dystopian eras. There were elements similar to those in Mad Max, and a supernatural aspect was also present.

Yes, the book was thick, but I devoured it rather quickly as I was completely engrossed in the story. I really relished this one. Can I claim it is better than The Stand? No, because I haven't read The Stand. However, based on my experience with this book, I can say that it offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of a world turned upside down by disaster and the complex nature of human beings in such extreme circumstances.

3 EPIC STARS

If we define "Epic" as being extremely long, monotonous, and having a flatulent finale, then this book truly lives up to that description. Alas, I really wanted to like it, but it was just so EPIC, and not in a good way. The first 100 pages, which set the stage for the remaining 820 pages, were actually quite engaging. There was a lot of action with shaking, making, bursting, and blasting, and of course, undulating. Sister Creep's experience in the tunnel was vividly described, with her clinging to her bag and riding out the gut-twisting undulations. However, after that, the EPIC nature of the book really started to take over. While there were several redeeming scenes scattered throughout, such as the six-page revelatory tarot reading, the overall monotony set in. There just wasn't enough substance or variety to keep my interest, and I found myself skimming from about the 70% mark until the final 10% that comprised the last act, which was unfortunately a flatulent finale. In the interest of a brief no-spoiler review, I'll spare you the details of the flatulence.

Wow.

I don't think I have the words right now to express just how phenomenal this book truly is. It is absolutely incredible.

The moment I started reading, I was completely hooked. The story unfolds in the most captivating way, drawing me in and making it impossible to put down.

The characters are so well-developed that I felt as if I knew them personally. Their emotions and struggles were palpable, and I found myself completely invested in their lives.

The writing style is beautiful, with vivid descriptions that bring every scene to life. It's as if I was there, experiencing everything along with the characters.

I'll endeavor to return to write a complete review at some point, but for now, I just want to say that this book is absolutely remarkable. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

The earmark of a truly classic, lengthy, and epic novel is that upon reaching the end, one feels a sense of disappointment that there isn't more. This is precisely how I felt after reading SWAN SONG. I don't regret the time I dedicated to this book, nor can I single out a single chapter or scene that I deemed non-essential to the storyline. I truly lived with this book, experiencing the character development as it unfolded. I was deeply touched by this novel. Hats off to McCammon. I have the utmost respect and admiration for him.

When it comes to post-apocalypse stories, there is an abundance of fiction to choose from. I've read my fair share of them. However, when it comes to those that have stayed with me, moved me, and touched my heart, the list is short. SWAN SONG earns its place on my short list of epic post-apocalypse novels, right alongside THE STAND by Stephen King.

On January 11, I just started reading and finished Part One (53 pages in). McCammon has a big canvas to work with, and it's sure to be an ensemble piece with fascinating characters. I was already enchanted by Swan, with Joshua a close second as my favorite character. I've read two works by McCammon before, and both times, by the time I reached 25% in, I was hooked. Given that this is an extremely long novel, patience is required, but I'm certain it will pay off.
On January 12, I noted that I've read my share of end-of-the-world, nuclear aftermath novels. But I don't recall as much detail in the descriptions as there is in this one. There are some truly horrific images planted in my mind now. McCammon doesn't hold back. This is graphic and moving.
On January 16, I was into Part Six. The characters are fascinating, and this is becoming epic. It reminds me of Stephen King's THE STAND in so many ways.
On January 19, sometimes I can't stop reading this book, while other times I have to step away for a while because the scenes are so intense and dramatic that I need a break. I'm now reading Part Two at the 57% point in the story. I'm not sure where this is going or exactly how it will end, but I'm all-in. There are many memorable scenes. For example, when Josh and Swan emerge from the cellar beneath the Paw Paw store, it's very symbolic of a birth/re-birth scene. Well done. There's also a keen bit of observation and foreshadowing at Page 331, after Josh holds back from squashing a roach.

No spoilers, though I'm sorely tempted...

I originally rated this book 4 stars. However, now that I’ve slept on it, I have to rate it 3 stars and try to keep my reasons short. Swan Song is a combination of apocalypse, horror, and fantasy. Lovers of any of these genres might consider giving the book a try. I recently read The Strain and my feelings about both books are similar.

My main issue with this book is its Hollywood feel and the lack of room for interpretation. Every little detail is explained for the reader, leaving no room for imagination. I felt like I was wading through a sea of clichés, stock characters, and obvious setups. Predicting when a new character would die was a breeze. There were no big questions or revelations about human nature, which are often associated with apocalyptic fiction. Much of the horror was simply gratuitous violence and gore. Now, I do like violence and gore, but only when it comes as a surprise.

I had deliberately avoided spoiler reviews of this book, so I had no idea before starting that it would include so many fantastical elements. This book is very similar to The Stand, but without the excellent characterizations. The characters in Swan Song were overly simple, falling into the molds of either overly heroic, innocent, or grotesque stock characterizations.

A tarot deck played a significant role in the book, and I truly felt that the author had a tarot deck on hand and decided to create a character for each card. The character trials felt fabricated and rehearsed. I would have loved this book as a teenager, but not so much now.

There is a time jump in the book that I wasn't a fan of. I also question the author’s research regarding nuclear war and the after-effects on the scale covered in the book.

The more I think about this book, the more annoyed I become with myself for spending so much time on it. I even want to lower my rating further. I feel stupid for having read this.

Reading a particularly wordy and thick book is an experience that includes not only hunger and the desire to see what comes next but also a feeling of wonder about how it will end. Tolkien was a master at knowing when to stop, and while he had the advantage of appendices and posthumous notes, he truly understood the art of conclusion. Sadly, Robert McCammon lacks this skill. His last concluding chapters seem to strain every muscle to make one forget the good work of the earlier chapters.

When a book starts with a nuclear holocaust, the chances of a happy ending are slim. However, if one believes in a post-Ragnarok-like postscript, then perhaps they can buy into the hastily worded happy ending. Nevertheless, I remember the thrilling reactions I had to some of the passages, such as the mystery of the Friend, the recovery of Sister Creep's sanity, the feeble powers of Leona Skelton, the stark madness of the criminally insane ward's residents being unleashed, the clash between the wild and lost men, and the unending winter. All in all, it's not a bad book, and that's reflected in my rating.

I came close to liking this.

Look, the dialog is truly awful. There are some really weird factual errors. For instance, it mentions wolf packs roaming the I80 corridor near Hazleton Pennsylvania. I happen to live here, and I can tell you that it's not even close to being true. But I have an even bigger problem with this text.

Okay, so here we have a writer who takes Chekhov's 'Loaded Gun' postulate, tears it out with his teeth, rips it up, craps on it, then puts it in a burning paper bag, drops it on your porch, knocks on the door, and runs away. What do I mean by that? Without giving anything away (haha), Character A finds a Meaningful Object early in the book. It is clearly intended for Character B. In fact, you get the impression that once the Meaningful Object and Character B finally get together, some really cool things are going to happen.

So the Meaningful Object does some minor stuff throughout the narrative while Character A carries it. Meanwhile, the Evil Baddie really wants it badly, so you know it's going to be good at the end. The Meaningful Object is bad news for the Evil Baddie.

Sooooo....in the final pages, the Meaningful Object and Character B finally meet, and it's truly magic. I mean that. It really imbues Character B with a cool power that would be useful in a showdown with the Evil Baddie and his Minions of Badness. Yes! How will she use it? What effect will it have on him? On her? I mean, I finished this book largely to see how those questions would be answered.

Well, you never find out. They have a showdown, and somehow the good guys win. But the Meaningful Object just sits on the sidelines in somebody's backpack or something.

Look, I'm all for irony and unpredictability if that's what's intended. But I don't believe that's the case here. Everything else happened pretty much by the book. It's like the author didn't know what to do with the Meaningful Object at the end, so he just wrote something different instead. It's an 'Ahh..Fuck it' ending. I really hated it. Not because the climactic battle was objectively bad, but because it subverted a great deal of what you read before. So writers, take note. If you build something up for 800-odd pages, have enough respect for your readers to find something useful to do with it. Please. Rant over.