"The Talisman" is a fantasy novel written by Stephen King and Peter Straub. Published in 1984, it follows the story of a young boy named Jack Sawyer who embarks on a perilous journey to save his dying mother. The novel combines elements of horror, science fiction, and adventure, creating a unique and captivating tale. Set in the United States across multiple dimensions, "The Talisman" takes readers on a thrilling adventure. Jack embarks on a quest to find a powerful talisman known as "the Talisman" or "the Talismanus," which has the ability to heal his mother. Along the way, he encounters a wide array of characters, both allies and enemies, who aid or hinder his progress.
Along the way, he encounters a wide array of characters, both allies and enemies, who aid or hinder his progress. The narrative alternates between Jack's adventures in the U.S.
Curse of the Forgotten City - (Emblem Island) by Alex Aster
Tor, Engle, and Melda must stop a band of cursed pirates from taking over their home.
Book Synopsis
The second book in a fast-paced series steeped in Colombian mythology and full of adventure, perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and Percy Jackson. In this tale Tor, Engle, and Melda must stop a band of cursed pirates from taking over their home.
Tor is adjusting to life with the Night Witch's powers, with his best friends Engle and Melda by his side. But when a mysterious girl named Vesper washes ashore claiming a band of cursed pirates is on their way to Emblem Island, life changes fast.
Vesper is from an underwater city that was destroyed by the terrible Calavera pirates and she warns Tor that his village is next. To stop the pirates, Tor, Engle, and Melda join Vesper on the hunt for the famed Pirate's Pearl, an ancient relic that would give them complete control of the high seas.
But the journey is perilous, filled with legendary sea creatures that are determined to see them fail. To save his village and everyone he loves, Tor must accept his new abilities--and use them--in the race to find the pearl.
You'll love Curse of the Forgotten City if you're looking for:
- Summer reading for tweens and teens ages 11-14
- Multicultural books for children (especially Latinx books)
- Stories based on fascinating mythology
- Your next favorite fantasy series for girls ages 9-12
Praise for Curse of the Night Witch:
A Seventeen.com Most Anticipated Book of Summer!
A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick on Good Morning America!
"Debut author Aster takes inspiration from Colombian folklore to craft a rousing series opener that's both fast-paced and thrilling. As her protagonists face off against a host of horrors, they learn the value of friendship and explore the possibility of changing one's fate in a world where destiny is predetermined."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
"Worthy of every magical ounce."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
Tor, Engle, and Melda must stop a band of cursed pirates from taking over their home.
and an alternate universe known as "the Territories." In the Territories, Jack discovers his "twin," a parallel version of himself named Wolf. Together, they navigate through treacherous landscapes, encounter strange creatures, and face formidable foes. Aside from the captivating storyline, "The Talisman" explores themes of duality, fate, and the power of love. Jack's journey mirrors his inner quest for self-discovery, as he grapples with his own identity and the choices he must make to save his mother. One of the strengths of the novel is the rich world-building. Straub and King skillfully craft a vivid and imaginative universe, filled with intricate details and a diverse cast of characters. From sinister villains to heroic allies, each character adds depth to the story and keeps readers engaged throughout. "The Talisman" is a compelling blend of fantasy and horror, combining the talents of two masterful authors. Through their collaboration, Straub and King have created an enchanting narrative that continues to captivate readers to this day. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, horror, or both, "The Talisman" is a must-read novel that delves into the mysteries of the imagination and the power of determination..
Reviews for "The Impact of 'The Talisman' on the Horror Genre"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Talisman" by Peter Straub. I found the plot to be convoluted and confusing, with too many unnecessary subplots that detracted from the main story. The writing style was also not to my liking, as I found it to be overly descriptive and verbose. Additionally, the characters felt flat and uninteresting, making it hard for me to feel invested in their journey. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others who are looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy novel.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "The Talisman" by Peter Straub. The pacing of the story was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing of significance was happening for the majority of the book. The world-building was also weak, and I never truly felt transported to the alternate universe that the author was trying to create. The writing itself was lackluster, with repetitive phrases and clichéd dialogue. Ultimately, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Michael - 1 star - "The Talisman" by Peter Straub was a complete waste of my time. I found the story to be incredibly boring and unoriginal, with predictable plot twists and a lack of depth to the characters. The concept of traveling between different realities felt underdeveloped and poorly executed, leaving me feeling confused rather than intrigued. The writing was also pretentious and self-indulgent, making it difficult for me to connect with the story or the characters on any level. I regret picking up this book and would not recommend it to anyone.