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Swan Song

Written by: Robert R. McCammon
Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
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Publisher's Summary

"We're about to cross the point of no return. God help us; we're flying in the dark, and we don't know where the hell we're going."

Facing down an unprecedented malevolent enemy, the government responds with a nuclear attack. America as it was is gone forever, and now every citizen - from the president of the United States to the homeless on the streets of New York City - will fight for survival.

Swan Song is Robert McCammon's prescient and shocking vision of a post-apocalyptic nation, a grand epic of terror and, ultimately, renewal.

In a wasteland born of rage and fear, populated by monstrous creatures and marauding armies, earth's last survivors have been drawn into the final battle between good and evil, that will decide the fate of humanity. They include Sister, who discovers a strange and transformative glass artifact in the destroyed Manhattan streets... Joshua Hutchins, the pro wrestler who takes refuge from the nuclear fallout at a Nebraska gas station... and 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. But the ancient force behind earth's devastation is scouring the walking wounded for recruits for its relentless army, beginning with Swan herself.

Please note: Two chapters were originally missing from Part 2 of this book. We were alerted to the problem on 11/21/11 and have corrected it. We're very sorry for any inconvenience. If you had already downloaded the book, don’t worry - your library has automatically updated with the corrected version. Simply re-download from your library, at no additional cost, to get the complete book.

©2009 Robert McCammon (P)2011 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about Swan Song

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This isn't narration; this is voice acting.

Tom Stechschulte's impassioned performance was outstanding. While the bits that required yelling or screaming, and there were many in this post-apocalyptic setting, left me feeling like I was eavesdropping on someone retell a story in polite company, the rest the production reached deep into my core. I truly felt the characters. I giggled at some parts, and cried at more. I was touched and I was angered; filled with hope and despair for some, loathing and satisfaction for others.

For the storyline itself, if you read this book anytime before the 21st century, the audio version will undoubtedly become a new favorite. Otherwise, the camaraderie among strangers assumed from 1980's social trends sadly shriek of fiction today; suspension of disbelief is recommended for this throw-back.

Despite the predictable and quintessentially Hollywood colored glasses ending, it was a roller coaster of emotions and one helluva ride to get there. I will listen again. Highly recommended.

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Awesome story

One of the best books I've ever finished. Great from start to finish. Couldn't stop listening.

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1 person found this helpful

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One of my favorite books of all time!

This book was one that I read close to 30 years ago when I was a wee lad & I had forgotten most of it other than I loved it when I first read it. Now after listening to Tom Stechschulte's unbelievably well done narration of this book, I have fallen in love with it all over again. The story is still relevant in this modern age, as war mongering politicians are still as prevalent as they were in the 80's (even more so now) .

This book is so rich with incredible characters that are times so relatable, & at other times terrifying but all equally as engaging. Above anything else, this is a book about hope & what it would take for humanity to get another chance after letting the nukes drop & destroying the modern world. The journey that these three groups of characters have to go through is absolutely riveting from start to finish. I really like how there wasn't a bunch of drawn out filler (IE the whole mid-section of the Stand..) & the story clipped along at a good pace throughout it's very long run time.

After all these years this still stand as Robert McCammon's finest work IMO & the greatest post-apocalyptic book ever written. The narration by Tom Stechschulte is fantastic in every sense of the word & makes this audio book one of the best versions in existence of this incredible book. Highly recommended. 10/10

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a wonderful re-read for me

Loved the book when I had it in paperback and wanted to go through it again.

Listening to this is still as good as the first two times I've read this book, but this time with better voicing of the characters!

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wonderful book, beautifully read

loved this book, will most likely listen to it again at some point! great story well written and the narrator nailed the reading of it.

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love it. I have all his books the print is small

great story easy to listen to....the narrator is awesome,. the different groups are well thought out

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Strong Storytelling / Great Narrator

sprawling post-apoc epic that covers a lot of ground in its 33 hour runtime. Narrator was consistent and had a good sense of the narrative beats in every chapter. Hugh recommendation from me.

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Absolutely Amazing

I got this book because I heard it was similar to one of my favourite books, "The Stand." It was above and beyond what I hoped it would be! So very well written and the narration was beautifully spot on and exactly how I would have imagined all the characters voices! If you are on the fence about this book, please go for it! You won't regret it.

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Could not stop listening!

I’ve never written a review before, but for this book it’s worth a minute of my time!! I could not stop listening! The reading was perfect! Lately I’ve had trouble focusing on audio books, but this one kept my attention from start to finish! I will be buying much more from Robert R McCammon!

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excellent story.

loved it. excellent end of world story. hope others enjoy this as much as I did.

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