"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.
Length: 354 pages
But because this falls into the expected pattern for a story resembling traditional folklore, a perceived weakness actually ends up becoming a strength. Lexi wants to help him, but her efforts are prevented by her overprotective uncle Otto as well as some of her friends like Tyler who think proper girls should know their place and leave the search to the men.
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.
Review: The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab
The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
And there are no strangers in the town of Near.
These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger-a boy who seems to fade like smoke-appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.
The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.
As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know-about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.
I’ve been putting off this book for a while as I was a little hesitant about how much I would enjoy it. With The Invisible Life of Addie Larue grabbing top spot and being my favourite book of 2020, I am now so worried about not loving her other works quite as much. But although this didn’t quite match up, I still absolutely loved it!
The Near Witch is part fairy-tale, part love story, part nightmare. It opens on a scene where the main character, Lexi, is telling her little sister a bedtime story, and the book never strays far from that tone. Reading this book has the feeling of going on a rambling journey and becoming enchanted by a creepy tale. This definitely ended up being darker than I expected but in a gentle way that wasn’t too intense or overwhelming, and I really liked it. It was creepy in the way fairy-tales can be, rather than a typical horror!
Maybe one day the words will pour out like so many others, easy and smooth and on their own.
One of my favourite things about V.E. Schwab is her incredible writing. The writing in this was mystical and beautiful and I adored it. She chooses every word purposefully and it shows, and I feel like that’s the reason it took me slightly longer to read than I expected, as I wanted to make sure I really absorbed every part of this book and every single word on the page.
The writing also showcased the amazing world this book is set in. Near is a village on moorland, surrounded by rolling countryside and forests. I loved the vibe this gave off with the creepy, foggy, vast moor and forests, with cottages few and far between. I could picture the world so clearly and it felt like the perfect setting for this story. I also really liked the main characters and that bubbled along in the background of this story. And I could really empathise with how Lexi was struggling with how those around her were acting throughout this story.
Right now they take pieces of me with them.
Overall, this was a beautiful and haunting tale that I really enjoyed reading. It also had such an incredible atmosphere which I loved.
★★★★
4 out of 5 stars
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
Also included at the end of this book is a heartbreaking little novella called The Ash-Born Boy, intended to be a prequel that reveals Cole’s origins. The fairy tale-like feel is even stronger in this one, given that it is so short, beguiling, and tragically dark. If you enjoyed Cole’s character in The Near Witch, then you’ll no doubt also love this story which adds even more depth to his personality and explores his troubled past.
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 Themes of Good vs. Evil in Peter Straub's 'The Talisman"
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.