The Talisman is a fantasy novel written by Stephen King and Peter Straub. It was published in 1984 and is considered a classic of the genre. The story follows a young boy named Jack Sawyer, who embarks on a dangerous journey through parallel universes in order to save his mother from a mysterious illness. The novel begins with an introduction to Jack's world, a small town called Arcadia Beach. Jack's world is intertwined with another world called "The Territories," a place where magic and mythical creatures exist. Jack discovers that his mother's illness is not a regular disease, but a result of an attack by a sinister figure known as Morgan Sloat, who wants to control both Jack's world and The Territories.
By Off the Shelf Staff | August 26, 2022
Mai, one of Oanh s descendants, can t help but think the curse must be real, since she finds herself divorced, estranged from her two sisters, and worried over her own three daughters, who, though successful, can t seem to find happiness. It started with their ancestor, Oanh, who dared to leave her marriage for true love so a fearsome Vietnamese witch cursed Oanh and her descendants so that they would never find love or happiness, and the Duong women would give birth to daughters, never sons.
Jack discovers that his mother's illness is not a regular disease, but a result of an attack by a sinister figure known as Morgan Sloat, who wants to control both Jack's world and The Territories. To save his mother, Jack must find a powerful talisman, a mystical object that can heal her. With the help of his mysterious friend, Speedy Parker, Jack learns that the talisman is located in The Territories.
8 Magical Reads Brewing with Spells, Curses, and Hexes
Whether you like October for its shiver-inducing scares or its surreal sense of magic, you’ll love these eight books that all center on spells, curses, and hexes. Captivatingly atmospheric and filled with moody intrigue, these books include everything from multigenerational family sagas to eerie tales that will haunt you. The curses in these books might not be real, but their ability to enchant certainly is!
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida CórdovaIn this spellbinding family saga, the Montoya family has never questioned the magical occurrences that happen around their reclusive matriarch, Orquídea Divina. But when they attend her funeral and discover that she has become a ceiba tree that infuses three of her descendants with unexplainable gifts, it seems the magic in their blood is beyond even their own imagining. Years later, when a mysterious figure begins destroying Orquídea’s bloodline one at a time, descendants Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon must travel to Ecuador to discover the secrets of their matriarch’s past.
The Inheritance of Orquídea DivinaZoraida Córdova
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Isabel Allende, and Sarah Addison Allen, a family searches for the truth hidden in their past in this “expertly woven tale of family power, threaded with as much mystery as magic” (V.E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home in Four Rivers—not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed into a ceiba tree, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings and powers. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea’s line. Determined to save what’s left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, her descendants travel to Ecuador—to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.
Alternating between Orquídea’s past and her descendants’ present, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a “spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love” (Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author).
Jack must find a way to cross over into this other world and retrieve the talisman. As Jack travels through The Territories, he encounters various creatures and forms alliances with different characters. He also learns about his own special abilities, such as being able to "flip" between the two worlds. These abilities make Jack an invaluable asset in his quest. Throughout his journey, Jack faces numerous challenges and dangers. He confronts strange and terrifying creatures, including werewolves and evil twin versions of himself. He also has to outsmart Morgan Sloat and his henchmen, who are constantly trying to capture Jack and take the talisman for themselves. The Talisman is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that combines elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure. It showcases the writing talents of both Stephen King and Peter Straub, and their collaboration creates a unique and immersive world. The novel explores themes of heroism, friendship, and the power of belief. Overall, The Talisman is a must-read for fans of fantasy and Stephen King. It is a captivating and imaginative tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats..
Reviews for "The Talisman: A Journey Through Time and Space with Peter Straub"
1. Samantha - 1 star - I found "The Talisman" by Peter Straub to be incredibly boring and confusing. The plot seemed disjointed and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots that distracted from the main story. The characters were also unimaginative and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their journeys. Overall, I was highly disappointed in this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Talisman" after hearing about its reputation, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style felt overly verbose and excessive, with unnecessary descriptions that made the story drag. Additionally, I felt that the world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. The plot also seemed predictable and lacked originality. While there were a few interesting moments, overall, I found "The Talisman" to be a lackluster read.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - "The Talisman" by Peter Straub didn't quite live up to the hype for me. While the concept was intriguing, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was slow, and the story seemed to meander without a clear direction. The characters felt one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with them or become invested in their struggles. Although there were some moments of suspense and tension, they were few and far between. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by "The Talisman".