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Swan Song

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'Swan Song' by Robert R. McCammon is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into the themes of good versus evil in a world devastated by a nuclear war. The book follows a diverse set of characters as they navigate through a bleak and horrifying landscape filled with supernatural elements and gory details. The author's writing style effectively blends elements of horror and fantasy, keeping readers engrossed throughout the lengthy narrative that spans several years.

The plot of 'Swan Song' revolves around the battle between the forces of good, represented by characters like Swan, Josh, and Sister, and the antagonistic figures such as The Man with the Scarlet Eye and Colonel Macklin. The story is described as intense, suspenseful, and emotionally impactful, with a gripping climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Despite drawing comparisons to other post-apocalyptic works like 'The Stand,' 'Swan Song' is praised for its unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and its ability to evoke a range of emotions from readers.

Characters:

Characters in the novel are diverse and well-developed; they face moral struggles, embodying both light and darkness in their survival quests.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and descriptive, with robust character development and a multi-perspective narrative that enhances the storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the aftermath of nuclear destruction, showcasing various characters and their experiences as they navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape.

Setting:

Set in a post-apocalyptic America devastated by nuclear warfare, the setting is both bleak and richly detailed, highlighting the challenges faced by survivors.

Pacing:

Pacing is typically brisk and engaging, though some readers find the resolution less compelling than the buildup.
He stared into it, mesmerized by its color—and as the fire grew he had the vision of a tower of flame a thousand feet tall, whirling across the country he loved, torching cities and towns, turning riv...

Notes:

Swan Song was published in 1987, during the height of Cold War tensions.
The book opens with a nuclear holocaust, depicting the immediate aftermath.
It involves a struggle between good and evil, featuring a character known as The Man with the Scarlet Eye.
The main character, Swan, possesses a unique ability to inspire growth and renewal in a devastated world.
The story interweaves multiple characters' perspectives, much like Stephen King's The Stand.
The book spans almost 1000 pages, marking it as a lengthy epic read.
It won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 1987, tied with Stephen King's Misery.
Swan Song has been noted for its vivid descriptions of horror and its emotional impact on readers.
Many readers find the character development strong, although some critiques note predictable villains.
The narrative mixes elements of horror with fantasy, creating a unique atmosphere that is both bleak and hopeful.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include graphic violence, death, trauma, nuclear devastation themes, mental illness portrayal, and body horror.

Has Romance?

Romantic elements exist within the narrative, interwoven with character development and the overarching themes, but they are not the primary focus of the story.

From The Publisher:

Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.

New York Times bestselling author Robert McCammon's prescient and "shocking" (John Saul) vision of a post-apocalyptic US comes to life in his classic epic of terror and renewal.

In a wasteland born of rage and fear, populated by monstrous creatures and marauding armies, Earth's last survivors have been drawn into a final battle between good and evil that will decide the fate of humanity. There's 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 her gifts. But the ancient force behind earth's devastation is scouring the walking wounded for recruits for its relentless army…beginning with Swan herself.

Ratings (53)

Incredible (22)
Loved It (19)
Liked It (9)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (159):

Read It (54)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (80)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (22)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
1 week

Re-Read Review

First Read (MMP): Jan 1988

Re-Read (Audio): Dec 2016

(listened with hubby)

"... One step and then the next gets you where you're going." (Sister)

We loved

Swan Song just as much now as we did when we first read the book back in the '80s. The narrator was very good and brought the characters in this pre- and post-apocalyptic world to life. The audio is 34 hours long and we drove through more than a handful of states while listening to it.

I wish McCammon had continued the story with a sequel; I'll miss Sister, Josh and Swan.

 

About the Author:

Robert McCammon is the New York Times bestselling author of Boy's Life and Gone South, among many critically acclaimed works of fiction, with millions of copies of his novels in print. He is a recipient of the Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award, the Grand Master Award from the World Horror Convention, and is a World Fantasy Award winner. He lives in Alabama. Visit the author at RobertMcCammon.com.

 
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