Product guide

The Talisman: A Novel (The Talisman Trilogy)

Novel Trilogy: The Talisman is a fantasy thriller by Stephen King and Peter Straub about twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer’s quest to find a mystical talisman that could save his dying mother. The journey crosses the United States and a parallel world, making this substantial reissue a fit for readers who want an expansive, emotionally charged adventure rather than a brisk read.

At a glance

A fantasy thriller coauthored by Stephen King and Peter Straub.
Jack Sawyer’s quest takes him from the United States into the parallel world of the Territories.
The listing describes the reissue as 784 pages, so expect a long-form story.

Price

$28.45Save 29%

Reference price: ~~$40.00~~

Price checked: Nov 13, 2026

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Often bought together

Black House: A Novel (The Talisman Trilogy)

$41.49

Other Worlds Than These: A Talisman Novel (The Talisman Trilogy)

$24.01

Pros and cons

Pros

The dual-world quest combines a cross-country journey with a fantasy setting and a good-versus-evil conflict.
The extensive page count supports an immersive, long reading experience.

Cons

At 784 pages and a listed weight of 2.65 pounds, this print edition is a substantial commitment to carry and read.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication details
Publisher	Scribner
Publication date	November 6, 2012
Edition	Reissue
Language	English
Print length	784 pages
ISBN-10	1451694911
ISBN-13	978-1451694918

Dimensions and weight
Dimensions	6.13 x 1.9 x 9.25 inches
Weight listed	2.65 pounds

What to know before buying

Customer feedback says the story may take time to get going, and opinions on pacing are mixed.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers seeking a long fantasy thriller with an adventure spanning both the United States and a parallel world.
Stephen King and Peter Straub readers interested in a story centered on a boy’s quest and his mother.

Less suited to

Readers looking for a short novel or a fast start, given the 784-page length and reported slow opening.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 12,540 ratings

5 stars70%70%
4 stars20%20%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars2%2%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes an engaging, emotionally affecting adventure and praises its characters, plot, and writing. Readers also report that it can take a while to get going, with mixed impressions of pacing. For buyers considering this 784-page novel, the reported slow opening is worth weighing against the appeal of a long, character-centered fantasy quest.

Positive themes

Customers praise the story, character development, emotional impact, and writing quality.

Negative themes

Some customers say the novel takes time to get going.

Mixed feedback

Pacing receives mixed feedback, including comments that the first chapter starts slowly.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Talisman about?

Twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer travels across the United States and into the Territories, a parallel world, in search of a talisman that may save his dying mother.

Who wrote The Talisman?

The listing describes it as a collaboration between Stephen King and Peter Straub.

How long is this edition?

The listed print length is 784 pages. Customer feedback reports that the opening can feel slow and that pacing opinions vary.

What edition and publication details are listed?

This is listed as a Scribner reissue published November 6, 2012, in English.