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Book Review By Matthew Palmere
The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub

Jack Sawyer is an exceptional boy with a secret ability. He can travel to a land called the Territories. This different land is somewhere that only the most exceptional people can go. As a young boy, he went to this land without thinking. His father and his father's business partner discovered this abilty, and in turn discovered the Territories. The business partner, Morgan Sloat saw an opportunity to exploit this power. Jack's father tried to hold him back, but was unfortunatly killed in a hunting 'accident'.

After his father's death, Jack's mother, Lily, took him away from Morgan, and went into hiding. Morgan understood that if Jack ever found out about his power he could destroy his plans for fame and fortune in the Territories. Coupled with this is the fact that Jack's mother is dying of cancer. While hiding from Sloat, Jack meets a strange man named Speedy Parker. Speedy helps Jack learn about himself, and what he must do to save his mother. He also learns that his mother's death would be far more disastrous then he could possibly imagine.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy story on current Earth
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - a powerful magician
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - a kid
If magical mental powers: - teleportation

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - 40's-50's
Profession/status:
Has magical powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - fire/thunder/weather cntrl
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters

Setting
Terrain
Earth setting: - 20th century
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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