Swan Song by Robert McCammon Book Review & Reaction | Every Bit as Wonderful as The Stand

[@climbandslackline487]

Not proud of it but at 18 I went to prison and swan song was the first book I read there... That book got me into reading. Changed my life. Couldn't stop reading. Laid on my cot for 18 hours straight and finished it in one sitting. Thank you for the review

[@DarkStarr11_11]

😊good stuff 👍 @climbandslackline487 18 hrs straight up, reading for me is truly an escape from reality ❤️ that space where an author actually brings me into their story an takes me there!When it's so good you don't want it to be finished 😊

[@OG_Fernando]

I've listened to the audible book (30+ hours) numerous times...it's that FANTASTIC.

[@brockautry8680]

Robert is suck a killer writer. Im 6 or 7 books in from him and not a bad word have i read. McCammon is truly the King 👑

[@RLX5201]

I couldn't put Swan Song down. Phenomenal. In my view better than The Stand as its impossible to avoid comparing the 2. I've since read 2 Robert McCammon novels and if that quality carries on, he'll soon be my favourite writer of all time

[@leilahyanez873]

I liked Swan Song so much more than The Stand.

[@stephennootens916]

I have just started Swan Song for the first time. It is my summer challenge for myself and so far it is easier read. I read The Stand in high school and it just starts off soul crushing with the guard and his family. King is vary skilled at making you attach to character with in a page of two and he does it in the prologue and when you know were it is going it is hard to keep going. That said I am under hundred pages and Swan Song while not that slow death gut punch I am enjoying it.

[@brockautry8680]

Happened to me. 💯

[@corycastleman6351]

I've been reluctant to read Swan song because of it's constant comparison to The Stand, which I didn't enjoy

[@RLX5201]

@corycastleman6351 it's different in its own way, and in my opinion definitely different, I'd give it a go

[@katieamarsh]

This was one of my favorite reads this year, I got sucked right into it and couldn’t put it down. The characters are wonderful and I appreciated that there was so much heroism from folks that would generally be considered lowly in regular society. Underdogs. Found family.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I would love to see the book get adapted into a miniseries

[@daveedmunds1109]

You and me both!

[@grahmgovernor4037]

The Rock playing Joshua Hutchins

[@system0fadowner251]

Craig Mazin already proved he can do these types of stories with Chernobyl and Last of Us. Imagine an HBO series..

[@scottstephenson724]

@@grahmgovernor4037no lol

[@jordanclark6972]

@@scottstephenson724I agree. I think Mike Colter would be a awesome Hutchins

[@fionadrennan314]

I read this book like 20 years ago and it was one of the best apocalyptic books I ever read. My grandmother was a reader she loved horror books and science fiction among biographies. I’m so glad I picked that book up. I’m surprised we haven’t seen a movie about it. And haven’t heard anyone ever talk about it.

[@Johnnywhamo]

I read this book when it came out back in 87, I was 23 years old at the time. While I can’t remember much of the story I will always remember it being the best novel I’ve ever read and being a pretty voracious reader in my youth that was saying something. I finish reading it up north at a cottage during my summer vacation and feeling sad that the amazing story was over. I was just about to go to sleep and after all these years decided to look it up and see if I could find it as an audio book. I saw this posting and thought I’d just share this with the anonymous out there and agree, it was awesome adventure and experience that has stayed with me some 35 plus years later. Cheers 🤙🏼

[@PhilipDavisRKC]

I've read The Stand three times and love it. You've convinced me to give this a shot. Thanks for the great review Mike!

[@ericbutler739]

It pales compared to The Stand and really feels like a lesser copy to me. He also clearly tried to borrow styles from McCarthy's incomparable Blood Meridian, which is embarrassing. It was a hot genre in the 80s and this guy is a good content writer but a storyline copycat and it's easy to see if you read the better works he tries to emulate. I read about a quarter, was bored and easily predicted what came next, then about halfway I just put it down.

[@RyderWestwood]

I was so.sad when the audio book ended. I wanted to stay in that world with those characters! Such an amazing book.

[@danielflynn4941]

Read his book"They Thirst."

[@VulcanGunner]

My personal favorite.

[@warrenwheatley6171]

Great book! I can not believe that The Wolf's Hour has not been made into a movie. The Night Boat is legit scary too. Again, can not believe Hollywood has ignored McCammon.

[@TheJesseGladSaget]

I just recently read Gone South. It felt like a David Lynch movie in book form. Almost like Wild At Heart. I fuckin loved it

[@brockautry8680]

No doubt. Any one of the books I've read could very easily be a great movie. Swan Song would be a blockbuster imho. Gone South maybe?

[@BookMaven9]

I read this years and it is definitely a favorite!!!!

[@sherbear7612]

My favorite book of all time. Have read it twice, I need to revisit this again sometime. I am a fan of all his books, excellent story teller. Thank you for your review 😊

[@CRohrscheib]

This is the exact type of book I'd cheat on my fantasy novels with. Straight to my TBR. Also, I kind of want your top 20 of all time now!

[@brianlittle7064]

The only bad thing I can say about SWAN SONG is it wasn't long enough, if you ever get to read by book Gretchen, I sent to you, you will see that Robert R. McCammon, is my favorite author. thank you for you reviews and I find them very enjoyable.

[@meganmangold1074]

I have read this 3 times. It is an extreme journey throughout.

[@tomcampbell2134]

I read this two years ago and loved it. I haven't read a better book since.

[@RMGCBG]

My favorite author by miles…

[@ConstantlyRead]

What an awesome heartfelt review Mike. This was done so well you made me buy a copy immediately after watching this. So thank you!

[@Jungleant310]

Reading swansong...very good

[@joerogan3079]

*I JUST FINISHED AND I'M SITTING HERE CRYING FOR 30 MIN* 😭

[@beardedpriest9715]

Read this years ago. Need to revisit it. Love your videos Mike. Keep up the great work!!!

[@James-rc5gr]

I have read both books, and multiple times. BUT. Swan Song, and Robert McCammon is by far my fabourite author. His character development is outstanding, and he not only creates the world, but also allows you into the human feeling of the world. When he describes a tree being bare, and dead, you not only see it, but you FEEL the emotion of the character seeing that tree. You get their fear, their love, and their journey. You understand why they are on the journey they are on. Even the villians. You may be shocked, but their journey makes sense!

[@SpencerDrummer]

I just finished this. I almost have no words for how good I thought it was. I immediately googled to see if there was a follow up. That was a masterclass in pacing and like you, I used any excuse to get back to it. One of the best books I ever read. Hands down.

[@sjkrum320]

Loved Boy's Life. This is next on my TBR after Ship of Magic. You haven't lead me wrong yet. Really looking forward to this.

[@markredman426]

Thanks for the review Mike. I have this book on kindle, definitely jumping up that tbr pile. You should try McCammon’s Matthew Corbett series.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed swan song by Robert mccammon definitely will be reading his other books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@BioPhoenixReviews]

never heard of Robert McCammon until recently when the book store owner in my area was talking about him recently with the book down south. but swan song sounds awesome, will definitely give this a go

[@alynam82]

This review was a fantastic trip down memory lane for me. I read this back in 2017, and it's rare that I re-read books, but Swan Song is for sure a candidate. I read this before I read The Stand for the first time. When I finally read The Stand in 2018, I caught the similarities -- but like you say, they could be neighbors. I loved them both separately without having to compare them. I read The Fireman earlier this year, and that's another one that get the unfair Stand comparisons. But I'm here to tell you that Fireman is yet another book that is great all on its own (with a few 'nods' to Stand, but that's all it is).

[@violinfanatickamraz1403]

Who wrote The Fireman?

[@AmericaFirst-1]

Holy shit how did i miss this review! Been subbed since you started the Wheel of Time series and been returning ever since. I read this book about 20 years ago and It was SO GOOD that I had the original cover art tattooed on my shoulder. Absolutely amazing story.

[@cristianaquino4318]

currently on page 1225 of the stand, hoping to finish it tomorrow! i think i already know what book i’ll follow up with

[@Chewbaccafruit]

This has been on my TBR for a few months now and I finally got my copy yesterday

[@munki83]

I'm only about 10 minutes through but I'm adding this to my TBR. Always find your recommendations interesting.

[@timkirsten6184]

LOVED reading this book earlier this year. Excited to watch this.

[@rachelmanuel2244]

Such a wonderful book. So I did not read it but I did listen to it. I am very dyslexic and sometimes its hard for me to read but i thought it was so amazing. Wow. Its such a great story. I love swan and Josh also

[@joejawson5264]

Robert R McCammon is one of my favorite writers of all time. Swan Song was the first book I read by him back when this came out. I ended up reading his back log soon after when I could at Half Price Books. Wolf's Hour is my fav. Boy's Life is a reread too. His Matthew Corbett Series is really good too. A Sherlock-type during colonial times.

[@derekmedina6915]

I finished this a week ago. It was fantastic! I agree with you about the length, it didn’t feel like a 900 page read

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Thank you Mike, for reading and reviewing this fantastic book. It’s been in my top 5 favorite books of all time for quite a while. Cheers!

[@BradleyJValentine]

Finally! THANK YOU!! Saving for my Monday drive to work!!

[@karencandiette]

I've read (or listened) to this several times, maybe seven times, since it came out! Obviously one of my favorites! Better than The Stand. First time watching you, though, and it won't be the last! Thanks!

[@yourguitarist]

I loved Swan Song. Thank you for reviewing it

[@JayMysterious]

My favorite book ever. I first read it as a HS Junior in 2003. I recommend it to everyone.

[@danielhunt2538]

One of the best books I’ve ever read.

[@asaprabbit8305]

I'm 46 it's taken me years to read this, now it's probably my favorite book of all time

[@heathermccreary8933]

I think you've just inspired me to do a reread of Swan Song. Also in my top 10 books of all time.

[@GoranCK]

Excellent,excellent review.I have the book for sometime but now I'm reading it. Just have to finish The ruins and The troop who I'm reading parallel.Keep up the good work!

[@thakingofdetroit]

I read this every couple of years .....absolute banger.

[@FoxCrueCards]

Swan Song is one of my favorite books of all time!

[@MrNiceguyjin]

I definitely think Swan Song is much better than The Stand. And not just because of sentimental reasons (I remember my mom reading it when it came out when I was a kid and telling me how amazing it was). It’s my favorite book of all time, and I don’t see it ever losing its place. And I know I’ve said this in your comments before, but the audio book is FREAKING AMAZING. Tom Stechschulte did an absolutely brilliant job on it.

[@patrickdoyle6519]

Long time favorite of mine too. So glad you mentioned the audiobook because I've been considering a reread and now I'm definitely going to give it another go! Thanks! *Immediately closes KZbin for Audible.*

[@SD_Canary_Corner]

What an amazing book 📕 one of the most unforgettable books I’ve ever read 💥💎

[@laurac56]

Swan Song is an excellent apocalyptic book that I read this year (thanks to your recommendation). My favorite in 2021 was The Wasteland Saga by Nick Cole. Book 1: 4 stars, Book 2: 5 stars, Book 3: 3 stars. I had a volume that included all three.

[@emilymosley3184]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@maxpocalypse]

I read this back when it was new in paperback, and I was NOT one to read a 900 page book back then. It's been a favorite ever since. I did listen to the audio book a few years ago, and people are right: it is excellent!

[@CaptainTrips6]

This was my first McCammon novel and I can confidently say he's one of my favourite authors. I just finished reading The Wolfs Hour and you absolutely must check it out. I think it's right up your alley. Boys life is next for me, I can't wait to devour more of his work.

[@MartinUnderwood]

I shed tears over a freaking horse! Excellent book

[@CliffsDarkGems]

Great review Mike! Swan Song IS the best book i have ever read. I finished it within 3 days and, as you said, would have loved an extra 1000 pages! Robert McCammon is such a talented writer and i am halfway through Boy's Life as we speak. Got some reading to do tonight!

[@TheMrNukeman]

Took me almost two weeks and I loved it, you are a reading animal.

[@kylerieman221]

Going to add this to my 2023 TBR.

[@bodeandigs]

As far as I'm concerned it's a top read for any reader. I have read it 3 times, years apart, and it continues to thrill.

[@Knightshade1965]

I will have to say you sold me a book that I'm going to have to add to my tbr. I read the stand when I was younger and very much enjoyed a lot. I already have a huge tar now. I'm getting up in age and I'm hoping I'll have at least 10 or more years of reading. But, I'll keep on plugging away. I'm 57.

[@knitty781]

I read both The Stand and Swan Song in the late 80s. I need to locate my books and revisit them, but I remember both books were well written and held my interest. McCammon is an underrated author. I've enjoyed all his books immensely, but they were always difficult to find.

[@michaelt.wardlespider2496]

Got it when it was first released and loved it. Lost it in a breakup somewhere along the way... Recently found a copy in one of the Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood. I was ecstatic. Anyone interested in apocalyptic fiction should check out Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank. It is perhaps the first nuclear war novel, originally published in 1959. Not a "horror story," but a good read. It was the book that stirred my fascination with such tales.

[@dphunk87]

I read this based on your recommendation and really enjoyed it.

[@FHL-Devils]

One thing that RMC does better (FAR better) than any other author I've ever read is character development. The connection, the understanding, the empathy - even the villains, you can understand how they got to the position they are in, as repulsive as it may be. Yes, you get throw-away characters that are 'just bad', but that's why they are throw-away characters. They don't have a purpose other than plot service, they are not part of the actual plot. His understanding of what is compelling to character development is truly unmatched. Wolf's Hour should be a read in your near future. - never will lycanthropy be so, not just possible, but probable. Then you have Usher's Passing - a true masterpiece of character arcs.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He really does characters incredibly well.

[@fjuran1]

I had read McCammon a great deal in the 1980's and early 90's. Then after a Boy's Life had not picked up any other books. Finally, with all the buzz about I read Swan Song earlier this year. Loved it, better than The Stand in many ways, at least , a much better ending. Glad you liked it. It is a shame that McCammon isn't better known.

[@r.danielwilliams6817]

Thank you for the recommendation! I recommend that you read the "One Second After" post-apocalyptic series by William Forstchen.

[@Tomnefffable]

I'm reading this book right now! I'll be back to watch this video soon!

[@Tomnefffable]

Loved it! I might have to read The Stand now.

[@ainedunne412]

Swansong is potentially better than the Stand?! Have to try it too. My summer is just going to be constant reading. 😊

[@snowdogthewolf]

That book is a *_sleeper_* . You don't expect it to be as good as it is and most will be blown away. I've read that McCammon sees his book lacking in retrospect. I can't imagine that; it's a freakin' masterpiece. Everyone I've leant that book to have nothing but praises.

[@mayzo51184]

Awesome review Mike! I haven't read this book yet but my uncle told me that I should read it after I told him I read the Stand. He said as you said, that I'd like it if I liked the Stand which I loved.

[@RalphNC09]

Read They Thirst in October as my first McCammon and I loved it. I just started the last part of The Stand (Uncut version), and I think this is one of my favorite stories of all time. Swan Song sounds wonderful and I think I'll bump it up on the list!

[@keithsharpe1766]

The wolf’s hour was really good too

[@RRW276]

I'm an odd one in that I don't care for post-apocalyptic or horror novels, but I love Stephen King with every fiber of my reading being. I feel like he's an exception though because who wouldn't love Stephen King? I like historical fiction novels, mysteries some (Follett, Conroy, Archer, Sheldon, Grisham etc. Anyway, I just finished Swan Song because of this review when I first watched it many months back, so I bought it and placed it on my TBR. Robert McCammon is another one right there with SK. He's so good, and I just got lost in Swan Song, needing another book just like it. I also recently finished Boys Life after taking some vacation for reading. Phenomenal books, 100%, and highly recommend this author. On a side note, I live near a HFB that has/had a hardback copy of Swan Song, it actually has a drawing version of Swan herself on the cover. I think it was $500 and for kicks I asked the manager if he'd budge on the price and he said "not even a cent". I wouldn't have bought it anyway, I just know the guy and he often works me on records. The last one was a 2010 Jay-Z vinyl that also included a 10in single, complete with the hype sticker. It had a price of $220-ish and he sold to me for $150. Two weeks later I sold it $700. My best return ever on a single album. Forgive me, I have no idea why I'm including this in a comment about my reading of Swan Song.

[@ChaplainMalachai]

Can't remember if you have read it, but The Road by Cormac McCarthy is an excellent, if very bleak, look at a post-apocalyptic world. You can just smell and taste the ruin in his words. Might want to follow it up with something light-hearted though. Continued thanks for the reviews. Adding this to my TBR after I get done with Altered Carbon series.

[@emilymosley3184]

Loved it! Thank You.

[@keithsharpe1766]

I read this in high School it was awesome

[@angie-tq4ew]

👍 As I said in another of your videos, MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE book of all time.🤣

[@burge2695]

I should read this! I could prob get it done before the end of the year

[@bobmessier5215]

"Swan Song" by Robert McCammon was my singular favorite book. I noticed other great book series on your shelves like Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth" series and Robert E. Howard's "Conan" series. I also enjoyed James Axler's "Deathlands" series and Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" series.

[@spunkysun]

I need to revisit this book. It's been a long time.

[@Chesterton7]

Great review, thanks.

[@MattonBooks]

Being relatively new to King, and having first read The Stand only earlier this year, and loved it, this sounds pretty good. 🙂 Another great review Mike. 👍🏻

[@johnd.3652]

Sweet I think I'll pick this up after I finish the lost metal.

[@dragneth3080]

Welp time to add this to my ever growing tbr

[@camwatters-iz5bs]

As good as the stand? Holy cow that’s my favourite book ever. Going to have to check this out

[@johnneiberger]

I suggested these on your other video that mentioned Swan Song. If you're looking for more Robert R. McCammon to read, check out The Wolf's Hour and The Hunter in the Woods. Interesting premise and really enjoyable.

[@RalphNC09]

I FINISHED IT LAST NIGHT! Man that last quarter of the book was nothing short of amazing! Light spoilers: I loved (and cried at) the moment Swan's mask cracked, she ran to Josh and he says "Thank God my daughter's back."

[@RalphNC09]

I also thought Colonel Macklin and Roland were some of the scariest, creepiest villains I've read in the past 2 years. Moreso Macklin.

[@HoodedMenace]

Well damn, say no more. I need to find a copy of this and read it asap!

[@TheJesseGladSaget]

I finished Swan Song about a week ago. Excellent read but definitely not better than The Stand. I actually thought the character work was kind of underwhelming in this one, which is weird because RM is a phenomenal character writer. I've read 4 RM books so far: Boy's Life, Usher's Passing, Swan Song, and Gone South, and I liked Swan Song probably the least (but not by much). I would 100% still recommend it tho.

[@timothyvonvictory7105]

Well i read it. Holy hell what a book!

[@HeyyynowBabaBooey]

Love that new intro

[@faqpronouns]

i just finished the audiobook...amazing post apocalyptic feeling BUT with a faulty main character,what was swan really all about apart being the tree jesus and guessing the password,also josh saw a corpse coming back 2 life to tell him "protect the child" and he was acting for the rest of the book like it was something ordinary that it could happen to anyone his reaction was unrealistic as faq,also the scarlet dude was superbe but with little screen time. still better than the stand

[@pamelalagree-kanotz6845]

I'd love to see your review Cronins The Passage and its two sequels Terrific books!

[@turtleanton6539]

Great video Mike

[@atom0191]

Thank you

[@yungvboystar1144]

I did 9 years in prison I’ve read Thousands and thousands of Books..This Is One Of the Best I’ve Ever Read

[@alexkonoff2273]

A top 20 books list would be awesome

[@iWizard]

Almost done with The Stand. I will likely dive into Swan Song in 2023. 😊

[@denvergigi7329]

This and Justin Cronin's The Passage trilogy are the best post-apoc books in my opinion. I can't pick one over the other. I love them both and have read them each twice. I've listened to the audio books as well. Phenomenal!!

[@jimave]

I almost called in sick to read the book! Awesome line. I enjoyed Swan Song. I think there are some similarities to the Stand, but Swan Song is great and different enough to really enjoy. It is on my re-read list.

[@amansizedduck]

Finally. I absolutely love this book. And it stands equal with "The Stand" as 2 of my favorite books of all time.

[@safinan8008]

Hello 👋 good honest review! 🍁😊