Rating: 
Summary: My Absolute Favorite Book
Review: I don't usually write reviews, but I just had to write one for this book, because it is INCREDIBLE! I am an avid Stephen King fan, and have also been reading Peter Straub books recently. I can honestly say no other book compares to this one.I think the character development is key, I was so worried about Jack Sawyer, throughout the whole book, that I just couldn't put it down. I was a little confused in the beginning, but it didn't stop me from continuing and once into the book there was just no stopping. I wish King and Straub would collaborate again and write a sequel. I also think it would make an monumental movie. Other King books I thought were great are Insomnia, The Stand, and IT. I have read many other King books, all of them are engaging, but these are my favorites. One thing you can always count on from a King book is that it's always a great read.
Rating: 
Summary: Not King's/Straub's best. They could have used an editor.
Review: I am surprised at the amount of praise this novel has received. I hold that there are a few of King's books that border on being masterpieces. Several of his short stories are certainly in that category. I admire these. But I do not see that this collaboration has produced anything but a disjointed narrative. It lacks grace and it handles the subject matter poorly. The theme of parallel worlds is not a new one (no shame on the authors part for that) but it bogged down too much in describing the hero's quest to draw me into the world they have created. I could not help but compare it to several fairy tales and myths that recount the theme of the child sent on adventure to retrieve the magical cure for his mother. C. S. Lewis also used the idea and to greater effect. The authors may have been too much in love with their own prose. They need an editor. To read a parallel world narrative handled with style chock-full of swashbuckling heroes, high ideals, and economy of words, read Roger Zelazny's original Amber series.
Rating:
Summary: Wonder
Review: I've read this book several times, and am amazed by the descriptive quality. More than any other book it engrosses the reader and paints a clear picture of worlds that could only exist in the minds of two great writers like King and Straub.
Rating:
Summary: The Talisman
Review: This is truly one of the best books I have ever read. Jack Sawyer, in order to save his dying mother, is sent on a quest for the mysterious Talisman. On the way, he "trips" through a parallel world called the Territories where he falls into one adventure after another with elements of fear, terror, suspense, and humor, along with many poignant, heartfelt moments that brought tears to my eyes. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoyed The Stand and/or the Dark Tower series because of a few similar elements involved.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Book...
Review: I have read many, many books in my lifetime (I'm 22...), in all catagories. The Talisman is by far my favorite book. I have read it five times, usually in the winter, and it never gets old. It's the perfect novel. I highly suggest it to everyone. Go read it!!
Rating:
Summary: Cant believe this books got any BAD reviews
Review: This is an ASTOUNDING book. I have never read anything like it. Jack Sawyer the hero is a brilliant hero, naive, older than his years and heart breakingly brave. This book screams to be made into the film. And unusually for a work of fantasy is gut wrenchingly emotive. The story of a young boys alienated journey through America and a scary parallel world really struck a chord with me when I was an awkward teenager and even now it makes me cry (especially the wolf chapters). There are no words to describe how beautiful this book really is. From the believable friendships, the almost glamourous but teeth grindingly evil characters and the beautifully detailed locations, especially the way an out of season resort is depicted. This book is the best fantasy book written circa Lord of the Rings. And even though it doesnt match this book in vision it surpasses it for emotional involvement.
Rating:
Summary: From the Land of Bad Smells ...
Review: This truly remarkable collaboration is as engaging the second or third reading as it was the first, and the story has aged very well. Remarkably imaginative and thought provoking, with strong overtones of good versus evil, it is my favorite King book after The Stand. Young Jack's quest lies on the other side of the country, which he must navigate - either in our world or the second world of the Territories. Part of the quest is to save the life of his dying mother. On this reading of the tale, I was more able to enjoy the ingenious expedition and all the nuances along the way, without so much focus on the possible ending. The concept of twinners and the character Wolf once again completely captivated me, and now I am ready for (and hoping for) a sequel. (?) A "magical mystery tour" the reader won't ever forget.
Rating:
Summary: Not your typiclal S. King horror book...
Review: It's evident King had collaborated with another author while writing this book - even though this isn't a fact base booked, the "fantasy" isn't meant to scare. The book is very imaginitive and the characters are more developed than the ones in most of King's bbooks.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite King books
Review: This is one of the Stephen King books that I periodically re-read. With the help of Peter Straub, King takes a detour into fantasy and does it with the same style and flair that he brought to horror with The Stand. This story about young Jack travelling in two worlds to save his mother's life is a classic of the genre-- well-written, tightly plotted, and a compulsive read.
Rating: 
Summary: sucked until about the middle
Review: this book sucked until about the middle of it when things actually started to happen
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