From the Bookshelf of Apocalypse Whenever…

Swan Song

Robert McCammon

Start date: August 1, 2011

Finish date: September 19, 2011

Discussion: AW BOOK CLUB (spoilers)

Discussion leader: Gertie

Why we're reading this: This is an epic book for fans of apocalyptic fiction. The story is very much about Good versus Evil, with…more
[close] This is an epic book for fans of apocalyptic fiction. The story is very much about Good versus Evil, with the occasional mysterious supernatural element, and full of interesting, often eccentric characters - all attempting to survive in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust.

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AW BOOK CLUB (spoilers)

* Nominate books for the next discussions! (for late summer)
By Gertie , Please go nominate books for book club! · 22 posts · 64 views

last updated Aug 15, 2025 08:35AM

* August 2025: Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
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last updated Aug 08, 2025 03:48PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 09, 2007 Gertie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: apocalypse, favorites, reread

This is one of very few books I have actually bothered to reread; it is a LONG book at around 900 pages, but it whizzes by because of a constant desire to see what develops next.

I really enjoy apocalyptic fiction (what's up with that, anyway?), and this one is one of the most entertaining ones I've read. It is not particularly realistic, as it has some supernatural elements, but the characters are quite interesting, as well as their storylines, and the characters you don't love, you love to hate ...more

15 likes · Like · see review

Jun 05, 2007 Brandon rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, apocalypse, war, disaster

This book is what The Stand would have been, if The Stand was well written and interesting!

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Mar 07, 2013 Deena Thomson rated it it was amazing

Enjoyed every single page. I haven't devoured a book like this in ages. I LOVED it. I can't believe I haven't heard of this book till recently. Fantastic. I understand why it is compared to THE Stand (which I also love)but it is also different and deserve to stand on it's own accord. I think Robert R McCammon may become a new fav author. ...more

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Oct 19, 2007 Stout rated it it was ok

Brilliant and plausible beginning to a novel that is later plagued by tedious plot elements that create a much too familiar story overall. The most troubling piece however, is the breadth of uninspiring characters, namely the unlikable protagonists. The villains are creative and dastardly but there is just not enough within the text to enthrall the reader. I rarely abandon the quest to finish a book but after 600 pages of disappointment, I threw in the towel. Being a fan of the genre and having ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Dec 28, 2009 Girly marked it as to-read

Shelves: apocalypse-fun

Read this in high school (oh so long ago). I can't remember any of it so thought I'd re-read. ...more

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Jan 21, 2008 Erin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: post-apocalypse-dystopia, favorites

I started reading this book, then went on vacation with my family and accidentally left it behind....and the whole time I was gone I kept thinking about it, and wishing I had it. Now THAT'S a good book.

A mix of fantasy and horror, this book follows some of the survivors after an apolcolypse. The characters are incredibly well-written and the book is plotted extremely well, such that even the unbelievable elements are believable, in context. ...more

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Dec 24, 2008 Sherrie rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2009-book-list

HOLY CRAP. This book is amazing. I'm not done with it yet, I'm on page 500 and something. HOLY CRAP. MUCH better than The Stand...by a longshot. Full review to come. ...more

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