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  • The Dead Zone

  • Written by: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: James Franco
  • Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (458 ratings)

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The Dead Zone cover art

The Dead Zone

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: James Franco
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Publisher's Summary

Never before on audio! A number-one national best seller about a man who wakes up from a five-year coma able to see people's futures and the terrible fate awaiting mankind in The Dead Zone - a "compulsive page-turner" (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

Johnny Smith awakens from a five-year coma after his car accident and discovers that he can see people's futures and pasts when he touches them. Many consider his talent a gift; Johnny feels cursed. His fiancée married another man during his coma, and people clamor for him to solve their problems.

When Johnny has a disturbing vision after he shakes the hand of an ambitious and amoral politician, he must decide if he should take drastic action to change the future. The Dead Zone is a "faultlessly paced...continuously engrossing" (Los Angeles Times) novel of second sight.

©1979 Stephen King (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

What the critics say

"Originally published in 1979, this title is finally available for the first time as an audiobook, with actor James Franco narrating... Franco's impressive acting talent is on full display. As the troubled Johnny, he narrates with restraint and melancholy. As Stillson - an amoral businessman who cons his way towards the presidency - Franco oozes menace." ( AudioFile)

Featured Article: Stephen King’s 32 Best Audiobooks: The Definitive List

Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of all time. He has published 61 novels, more than 200 short stories, and six nonfiction books—and he shows no sign of stopping. With such an extensive portfolio, choosing one audiobook can be daunting. We’ve compiled a list of the 32 best Stephen King audiobooks to make the choice easier. Whether you’re looking to get stuck into one of his creepy, classic stories or a sci-fi novella, you’ll find a title on this list that will get your heart racing.

What listeners say about The Dead Zone

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Compelling; scary accurate prediction of politics

Very readable and almost shockingly relevant in the present (or recent) political landscape. Dark and creepy in a quietly supernatural kind of way. It's Stephen King injecting his type of horror into everyday life. King has commented that his stories are meant to entertain rather than teach (or something like this—can't find the quote). The Dead Zone is not subversive or allegorical, nor is it purely entertainment; it poses real questions about the human character. All the characters are believable and relatable, and I especially liked how Franco approached the characterization of a few people in particular. It's not acted so much as narrated, which I enjoyed. The story isn't SCARY, but it was definitely creepy and presented very well. I would consider this book as occupying a tier just below his best work. Absolutely worth the read.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

AMAZING

Great book and great narrator! I was completely hooked after the first thirty minuets, would highly recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Hypnotic Story telling and Mesmerizing narration

I'm gonna buy the whole series based from this purchase. everything from the captivating characters to James Franco bring them to life..
loves it. 5 stars.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Une excellente histoire par un excellent narrateur

Excellent livre de Stephen King, ce qui me donne le goût de lire la collection de King. James Franco est superbe!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book. Classic King

Amazing boom. I kept wondering what Johnny would have saw if he shook Trumps hand....

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I expected something more

I respect Stephen King. He is arguably one of the most successful writers of our time. However, I am not a huge fan of the horror genre. So, when I read the synopsis for this book I decided to give it a try. After reading King's Mr. Mercedes series I had hoped this book would be similar. Sadly, the story let me down. The Narrator was blah. I wouldn't listen to it again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great read

I really enjoyed this novel, James Franco is excellent at narration. the only reason. I gave it 4 stars is because I found the middle to drag on slightly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

well done story with multiple arcs

Overall a great book but the audiobook sound quality is lacking. Can't really blame it that much seeing when it was recorded. The book was worth the listen but not at all near Stephen's best works. It's more of a mystery than a triller.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Story was all over the place

For a Steven king book I was disappointed. Especially because the ratings were so high.. wasn’t creepy or scary, and there was a lot of talk on politics. A lot of boring parts.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good listen

The book was quite good and the boys work was on point and extremely well done. Would definitely recommend a listen.

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