Preview
  • The Dead Zone

  • By: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: James Franco
  • Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (12,001 ratings)

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The Dead Zone

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
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Critic reviews

"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)

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The folklore of just about every human culture is rife with stories that feature talking animals, shape-shifters, demons, witches, spirits, and more. Whether you arrive seeking horror, thrills, romance, or fantasy, there’s a title here for you. And with a slate of narrators that includes famous actors and award-winning voice artists, it’s impossible to go wrong with any of these picks.

What listeners say about The Dead Zone

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars

UGH! Narration Killed it for me

What did you love best about The Dead Zone?

The story is another fantastic Stephen King story! Read the book yourself; this audio version is not worth purchasing! Although it may be a great sleep aid.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I couldn't care less about any of the characters in this audio version. The narration was so bad my mind kept wandering off onto other things. I kept rewinding and replaying until I finally gave up. I've waited years for this to come out in audio. So sad the wait was for nothing!

Would you be willing to try another one of James Franco’s performances?

NO! I listen to many many audible and audio library books each year. The narration makes or breaks even the best story. That's what happened here! James Franco ruined this otherwise fantastic book for me. I'm not willing to have that happen again. He made this story incredibly dull.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

absolutely!

Any additional comments?

If this is your first encounter with Stephen Kings The Dead Zone, and the narration put you off too, please pick up the book and read it for yourself. It's worth it!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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One of his best.

I’ve read/listened to a ton of King. This audio performance by James Franco is definitely one of his best. Not scary at all. The title is misleading. King is at the top of his game with this one. A few references to other books. I would put this as a good brother to the loose collection related to “The Shining.” Worth the credit.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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My first Stephen King read!

Now I know what he is such an amazing writer! The story was great! Suspenseful, intriguing! Loved the narration too! I hope Franco narrates all of Kings book!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book great movie

The man deserves the Nobel prize. He will never get it because too many people read and love his books. Great book & also a great movie.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great

great story and James Franco did an amazing job read! he was animated and brought story to life and Steven King always amazes

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good book with great narration.

I liked this book. It was well written and James Franco is a really good, if not a great narrator. It seems like in most of Mr. King's books the Christians are fanatics and the Republicans are greedy war mongers. Please Mr. King were all individuals and one mold does not fit everyone......

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

Great Story!

Love this book! The only flaw, I felt, was James Franco's narration. It could get a little monotonous at times. Otherwise, this is definitely worth a credit.

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

another awesome book!

I loved it. Thank You James Franco for doing a wonderful job reading it! Lovely!

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

entertainment

great book, narrator did a great job. I really couldn't stop listening and thinking about story. Great job

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

Great story

loved it. my only complaint is that the reader lowered his voice too much at times and i had difficulty hearing him over the road noise.

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