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The Stand

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

This is the way the world ends: with a nanosecond of computer error in a Defense Department laboratory and a million casual contacts that form the links in a chain letter of death.

And here is the bleak new world of the day after: a world stripped of its institutions and emptied of 99 percent of its people. A world in which a handful of panicky survivors choose sides - or are chosen. A world in which good rides on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail - and the worst nightmares of evil are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the dark man.

In 1978, Stephen King published The Stand, the novel that is now considered to be one of his finest works. But as it was first published, The Stand was incomplete, since more than 150,000 words had been cut from the original manuscript.

Now Stephen King's apocalyptic vision of a world blasted by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil has been restored to its entirety. The Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition includes material previously deleted, along with new material that King added as he reworked the manuscript for a new generation. It gives us new characters and endows familiar ones with new depths. It has a new beginning and a new ending. What emerges is a gripping work with the scope and moral complexity of a true epic.

For hundreds of thousands of fans who heard The Stand in its original version and wanted more, this new edition is Stephen King's gift. And those who are listening to The Stand for the first time will discover a triumphant and eerily plausible work of the imagination that takes on the issues that will determine our survival.

Cover artwork ©2020 CBS Interactive Inc.

©1978 Stephen King (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." (Los Angeles Times)

"[The Stand] has everything. Adventure. Romance. Prophecy. Allegory. Satire. Fantasy. Realism. Apocalypse. Great!" (The New York Times Book Review)

"As brilliant a dark dream as has ever been dreamed in this century." (Palm Beach Post)

Featured Article: We're Your #1 Fans—A Stephen King Character Guide


With a mind-boggling portfolio of 62 novels and more than 200 short stories (and counting!), Stephen King undeniably reigns supreme over literary horror. From Danny Torrance to the dreaded Pennywise, check out some of his most iconic characters with this comprehensive look. (But beware: there are spoilers ahead! So, much like when you press play on a Stephen King audiobook, you should proceed with caution.)

What listeners say about The Stand

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    3 out of 5 stars

I liked it ... but ...

I finished listening to this book in August 2018. The first half, I found sorta confusing and not engaging. I kept listening because my husband loves the book and has read it several times. The second half, I sorta got into the book. Then, by the last quarter I was hooked. I will listen again!

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Another Great by the King

I have to admit that I never read the original, but this uncut version was riveting. Couldn’t stop listening! I’ve heard it twice so far and it was just as good the second time around!

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audible is lame

Awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome sweet sweet good goo ga ba

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Never lost interest

The narrator did a great job. It was exciting & addictive beginning to end.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible story and voice acting

As the title says. Better than I could have imagined an audio book to be. A must purchase. 10/10

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I've read very little King (2)

If you could sum up The Stand in three words, what would they be?

My daughter pushed me to read this. What an great book, story. I don't want to give away anything. It's not horror, it's a story, it's what happens when people decide to survive. It's the good and bad of our society. Very long, but very worth it. Thanks to Helee. signed - Deborah s.

What other book might you compare The Stand to and why?

Nothing to compare it to

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

Frannie - strong, yet a real woman. Knew what to do when it was most needed. Diplomat, mom type, the Boss if needed

Who was the most memorable character of The Stand and why?

Nick, he had the most to overcome and did it well.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this

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A great book!

I loved this book! I was a little intimidated by the length but bought it anyway. The story line was pretty good, a little slow for me in some parts but it really had me on the edge of my seat in others. I would definitely listen to this book again!

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great

I loved it well worth the credit tho not problem is the ending for me

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My favorite genre

Would you listen to The Stand again? Why?

Yes, already have!

What did you like best about this story?

My favorite books of the apocalyptic genre

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending: good versus bad - with good winning

If you could take any character from The Stand out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Larry Underwood. I identify with his struggle to overcome his bad side.

Any additional comments?

If any readers have further suggestions in this genre please let me know.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

48 hours of quality entertainment

Narration is excellent; characters voices are easily distinguishable and intonation is spot-on.
Story can be slow at times but makes up for it when it picks back up. It leans on the supernatural more than I would have liked, but it's still a great thriller by Stephen King.

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