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Cell

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About this listen

 Shortlisted for Audible's Listen of the Year, 2006.

'Civilization slipped into its second dark age on an unsurprising track of blood but with a speed that could not have been foreseen by even the most pessimistic futurist. By Halloween, every major city from New York to Moscow stank to the empty heavens and the world as it had been was a memory.'

The event became known as The Pulse. The virus was carried by every cell phone operating within the entire world. Within hours, those receiving calls would become insane, or die.

In Boston, a young artist, Clayton Riddell, flees the explosive heart of the city. Clay's son has a little red cell phone. Often out of juice. But what if this time the battery is full? Clay has to reach his son, before his son reaches for his phone....

Who doesn't have a cell phone? This utterly gripping, gory, and fascinating novel doesn't ask the question 'Can you hear me know?' It answers it with a vengeance. High concept, ingenious, and terrifying: Cell is the perfect nightmare for a whole new generation of Stephen King listeners.

©2006 Stephen King. All rights reserved.; Recording © and (P)2006 Simon & Schuster Inc. Horror Scary Boston

Critic reviews

"King's imagining of what is more or less post-Armageddon Boston is rich, and the sociological asides made by his characters along the way...are jaunty and witty." ( Publishers Weekly)
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I listened to this almost at a non stop pace, it is intense and gripping. However it is not perfect. Many readers/listeners have commented on the lack of an ending to the story. I was not surprised it ended where it did, but it could have done with a little bit more so the reader is not left completely in the dark. Also there was never any background given as to how or why the Pulse took place in the first place. Surely not as a weapon as this could not have benefitted anyone. Why Is Stephen King obsessed with Maine? The only book I remember reading of his that doesn't contain a reference to the place is 'Dragons Eyes', even then I'm sure if he could have got away with a mention of it he would have! Over all it is creepy and pretty depressing, but very listenable. As other reviewers have mentioned the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, but not enough to put you off.

Typical Stephen King

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I read this when it was first published and quite enjoyed it, a second rendition, listened to, I really enjoyed. Its chilling and at various points you wonder why and how the protagonists have done various things and wonder what you would do in their place, excellent story.

Chilling tale

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An absolutely brilliant listen. Simple ideas, great characters. I had no problem with the audio at all. Well narrated. Only problem was the time spent in the car when I couldn't bear to turn it off. Whether you are a stephen king fan or not I recommend this book, if you don't like the gory bits bear with it, this is definately worth it.

Gripping listening

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Great book a bit slow to start but as usual with Stephen King you get drawn in, and can't wait for the next chance to listen.

Stephen King Cell

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great book, very interesting, and well read. An interesting take on the apocalypse and how much we rely upon technology.

great book

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