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The End of the World as We Know It

The instant New York Times bestseller (Aug 2025): New Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand

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The End of the World as We Know It

By: Christopher Golden and Brian Keene, Brian Keene - editor, Christopher Golden - editor, Stephen King - introduction
Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo, Sean Patrick Hopkins
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About this listen

 *** THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES TOP FIVE BESTSELLER ***

Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered No. 1 bestselling author and master storyteller Stephen King's seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraor­dinary works exploring the unravelling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel - with generations of writers impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of unforgettable characters.

Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today's greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World as We Know It fea­tures remarkable, all-new stories set during and after the events of The Stand - brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the clas­sic bestselling novel.©2025 Christopher Golden and Brian Keene Editors Select Genre Fiction Horror Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Scary

Editorial Review

The world of The Stand expands!
Stephen King’s 1978 classic The Stand is one of his longest, clocking in at nearly 48 hours. Get ready for an additional 28 hours from some of the most-gifted minds of modern horror storytelling in this well-crafted anthology. Featuring stories from visionary authors—including S.A. Cosby, Caroline Kepnes, Tananarive Due, Nat Cassidy, Josh Malerman—it’s performed by award-winning narrators Sean Patrick Hopkins and Adenrele Ojo. The terrifying tales ensnared me immediately, and King multiverse fans are in for a real treat with these diverse, horrifying happenings set within this specific universe.—Nicole R., Audible Editor

Critic Reviews

One of the buzziest horror books of the year . . . a sprawling, epic continuation of Stephen King's The Stand through the lens of some of the best writers in horror. Whether the horror prowess of editors Brian Keene and Christopher Golden gets you in the door, or you just can't pass up that table of contents, you won't be let down by this towering collection
A perfectly edited and consciously constructed anthology inspired by [Stephen King's] 1978 post-apocalyptic novel The Stand . . . Each story stands on its own, but laid out together, they effortlessly immerse readers in a connected world . . . An incredibly achievement that manages to expand, enrich, and improve its source material . . . A must-buy . . . This is a spectacular tribute to the ultimate epic horror novel of the 20th Century
Stories vary from visceral and violent to philosophical, and the breadth and diversity of the included authors add depth to King's world . . . With a star-studded list of authors, including some outside the realm of the horror genre, this highly anticipated collection will garner a wide audience . . . Captivating
[A] chilling post-apocalyptic anthology . . . the contributors approach this eerie setting with creativity and curiosity . . . Even readers unfamiliar with The Stand will find much to enjoy here, while fans will be pleased by the attention to detail. Every entry hits the mark, a tribute both to the editors' selection process and King's original worldbuilding
This landmark anthology draws upon the imagination of 36 of horror's brightest contemporary names to map the further reaches of [Stephen King's The Stand] - and go beyond . . . A vital anthology and an invaluable time-capsule of horror in this golden era
A must-have for Stephen King fans, scores of great writers contribute stories set in the world of the author's apocalyptic masterpiece . . . Constant Readers will have a ball debating their favorite pieces
This huge book is one of 2025's most highly anticipated releases. It features over 30 narratives by leading writers of horror and crime thrillers, all based around Stephen King's 1978 opus The Stand
All stars
Most relevant
There was one story in this book that left a very bad taste in my mouth. The story about the mermaid. Listen with Caution. But overall, very enjoyable listen

Great to revisit this universe

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It saddens me to say, that I'm half way through and these stories are feeling like the most contrived and uninspired of fan fictions. Hell! I'd wager I could find some fan fiction online that is more interesting than what they collated here. Perhaps these authors were all (whether consciously or not) afraid to go all in! In case they somehow offended S.K.
A bland, uninspired, dissapointed.

Is what it is *sigh*...

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Pretty good book, was great to hear stories from other points of view and what happened to other people, some of the stories where great, some where good, some where bad and some of them, well let’s just say I could happily go through the rest of my life never hearing anything from those authors again.
But it’s worth a credit and a listen.

Mostly good.

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This is definitely a must read for any King fan in 2025. Great little tales that give to the world of ‘The Stand.’

Golden

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Listening pretty exclusively to Stephen King books, I’ve sadly reached the end of the line with what I can get my hands on. So I was hopeful with this book but ready to keep it separate in my mind’s library.
Fortunately this does absolute justice to The Stand Universe and I believe I might have found me some new authors to have a mosey through.
While nothing could ever be as good as The Stand (imo), this book has sated my appetite between Never Flinch and what hopefully comes next.
Mr King, ever your grateful fan and constant avid reader, and should you and Mrs King ever visit FNQ Aus, I can guarantee an absolutely mediocre conversation that would make my absolute -d-a-y- life ;D
Thank you to everyone involved in this book for giving me another peek in to the world of Mother Abigail and what’s-his-cowboy-booted-face x

This hits the spot as a loyal Constant Reader

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