The book also received a sequel, Black House, in 2001 that follows an adult Jack.
The talisman is located in “the Territories,” an alternate universe version of the United States that Jack has the ability to cross over into, by virtue of the fact that his double in the other world has died.
Jack travels through both worlds, meeting many different characters and facing multiple obstacles on his quest.
The Talisman follows a 12-year-old boy named Jack Sawyer as he goes on a quest for the titular talisman, an object that he believes can save the life of his mother who is dying of cancer.