Are the Dark Tower novels by Stephen King good? I have been thinking of getting them and want some feedback about them before I part with my money.
hi lemex they are good and definitely worth a read. i read the first one when i was twelve and i've followed the series right up until the end. it gets a bit crazy towards the end of the series but its worth sticking with. roland deschain is a brilliant character - part Clint Eastwood and part mystical knight.
Oh boy I've never been more excited to reply to a post in my life. Allow me to give you a mini-review of each book (I'll be perfectly honest about them, I promise). Part I, The Gunslinger Many people seem to give up the series after reading the first installment, probably because it's so different from the 'typical' King. However, it plays an extremely important role - introducing Roland of Gilead. Put simply, it's short, thought-provoking and a wonderful start to the series. The description is top-notch, you'll actually feel yourself breathing the desert. Look out for the memorable scene as Roland leaves Tull. Part II, The Drawing of the Three This has always been my favourite of the series, although I did not enjoy it so much on my second read-through. The reason many praise this book is because it introduces two characters we grow to love. While one of them can be wearing at times (Susannah, known as Detta/Odetta in this book), Eddie for some reason stands out as an amazing character. He's one of my all-time favourites, and I just can't explain why. Anyway, the structure of the novel is excellent and there's quite of bit of 'time travel' between worlds, amongst plentiful action. Part III, The Waste Lands The journey really begins here. At the time, Stephen King was starting to take a little while between publishing installments in the series. Many complained about the ending of this book, albeit for good reason. IT WAS PRETTY LAME IF YOU ASK ME (you'll understand that once you read it). While not the worst, King returned to his usual page-after-page of pointless narrative that didn't really advance anywhere. In the end, we finally have the full ka-tet, including a little creature called Oy who I can guarantee will almost single-handedly guarantee you continue reading to the end. Part IV, Wizard and Glass I need to re-read this book because the first-time round I didn't enjoy it. Some people love it, others hate it. What we get here is a novel on Roland's past. While it is interesting at times, that's the novel. There is hardly any progression to the main story, and this is why many opinions are split with this installment. You may find yourself hitting a fork in the road with this one, or you'll relish the tale and feel eager to move on, a greater sense of the man you're following to the Tower now within you. Part V, Wolves of the Calla Things start to dip a bit from now on. This has a great premise, but it's just excruciatingly boring. Despite a welcome twist and hints for future installments, this one just falls short of the mark. Still, the imagery evoked of the 'Wolves of Thunderclap' is excellent and a character from another novel returns with a prominent appearance. Part VI, Song of Susannah In my opinion, easily the worst of the series. Hell-bent on travelling between worlds and feeling like a necessary filler, it just doesn't bring much to the plate. Apart from introducing a very interesting element to the story, you'll find yourself wishing for it to be over so you can immerse yourself in the final chapter of this epic, enthralling tale. Part VII, The Dark Tower You've come this far. Just opening the book gave me shivers. It was in small print, and there was something like 700 pages to get through. I couldn't contain myself. Things start out reasonably well and then King takes his series to another level, well before the ending. The scenes in Algul Siento (Blue Heaven) are stunning. I honestly have never enjoyed reading a section of a book so much as I did here. I can't spoil anything, because that would be disastrous. But once you read it and the scenes at Blue Heaven conclude, I hope you'll understand why I was left breathless. Afterwards, King commits a crime! I'm sorry if this spoils anything but you've probably heard it before and it's almost necessary to hear otherwise in order to lessen the anger you'll experience. King writes himself into the story. Oh goodness, why?! Moving away from that and prepare yourself for the most emotionally shaking epic trek to a fictional tower with characters you now know inside out. This trek (the last 200 or so pages) is phenomenal. King has never been better. Regardless of the final confrontation with what was a promising villain, the ending is perfect. Many complain about this, but I don't care. The ending was perfect. Anyway, sorry if that bored you but I jumped on the chance to write this post. I highly recommend the series. It has its ups and downs but once you finish the negatives seem miniscule. The characters you meet and the events that take place will stick with you forever. Well done, Mr. King, you're a rare talent!
i'd recommend reading the re-issue of the first book to a new reader. because the first one was written so many years before the rest the tone of the story is completely different (from Wizard and Glass onwards at least. I'd like to see a reissue of The Drawing of the Three and Wastelands as well). also, a lot of the mythology and the common phrases of Mid-World are missing from the the original version of the first book. King re-issued the first one to bring it into line with the rest of the series. great mini-reviews by the way
Thank you. I also agree with you about getting the re-issue of 'The Gunslinger'. There was just so much more important information within it.
The Dark Tower series is on my "to-read" list. I've been meaning to read it, but there are so many books I've been meaning to read before I start another series.
Hmmm, I read the first installment 6 months ago and loved the surrealistic descriptions and feelings. I rather thought it overly confusing though, and found myself constantly re-reading sections to try and make some sort of sense out of it. I've been meaning to read the others, but other things have been taking priority.
