Long days and pleasant nights, gunslingers and lobstrosities! I'm beyond excited to talk Stephen King's magnum opus, The Dark Tower, with you. Any questions, please feel free to drop them below and I say thankee-sai.
Hey first video of yours I've watched randomly popped up in my feet after ironically I just finished series for the 4th time. Call that ka. Anyway. What you consider the end and other people maybe different to me I've never heard anyone I speak too mention the poem Robert brownings Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came be mentioned. Its always oh he goes back to moahine desert so jake has to fall again eddie has to die again so does Oy he will lose his fingers again all again and who put him there us the reader. But this time he has the horn so mayhap his (our) journey will be complete on this cycle. That's most people view my take is the poem is the end roland gets there and blows the horn and sets all to rights in the poem he doent ascend the tower as all his loved and lost ones on the hills surrounding the tower they forgive him and he forgives himself he like susannah reliased the way of the gun is the way of death blowing elds horn knowing the beams are restored and blue haven is no more Walter dead modred dead crimson king imprisoned its enough he blows the horn and that's the true end. In my opinion. And to support it there is a chapter in book 7 where Stephen king the character is writing the series and Robert brownings works show up at his home. He takes the poem Childe Roland looks at it and says to his dog only one place for this only one place and smiles. And where is the place for the poem the end. So I believe we are reading his pentimutae cycle how many have come before we dont know but I believe the poem is his last journey and that's why its at the end of the series and like I say he blows the horn and realises his journey is complete he doesnt have to enter the tower for the (who knows) 19th time
Just finished the Waste Lands a second time. It’s so cinematic, I don’t understand how the film and television industry continues to fail and pass on this massive universe.
@@pbDEMON Sort of. It's a remixed version that sounds more action oriented... it's not just a drum track. Whenever reading the part where they're chasing after Gasher I can hear it playing in my head. Good stuff.
The only thing I would add: don’t base a decision to read the books on whether you enjoyed the movie. The movie is far different in just about every way imaginable.
I finished this series in January and this is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary and unique fantasy series I have ever read. I still regularly think about Roland and the Dark Tower universe. The dark tower is definitely not for everyone but oh man, if you are looking for something that will bend your mind, and simultaneously draw you into the a fantasy world, then read the Dark Tower. Definitely one of my all time favourite series (and yes, I actually liked the ending!)
The audio book reading of Wizard and Glass, by Frank Muller, is possibly one of the best audio performances of a novel you will ever hear. It's incredible.
@@1sweetpeach I honestly can't pick a favorite. I read the first book when I was young so that sticks with me. Drawing is the 3 reminds me of my mistakes in life. And it just steamrolls from there with the feelings
".... I come in the name of Jake Chambers- he of New York -who I call my own true son. I am Roland of Gilead, and I come as myself. YOU WILL OPEN TO ME." Not many books get a swell up from me, this did it.
I'd recommend starting with maybe one of his more popular books like Cujo or The Shining or something, get an idea of his style, and then tackle The Dark Tower. The reason being that King wrote The Gunslinger (Dark Tower 1) when he was very young, and he hadn't quite found his "voice" as an author yet. If you read The Gunslinger as your fist Stephen King book, you won't really get an accurate representation of King's writing style and it might put you off reading him further. It's a little dry and is a bit of a chore to read without the context of the larger Dark Tower story. It's the kind of book that is a lot better the second time around after you've already completed the series and have a better understanding of the world. Where the series really kicks off (at least IMO) is with "The Drawing of the Three" (book 2), which King wrote in the 80's long after he'd already established himself and his style of writing.
I think Wizard and Glass is King at his absolute best. I know that one is a little divisive but I thought it was spectacular. I’m not really a binge reader. I usually read in short bursts but I think I blew through the last 150-200 pages of this in one sitting.
By far my favorite book in the series. It was perfect. I felt so connected and exhausted after reading it that I was left in a state of depression. It was sublime
Everyone: I would not recommend starting with dark tower if you've never read Stephen King Me: decides the gunslinger will be my first Stephen King book 🤷♀️
In General, I met king by chance and not in the best way - from the book "Gunslinger". I was walking around the store, looking for an adequate popular book on physics, and then BANG, out of the corner of my eye I clung to the section of science fiction and fantasy. I decided to take a look, I see: the cover with a man in a hat and raincoat, a tower behind, the author's name is on the ear (I've heard a lot about him before), and the price tag is tempting (discounts). I decided to buy it. Came home, opened and... couldn't make out anything. I spent too much time on this thin book: two weeks, and realized that for some reason I did not like it. And thank all that I came across the next book of the cycle, after I listened to the author himself about the "Gunslinger". He himself says that the book, frankly to put it mildly, is so-so. I read "The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three" and was satisfied. Now the shelf is bursting with his books)
You should stop at book 4. The last 3 Were rushed and I think he just wrote them to shut fans about asking for them. King even warns not to read the last chapter if book 7.
Actually King wrote the entire series before he ever even published the first novel. He only published them after he had each reworked and revised to redo Roland.
I laughed when you said you wouldn't recommend starting Stephen King with the Dark Tower. As someone who is just starting the Song of Susannah it is a little too late for that advice. I chose it mostly cause I am not that fond of horror, but I really like fantasy. I thought it would be a good starting point for me and it has. The ending I think will be interesting. Mostly cause I feel I've gotten all these opinions and feelings from other people that it will be hard to go in without any expectations. Will I be waiting for that moment where I decide where I love it or hate it? Or will I be too worried about getting to that point to enjoy it? I would also love for you to do a spoiler review of the series (that I would watch after I finish it) and see what parts you liked and disliked. Great Video.
I’ve read The Gunslinger and The Drawing of the Three but have never gone further. Recently bought the paperback box set and I’m committing to go all the way through this time. Finishing up a first read of Salem’s Lot (a little over halfway) and then I’m diving back into The Dark Tower 😬
Many readers have complained about the ending but i appreciate the ending of the series a lot. I think it makes perfect sense in the whole story and the theme of the series. The ending was never there to satisfy the readers, it was there to serve the story (or serve the ka). Plus if you read close enough i think there are lots of foreshadowings to the ending whether intentional or not. It sure hurt me a lot and left a deep scar in my heart but i think the bittersweetness of it is what makes me come back to this series over and over again. You can make lots of theories about the ending even about the whole story and that is magical. Honestly i cannot think of a better way to end the series even though the parts with the crimson king were a bit weak, i accept that. However, the very ending of the story is unforgettable and unique. This is the series, which redefined my whole thinking about literature and life in general. I will never ever forget it.
I love the Dark Tower series. I got into it in my late 20s just as the last few books were comming out and the last book was god damn emotional. Like most Stephen Kings books the journey is better than the destination but the characters in this series will always have a special place in my heart. I've been listening to the series again while out on my walks and Stephen King books are even better in a audible format.
The final showdown with the big bad guy was awful. I traveled all that way with Roland, and I almost stopped before the Tower. Sneeches? Potter foolishness? Unforgivable.
I met a man who told me he read IT in a single night. Some people just built different I guess. I think I could have done that when I was a teen. Not now tho.
Perfect cast for the dark tower movies: Roland - Josh Brolin (Clint Eastwood is the obvious choice, but he's 90). Eddie - Chris Pine, Susanna/Detta - Zoe Saldana, Man in Black - Johnny Depp, Father Callahan - Tom Hanks.
I read the Gunslinger twice before I actually got to the other books. I drive 8 hours at a time for work so I thought I'd give the audio books a go. It's insane. I feel like I know these people. I feel like I know the world. It's huge and expansive and utterly mad. I'm half way through Song of Susannah and I can't wait to finish. Although I feel like I'm really going to miss them when they're gone.
This video is a fabulous introduction to The Dark Tower series! I just read The Gunslinger recently, and I’m excited to continue. From what I’ve seen so far, I would call it fantasy, though it’s also genre-defying at times as it blends in some elements that aren’t traditionally fantasy. Anyway, I really enjoyed your perspective and experience with the series. Thanks very much!
I've found that it starts as about an 80/20 western to fantasy, then gradually shifts to about a 50/50 in the middle of the series. And eventuallu closes out with about 50/20/30 sci-fi, western, fantasy.
i was in a transitional period of my life when I picked this book up, and I was worried because I had been digging through so many books and was losing interest or wouldn't finish the novels. I thought that I had just lost the patience to read books again and my brain had gone soft and smooth. Then I started reading book one, and I literally have not spent a single second without reading the series. I'm on the fourth novel now and I've only been reading the series for 2 weeks. This is all while working full time and keeping up a pretty active social life. I've actually gotten worried about my health because I stopped working out and started gaining weight a bit because all I do is sit around and read all day. I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy. I haven't been reading this obsessively since maybe I was a kid and I used to consume mystery novels and poke'mon books.
Even though it is comparatively short, I found the first Dark Tower book such a hard slog, I didn't even finish it. It probably doesn't help that I cannot stand the Westerns genre. I would love to discover a fully fleshed out sci-fi/fantasy King multiverse as readable and enjoyable as The Talisman, but I found the first instalment so off-putting, I have never investigated it further. Maybe I should...
Water for your crop. Long days and pleasant nights Sai Mike! I'm a DT tragic mate. From my elbows to my wrists I'm tattooed with Jae Lee's Marvel comics artwork of Susan Delgado and Aileen Ritter lol. I'm 43yo now and I've been a Constant Reader since I was 12yo, starting with "Salem's Lot." For the longest time I had no interest in the DT series. But then I read "Insomnia" and Ralph and Lois gave me my key to the tower. Ironically, a few nights ago I watched "The good, the bad and the ugly" for the first time, and I only now understand SKs foreword regarding his inspiration from this film. The stark deadly landscape is the Mohaine desert to a tee. The apotheosis of all deserts indeed. A huge thankie sai to you Mike, great vid mate. "He could afford it. If she was no Gunslinger, then he was a Billy Bumbler."
I’m reading King in publication order and I’m reading The Long Walk currently. Do I need to read Dead Zone, Firestarter, and Cujo before I read Gunslinger?
My mom bought me that book when it was new, I think I was 14. She knew I was a king fan. I figured, 'what the hell is going on here, King writing westerns...???", after third chapter was so hooked. Could only get those books here in my home town at whatever is on rack at the convenience stores.... and was a long, long wait till number two, the drawing of the three, then so much longer for the wastelands, was in university then..... and then boom boom boom sure love this series.
I love Stephen King and I love fantasy, I love Sergio Leone, The Lord of the Rings and the Arthurean legends. I really love postapocalyptic stories. The main character of The Dark Tower really appeals to me! Still, I've always skipped these books when reading King. I guess I'm just worried that the series won't live up to my high expectations. What if it ruins both King and fantasy for me? A second reason why I've been postponing it forever, is that it's such a long series and I rarely have time to read anymore. And I heard you say in another video before (and here again) that you were really disappointed with book 6 and 7. Even if the ending is not awful, it is a very long series (and thus a serious time investment) for the ending to just be okay... Or do you think I should read them anyway? I haven't read any of his most recent stuff but almost all of his classics. Could I, say, enjoy the first five books of The Dark Tower and then stop? Or do you advice against that? In other words: are they somewhat wrapped up stories that make you thirst for more or is it rather like one big story chopped into chunks. Thank you for this video by the way!
Huge King fan. Read the first Dark Tower book when it was new, never went any further in the series. Felt the Gunslinger was mediocre at best, I was completely underwhelmed. After all these years I went back and re-read it, assuming that there was some other factor keeping me from enjoying it the first time. Nope, I was right then - it's just nothing special.
Im at Song of Susannah right now and as Mainah that lives a couple towns over from his home town drive passed Lisbon High School Every day I can tell you with very much Confidence that Midworld is Maine. I was disappointed with the Movie but I think the Actors that played Roland and Walter nailed it. I also think it's more than fantasy it's a western sci-fi it's Adventure thriller drama all rolled into one.
The Dark Tower is the series that has had the biggest influence on my life, hands down. After finishing it I wrote my first (and only) letter to an author and had really passionate arguments with my Dad, who had that immediate negative reaction. I also have a cool Dark Tower story: as a teenager I worked as a tour guide in my hometown (which is in a small national park in Newfoundland). I gushed to a couple from Maine about my love for King, and they actually served on a committee with his wife. A few months later I received a signed copy of Song of Susannah with a personalized message. Best moment of my teen life! I recently read The First Law trilogy (thanks for convincing me!) and I was surprised at the thematic similarity to The Dark Tower. They are wildly different styles (and stories) and have ultimately different variants of the same message, but it was an interesting connection nonetheless. Really enjoyed this video, as always :)
In the midsts of a reread. As a teen I stopped at song os susannah, so trying again. Just finished Waste Lands. First read the Drawing of the Three was my favorite, this time its absolutely the Waste Lands. Onto Wizard and Glass!
Once Oy died I was over it. Idgaf about any of these a-holes but OY? Oy was such a good and loyal creature and he wasn't even in that awful movie. Argh. *unreasonable anger over fictional animal death*
When I first read the ending, I was pissed. Then I began to think about it more and I’ve come to actually like it. I think my issues now are more about a few events that take place before the ending. Specifically, the fates of two major enemies....
Gonna have another go at these....read Gunslinger a few years ago and felt the Roland was based on Clint Eastwood's man with no name. Then started book 2 and for some reason felt that Roland had turned into Crocodile Dundee...not a good look...…..
I had read IT(x2) and The Stand than read The Dark Tower. I kind of wish I had read more of King's works but I am now reading more of his works and maybe in a year or so I may re-read The Dark Tower with a better understanding of King's Universe [rinse and repeat lol (can't read all his works in a year lol)]
I was going to start book IV but after this review I wonder if I should not read The Stand before. I have read IT and understand The Turtle references... Should I make a break and read first The Stand?
As a long time King fan I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you talk about his books. I absolutely love the channel and the fact that you love King is just the icing on the cake. And I have to tell you that you totally blew my mind with this whole multiverse stuff-- I had no idea it was all connected!! I have not read this series yet and am now even more excited to get into all of it. Apparently I've missed a few things Lol. Thank you for the fabulous content-- keep it coming!!
Well Mike count me as part of the minority... Or A minority within a minority!🤪 I still hate books 6 and 7. And as a writer I felt what he did was a cop out and a huge form of hubris. I understand Stephen king thought he was going to die so he wanted to finish it As promised. I think those who think the ending is clever do so In the push to seem clever themselves when really it was very badd writing. I'm still waiting on you to do the talisman. I know you don't answer much these days since your channel is blowing up. However I really would love to see your impressions of that book.
Couldn't agree more. I collected his book. These books were hard to find in hard cover since they were publish by a small publisher Grant publishing. But I track most of them down. Then King goes and starts releasing them by mass publishing. This made my hardcover less special.
Absolutely. The ending felt like he was tired of thinking about it and just wrote whatever. And the warning not to read as it's about the journey is a cop out. Roland didn't stop outside the tower, hadn't we earned the right to enter with him? Then the ending invalidated every pain and sacrifice we felt along the way and made it for nothing, since it fixed nothing and sent us back to where everything had to be fixed all over again. I love the series more than anything else I've ever read, but the end was an outright betrayal of all the years and money I spent on these books.
I loved the ending. VAGUE SPOILER AHEAD SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ, DON'T READ ANY MORE. The way he ended it - the very end, book 6 was lousy - it makes me imagine that the journey is still continuing, rather than being done. There's something very beautiful in that, especially how we often mourn the end of a great book series.
My all time favorite books. I read the first 2 books and was instantly hooked. I remember hating that I had to wait for book 3 to come out and each book after.
Am I the only one wishing for the movie to have never existed and instead have an HBO or Netflix series that adapts this awesome saga correctly? Preferably with Hugh Jackman in the role of Roland (second best choice after Clint Eastwood, man, the resemblance is remarkable when it comes to the description in the books).
Mike's Book Reviews that’s true it would ruin that book. But I mailed my dad a copy of 11.22.63 and he was like, what’s going on with portals, and clowns and the town derry? Kings writings are so intermixed it seems that maybe IT should be the first book you read. Someone should make a guide to his books to understand wtf is going on without spoiling others.
I like the endings, I can't really think of a better one. The Crimson King confrontation is anti climactic but thinking back it sort of makes sense, Spoiler: He tried to enter the tower and it rejected him, so he just impotently rages and plots to tear the whole thing down like a toddler. That he was killed by a randomly introduced character with an inexplicable power was a bit lame
You absolutely need to read the Wreaththu series by Storm Constantine. There's nothing like it. I've read the Dark Tower series and it's in my top 5 fantasy series and so is Wreaththu. Zero tropes. Check it out :-)
@@mikesbookreviews yes but you said that there are novels outside the series that should be read before getting into DT to fully understand some references and characters, and to avoid spoilage of other books. Is there a list of what books perhaps should be read before getting into DT? Thank you !
@mikesbookreviews I was wondering the same thing! So, should we read other novels like Salems Lot and The Stand first to better understand The Dark Tower universe? If so, what other King books? I'm a horror fan and was pondering reading a good horror anyway. Maybe, Salems Lot would quench my thirst, lol...
The hardest part people say about getting into the Dark Tower is the first book, the Gunslinger. They say it drags or its boring but I recommend anyone picking up the series for the first time go ahead and get the revised and expanded edition. Not only does it add more to the story and lore, it’s more exciting and captivating. I never had a problem getting into the Gunslinger but the revised version is a much better way to read it.
my first stephen king book was the wastelands. i bought it from the book store because the cover was this ghostly train, and i thought it looked cool. cover art is how we picked everything back in the day. got towards the end of the book, and i realized we didn't have enough time to finish up. it felt it like we were just getting started. i didn't realize it was part of a series, and i was on book 3, and book 4 wasn't even out yet. i was a kid just getting into books, so i didn't know any better. i loved the wastelands despite reading it out of order, and i still think about it. i think its time to finally get into this series, after i finish the stand.
Gladly watched this video even though I've read The Dark Tower series at least seven times. Yes, it is my favorite series, and I had no problems with books 6 or 7, nor with the end. But I can understand why someone would. I'm not that blinded by my love for this series. I actually think there are a lot of great moments in book 6. Funny thing is I actually avoided this series even though I was already a constant reader. I can't put a finger on why, but yes, I actually didn't read it until about six or seven years after the last book came out. I was not disappointed, and I chided myself for putting it off as long as i did. I've talked about it at home so much one of my sons wants to read this series. He's too young at the moment, but I look forward to his experience with it. Anyway, keep up the great work Mike!
Dude! I’ve been waiting for ages for this video. I’m so happy to hear you’ve fallen in love with the series. I’m currently making my way through it now.
If I had money, connections, and influence, I would get this series filmed for the world. I don’t care if it’s seven 3-hour feature films or seven seasons with a dozen or more episodes each, but it must be done right. Not like Game of Thrones or the Star Wars sequels, where they had no clue what they were doing. Say what you will about Marvel movies, the fact is they formed a plan. The same could be done with The Dark Tower. I nominate Frank Darabont to direct The Gunslinger for starters.
When I first read the final Dark Tower I had no idea of the backlash but holy moly was I pissed off, I can't recall ever being so angry at book after reading the "true ending", but I've grown to appreciate it more over the years, I think it's soon time for me to read the whole Dark Tower saga again.
Ive read this collection twice. Now Im re-reading them while smoking a cannabis strain called BruceBanner for its creative cerebral high and Im still in love with the journey to the Tower again. On a side note, Im fascinated with the theory where our universe is in a black hole and the we're spilling out of a white hole and we're one of many universes in astro physics theory. This topic influencing parts of The Dark Tower lore together with King Arthur's alternate version being part of this story is bad a@@!
The ending was jarring when I read it. After time, I understood it and thought it was...well I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I accept the ending now.
I think the ending is perfect. I need to re-read the series. I wasn’t overly in love with the series in my original read through but I didn’t hate it either. I do feel that King rushed the last 3 books because of the pressure to finish it.
When I finished the series It Feel bittersweet bc, I didint like the ending, It make me feel like everithing was for nothing. Even that its my favorite series, I just convince my self that the ending didint happend bc without that its such a master piece.
Usually when a King adaptation happens I complain about them making changes from the source material. I'd be fine with them changing book 6 and 7 if they ever got that far ha ha
I recently started the series. The first book was a bit difficult to get through (I thought it was kind of boring). The second was quite good. Just started the third, and I think I am starting to really love it! Other than this, the only SK I have read is The Stand, It (read those last year) and Insomnia (read that one almost 15 years ago, my first SK ever). I hope it is good enough to go on.
Man, I appreciate this channel so much. I am just starting to become a more avid reader, averaging a book every week and a half (trying to balance academics and work does not leave me much free time) and this channel makes me just read more despite this lack of time. Honestly, I watch quite a few booktubers and Mike you might have to be my favorite! In general, I just like the manner in which you describe things and I happen to agree with your "book politics" and reviews on books.
The amount things that made me go "huh?" The first time I read it is insane. Recently re-read it and the part where the farmer with Zoltan was talking to rolans about a strange creature/person he saw in the desert made me jump out of my chair because I realized how crazy that little sentence actually was
The ending was the best way to finish the book. And I would suggest that it was the only way to end it. I almost want to know what happens to Roland after (hard to describe the question without spoiling).
The Dark Tower books are my favorite story of all time. Tied for first with Star Wars. Wouldn't watch the movie. Didn't want to ruin the books that I love so much.
Good sales job. As a chicken who can’t read King’s horror novel and therefore didn’t understand the references - I still loved this series. It was so weird and wonderful. Though I liked ending (my best friend set my expectations low by hating it so that was easy). As for the tropes - well they are there, if only to be smashed!
Nice shout out to Insomnia - after The Stand, that's one of my favorites. I didn't mind the ending of the series at all, and while some of King's choices in the latter few books were startling, I respect that he makes bold choices even if they don't work for everyone. I found it fascinating, myself. I love how so many of his works tie right in to the Dark Tower. Great video :D
I am up to Wizard and Glass, loved the 4th book. The Dark Tower is my palate cleanser between WOT and Cosmere. Get my King freak on. I agree, first book was just like what the hell is going on, but things make more sense later on in the series.
I loved how Kings dark tower encompassed all of his stories woven into that universe.... at first, the gunslinger pissed me off, but after the firs chapter.... dude. hooked.
@@mikesbookreviews Hehe, on vacation once, my mom bought me the gunslinger, as it was Stephen King, was nice gesture, but when I started reading it at first I was mad, thinking what the heck, King writing a Western? Well, I shoulda known better, got sucked right in, and years between books, oooooh was so good when next two books, then so long with nothing, then all last books ooohhhh.... and then all those little features from so many other stories, total Magnum Opus. Doctor sleep was also totally surprising. Thanks for the reply, have had a lot of fun with your reviews.
Oh man. The Dark Tower is one of the coolest most unique fantasy stories I've read. But damn, were there some disappointing moments. 1. The end of book three 2. I loved book 4, but a giant flashback was a terrible idea after how book 3 ended. 3. Then similar disappointing moments as you've mentioned. But still, the good stuff...
I’m one that completely hated how The Dark Tower” ended. It really pi$$ed me off that I spent that much time on seven books, a couple were difficult for me to get through, to have it end that way. I swore off Stephen King and never picked up another King book until 11/22/63. I liked that one a lot so I’ve been playing catch up with all his other books, including rereading his earliest ones. I won’t reread any of the Dark Tower books. I’ll just have to agree to disagree with some King fans on that, but I’ll tell you, besides TDT, King is an incredible writer and I look forward to the few of his books I haven’t read yet.
Now on my 6th time of reading the series and I pick up stuff that I've missed previously every time I read them. And by the way I loved the ending, absolute classic!
"The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed..." I devoured avidly the first three books, had a several years hiatus before Wizard and Glass because I couldn't find it anywhere, but I think it was Ka just preparing me for what I was about to face. That fourth book crushed me and still haunts me to this time, I can't mention that book without tears coming to my eyes as I remember Roland looking at the pyre through the crystal ball... Wolves of Calla was great, but I found it difficult to keep on after about one third of it, I could continue it after almost 3 years, and when I took it back, it was finished in less than a week. Song was different, I read it through also quite quickly, and enjoyed it a lot, but understanding that it was just part of a bigger whole. And then the last one... I fall short to tell how wild of a ride it was, but I can definitely say that its ending was the most mind-blowing thing I could have ever expected, and I can't imagine a better way to close every single of the characters' arcs. "The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed."
Long days and pleasant nights, gunslingers and lobstrosities! I'm beyond excited to talk Stephen King's magnum opus, The Dark Tower, with you. Any questions, please feel free to drop them below and I say thankee-sai.
As king fans we are all ka-tet
@@larryrodriguez1977 All things serve the Beam.
@@mikesbookreviews the beam helps me focus. I'll always follow the beam
Hey first video of yours I've watched randomly popped up in my feet after ironically I just finished series for the 4th time. Call that ka. Anyway. What you consider the end and other people maybe different to me I've never heard anyone I speak too mention the poem Robert brownings Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came be mentioned. Its always oh he goes back to moahine desert so jake has to fall again eddie has to die again so does Oy he will lose his fingers again all again and who put him there us the reader. But this time he has the horn so mayhap his (our) journey will be complete on this cycle. That's most people view my take is the poem is the end roland gets there and blows the horn and sets all to rights in the poem he doent ascend the tower as all his loved and lost ones on the hills surrounding the tower they forgive him and he forgives himself he like susannah reliased the way of the gun is the way of death blowing elds horn knowing the beams are restored and blue haven is no more Walter dead modred dead crimson king imprisoned its enough he blows the horn and that's the true end. In my opinion. And to support it there is a chapter in book 7 where Stephen king the character is writing the series and Robert brownings works show up at his home. He takes the poem Childe Roland looks at it and says to his dog only one place for this only one place and smiles. And where is the place for the poem the end. So I believe we are reading his pentimutae cycle how many have come before we dont know but I believe the poem is his last journey and that's why its at the end of the series and like I say he blows the horn and realises his journey is complete he doesnt have to enter the tower for the (who knows) 19th time
So what books could be "essential" to start The Dark Tower (The Stand and 'Salem's Lot, just those?)
"The man in black fled across the desert and the Gunslinger followed." My favorite opening line of any book.
I have a t-shirt with that line on it!
Mine is: Szeth-son-son-vallano wore white on the day he was to kill a king.
Mine too! Sets the tone so well.
It's bloody brilliant.
Also the best closing line 😉
Just finished the Waste Lands a second time. It’s so cinematic, I don’t understand how the film and television industry continues to fail and pass on this massive universe.
I listen to the God Drums on UA-cam constantly.
@@Th3Downz The drum beat from Velcro Fly? lol
@@pbDEMON Sort of. It's a remixed version that sounds more action oriented... it's not just a drum track. Whenever reading the part where they're chasing after Gasher I can hear it playing in my head. Good stuff.
Dark Tower needs a TV series.
@@jamesschrader8667 unfortunately every tv series they make these days is totally ruined by woke identity politics
The only thing I would add: don’t base a decision to read the books on whether you enjoyed the movie. The movie is far different in just about every way imaginable.
Agreed, I really feel the Dark Tower might be on of those series that is not adaptable to film.
For sure. That is easily one of the worst King adaptations ever made and they should burn the master copies.
and quite honestly, it sucked
Who the hell enjoyed the movie? It was atrocious
@@carmenorozco9208 I am sure some people enjoyed it :/
I finished this series in January and this is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary and unique fantasy series I have ever read. I still regularly think about Roland and the Dark Tower universe. The dark tower is definitely not for everyone but oh man, if you are looking for something that will bend your mind, and simultaneously draw you into the a fantasy world, then read the Dark Tower. Definitely one of my all time favourite series (and yes, I actually liked the ending!)
The Ka-Tet has definitely stuck with me.
Wait till your 3rd go round and you're still discovering (new) things that deepen the story, and keep the wheel turning
Its been 8 years since I read it and I still think of the Ka tet
The audio book reading of Wizard and Glass, by Frank Muller, is possibly one of the best audio performances of a novel you will ever hear. It's incredible.
Might have to check that out
Agreed
Yes!!! It is my favorite book of the series, maybe....
But the audio book reading is flat out amazing 🖤🌹
@@1sweetpeach I honestly can't pick a favorite. I read the first book when I was young so that sticks with me. Drawing is the 3 reminds me of my mistakes in life. And it just steamrolls from there with the feelings
Agreed
Absolutely adore The Gunslinger series. "See the turtle of enormous girth! On his back he holds the Earth..."
See the turtle, ain't he keen? All things serve the beam.
Hindu mythology reference or the Tower of God reference?
".... I come in the name of Jake Chambers- he of New York -who I call my own true son.
I am Roland of Gilead, and I come as myself. YOU WILL OPEN TO ME."
Not many books get a swell up from me, this did it.
I read that at 1230am last night. I am forever changed 🤠
If you think this is confusing then try reading the Malazan 😂
I never read a Stephen King book, I guess it is time now.
Enjoy!
start with the Gunslinger and stick with it allthrough the drawing of three.
I'd recommend starting with maybe one of his more popular books like Cujo or The Shining or something, get an idea of his style, and then tackle The Dark Tower. The reason being that King wrote The Gunslinger (Dark Tower 1) when he was very young, and he hadn't quite found his "voice" as an author yet. If you read The Gunslinger as your fist Stephen King book, you won't really get an accurate representation of King's writing style and it might put you off reading him further. It's a little dry and is a bit of a chore to read without the context of the larger Dark Tower story. It's the kind of book that is a lot better the second time around after you've already completed the series and have a better understanding of the world. Where the series really kicks off (at least IMO) is with "The Drawing of the Three" (book 2), which King wrote in the 80's long after he'd already established himself and his style of writing.
Good luck on the journey friend. This is the only book series that has made me feel every emotion. Every book is unique and amazing. Good luck.
I started with Shawshank Redemption. Not too long and very inspiring
I think Wizard and Glass is King at his absolute best. I know that one is a little divisive but I thought it was spectacular. I’m not really a binge reader. I usually read in short bursts but I think I blew through the last 150-200 pages of this in one sitting.
By far my favorite book in the series. It was perfect. I felt so connected and exhausted after reading it that I was left in a state of depression. It was sublime
Lots of folks didn't want a 400+ page flashback in the middle of the series. Me? I was all for it. I needed answers!
Everyone: I would not recommend starting with dark tower if you've never read Stephen King
Me: decides the gunslinger will be my first Stephen King book 🤷♀️
Same for me. And today I finished the whole series. It was magnificent!
It was my second. The first was Rose Madder in high school, a book most of his fans don't even like.
In General, I met king by chance and not in the best way - from the book "Gunslinger". I was walking around the store, looking for an adequate popular book on physics, and then BANG, out of the corner of my eye I clung to the section of science fiction and fantasy. I decided to take a look, I see: the cover with a man in a hat and raincoat, a tower behind, the author's name is on the ear (I've heard a lot about him before), and the price tag is tempting (discounts). I decided to buy it. Came home, opened and... couldn't make out anything. I spent too much time on this thin book: two weeks, and realized that for some reason I did not like it.
And thank all that I came across the next book of the cycle, after I listened to the author himself about the "Gunslinger". He himself says that the book, frankly to put it mildly, is so-so. I read "The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three" and was satisfied. Now the shelf is bursting with his books)
The Talisman, Insomnia, the stand, Black house, King created WORLDS. hot chocolate, mit shlat( whipped cream)..... I love my tortoise the most:)
You should stop at book 4. The last 3 Were rushed and I think he just wrote them to shut fans about asking for them. King even warns not to read the last chapter if book 7.
Actually King wrote the entire series before he ever even published the first novel. He only published them after he had each reworked and revised to redo Roland.
I laughed when you said you wouldn't recommend starting Stephen King with the Dark Tower. As someone who is just starting the Song of Susannah it is a little too late for that advice. I chose it mostly cause I am not that fond of horror, but I really like fantasy. I thought it would be a good starting point for me and it has. The ending I think will be interesting. Mostly cause I feel I've gotten all these opinions and feelings from other people that it will be hard to go in without any expectations. Will I be waiting for that moment where I decide where I love it or hate it? Or will I be too worried about getting to that point to enjoy it? I would also love for you to do a spoiler review of the series (that I would watch after I finish it) and see what parts you liked and disliked. Great Video.
I've actually had others tell me doing it this way makes the events in his other books make more sense. So I guess that's fair.
I’ve read The Gunslinger and The Drawing of the Three but have never gone further. Recently bought the paperback box set and I’m committing to go all the way through this time. Finishing up a first read of Salem’s Lot (a little over halfway) and then I’m diving back into The Dark Tower 😬
Well, how was it?
Detailed for a bit, but just recently finished Wolves of the Calla and starting Song of Susannah. Still loving it!
The problem with the Dark Tower series was the ending. It was so lazy and rushed.
Many readers have complained about the ending but i appreciate the ending of the series a lot. I think it makes perfect sense in the whole story and the theme of the series. The ending was never there to satisfy the readers, it was there to serve the story (or serve the ka). Plus if you read close enough i think there are lots of foreshadowings to the ending whether intentional or not. It sure hurt me a lot and left a deep scar in my heart but i think the bittersweetness of it is what makes me come back to this series over and over again. You can make lots of theories about the ending even about the whole story and that is magical. Honestly i cannot think of a better way to end the series even though the parts with the crimson king were a bit weak, i accept that. However, the very ending of the story is unforgettable and unique. This is the series, which redefined my whole thinking about literature and life in general. I will never ever forget it.
I love the Dark Tower series. I got into it in my late 20s just as the last few books were comming out and the last book was god damn emotional. Like most Stephen Kings books the journey is better than the destination but the characters in this series will always have a special place in my heart. I've been listening to the series again while out on my walks and Stephen King books are even better in a audible format.
Yes, I love the modern Ka-Tet. The whole damn group. Tears were shed.
The final showdown with the big bad guy was awful.
I traveled all that way with Roland, and I almost stopped before the Tower.
Sneeches? Potter foolishness? Unforgivable.
Oh, the final battle was a HUGE gripe.
Can't take s tongue and cheek joke?
KA is a wheel!!! Great books!!!
You read Gunslinger, Drawing of the Three AND Wastelands in “a couple of days?” Seriously?
I met a man who told me he read IT in a single night. Some people just built different I guess. I think I could have done that when I was a teen. Not now tho.
Perfect cast for the dark tower movies: Roland - Josh Brolin (Clint Eastwood is the obvious choice, but he's 90). Eddie - Chris Pine, Susanna/Detta - Zoe Saldana, Man in Black - Johnny Depp, Father Callahan - Tom Hanks.
I read the Gunslinger twice before I actually got to the other books. I drive 8 hours at a time for work so I thought I'd give the audio books a go.
It's insane. I feel like I know these people. I feel like I know the world. It's huge and expansive and utterly mad.
I'm half way through Song of Susannah and I can't wait to finish. Although I feel like I'm really going to miss them when they're gone.
You will
Even with my criticisms of the final 2 books, there were tears. I loved that group.
My wife raves about the audiobooks. I have only read them.
This video is a fabulous introduction to The Dark Tower series! I just read The Gunslinger recently, and I’m excited to continue. From what I’ve seen so far, I would call it fantasy, though it’s also genre-defying at times as it blends in some elements that aren’t traditionally fantasy. Anyway, I really enjoyed your perspective and experience with the series. Thanks very much!
Hope you enjoy it!
I've found that it starts as about an 80/20 western to fantasy, then gradually shifts to about a 50/50 in the middle of the series. And eventuallu closes out with about 50/20/30 sci-fi, western, fantasy.
Wyatt Horstman Sounds like quite a trip! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
i was in a transitional period of my life when I picked this book up, and I was worried because I had been digging through so many books and was losing interest or wouldn't finish the novels. I thought that I had just lost the patience to read books again and my brain had gone soft and smooth. Then I started reading book one, and I literally have not spent a single second without reading the series. I'm on the fourth novel now and I've only been reading the series for 2 weeks. This is all while working full time and keeping up a pretty active social life. I've actually gotten worried about my health because I stopped working out and started gaining weight a bit because all I do is sit around and read all day. I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy. I haven't been reading this obsessively since maybe I was a kid and I used to consume mystery novels and poke'mon books.
Just wait until high speech starts slipping into your everyday vocabulary.
Even though it is comparatively short, I found the first Dark Tower book such a hard slog, I didn't even finish it. It probably doesn't help that I cannot stand the Westerns genre. I would love to discover a fully fleshed out sci-fi/fantasy King multiverse as readable and enjoyable as The Talisman, but I found the first instalment so off-putting, I have never investigated it further. Maybe I should...
Water for your crop. Long days and pleasant nights Sai Mike! I'm a DT tragic mate. From my elbows to my wrists I'm tattooed with Jae Lee's Marvel comics artwork of Susan Delgado and Aileen Ritter lol. I'm 43yo now and I've been a Constant Reader since I was 12yo, starting with "Salem's Lot." For the longest time I had no interest in the DT series. But then I read "Insomnia" and Ralph and Lois gave me my key to the tower. Ironically, a few nights ago I watched "The good, the bad and the ugly" for the first time, and I only now understand SKs foreword regarding his inspiration from this film. The stark deadly landscape is the Mohaine desert to a tee. The apotheosis of all deserts indeed. A huge thankie sai to you Mike, great vid mate.
"He could afford it. If she was no Gunslinger, then he was a Billy Bumbler."
I’m reading King in publication order and I’m reading The Long Walk currently. Do I need to read Dead Zone, Firestarter, and Cujo before I read Gunslinger?
My mom bought me that book when it was new, I think I was 14. She knew I was a king fan. I figured, 'what the hell is going on here, King writing westerns...???", after third chapter was so hooked. Could only get those books here in my home town at whatever is on rack at the convenience stores.... and was a long, long wait till number two, the drawing of the three, then so much longer for the wastelands, was in university then..... and then boom boom boom sure love this series.
I love Stephen King and I love fantasy, I love Sergio Leone, The Lord of the Rings and the Arthurean legends. I really love postapocalyptic stories. The main character of The Dark Tower really appeals to me! Still, I've always skipped these books when reading King. I guess I'm just worried that the series won't live up to my high expectations. What if it ruins both King and fantasy for me? A second reason why I've been postponing it forever, is that it's such a long series and I rarely have time to read anymore. And I heard you say in another video before (and here again) that you were really disappointed with book 6 and 7. Even if the ending is not awful, it is a very long series (and thus a serious time investment) for the ending to just be okay... Or do you think I should read them anyway? I haven't read any of his most recent stuff but almost all of his classics. Could I, say, enjoy the first five books of The Dark Tower and then stop? Or do you advice against that? In other words: are they somewhat wrapped up stories that make you thirst for more or is it rather like one big story chopped into chunks. Thank you for this video by the way!
Huge King fan. Read the first Dark Tower book when it was new, never went any further in the series. Felt the Gunslinger was mediocre at best, I was completely underwhelmed. After all these years I went back and re-read it, assuming that there was some other factor keeping me from enjoying it the first time. Nope, I was right then - it's just nothing special.
Sell it in one sentence. LOTR mixed with The Postman mixed with Clint Eastwood.
Ha ha I said Man With No Name Trilogy, Tolkien, Arthurian Legend.
Im at Song of Susannah right now and as Mainah that lives a couple towns over from his home town drive passed Lisbon High School Every day I can tell you with very much Confidence that Midworld is Maine. I was disappointed with the Movie but I think the Actors that played Roland and Walter nailed it. I also think it's more than fantasy it's a western sci-fi it's Adventure thriller drama all rolled into one.
The setting of The Dark Tower feels like post nuclear apocalypse, possibly the year 3000/4000 who knows
The Dark Tower is the series that has had the biggest influence on my life, hands down. After finishing it I wrote my first (and only) letter to an author and had really passionate arguments with my Dad, who had that immediate negative reaction. I also have a cool Dark Tower story: as a teenager I worked as a tour guide in my hometown (which is in a small national park in Newfoundland). I gushed to a couple from Maine about my love for King, and they actually served on a committee with his wife. A few months later I received a signed copy of Song of Susannah with a personalized message. Best moment of my teen life! I recently read The First Law trilogy (thanks for convincing me!) and I was surprised at the thematic similarity to The Dark Tower. They are wildly different styles (and stories) and have ultimately different variants of the same message, but it was an interesting connection nonetheless. Really enjoyed this video, as always :)
Great story! Thanks for sharing.
In the midsts of a reread. As a teen I stopped at song os susannah, so trying again. Just finished Waste Lands. First read the Drawing of the Three was my favorite, this time its absolutely the Waste Lands. Onto Wizard and Glass!
Once Oy died I was over it. Idgaf about any of these a-holes but OY? Oy was such a good and loyal creature and he wasn't even in that awful movie. Argh. *unreasonable anger over fictional animal death*
When I first read the ending, I was pissed. Then I began to think about it more and I’ve come to actually like it. I think my issues now are more about a few events that take place before the ending. Specifically, the fates of two major enemies....
Gonna have another go at these....read Gunslinger a few years ago and felt the Roland was based on Clint Eastwood's man with no name. Then started book 2 and for some reason felt that Roland had turned into Crocodile Dundee...not a good look...…..
I had read IT(x2) and The Stand than read The Dark Tower. I kind of wish I had read more of King's works but I am now reading more of his works and maybe in a year or so I may re-read The Dark Tower with a better understanding of King's Universe [rinse and repeat lol (can't read all his works in a year lol)]
I was going to start book IV but after this review I wonder if I should not read The Stand before. I have read IT and understand The Turtle references... Should I make a break and read first The Stand?
As a long time King fan I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you talk about his books. I absolutely love the channel and the fact that you love King is just the icing on the cake.
And I have to tell you that you totally blew my mind with this whole multiverse stuff-- I had no idea it was all connected!! I have not read this series yet and am now even more excited to get into all of it. Apparently I've missed a few things Lol.
Thank you for the fabulous content-- keep it coming!!
Glad you like them!
Well Mike count me as part of the minority... Or A minority within a minority!🤪
I still hate books 6 and 7. And as a writer I felt what he did was a cop out and a huge form of hubris. I understand Stephen king thought he was going to die so he wanted to finish it As promised. I think those who think the ending is clever do so In the push to seem clever themselves when really it was very badd writing.
I'm still waiting on you to do the talisman. I know you don't answer much these days since your channel is blowing up. However I really would love to see your impressions of that book.
Couldn't agree more. I collected his book. These books were hard to find in hard cover since they were publish by a small publisher Grant publishing. But I track most of them down. Then King goes and starts releasing them by mass publishing. This made my hardcover less special.
Absolutely. The ending felt like he was tired of thinking about it and just wrote whatever. And the warning not to read as it's about the journey is a cop out. Roland didn't stop outside the tower, hadn't we earned the right to enter with him? Then the ending invalidated every pain and sacrifice we felt along the way and made it for nothing, since it fixed nothing and sent us back to where everything had to be fixed all over again. I love the series more than anything else I've ever read, but the end was an outright betrayal of all the years and money I spent on these books.
best series ever along with berserk.
If it’s as good as Berserk than I’m so gonna read it!!! Rip Kentaro Miura
I'll never forget Blaine the mono 😂
Haha riddles for days.
Blaine the Insane Crazy Train!
Blaine is a Pain. And that is the Truth.
The John Wayne voice always gets me
@@Th3Downz 😂
I loved the ending. VAGUE SPOILER AHEAD SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ, DON'T READ ANY MORE. The way he ended it - the very end, book 6 was lousy - it makes me imagine that the journey is still continuing, rather than being done. There's something very beautiful in that, especially how we often mourn the end of a great book series.
I actually thought the cyclical nature was a nice touch. I just hated his meta bullshit and the disappointment that was The Crimson King.
@@mikesbookreviews No argument there!
This is a very good and a very bad series at the same time..if that makes sense. The last two books can make a man change his heart..
I can not argue.
My all time favorite books. I read the first 2 books and was instantly hooked. I remember hating that I had to wait for book 3 to come out and each book after.
I was lucky enough I only had to wait 6-7 years for the series to be done. But it felt like forever at the time.
I am 14 can you recommend stephen king books for me? Pls reply me
Hearts on Atlantis, not very popular, but boy, important later.
I loved hearts in Antlantis. It had a charm
insomnia is the next king book i wanne read since it matters so mutch for the Dark Tower (even tho i have already read the dark tower series)
There's some good Crimson King stuff in there.
Am I the only one wishing for the movie to have never existed and instead have an HBO or Netflix series that adapts this awesome saga correctly? Preferably with Hugh Jackman in the role of Roland (second best choice after Clint Eastwood, man, the resemblance is remarkable when it comes to the description in the books).
I can't see hugh Jackman. Maybe Liam Neeson.
The dark tower would be best handled visually as a gritty anime. I swear by it.
If you read the dark tower first, you will actually understand what’s going on in other King books
I guess that's fair. Even if it completely spoils Salem's Lot.
Mike's Book Reviews that’s true it would ruin that book. But I mailed my dad a copy of 11.22.63 and he was like, what’s going on with portals, and clowns and the town derry? Kings writings are so intermixed it seems that maybe IT should be the first book you read. Someone should make a guide to his books to understand wtf is going on without spoiling others.
I like the endings, I can't really think of a better one. The Crimson King confrontation is anti climactic but thinking back it sort of makes sense,
Spoiler: He tried to enter the tower and it rejected him, so he just impotently rages and plots to tear the whole thing down like a toddler. That he was killed by a randomly introduced character with an inexplicable power was a bit lame
The prose outweighs the cons, couldn't agree more ;)
You absolutely need to read the Wreaththu series by Storm Constantine. There's nothing like it. I've read the Dark Tower series and it's in my top 5 fantasy series and so is Wreaththu. Zero tropes. Check it out :-)
Accidently chanced upon the series and it is INCOMPARABLE.
My #1favorite series of all time.
Started the final book a few days ago. Somewhat scared of the ending as I fell into the group that hated book 6.
I hope you like it. As I said, it wasn't the actual ending that bothered me. Just decisions made in books 6 and 7.
Stop reading when Stephen King tells you too. If you read on you will disappointed.
So where do you recommend starting realistically ? Would I have to start from his first publication ?
Book 1. The Gunslinger.
@@mikesbookreviews yes but you said that there are novels outside the series that should be read before getting into DT to fully understand some references and characters, and to avoid spoilage of other books. Is there a list of what books perhaps should be read before getting into DT?
Thank you !
@mikesbookreviews I was wondering the same thing! So, should we read other novels like Salems Lot and The Stand first to better understand The Dark Tower universe? If so, what other King books? I'm a horror fan and was pondering reading a good horror anyway. Maybe, Salems Lot would quench my thirst, lol...
The hardest part people say about getting into the Dark Tower is the first book, the Gunslinger. They say it drags or its boring but I recommend anyone picking up the series for the first time go ahead and get the revised and expanded edition. Not only does it add more to the story and lore, it’s more exciting and captivating. I never had a problem getting into the Gunslinger but the revised version is a much better way to read it.
I was never bored the first book because I wanted answers.
didn’t like first book the rest were great
Just wanted to add that I wasn’t crazy about the ending, but after thinking about it for awhile, it’s the only ending that could have happened
The actual ending wasn't what bothered me. Just a handful of things from 6 and 7.
I've only read the Gunslinger (I do plan on reading the rest) but it has my favourite opening of any book ever.
It is a brilliant line.
my first stephen king book was the wastelands. i bought it from the book store because the cover was this ghostly train, and i thought it looked cool. cover art is how we picked everything back in the day. got towards the end of the book, and i realized we didn't have enough time to finish up. it felt it like we were just getting started. i didn't realize it was part of a series, and i was on book 3, and book 4 wasn't even out yet. i was a kid just getting into books, so i didn't know any better. i loved the wastelands despite reading it out of order, and i still think about it. i think its time to finally get into this series, after i finish the stand.
Gladly watched this video even though I've read The Dark Tower series at least seven times. Yes, it is my favorite series, and I had no problems with books 6 or 7, nor with the end. But I can understand why someone would. I'm not that blinded by my love for this series. I actually think there are a lot of great moments in book 6. Funny thing is I actually avoided this series even though I was already a constant reader. I can't put a finger on why, but yes, I actually didn't read it until about six or seven years after the last book came out. I was not disappointed, and I chided myself for putting it off as long as i did. I've talked about it at home so much one of my sons wants to read this series. He's too young at the moment, but I look forward to his experience with it. Anyway, keep up the great work Mike!
Yeah, I was totally out of fantasy and I think that's why I didn't make a bigger push to dig up books 1-3 as a teenager.
Dude! I’ve been waiting for ages for this video. I’m so happy to hear you’ve fallen in love with the series. I’m currently making my way through it now.
I'll always admire it for bringing me back to the fantasy genre.
Mike's Book Reviews I agree! Honestly, this is one of the first fantasy series I’ve ever read. I adore it absolutely.
If I had money, connections, and influence, I would get this series filmed for the world. I don’t care if it’s seven 3-hour feature films or seven seasons with a dozen or more episodes each, but it must be done right. Not like Game of Thrones or the Star Wars sequels, where they had no clue what they were doing. Say what you will about Marvel movies, the fact is they formed a plan. The same could be done with The Dark Tower. I nominate Frank Darabont to direct The Gunslinger for starters.
Yeah, if I was a billionaire these are certainly the passion projects I would fund 😂
When I first read the final Dark Tower I had no idea of the backlash but holy moly was I pissed off, I can't recall ever being so angry at book after reading the "true ending", but I've grown to appreciate it more over the years, I think it's soon time for me to read the whole Dark Tower saga again.
Ive read this collection twice. Now Im re-reading them while smoking a cannabis strain called BruceBanner for its creative cerebral high and Im still in love with the journey to the Tower again. On a side note, Im fascinated with the theory where our universe is in a black hole and the we're spilling out of a white hole and we're one of many universes in astro physics theory. This topic influencing parts of The Dark Tower lore together with King Arthur's alternate version being part of this story is bad a@@!
Very much so.
The problem is I can't decide which Stephen King novel I'll read lo
The ending was jarring when I read it. After time, I understood it and thought it was...well I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I accept the ending now.
Intresting that his magnus opus is almost an underground work
I think the ending is perfect. I need to re-read the series. I wasn’t overly in love with the series in my original read through but I didn’t hate it either. I do feel that King rushed the last 3 books because of the pressure to finish it.
He was spooked about dying after his accident so I believe he rushed it.
I will after I finish the stand and salem's lot
Have fun!
When I finished the series It Feel bittersweet bc, I didint like the ending, It make me feel like everithing was for nothing.
Even that its my favorite series, I just convince my self that the ending didint happend bc without that its such a master piece.
Usually when a King adaptation happens I complain about them making changes from the source material. I'd be fine with them changing book 6 and 7 if they ever got that far ha ha
There are different interpretations of the ending too. Especially with him having the horn.
I'm right there with ya.
I recently started the series. The first book was a bit difficult to get through (I thought it was kind of boring). The second was quite good. Just started the third, and I think I am starting to really love it!
Other than this, the only SK I have read is The Stand, It (read those last year) and Insomnia (read that one almost 15 years ago, my first SK ever). I hope it is good enough to go on.
Thankee Sai, long days and pleasant nights to you.
May you remember the face of your father.
Man, I appreciate this channel so much. I am just starting to become a more avid reader, averaging a book every week and a half (trying to balance academics and work does not leave me much free time) and this channel makes me just read more despite this lack of time. Honestly, I watch quite a few booktubers and Mike you might have to be my favorite!
In general, I just like the manner in which you describe things and I happen to agree with your "book politics" and reviews on books.
Thank you so much for saying so.
The reread of that series will have to happen soon because I've been craving it.
I just did Gunslinger re-read and was floored by the level of foreshadowing.
The amount things that made me go "huh?" The first time I read it is insane. Recently re-read it and the part where the farmer with Zoltan was talking to rolans about a strange creature/person he saw in the desert made me jump out of my chair because I realized how crazy that little sentence actually was
I am finishing reread (audiobook) of the Gunslinger too!
The ending was the best way to finish the book. And I would suggest that it was the only way to end it. I almost want to know what happens to Roland after (hard to describe the question without spoiling).
The Dark Tower books are my favorite story of all time. Tied for first with Star Wars. Wouldn't watch the movie. Didn't want to ruin the books that I love so much.
That movie was Mystery Science Theater 3000 bad.
I hated the movie.... until I noticed that roland is carrying the horn tied to the back of his gunna... i still hate it. But less so now.
@@mikesbookreviews Well, anything made by Sony turns to shit 🤣😬
Good sales job.
As a chicken who can’t read King’s horror novel and therefore didn’t understand the references - I still loved this series. It was so weird and wonderful.
Though I liked ending (my best friend set my expectations low by hating it so that was easy).
As for the tropes - well they are there, if only to be smashed!
Nice shout out to Insomnia - after The Stand, that's one of my favorites. I didn't mind the ending of the series at all, and while some of King's choices in the latter few books were startling, I respect that he makes bold choices even if they don't work for everyone. I found it fascinating, myself. I love how so many of his works tie right in to the Dark Tower. Great video :D
This is easily in my top 5 favorite fantasy series of all time. Maybe even top 3. Glad to see you cover it.
Also, that was a great intro. 👍👍
I am up to Wizard and Glass, loved the 4th book.
The Dark Tower is my palate cleanser between WOT and Cosmere. Get my King freak on.
I agree, first book was just like what the hell is going on, but things make more sense later on in the series.
And on a re-read it'll blow your mind just how much foreshadowing is in that book.
Mike's Book Reviews oyeah, I am already remembering things from the first book coming up in later books were I go o damn.
I loved how Kings dark tower encompassed all of his stories woven into that universe.... at first, the gunslinger pissed me off, but after the firs chapter.... dude. hooked.
Indeed. The mythology it helps build into the Multiverse as a whole is astounding.
@@mikesbookreviews Hehe, on vacation once, my mom bought me the gunslinger, as it was Stephen King, was nice gesture, but when I started reading it at first I was mad, thinking what the heck, King writing a Western? Well, I shoulda known better, got sucked right in, and years between books, oooooh was so good when next two books, then so long with nothing, then all last books ooohhhh.... and then all those little features from so many other stories, total Magnum Opus. Doctor sleep was also totally surprising. Thanks for the reply, have had a lot of fun with your reviews.
Oh man. The Dark Tower is one of the coolest most unique fantasy stories I've read. But damn, were there some disappointing moments.
1. The end of book three
2. I loved book 4, but a giant flashback was a terrible idea after how book 3 ended.
3. Then similar disappointing moments as you've mentioned.
But still, the good stuff...
I really liked the flashback since it was info I had been wanting, but it did seem out of place and the wait for WotC feel like forever.
@@mikesbookreviews Exactly my thoughts.
I want to like this video... but it’s currently at 666 likes and 6 dislikes and I won’t be the one that breaks this beauty
I cannot argue with this logic.
“There will be water if Ka wills it.”
I’m one that completely hated how The Dark Tower” ended. It really pi$$ed me off that I spent that much time on seven books, a couple were difficult for me to get through, to have it end that way. I swore off Stephen King and never picked up another King book until 11/22/63. I liked that one a lot so I’ve been playing catch up with all his other books, including rereading his earliest ones. I won’t reread any of the Dark Tower books. I’ll just have to agree to disagree with some King fans on that, but I’ll tell you, besides TDT, King is an incredible writer and I look forward to the few of his books I haven’t read yet.
Yea just decided I need to reread Salem's Lot along with some others before my Dark Tower reread.
Great video.
Great video, Mike. I'm making my way through the multiverse, and I can't wait to read this series.
You're going to dig it.
Now on my 6th time of reading the series and I pick up stuff that I've missed previously every time I read them. And by the way I loved the ending, absolute classic!
"The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed..."
I devoured avidly the first three books, had a several years hiatus before Wizard and Glass because I couldn't find it anywhere, but I think it was Ka just preparing me for what I was about to face. That fourth book crushed me and still haunts me to this time, I can't mention that book without tears coming to my eyes as I remember Roland looking at the pyre through the crystal ball...
Wolves of Calla was great, but I found it difficult to keep on after about one third of it, I could continue it after almost 3 years, and when I took it back, it was finished in less than a week. Song was different, I read it through also quite quickly, and enjoyed it a lot, but understanding that it was just part of a bigger whole. And then the last one... I fall short to tell how wild of a ride it was, but I can definitely say that its ending was the most mind-blowing thing I could have ever expected, and I can't imagine a better way to close every single of the characters' arcs.
"The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed."
Seems we had similar experiences.
Hated the ending
I'm still a touch bitter about it ha ha
Because Blain is a pain and that is the truth.
Awesome video! Just finished Drawing of the Three tonight!
About to fire up Waste Lands here in a few min :)
Have fun!
Im half way through song of susannah and loving the series.
Happy to hear it!