The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.
Stephen King, The Gunslinger.
Author: Stephen King
Publisher/Publisher Date: Pocket Books/2004
Library/Bookstore: Inklings
Date Borrowed/Bought/Read: 2010
Rating: *****
What It's About: This is the last book in Stephen King's epic saga about the gunslinger, Roland, and his quest to reach the Dark Tower. At last, we finally get to find out what is to become of Roland, Susannah, Eddie, Jake, and Oy.
Why I Chose to Read It: For a long time, I put off reading this book because I didn't want the journey to end. I was also afraid that I wouldn't like the ending. However, I had to find out what happened when Roland reached the Dark Tower.
Notes About the Book (highlight to read):
- I cried a lot while reading this book, especially when Eddie, Jake, and Oy died.
- I was surprised when Susannah abandoned Roland when they were so close to the tower to go someplace that could have easily been a trap.
- Mordred the were-spider constantly had me looking around to see if any spiders were nearby. Still, I thought his character was a letdown. We went through all of that drama with Susannah and Mia and the nightmarish delivery for this? Seriously? Ugh.
- I loved Roland's speech when he finally reached the tower.
- I was EXTREMELY disappointed with Roland's confrontation with the Crimson King. It was lame. He threw sneetches as Roland hid behind a rock.
- At first the ending made me angry (I had to read the coda), but now I've come to accept it. Would I have really been satisfied with a happily ever after ending? Probably not. However, I was surprised by how I upset I was with the realization of Roland's cruel Sisyphean fate. Now it somehow seems fitting though. Ka is a wheel.
Do I Recommend It? Yes. I treasure this series and I'm extremely thankful to Stephen King for writing it.
Links:
The Dark Tower - Official Site
