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The Dark Tower #1

The Gunslinger

stephen king george guidall

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The Gunslinger is the first novel of Stephen King's magnificent Dark Tower fantasy series. Each volume is a New York Times best-seller, and critics and millions of fans around the world hail the saga as King's masterpiece.

In a strange, desolate world that has inexplicably “moved on,” Roland of Gilead is the last gunslinger—replete with dusty Old West garb and a duo of six-shooters. Roland hunts the elusive man in black, the mysterious wizard who holds the key to the secrets of the Dark Tower. If he catches him before it's too late, Roland is sure he will discover why the world has changed.

Stephen King is the undisputed master of horror and suspense and never fails to inspire fear and wonder. Featuring a spellbinding narration by George Guidall, The Gunslinger will haunt listeners long after its conclusion and whet their appetite for the next volume of the Dark Tower saga.
From ISBN 1402559445 / 9781402559440

6 Audio CDs / 7 Hours 30 mins

~

8 pages, Audio CD

First published June 1,1982
Series
The Dark Tower

This edition

Format
8 pages, Audio CD
Published
January 1, 2003 by Recorded Books
ISBN
9781402559440
ASIN
1402559445
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Jake Chambers

    Jake Chambers

    ...

  • Roland Deschain

    Roland Deschain

    Roland Deschain of Gilead is a fictional character and the protagonist of Stephen Kings The Dark Tower series. He is the son of Steven and Gabrielle Deschain and is descended from a long line of "gunslingers", peacekeepers and diplomats of Roland&ap...

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About the author

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stephen king

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Stephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.

Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.

He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.

Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.

In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 98 votes)
5 stars
43(44%)
4 stars
29(30%)
3 stars
26(27%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
98 reviews All reviews
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Cherryrune
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I read the first of this series so long ago that I don't have any arguments to write a review.

I remember that I liked it, although I found it quite disconcerting. Then, I let time pass to read the second one... and to this day it remains unopened. And, I would like to, but I'm too lazy, with so many books that I have pending. I have always liked the stand-alone works of the master more. What can we do!

But I don't rule out pulling the blanket over my head and continuing with this series. Or not.

Perhaps one day, when I have more free time and less of a backlog of other books, I will finally pick up the second volume and see where the story takes me. Until then, it will just have to wait on my bookshelf.

I know that I'm missing out on something by not continuing the series, but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to pick up a book that has been sitting there for so long.

Maybe I'll have a sudden burst of inspiration and decide to give it a go. Or maybe it will just continue to gather dust. Only time will tell.

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xFalseGalaxy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Gunslinger by Stephen King is a captivating and unique work. Published in 1982 as the first in the 'Dark Tower' series, it takes readers on a dark and gritty journey through a Dream Fantasy/Horror mashup. The story follows Roland, an Old-Western Style Pistolero, as he pursues the enigmatic Man in Black through a desolate world. Along the way, he meets Jake, and their journey forms the core of the book.

5 ⭐

\n  ”The universe is the Great All, and offers a paradox too great for the finite mind to grasp. As the living brain cannot conceive of a nonliving brain – although it may think it can – the finite mind cannot grasp the infinite.”\n


The book's setting is strange, with time losing its meaning and language being forgotten. The inhabitants have become deranged due to an unknown force. What sets this book apart is a moment when the scope of the tale expands, revealing King's ambitious vision for the series.

However, the book has its drawbacks. It doesn't have a typical self-contained story with a satisfying conclusion. Instead, it leaves many questions unanswered, making it more of a prologue. Some readers also found the story strange and confusing, as there are too few puzzle pieces to understand the full picture.

Despite this, the book has fantastic characterisation, with both the main and secondary characters being memorable. The recurring themes of Fate, Time, Language, Love, and Sexual Desire add to the mystery and atmosphere of the novel.

\n  ”Few if any seemed to have grasped the truest principle of reality: new knowledge leads always to yet more awesome mysteries.”\n

In conclusion, The Gunslinger is a must-read for fans of Stephen King and those who enjoy unique and thought-provoking stories. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to embrace its strangeness and mystery will be rewarded with a captivating and unforgettable experience.

I will be continuing with the series and reading 'The Drawing of the Three' next. I'm excited to see where the story takes me and hope it lives up to the expectations set by The Gunslinger.

\n  ”… three is mystic. Three stands at the heart of your quest. Another number comes later. Now the number is three.”\n
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loungyoo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A Gunslinger, a Man in Black, a Child Out of Time & Space, the Beginning of a Cryptic Saga...

A Second Read. The first time, I was unimpressed, bored, and agitated, so I gave up. However, the second time around, it was so much better. There was a lot to consider, and it became an enjoyable experience.

A Strangely Sparse Narrative. Perhaps there is too much mystery, too much of a tease and not enough action. Maybe there is also too much to think about, and a frustrating lack of detail.

A Tarot Card: THE HANGED MAN... Sacrifice... Renunciation... Contemplation... Waiting...

A Brilliant Passage detailing the life and death of a boy from 1970s NYC...

A Pretty Good Passage detailing the strange beginnings of a gunslinger from Gilead, a knight from Inner-Earth...

An Enjoyably Creepy Passage detailing the death of a town...

A Tarot Card: DEATH... The Ending of a Cycle... Transitioning Into a New State... Regeneration... Goodbyes...

A Poorly Characterized Villain, with too many arch comments and rote phrases, villainy by numbers...

A Kind of First Novel, recently upgraded. It is impressive in conception but less so in execution. And yet...

A Good Start: despite the flaws and the thinness, it is a beautifully written and intriguingly mythic start to a series. I will continue reading as I need to see the end of it all...

A Tarot Card: THE TOWER... Chaos, Sudden Change... Crisis, Revelation... Disillusion, Crash... Ruin, Explosive Transformation...
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irlfutabasakura
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Twelve years in the making, and finally released in 1992, this book kicks off the story that would envelop King's career.

When I first read it, I thought it was just okay and had no interest in the Dark Tower or the following books. However, after reading some of the subsequent books and then rereading this one, I could appreciate the scene-setting foundation of this series.

On my third reading (second reading of this revised version), this book is more like a marker outlining the rest of the then yet-to-be-written series. First-time readers should beware that this is a magnificent series, so don't let the at times meandering and other times engrossing opener put you off. And for the Constant Reader, this is a book you absolutely cannot skip.

This is a sombre introduction to one of the darkest anti-heroes in fiction, who brings a new meaning to the word collateral damage. Many of the foreshadowings in this book are blatant, yet I missed them on previous reads or forgot them. So much of the Dark Tower lore is set out in this book.

On the first read, the ending didn't sit well with me, and even now it's far from one of my favourites. King does well, as usual, in telling a compelling coming-of-age story (Jake's). The storytelling style kind of works, but it feels like there isn't enough information in the shared tales told by the characters. This is probably intentional, but more depth in the characterizations would/may have served better. However, the characterization of Roland is spot-on.

All in all, it's a quite laid-back start on the road to the Dark Tower. I rate it an 8.5 out of 12; 2 "and the Dark Man followed" very strong Four Star Read.

2018 and 2006 read
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tomuramuffin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Please don't hate me.

I understand that it might seem disrespectful to rate a Stephen King work with less than 4 stars. However, for the first 75% of this book, it was extremely slow. That doesn't mean I didn't like it, but I found it easy to put down and not feel the urge to pick it up again for days.

I've heard many people describe this as a great prologue to the series, and in a way, the action and story don't become truly engaging until book 2. This, combined with the fact that I became very involved in the final 25% or so of this book, has made me eager to continue with Roland. Because, dear God, that ending! I was just cruising along, and then I had to reread the last few pages several times to make sure I understood what was happening.

Overall, I have the feeling that this is a really special series and worthy of the high praise it has received for decades. I expect my future reviews will be more enthusiastic and fangirly than this one.

PS - My prim and proper mother (we affectionately call her Nonni) was the one who first convinced me to read this series and also invest in The Stand because she read both way back when. Who knew Nonni was so cool and trendy and in the know?
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ezeban
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed. This line has lingered in my mind for countless years, making me believe that one day I would return to THE GUNSLINGER. As a young teenage girl, I read this book but didn't really like it. It didn't make me hate it; rather, it simply confused me. To review it, I must take you back to when I first read it as a teen.

Stephen King holds a special place in my heart. He is special because when I first discovered him, it was the first time I ventured out on my own to read something not influenced by anyone else. Before that, all the books I read were hand-me-downs. I borrowed books from my brother, like John D MacDonald's Travis McGee series, or Nancy Drew from my sister, Agatha Christie from my mother. My dad loved the classics, and my friends liked VC Andrews. I enjoyed them all, but something told me there would be an author who would set me apart from the rest of my family and friends, books that would be all mine.

One night, I watched the movie Dead Zone. In the credits, it said written by Stephen King, and a whole new world opened up to me. I devoured Dead Zone, Salem's Lot, The Shining, The Stand, Firestarter, and Carrie. I got used to his writing and was thrilled with it. Then I picked up THE GUNSLINGER, and everything went haywire. I didn't understand what it was about. It scared me that this might be what the rest of his books would be like. As a young girly girl, I had no interest in westerns and wanted nothing to do with Roland Deschain.

Thankfully, more Stephen King books came out that made me happy, like Christine, Pet Sematary, The Talisman, Thinner, It, and many others. I forgot about The Dark Tower and THE GUNSLINGER and went about my merry way. But that line always stayed with me.

Fast forward to September 2014. Two of my favorite Goodreads friends, Stepheny and Jeff, were reading about Roland, THE GUNSLINGER. I decided it was time to try to overcome my confusion and move forward. I asked if I could join in, and of course, they said yes. Let the buddy read begin.

Roland Deschain travels across the desert with his mule in search of the man in black. Along the way, he meets Brown, a farmer, and Zoltan, his crow. Brown offers to put Roland up for the night. As the story unfolds, Roland's past becomes clearer. His past in Gilead, in Tull, his meeting with Jake, a boy he grows attached to much to his dismay, and his future told by the man in black.
Thank you, Stepheny and Jeff, for opening my eyes to a book I once dismissed. I look forward to the rest of the series. What a great new beginning. :D
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tenshikagami
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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DNF @ 75%

Attempt #2 with this went a little better than Attempt #1. During Attempt #1, I made it maybe 6% before giving up. So, I'm patting myself on the back here. However, I just can't get into this. It's simultaneously weird (in a bad way), boring, and yes, I'm almost done, but I just really don't want to waste anymore time trying to enjoy this.


DNF @ 75%



The story seems to lack a certain charm or engaging element that would keep me hooked. It's as if the author's writing style doesn't resonate with me. I find myself constantly losing interest and having to force myself to continue listening.



Audio Book Note: George Guidall is an excellent narrator. His voice and delivery are top-notch, which at least makes the act of listening not also painful. But even his great narration can't completely salvage the overall experience for me. Maybe this book just isn't for me. I'll have to look for something else that can capture my attention and keep me entertained from start to finish.
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Captain_Calypso
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is an absolute masterpiece.

The first installment, while getting only 4 stars from the reviewer, is still an essential read. It introduces us to the iconic Roland Deschain, a character inspired by Clint Eastwood's "The Man with No Name" and a unique blend of mystical teacher, warrior, master slogan dispenser, noble knight leader, and badass mofo.

The book is set in a world that resembles a deranged version of the Old West, with references to an older, more technologically advanced world that is fading away. We also learn that it is possible to travel between Roland's world and ours, which is a crucial aspect of the series.

Through a flashback in the city of Tull, we see Roland's mad skills as a Gunslinger and the otherworldly powers of the Man in Black. The story then moves briskly towards the final showdown between the two.

Overall, this book is a great introduction to Roland and his world, but it's just the beginning of an epic journey that gets even better in the subsequent books. The reviewer highly recommends following Roland all the way to the end of the story and discovering the wonders of this original and captivating series.

So, if you're a fan of fantasy and adventure, don't miss out on The Dark Tower series. It's a must-read for any lover of great literature.
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