Re-read

The first time I delved into this, I was utterly confused. It was a few years ago when I read the initial 4 books in The Dark Tower series. So, this time around, as I picked up the book, it made significantly more sense.

I truly relished this experience. Now, I am on the verge of finally commencing The Dark Tower series in its entirety. That includes all 8 books within the series and every single book that is connected to it.

It's like embarking on a new adventure, one that I'm both excited and nervous about. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me and how all the storylines will unfold.

I'm sure it's going to be an unforgettable reading experience, filled with mystery, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.

As I turn the first page of the next book, I feel a sense of anticipation building up inside me.

Let the adventure begin!

This is simply one of the best books of 2017.

The Gunslinger, the first book in the Dark Tower series, is deceptively simple on the surface, yet it holds an astonishing depth within. The writing is so poetic and delicious that it draws the reader in and refuses to let go.

One of my absolute favorite aspects of this book is the relationship that develops between Roland and Jake. Their connection is a beautiful blend of friendship and a father-son-like bond. It is truly heartwarming to see how they complete each other, filling in the gaps that the other lacks. This relationship adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story.

Once I started reading The Gunslinger, I literally couldn't stop. It is incredibly compelling and addictive, taking the reader on a journey through a maze of deep thoughts and mysteries. Every page turn is filled with anticipation and excitement, and I loved every single part of this unforgettable journey.

#BookTube-Thon 2017

My wife will be pleased to know that she was right (as she often is). This is indeed a great book and what an excellent introduction to the series.

Finally, after several years of both my wife and my friends looking at me and saying, "You need to read the Dark Tower. Yes, we know you pretty much only read military history, but seriously, you need to read this," I gave in. In fact, this year I fell back in love with the world of fiction, and I felt it was high time I got around to this epic.

The first book sets the stage and the tone. In my limited experience with King, it unusually focuses on a small but key number of characters. As the props and stage are being set, there is a bit of downtime, so to speak, with a bit of endless deserts punctuated by short but intense bursts of action and philosophy.

I was not expecting such a philosophical bent to the ending. There's a lot of good substance here to chew on and think about mentally in the best possible way.

Long Days and Pleasant Nights, Roland. I'll see you soon in #2.

It was difficult to rate this book. I entered it knowing that it was going to be confusing and even boring.

When I started reading, I was telling myself: Why does it have bad reviews if its beginning is amazing? Five pages later, I found out why. It's strange.

They throw you into a bunch of crazy people and you're like: but what...? They talk to you about people as if you already knew them, without giving you a previous introduction. And all of that, friends, makes the story feel poorly made or poorly organized.

However, I want to rescue the characters, Jake, Roland, and the Man in Black, who make the story a little more entertaining. I also want to highlight the final dialogues of the Man in Black, where he explains, more or less, how the Dark Tower works. It was super philosophical. And thanks to that dialogue, I'm giving it an extra star because my rating was going to be a two. And finally... the introduction and prologue of King, talking precisely about his 19 years and how he thought he had the world in his hands.

But well, I will still continue with the saga. And if I'm not mistaken, the story gets better in the second book.

The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed. Adding my own personal addendum to that great line King had written some 50 years ago, “and I follow the gunslinger.” This is my second go around towards the Tower. This time, I am determined to pay closer attention to the details. I have already noticed so much that I didn't the first time through. Partly, this is because I know the ending, and thus I am able to spot the clues. However, I am bound to miss some things along the path of the beam, and may even forget parts as I progress. But that's okay. It’s the journey that matters. I will not rush it.

For now, I can say that I really liked this reread of The Gunslinger, this beginning to the story, or “the end of the beginning” as the man in black would say. Once again, I feel deeply for Jake. It's a tender spot. Because of the Oracle, Jake knows what will come, if not specifically when. King tells the reader too, so that it won't come as a surprise. What struck me most, though, was revisiting Roland's youth. There, I glimpsed the birth of his two sides – one soft, the other hard. Understanding the reasoning for this is why I enjoy the backstories, both here and in future books.

But it's the final pages, during the palaver near the closing of the novel that are the strongest. I had forgotten how much the man in black shares with Roland, revealing a bigger picture. I now realize that he has unanswered questions too. As much as the asshole toys with our hero, he may need Roland as much as Roland needs him. The answers lie in the tower.

And so we've reached the western sea. I look forward to what I cannot remember in the long journey ahead, and what I do.

The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

The road ahead was long and twisted, like a serpent slithering through the arid landscape. The gunslinger knew his quest would be filled with countless traps, irresistible temptations, and the ever-present specter of evil. As he journeyed, dust-devils, born of an ill wind, danced and writhed along the desert floor, as if taunting him. He had to be constantly on guard against the slow mutants with their putrid, stinking heads.

He also braced himself for the petrifying church service at Tull, where the congregation slathered and gibbered, their very presence embodying the color of madness. And soon, there would be a terrifying pack of tarot cards, from which three were to be drawn.

"Go then, there are other worlds than this," he thought to himself, as he continued his arduous journey through the unforgiving desert.

The Gunslinger & the Man in Black... WOW!

The Gunslinger and the Man in Black, two iconic figures, have captured the imagination of many. The Gunslinger, with his mysterious past and deadly skills, is a force to be reckoned with. Armed with his trusty revolver, he roams the wild west, seeking justice or perhaps something more.

The Man in Black, on the other hand, is an enigma. Dressed all in black, he seems to have an otherworldly presence. His motives are unknown, but his actions suggest a sinister purpose. Is he a villain or a misunderstood anti-hero?

When these two characters meet, the result is explosive. Their encounter is filled with tension, drama, and excitement. Will the Gunslinger be able to stop the Man in Black, or will he fall victim to his evil plans?

The story of the Gunslinger and the Man in Black is one that has been told and retold, captivating audiences with its thrilling plot and unforgettable characters. It is a tale of good versus evil, of redemption and revenge, and of the power of the human spirit.

After re-reading "The Gunslinger" for the third time, I feel compelled to issue an official statement. From here on out, nobody is allowed to say that this is the weakest book in the series!

First of all, I'm reading the newer 2003 edition which includes an intro from King called "On Being Nineteen". This introduction was so powerful that it made me cry.

Then, I was quickly immersed into Mid-World with Roland, my all-time favorite literary boyfriend. I can't believe how much I've missed on my prior readings. It may sound strange, but this time, I really focused on why King was telling us what he was telling us, taking into account the whole scope of the rest of the series ahead of it.

There's a scene with the bartender, Allie, where Roland notices she was once pretty. Later, Allie offers to sleep with him in exchange for the information Roland needs to catch up with the Man in Black. They turn out all the lights, have an intimate conversation, go upstairs, have sex, and share a smoke. Allie reflects on how the Gunslinger is a quiet man, even in his lovemaking.

It strikes me how Allie felt like she could trust Roland. A quiet man who strolls into town packing weapons, yet she trusts him enough to sleep with him. This just had a huge impact on me regarding the character of Roland.

The illustrations in this story are some of my favorites from the series. I love our travel back to Tull, the demons, and Roland's encounter with Jake Chambers. This is a solid read for me, and I'll never entertain the idea that it's anything less than that.

Roland Deschain of Gilead, the last Gunslinger, races across the desert in hot pursuit of the Man in Black. Roland firmly believes that this mysterious figure holds crucial information that could assist him in his arduous quest to reach the Dark Tower, a supposed nexus between worlds. The story unfolds in a place that resembles Earth yet isn't quite the same.

Throughout the novella, we are treated to a wealth of backstory about Roland. We witness his interactions with various characters, especially Jake Chambers, who appears to be from Earth, and the enigmatic Man in Black.

The Gunslinger originated as five short stories penned by Stephen King and was later combined into a single novella in 1982. As King delved deeper into the Dark Tower series, he revisited and revised this book to iron out any inconsistencies. However, its more modest beginnings are still evident, as each chapter of the novella maintains a distinct feel.

There are some thrilling scenes and impressive world-building, along with tantalizing hints of what lies ahead. But this first book is more about establishing the mood and setting the stage for a hero who isn't overly heroic. Nevertheless, it's still recommended. I'm eager to discover how the larger story begins to take shape in the second book.

Roland Deschain of Gilead, the Last Gunslinger, embarks on a mysterious quest for the enigmatic Dark Tower. Besides, he also pursues the man in black in search of answers. Accompanied by his loyal companion, the child named Jake, he undertakes an unforgettable adventure.

The synopsis was rather brief and ambiguous, yet upon finishing the book, everything became clear. This novel delved into a man's pursuit of something that held great significance for him, and he was so desperate that he was willing to do the unthinkable.

The main plot was captivating enough, but King took it to another level. This novel left me yearning for more. Nothing seemed sufficient, and the additional 6 books plus 1 novella in the series appeared to be a great way to satisfy that thirst. It clearly阐述了 the nature of the quest but not its purpose. However, I'm not complaining as this first novel served more as an introduction to the plot and characters. Most epics are character-driven, and The Gunslinger was no exception. I adore character-driven novels, provided the characters are likable and memorable. The Gunslinger himself proved his worth. This novel was a blend of Fantasy, Western, and perhaps Sci-Fi. I'm astonished that I haven't read much Western literature. Some of my favorite movies are of the Western genre, so I must read more.

The Gunslinger, or Roland Deschain, was a man with an obsessive nature. He was fixated on The Dark Tower, and it was evident that he would remain in that state throughout the series. It was a bit disheartening to read about a man with an addiction problem, but that only piqued my interest further. If the first book managed to exceed my expectations, what more could the series offer? I loved the characters (especially Gunslinger and Jake), and I'm certain that I'll be introduced to more remarkable characters as the series progresses. This was such a remarkable first book in a promising series. All I can say is that I can't wait to read more.

I'm 100% certain that this will be one of my future rereads. Not only was it an easy read, but it was also highly enjoyable. I don't think I've ever read so comfortably before. This novel felt light, despite being filled with so much in just 300 pages. There are numerous speculations running through my mind at the moment, and I think I'm bordering on obsession and mental insanity. I'm hopeful that I'll devour the series, but we'll see. I hope I don't jinx things. Stephen King is an absolute genius and a gift to all readers. Many may not be overly fond of him, but he's my all-time favorite. So early in the series, and I already consider the first book my favorite. What more could possibly happen?!

5/5 stars, and it deserves no less (in fact, it deserves more). Such an outstanding introduction to an unforgettable world and characters. All I can say is that King did it again. Go read this amazing novel.

The Dark Tower is truly one of the most peculiar and enigmatic series I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This review is long overdue as I have already devoured the entire series, and I can attest to its uniqueness. Overall, the book stands out with its distinct style, unpredictable plot, and captivating story.

Roland Deschain, the Last Gunslinger, is an unforgettable character. Initially, I had my reservations about him in The Gunslinger. He is one of the most driven characters I have encountered, but his single-minded focus often made him seem like an emotionless robot. However, as I delved deeper into the series, I grew to love him. It just took time to understand his complex nature.

The man in black and the Dark Tower are mysteries that drive the story forward. The author's stinginess with details only adds to the allure, as we slowly piece together the puzzle. The setting of the Mid-World is both strange and confusing, with elements of a Western and hints of a post-apocalyptic future.

While the book has its flaws, such as its episodic nature and nonlinear narrative, I still found it highly enjoyable. The flashbacks provided valuable insights into Roland's past, but at times, they disrupted the flow of the present-day story.

Overall, I am glad to have read my first Stephen King book. The Dark Tower is a wild ride that blends multiple genres and leaves you craving more. Despite not enjoying every installment, the series as a whole is a memorable experience. So, if you're looking for something different and exciting, give The Dark Tower a try. Just be prepared for a mind-bending adventure!

The Dark Tower is a must-read for any fan of奇幻 literature. It's a series that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

7/10 Would maybe recommend.

“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.”

And so it begins. I have accompanied Roland along the Path of the Beam numerous times. The Dark Tower Series is among my all-time favorites, and it's challenging to review The Gunslinger as a standalone book. However, I'll give it a try.

I attempted to read The Gunslinger four times. That's right, you read it correctly. I adored Stephen King, yet I couldn't fathom why I couldn't get through this book. Every time I'd reach the same point, get bored, and put it down. The fourth time, I resolved to push through and see it to the end. I did, and now, each time I reread the DTS, I'm astounded at how much is revealed in this first book.

I believe what makes this book so difficult for most people is the abundance of foreshadowing. As the series progresses, you start to realize that The Gunslinger is like the answer key to your DT questionnaire. (Crap! I keep discussing the series as a whole. I knew this would happen!!)

The Gunslinger, Roland Deschain of Gilead, shares his tales in this book. You learn a great deal about his history, yet there's still so much mystery. When I saw Stephen King speak at Harvard last September, he mentioned that The Gunslinger is a poor representation of what the Dark Tower Series truly is. He said to view it as a small window. Having read the series multiple times, I can vouch for the truth of that statement. The Gunslinger offers a glimpse into this vast world that will consume your life. It traverses time in an instant, blends genres, and is the first step on a journey you'll never forget.

If you were to ask Jake Chambers if you should continue the series, he would tell you: “Go then, there are other worlds than these.” Ok, so it wasn't a perfect use of the quote. I know that. But all I'm trying to convey is that I love this book. I didn't initially, but I do now. I love it more with each reread of the series. It reveals so much about the series as a whole, you just don't realize it at the time.