Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/QfdL3CyR6s0

When discussing Sai King's masterpiece, many wrongly consider The Gunslinger as a book that leads nowhere. I recall the first time I read this book at the age of 19 (yes, 19...it's no coincidence), and I was completely captivated by the blend of fantasy and the western frontier. Rereading it at 41, I had a very different experience on top of those initial wonders.

Upon a second reading, so much foreshadowing becomes evident, which extends throughout the end of the series. Things that I thought were just random lines during my first reading now reveal that the ideas King would ultimately explore were indeed present from the very start, and this makes the book even more astonishing.

The Gunslinger is very much a prologue to the greater Dark Tower story. It introduces our main character and villain and sets in motion numerous questions and mysteries that will be answered during your journey to the tower.

This series has a little bit of everything; horror, fantasy, western, sci-fi, romance, drama, and more. So, if you've been eager to give King a try but have never really stepped outside of your fantasy comfort zone, this would be an excellent place to begin your Ka-tet and the long road to the Dark Tower.

“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” This iconic opening line, which Stephen King considers the start of his magnum opus, The Dark Tower, is among the most renowned in modern literature. It instantly sets the tone for the short novel that follows. The Gunslinger, the first installment in the series, is the only one I've read before, and I knew I needed a refresher before delving deeper into this captivating world.

While The Gunslinger isn't without its flaws, with some parts dragging and the last quarter becoming a bit too hazy and ephemeral to maintain a strong emotional connection, it's still a fun and highly original introduction to what I've heard is an incredibly powerful and unique series. I don't know about the rest of the series, but this book is an odd and fascinating mix of high fantasy, Western, and contemporary fiction.

King was inspired by a Robert Browning poem and aimed to marry the concept with The Lord of the Rings and Spaghetti Westerns, and I believe he achieved this goal. I love the idea of multiple hidden, mysterious worlds that are little known and borderline inaccessible. Even more exciting is the knowledge that many of King's other books will be referenced throughout the series, and that The Dark Tower and its characters are connected to each of his stories. In the Afterword to Wizard and Glass, King himself describes Roland's story as his Jupiter, dwarfing all the others and containing all the worlds of his making.

The search for hidden connections in books, movies, or other forms of entertainment is one of my favorite things, and I think King played a significant role in launching this trend. Ted Dekker's Showdown, which was one of my favorite novels as a teen, was clearly inspired by The Gunslinger. The two books share many similarities, from the Western feel to the concept of other worlds just beyond the veil. I think Dekker paid homage to King's work very well, and his decision to link all of his books to his central series was likely influenced by King as well.

Overall, I really liked The Gunslinger. Although it lost me a bit at the end, as many of King's books do, the journey was well worth it. I love the unique feel of the book, with its vastly different settings and the way the worlds cross over through song. Roland himself is a compelling enigma, and I'm eager to see where his journey takes him next. I know that The Gunslinger is just the tip of the iceberg, and I'm looking forward to the long journey ahead as I read the suggested novels from King's catalogue to fully immerse myself in the Dark Tower universe. Long days and pleasant nights, my friends.

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

This opening line is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites from one of my most cherished series. It sets the stage for a spellbinding, gripping, and mesmerizing tale of a chevalier's trials in a world that has "moved on".

The story's apocalyptic setting is frighteningly prescient and eerily similar to our own. It begins with Roland Deschain of Gilead, the last gunslinger of the line of the mythic Arthur Eld. His world teeters on the brink of annihilation, with much of the kingdoms in ruin. Only he can brave the nightmare that remains and reach the Dark Tower at the nexus of all times and all places, which seems to be the key to holding our entire infinite multiverse in shape.

Thus begins the tale of one of my most beloved epic fantasy sagas. It contains elements of a dystopian/post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi, sprinkled throughout. Written in awe-evoking and meticulous prose, combined with amazing and magical world-building by a masterclass storyteller, it is an absolute must-read.

2023 Read V

"Yippee Ki Yay" is an expression that is often associated with excitement and joy. It can be used to convey a sense of enthusiasm or celebration.

This phrase has become quite popular in certain cultures and is sometimes used in a lighthearted or humorous way.

For example, when someone accomplishes something great or has a really good time, they might exclaim "Yippee Ki Yay!"

It can also be used as a form of greeting or to get someone's attention in a fun and lively manner.

Overall, "Yippee Ki Yay" is a simple yet effective way to express positive emotions and add a bit of cheer to any situation.

The pace of this book is as slow as that of most of King's works. However, its writing is just as addictive and engaging as the rest of his books. What I truly adored about it was getting an up-close look at the world through the eyes of the character. How can I describe the character? He is one of the legendary figures with a classic western attitude and personality. In the first installment of this brilliant series, Stephen King presents readers with one of his most mysterious heroes, Roland of Gilead, The Last Gunslinger. He is a captivating and haunting character, a solitary soul on a fascinating journey into the realms of good and evil. In his desolate world, which alarmingly mirrors our own, Roland chases after The Man in Black, meets an alluring woman named Alice, and starts a friendship with the Kid from Earth named Jake. The Gunslinger is both grippingly realistic and eerily dreamlike, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

Moments that are magnified make the pages truly stunning!

“I do not aim with my hand; he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I aim with my eye. I do not shoot with my hand; he who shoots with his hand has forgotten the face of his father. I shoot with my mind. I do not kill with my gun; he who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father. I kill with my heart.” ― Stephen King, The Gunslinger

“You see? Size defeats us. For the fish, the lake in which he lives is the universe. What does the fish think when he is jerked up by the mouth through the silver limits of existence and into a new universe where the air drowns him and the light is blue madness? Where huge bipeds with no gills stuff it into a suffocating box and cover it with wet weeds to die? Or one might take the tip of the pencil and magnify it. One reaches the point where a stunning realization strikes home: The pencil tip is not solid; it is composed of atoms which whirl and revolve like a trillion demon planets. What seems solid to us is actually only a loose net held together by gravity. Viewed at their actual size, the distances between these atoms might become leagues, gulfs, aeons. The atoms themselves are composed of nuclei and revolving protons and electrons. One may step down further to subatomic particles. And then to what? Tachyons? Nothing? Of course not. Everything in the universe denies nothing; to suggest an ending is the one absurdity.” ― Stephen King, The Gunslinger

3.75 is a decimal number. It can represent many things in different contexts.

For example, it could be a measurement, such as 3.75 inches or 3.75 meters. It might also be a price, like $3.75 for a particular item.

In mathematics, 3.75 can be used in various calculations. It can be added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided with other numbers.

Furthermore, 3.75 can be converted to a fraction. It is equivalent to 3 and 3/4 or 15/4.

This decimal number has its own significance and value depending on how it is used and what it represents.

Whether it's in the real world or in the realm of numbers, 3.75 plays an important role.

It shows us the precision and flexibility of the decimal system in representing different quantities and values.

So, the next time you come across 3.75, think about all the possible meanings and uses it could have.

You might be surprised at how often this seemingly simple number appears in our daily lives.

The Man in Black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed.

These captivating lines were what initially lured me into Stephen King's novel, a unique blend of fantasy and western elements. I was instantly intrigued. At first, I thought it was written as a standalone, but then I discovered that King had rewritten parts of it as part of the Dark Tower series, which is the version I read. (I would actually love to get my hands on the original unrevised version too.)

The story centers around the protagonist, Roland of Gilead, who is in hot pursuit of the Man in Black while also driven by his unwavering desire to find the mysterious Dark Tower.

Set in a parallel universe that closely resembles the Old West, it has several similarities and overlaps with the real world, such as familiar songs and food.

As Roland, the Gunslinger, trails the elusive Man in Black, he always seems to arrive just a moment too late. However, he can sense the man's presence and knows he is getting closer. Along the way, he encounters several interesting characters, including Jake Chambers, a boy who appears to be from the real world, and Allie, who runs a bar.

We learn more about Roland's past and how committed he is to his mission. He will stop at nothing to find the Man in Black.

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it to be highly atmospheric, and I was completely enthralled by the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Dark Tower and Roland's mission to pursue his nemesis.

Although this may not be everyone's favorite in the series, I truly liked it a great deal and would highly recommend it to anyone who has a particular fondness for the Western or fantasy genre. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars, recommended.

Fantasy-A-Thon: Start a new series or continue a series

I did it! I finally picked up that book that everyone I know seemed to despise. They all warned me not to read it, and most of them didn't even finish it. So, naturally, I was scared to death. But you know what? I'm shocked to say that I actually liked it! I have no idea why. The entire time I was reading, I was confused, and there didn't seem to be much happening plot-wise. Normally, I would find a book like this boring and give it a one-star rating. But for some reason, The Gunslinger kept me hooked. I wanted to know what would happen next. The writing was truly phenomenal. It had a certain charm that pulled me in and made me keep turning the pages. The Gunslinger is the first book in an epic fantasy series that Uncle Stevie has been working on since college. I'm pretty sure the series is complete, but with Uncle Stevie, you never really know. I do own the next two books in the series, so I will definitely read them. However, I'm still undecided on whether I will read the series to completion. This book is super polarizing, so I can't really recommend it to everyone. It's one of those books that you either love or hate.

Seriously?! How did I miss this? This is iconic!

Some books are like relationships, and the timing has to be just right. I vividly remember picking up this book years (or perhaps even decades!) ago. At that time, I thought it was really not for me. I couldn't help but wonder what Stephen King could have been thinking when he wrote it.

However, with the benefit of hindsight, I am now amazed at how dismissive I was. It's truly astonishing what a few decades of developing one's literary tastes can do to change one's mind.

Recently, I read another book called The Vagrant, which I also loved. I found myself thinking that The Gunslinger is like The Vagrant, but of course, it has to be the other way around.

This book falls into the category of a weird western for me. It is a novel filled with predestination, the battle between good and evil, a knightly quest, time travel, and the apocalypse.

Honestly, I thought I was done with Stephen King, and that was a long time ago. When he started this series in the early 80s, it was almost exactly when I stopped reading his works.

Recently, I have discovered Joe Hill and really like his writing. And suddenly, here I am, back full circle, finally ready to return to his dad! The Dark Tower, the man in black, the gunslinger... it's all pure genius!

This is my second journey to the tower. I have to admit that The Gunslinger is far better than I initially thought.

Hindsight is truly a remarkable thing, and this situation is no exception. At first glance, this first stop appeared to be rather dull. However, upon further reflection and a second visit, it becomes evident that it is of utmost importance.

The events and details that seemed uninteresting initially now fit perfectly into the larger narrative. It's as if a fog has lifted, and I can now see the true significance of this stage.

This second journey has opened my eyes to the hidden depths and complexity of The Gunslinger, and I look forward to uncovering more as I continue my adventure.

Buddy read with the notorious duo, Quick Draw Stepheny and Pistol Packin’ Delee.

The Gunslinger clambered over the rocks. He was certain the Man in Black was nearby. He could sense his presence, as the Man in Black emitted a foul odor like charred meat, an evil charred meat. The river to his left was magnificent, a true apotheosis of all rivers, with its watery expanse and wetness. The Gunslinger imagined himself lying in the river, being carried backwards by the unending current, lulled by the sweet and relentless drifting towards death. In a hazy and formless way, he approved of this vision.

The Gunslinger noticed a group of large rocks on the horizon. They stood out prominently, like thumbs. Suddenly, struck by a momentary dizziness, he faltered, for he knew the encounter with the Man in Black was imminent. As he staggered towards the rocks, the Man in Black suddenly loomed above him.

“Wascally man in bwack, I’m going to shoot you”, declared the Gunslinger.

The Gunslinger fired his guns, but the bullets missed the Man in Black by a wide margin. The Man in Black, while munching on a carrot, grinned and said, “Eh, Doc, I hope you know this means war.”

That clicking sound you just heard is Stephen King removing me from his friends list.

A review (of sorts).

This is a prime example of several excellent vignettes that unfortunately don't combine to form a satisfying whole. I understand that the chapters in this book were published separately, and perhaps I should reserve my ultimate judgment until I've read the entire saga (seriously?). However, since I haven't read them all, I must make do with what I have.

The disparate elements of western, sci-fi, and fantasy didn't truly come together. The addition of the Arthurian stuff, with mentions of the quest and the word "grail" here and there, only made it more of a muddle.

The ending wasn't so much perplexing as it was head-shaking. The Dark Tower being a Nexus for all realities and King lifting T.H. White’s concept of Merlyn and throwing him in here?

Gunslinger, if you come across Edith Keeler in your journey, don't let Bones save her from getting run over by a fast-moving truck.

I've been urged to keep reading, so I'll give it a hopeful three stars.

This was a Group BR with Mr. Smarty Pants, The bummy bunny who read 36 pages and The guy who gave up on the series. This was a BR that went haywire for me because, well, real life! I apologize to the last man standing and I hope the next one would be better.

I have had the pleasure of reading some good authors and a few great authors. I think I am a budding reader and yet, one thing I have noticed from day one, especially when I picked my first book from SK, Mr. Mercedes, was that for me, there are two types of authors, essentially.
Ones who talk AT you. Tell you their story.
And,
Ones who talk TO you. The guy who makes it your story by letting you in and by talking TO you!

This is one of the most important reasons of my love for Stephen King! I happen to have most of SK books as revised and illustrated editions, a complete stroke of luck. I didn’t know how that would enhance my reading experience with him, but it has. Hugely!
In all his books, I read his Forewords and Introduction and Illustrations and I see him telling tidbits about his life. His drinking problems, his accidents, him smoking Pall Malls, the greediness of us readers and so much more. And every time, it’s a conversation. And every time, the way he introduces the book, I have to take a step back after the foreword and stay away for a few hours before I can begin the book because it is such a lovely thing. It's like a trailer for a blockbuster movie and it sets up the tone perfectly.

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

So begins the tale of the Gunslinger! This has to be one of the most famous openings to a book. Even when I was new to the whole reading circuit and was not a ‘Constant Reader’, I knew about this line. I slowly came to appreciate the SK style of writing and I wanted to read this series from him. But I had no clue as to what I am getting myself in!

This is a book that you do not get into lightly. Why, you ask? Because it’s gonna do this to you:

This book is so very different from anything I have read from SK that it almost feels like it's not from him to begin with and yet…yet…when you are reading it, there is that trademark style of SK that you can't miss if you've read a few of his works! There is that craziness that I have only ever read in his books. This book is not gonna answer any questions. It’s not going to be an easy to understand one. It’s not even going to try and maintain a tight hold on to you. It’s gonna make you go all like:

In short, this book is awesome in its own right! As Dean-o would say, “Fun times!”
It had me so confused for the most part but I was still enjoying the ride. But the ending, the encounter of the Gunslinger and the Man in Black was AWESOME! I loved that part and I am now almost questioning the genre of the book. This book is a slow, world building kinda thing and yet it makes sure the story is moving along nicely. I am not even going to try to give out a synopsis for this book because I am not sure if I even grasp it completely.
But I can say 2 things for sure:
1. I would never suggest this book as an initiation into the works of SK to anyone. (Sorry Izzy, didn’t know it before we began!)
2. I am invested in this series for now and will be carrying on my journey with the Gunslinger (and hopefully with Mr. Smarty Pants).

Before I sign off on this review, I have a couple things to mention, as an afterthought and as an advice of sorts.
As I have slowly grown as a reader, I have come to appreciate SK more and more and I love him for all his “flaws” that some people out there might like to point out. A few people have been kind enough to taunt me about his “meandering” writing (you know who you are), almost implying I have a bad taste. To all you, I would say this: I do not judge you for the books you read, do not judge me for mine! Just because you like to read books about societal issues or nonfiction, it makes you absolutely NO BETTER than me. We are all here for the love of books, not to judge and taunt. And frankly, if anyone of you cannot accept me or my books or my reviews and think I have a bad taste in books, you are welcome to please, very kindly and respectfully, FUCK OFF. And honestly, I suggest you take your hatred to FB or Insta or someplace else and just let this place be a place to be cherished. Ask, not question. Discuss, not disrespect.

Also, I would like to take a minute to curse thank the person who maintained or created the Wiki page for The Dark Tower movie and very kindly gave out a small, one liner of a spoiler that has essentially spoiled THE WHOLE SERIES for me!
I want to torture you by peeling your skin off and poking holes in your eyelids and then kill you slow thank you, sir/madam. May Karma bless you for this! Fucking Fucktard!