Has anyone read the Dark Tower series by Stephen King?

Question

I've read all his other books, and am a big fan of his work. but something about the Dark Tower series has never appealed to me, largely because i've heard it being described as part Western, and i'm really not into the whole Western thing. guns and men on horses just don't do it for me but i'm wondering if i've prejudged the series. has anyone read the series? i'd like some opinions on it because frankly i've read every book on my shelves and i need something new! thanks.

Answer 1

I was recomended these books from someone with a very similar taste in books with me. We often share and swap books to save buying them. they briefly explained the books to me and i was extremely reluctant to read them...

...however it turned out to be one of my FAVOURITE series ever!!

They do have a western / cowboy feel to them, however this is only a small element to the books. The series is a epic fantasy, its dark but also has elements of humour, love and friendship to it. They are extremely interesting. The first book in the series "the gunslinger" is very short and i must admit almost put me off the series, King writes it so that you have almost know idea what is happening and who he is talking about. However i powered on i read the second book and almost instantly he explains what he eluded to in the first book and hooks you straight away.

I would most definately recommend you give this series a try...King's books are all interlinked in some ways and characters, places and themes from other books he has written pop up in this series (particulary The Stand and Salem Lots)



In short if you like King and enjoy fantasy series you will definately enjoy, might i even say, love these books :)

Answer 2

Hi Pagan. (Love your name, btw).



I, too, was a bit worried about reading this series because it was said to be so different from his other works as well as it being a kind of western.



It's not really a western as I envisage them. Just as well, as I hate westerns.



Like most of his other stories, it is very imaginative, has believble characters, and you wonder sometimes how he manages to think up some of these ideas! Very clever guy, rather clever series.



Give them a try. I liked the second book in the series, i.e. "The Drawing of the Three" the best.

Answer 3

I've read the whole series, TWICE and I'll probably read it again.



It does have a kind of cowboy taint to it, but it's more than that.



I thoroughly enjoyed the series. (Dud a Chuck?)



I'd seriously recommend it, but don't blame me for the twist at the end of the last book, I never wrote it!



What other genres do you like? Look for the 'Through the Stones' series by Diana Gabaldon, well worth a read!

Answer 4

I'm sort of in the same boat as you.



For example, I was a big fan of his work in "The Shinning," and also "Duma Key."



Of course, his scripts-turned-movies have always been great, especially his novella that created The Shawshank Redemption. That was probably one of the top 3 greatest movies of all times, in my humble opinion.



The Dark Tower series, however, I didn't really enjoy either.



To be perfectly honest with you... I felt that these books were a bit too commercial, not as unique plots, and lacked some sort of pull-you-in feeling.



Just an opinion though.. don't take it from me..

Answer 5

I couldn't get into it. I had one book given to me. Basically I think he's trying to copy the ide of a hjuge series like the lord of the rings

it's not a horror

Answer 6

Yes.

Answer 7

Yep, i sh!t my pants in the middle