The Dark Tower: 7

Stephen King

(3 stars from 5) After beginning the concluding novel with the best action sequence of the...more

(3 stars from 5) After beginning the concluding novel with the best action sequence of the entire series, the story turns muddy with unexciting encounters and (excepting a heartbreaking sacrifice during the ka-tet's inevitable but too-short battle with one of the series' later villains) inexplicably cold deaths and exits of main characters. King does give several tributes to his characters, including an amazing poetic sequence in the section entitled "In This Haze of Green and Gold," but ultimately these treatments of character passings and the consequences that follow, like those in the Deathly Hallows, seem more of an internal reflection by the author rather than an aid to the plot or the grief of the remaining characters in the story. The ending, although including a twist that made it valid and interesting, feels hurried. Famously included in the midst of the final chapters is an unnecessary note by King himself that thinly veils his own hatred and unsureness about what he is writing. As a side note, King stated that he had copius notes while writing the ending, including notes taken by Bev Vincent and Robin Furth which properly tied the former books and their references in his other novels together. King knew of the often-mentioned contradictions in the last few volumes of his magnum opus, as evidenced by the poor plot device he had to introduce to seemingly get through his own guilt for being lazy. It's rumored that King may rewrite the series, and until that is actually done, the last volume stands as the one that could've been the best, but that ultimately nearly drowned in its own self-doubt.    hide

It was very sad for me when I first started reading "The Dark Tower" knowing that soon Roland's...more

It was very sad for me when I first started reading "The Dark Tower" knowing that soon Roland's epic quest would be over, say sorry. Or is it? After finishing the book, enduring much anticipation, and some tears, it took me a minute to digest the ending and figure out whether I hated it, or loved it. It was such a shocking ending, but I quickly surmised that it was absolutely genius, and I continue to praise King for it. There really was no other possible way to end his magnum opus, and in actuality, he didn't. Roland's quest ended where it began. "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed." But, as King states in the Author's Note, there is hope for Roland still, now that he has the Horn of Eld. He may now be on the path to resolution, or redemption. It still saddens me knowing that there will be no more journey's with Roland. But all great things must come to an end. I really enjoyed taking this journey with Roland, and I'm happy knowing I can go back and visit anytime. And I am very pleased that Stephen King has given us this fantastic, epic story. For that I say thankya. Long days and pleasant nights.   hide

Let me say that I had not read a single King novel before the Gunslinger and on that same note, I...more

Let me say that I had not read a single King novel before the Gunslinger and on that same note, I am a fan. Though there were some portions of this journey that dragged on far longer than others, following King's anti-hero Roland Dechaine on his quest for the tower was an amazing journey. Roland is both awesome and the same time, one of the saddest characters. As devout as he is to his quest, he pains deeply because he knows that every katet that forms through his travels will eventually break and that he will suffer great loss. Despite that, he is addicted and bound to attaining the Dark Tower no matter what the physical and emotional costs to him and the ones that he loves and calls friend and family. Despite the slower parts of the tale such as most of "The Wolves of the Calla" and portions of "Song of Susannah", I still had to read on to see what would befall the four companions and was surely not disappointed. I think this series may inspire me to explore more of Stephen King's work.   hide

The book starts out strong, but slowly fades to "Is it over yet?" The character's death start out...more

The book starts out strong, but slowly fades to "Is it over yet?" The character's death start out meaningful and detailed, then as it gets toward the end it's as if on one page a character is alive and the next their dead with no real impact. King delivers a good story and proves he can write fantasy and creates a very visual picture is book. He also knows his characters and his readers, so when he tells you to stop reading after the first ending, do so. The ending left me with a feeling like, "Why did I bother to read this?". It's a beautifuly written book and I enjoyed the "Odd's Lane" chapter a lot. Probably the best written part in the series since Blaine the Monorail. Still if I had stopped reading after the first ending I probably would have liked this book a lot better.   hide

I feel ripped off at the ending. But he did warn me. I was looking forward to a better ending,...more

I feel ripped off at the ending. But he did warn me. I was looking forward to a better ending, now actively warn people not to continue reading after Stephen king's little warning. They'll probably read on anyway. I enjoyed the Dark Tower Series, despite knowing that at points Stephen King had no idea how to proceed (See Wizard in Glass), and some of the plot stretches (Randall Flagg = Walter, Mordred having two fathers--Roland and The Crimson King), Randall Flagg/Walter dying without putting up much of a fight (Despite having magical powers in The Stand), and the The Crimson King with all his power only throws sneetches at Roland... However, the ending of the series made every thing I just said stand out. King didn't know how to effectively end the series, so he took whatever came to mind. I'm glad that only checked this series out from the library, instead of purchasing them.    hide