Reviews

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

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zeibeat's review against another edition

2.0

I read the reviewed version by SK done about 17 years ago. In the book's intro, King already warns the reader that he made many changes, trying to simplify the prose and make it a less pompous narrative and a much more accessible story to anyone wanting to start The Dark Tower from the very beginning.

Despite Stephen King's efforts, it hasn't been an enjoyable read for me, I had to sweat to turn evey page. English is not my mother tongue and that for sure was a challenge for me. Frankly, I couldn't connect to the action pace, to this dystopian Western Universe, to the supposed tension of a Gunslinger running after an evil soul through desert landscapes.

I really wanted to like it but couldn't. Any tips on how to approach a second read?

voicenextdoor's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

byp's review against another edition

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3.0

Maybe more like 3.5. I feel somehow like it's unfIr to rate this book without having read the whole series, although I believe each must stand on its own merit.

nobrainer's review against another edition

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4.0

My rating for The Gunslinger (original) is a 7/10. I enjoyed it but it had rather confusing language at times. The middle of the book is a bit of a slog to me. It feels kind of strange when you are reading it. Compared to the revised version this feels like a rough draft. The Gunslinger (Revised) 8/10. Certain scenes in the original are not explained very well and sometimes the action is so full of similes/metaphor that it is hard to keep an image of what's going on inside your head. Chapter 3 is especially slow with it bouncing back and forth between timelines. However the ending of this book is great at setting up what’s to come and the beginning of this book is incredible. This book is great at establishing a tone of dread. This is probably the bleakest and most hopeless book out of the series and I’m excited to start Drawing of the Three

oprah_wimpy's review against another edition

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4.0

My first Stephen King book that wasn't a 5 star. But from what I hear, the first of the series is the slowest lead up of his by far. The book was good, very well written, but didn't leave me with a sense of urgency to pick it back up like his others have for me. I'm excited to see where the series goes.