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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.0 / 5
The dialect of the people of Calla, and the linguistic depth of this world as a whole, is nothing short of genius. King crafts a language that feels both organic and immersive, adding rich texture to the setting. However, the novel itself suffers from a sense of artificial momentum. The shadow of King’s near-death experience looms over this entry, shaping the narrative in ways that feel unnatural.
One particularly jarring moment occurs when Roland becomes a mouthpiece for King’s own views, delivering a didactic and out-of-character denunciation of religion. The scene comes off as atonal and preachy, disrupting the flow of the story. Additionally, the mystery surrounding Roland’s past—his age, the length of his journey—is abruptly and unceremoniously unraveled during a discussion of passageways to other worlds. For a character so steeped in myth and enigma, this sudden exposition feels misplaced.
While the themes of memory and time’s fluidity are central to The Dark Tower series, Roland’s newfound certainty about his own past feels incongruous. The mystique that has long surrounded him is diminished, and the reveal lacks the weight or buildup it deserves.
Despite these missteps, The Wolves of the Calla still offers moments of brilliance, particularly in its worldbuilding and atmosphere. It’s a compelling read, but one that struggles occasionally under the weight of its own narrative choices.
The dialect of the people of Calla, and the linguistic depth of this world as a whole, is nothing short of genius. King crafts a language that feels both organic and immersive, adding rich texture to the setting. However, the novel itself suffers from a sense of artificial momentum. The shadow of King’s near-death experience looms over this entry, shaping the narrative in ways that feel unnatural.
One particularly jarring moment occurs when Roland becomes a mouthpiece for King’s own views, delivering a didactic and out-of-character denunciation of religion. The scene comes off as atonal and preachy, disrupting the flow of the story. Additionally, the mystery surrounding Roland’s past—his age, the length of his journey—is abruptly and unceremoniously unraveled during a discussion of passageways to other worlds. For a character so steeped in myth and enigma, this sudden exposition feels misplaced.
While the themes of memory and time’s fluidity are central to The Dark Tower series, Roland’s newfound certainty about his own past feels incongruous. The mystique that has long surrounded him is diminished, and the reveal lacks the weight or buildup it deserves.
Despite these missteps, The Wolves of the Calla still offers moments of brilliance, particularly in its worldbuilding and atmosphere. It’s a compelling read, but one that struggles occasionally under the weight of its own narrative choices.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Things I liked about this volume: The Sisters of Oriza, the appearance of Donald Callahan and black thirteen, the re-ascendancy of the number 19, the concept of being "roont", Andy many other functions, light sabers, and snitches.
Things I disliked: demon babies, Roland's pain in the hip, and the pacing.
This one did seem to drag on a bit. I felt like the plot could have benefited from another twist (perhaps a third and unexpected traitor) and a much tougher final battle. I remember back in book one when Walter whispered to Alice the number 19. Roland advised her to forget the number and convince herself the number after 18 was 20. I wonder if this is a diversion or if 19 will have some significance when it's all said and done.
We've also had a number of literary asides in the last couple volumes. First there was Charlie the Choo Choo, then The Wizard of Oz, now Star Wars and Harry Potter. Oh, and Salem's Lot.
I seem to remember an allusion earlier in the series that Roland would not be the one to reach the tower. This "hip twinge" seems to confirm that's the direction we are headed. I look forward to seeing who will make it to the end.
Things I disliked: demon babies, Roland's pain in the hip, and the pacing.
This one did seem to drag on a bit. I felt like the plot could have benefited from another twist (perhaps a third and unexpected traitor) and a much tougher final battle. I remember back in book one when Walter whispered to Alice the number 19. Roland advised her to forget the number and convince herself the number after 18 was 20. I wonder if this is a diversion or if 19 will have some significance when it's all said and done.
We've also had a number of literary asides in the last couple volumes. First there was Charlie the Choo Choo, then The Wizard of Oz, now Star Wars and Harry Potter. Oh, and Salem's Lot.
I seem to remember an allusion earlier in the series that Roland would not be the one to reach the tower. This "hip twinge" seems to confirm that's the direction we are headed. I look forward to seeing who will make it to the end.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved this book! The only thing that brought it down to a4 rather than 5 is that it dragged on a little bit.
I’ve seen some say that the ending battle was too short, but I thought it was perfect.
I love all the literary references popping into the last few books, and I especially love the meta-narrative elements developing.
I’ve seen some say that the ending battle was too short, but I thought it was perfect.
I love all the literary references popping into the last few books, and I especially love the meta-narrative elements developing.