Scan barcode
theenglishphan's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I didn't understand the point of this book at all until I started the next book. Not sure I would reread as the next book starts with a really clear recap of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Sexual violence
joshkiba13's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"Time's the thief of memory . . ."
And so begins my journey to the Dark Tower. I've been waiting to start this series for a looong time, so this was an exciting read accomplished in just a few sittings.
A lot of people aren't huge fans of this one, so it was nice having the advantage of knowing going in that it was mysterious and left a lot unexplained. Knowing that, I just buckled up and went along with the ride.
The Gunslinger is full of allusions both to Roland's past and his future. Stephen King explains in the foreword that he revised The Gunslinger in 2003 after completing the series so that the foreshadowing in the prophecies and visions would encompass where the series eventually led him---decades after starting it. So it was cool to get so many hints and seeds laid down, while simultaneously knowing that the bulk of what I read was written by a very young college-age Stephen King.
I found much of the prose alluring, and much of his figurative language unique. The style of narration and simplistic dialogue to be very reminiscent of works by Cormac McCarthy; King is a big fan of McCarthy so it is possible. And actually, though it was written many years later, if reminded me heavily of McCarthy's The Road; a gunslinging man trudging through a dying world with a young boy.
People say this series really kicks off in the next book, The Drawing of the Three, and the ending of this first book left me perfectly ready to continue. I'm excited to keep going, and I'm excited to return to The Gunslinger after completing The Dark Tower to see all of the foreshadowing anew.
And so begins my journey to the Dark Tower. I've been waiting to start this series for a looong time, so this was an exciting read accomplished in just a few sittings.
A lot of people aren't huge fans of this one, so it was nice having the advantage of knowing going in that it was mysterious and left a lot unexplained. Knowing that, I just buckled up and went along with the ride.
The Gunslinger is full of allusions both to Roland's past and his future. Stephen King explains in the foreword that he revised The Gunslinger in 2003 after completing the series so that the foreshadowing in the prophecies and visions would encompass where the series eventually led him---decades after starting it. So it was cool to get so many hints and seeds laid down, while simultaneously knowing that the bulk of what I read was written by a very young college-age Stephen King.
I found much of the prose alluring, and much of his figurative language unique. The style of narration and simplistic dialogue to be very reminiscent of works by Cormac McCarthy; King is a big fan of McCarthy so it is possible. And actually, though it was written many years later, if reminded me heavily of McCarthy's The Road; a gunslinging man trudging through a dying world with a young boy.
People say this series really kicks off in the next book, The Drawing of the Three, and the ending of this first book left me perfectly ready to continue. I'm excited to keep going, and I'm excited to return to The Gunslinger after completing The Dark Tower to see all of the foreshadowing anew.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Gun violence
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
barefootsierra's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, and Murder
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Death, Animal death, Child death, Drug use, Addiction, Incest, Sexual content, Alcohol, Blood, and Violence
thejadedreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Simply eye-opening.
In his forward, King states that the dark tower is not a series exactly but rather one long novel divided into eight parts, and I'm inclined to agree with him. As an introduction to the world, the characters, and what the dark tower is, this novel perfectly captures everything you need to know, and keeps you hooked despite the occasional lull.
I'll refrain from saying more. While I found this novel hugely enjoyable, it is most definitely the beginning of one long journey and I feel it best that I wait until I've seen what the rest hold before properly reviewing.
In his forward, King states that the dark tower is not a series exactly but rather one long novel divided into eight parts, and I'm inclined to agree with him. As an introduction to the world, the characters, and what the dark tower is, this novel perfectly captures everything you need to know, and keeps you hooked despite the occasional lull.
I'll refrain from saying more. While I found this novel hugely enjoyable, it is most definitely the beginning of one long journey and I feel it best that I wait until I've seen what the rest hold before properly reviewing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
thecandiegirl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Violence, Cursing, Child death, Gun violence, and Drug use
celey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Well written, hauntingly strange, dreamlike high fantasy with a grounded touch. Explores the dark side of a world that’s dying, or perhaps already dead. Confusing and hard to follow sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Death, and Gun violence
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Rape
mlizzi88's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I enjoyed the style and writing of this book but I did feel lost... a good chunk of the time. Like I had no idea what I was reading. I know that as the series progresses it'll fall into place but for this first read I didn't have the terminology and culture of the world helping me through some of the plot. I'm sure on a re-read that star rating would go up as I understood more of the context. I'm very excited to read on and see if some of my theories are even remotely close to where this is heading (they are plentiful and wild).
I do have to say, this was the first book in a while that made my former English major self perk up with the possibilities in the symbolism and allusions. There is a heavy (HEAVY) draw on religious symbolism and allusions, some King Arthur shoved in there, some greek myths, etc. HEAVY. PLENTIFUL symbolism lol.
I think my only real "complaint" was this.. almost young/juvenile view of women (however few of them there were) especially surrounding sexuality and the interactions between men and women. At one time I even commented that it almost felt cartoonish. It is a young man's fantasy of being a man (how many times can we say sensual and refer to one's crotch?). I also find it a little weird that we were reminded about 7 times who Allie was (the woman he bedded in Jethro Tull didn't ya know) and yet other words were slung around with zero clues was to what they were? (Tet for example??).
He also seems irresponsible with his ammunition. The boy is trigger happy with what I assume is a finite resource (bullets). But that's neither here nor there.
I do have to say, this was the first book in a while that made my former English major self perk up with the possibilities in the symbolism and allusions. There is a heavy (HEAVY) draw on religious symbolism and allusions, some King Arthur shoved in there, some greek myths, etc. HEAVY. PLENTIFUL symbolism lol.
I think my only real "complaint" was this.. almost young/juvenile view of women (however few of them there were) especially surrounding sexuality and the interactions between men and women. At one time I even commented that it almost felt cartoonish. It is a young man's fantasy of being a man (how many times can we say sensual and refer to one's crotch?). I also find it a little weird that we were reminded about 7 times who Allie was (the woman he bedded in Jethro Tull didn't ya know) and yet other words were slung around with zero clues was to what they were? (Tet for example??).
He also seems irresponsible with his ammunition. The boy is trigger happy with what I assume is a finite resource (bullets). But that's neither here nor there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
efrancart's review against another edition
dark
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
0.5
Raunchy and gross. Good ideas within about afterlife and death but def the worst Steven King I’ve ever read. It feels like the gunslinger is sexualizing the 10-year-old boy. He’s just so beautiful 🤮🤮🤮 of course this was after he used his gun as a dildo on a woman but was careful not to touch her secret flesh. I swear. I just. No.
No idea why this book and subsequent series is held in high regard.
No idea why this book and subsequent series is held in high regard.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Sexual violence
Moderate: Pedophilia
brogancha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, Murder, Gun violence, Rape, and Sexual content
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Misogyny, and Sexism
raginsagein's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
First real foray into Stephen King, and I wasn’t terribly impressed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Addiction, Blood, Child death, Cursing, and Death
Minor: Torture, Sexual content, and Sexual violence