Stephen King

In this first novel in his epic fantasy masterpiece, Stephen King introduces readers to one of his most enigmatic heroes, Roland of Gilead, the Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner, on a spellbinding journey into good and evil, in a desolate world which frighteningly echoes our own.

In his first step towards the powerful and mysterious Dark Tower, Roland encounters an alluring woman named Alice, begins a friendship with Jake, a kid from New York, and faces an agonising choice between damnation and salvation as he pursues the Man in Black.

The Dark Tower I

The Gunslinger

Stephanie 

'Only equals speak the truth, that’s my thought on’t. 

Friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of regard.'

'Do any men grow up or do they only come of age?'

‘I don’t like people. They fuck me up.’

A gunslinger knows pride, that invisible bone that keeps the neck stiff.

This is so true. Ever tried to not think about something? 🫠

Because, if given a knife and a hand in which to hold it, the mind would eventually eat itself. 

Not because it wanted to; because it did 

[…] the mule was at the end of its endurance, only living because it was a habit.

The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba “An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen King’s greatest literary achievement” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), The Gunslinger is the first volume in the epic Dark Tower Series. A #1 national bestseller, The Gunslinger introduces readers to one of Stephen King’s most powerful creations, Roland of Gilead: The Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner on a spellbinding journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which mirrors our own in frightening ways, Roland tracks The Man in Black, encounters an enticing woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with the boy from New York named Jake. Inspired in part by the Robert Browning narrative poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came,” The Gunslinger is “a compelling whirlpool of a story that draws one irretrievable to its center” (Milwaukee Sentinel). It is “brilliant and fresh…and will leave you panting for more” (Booklist).

Tobias V. Langhoff

I’ve planned to read The Dark Tower series for a long time, but since it ties into so much of Stephen King’s authorship, I put it off to read more of his other books. After the tomes of It and The Stand, however, I’ve decided to jump in.

This is a short and concise book about a man on a quest that neither we nor he can understand. The story is told as a journey, during which there are flashbacks within flashbacks, creepy encounters and mythical, magical overtones.

The writing is less meandering than I’m used to with King. It feels more economical and focused. In fact, the writing sometimes reminded me of The Road. So did parts of the plot, like when the man is accompanied by a scared boy in a post-apocalyptic area with remains of a more advanced society. It’s a very different book from everything else I’ve read of King, and I liked the change of style (if you can call it that in an early book like this), but I understand that others might be put off by this book.

The most interesting element is the eponymous protagonist, Roland, who is a stoic, silent, unimaginative and perhaps, in some areas, slightly dim-witted man. He is weary of the world that has moved on, and he has only one task in life, a vague obsession with something he has to reach, no matter the cost.

The story ends abruptly, and you realize that this novel is almost nothing but obtuse and cryptic world-building, with glimpses of a larger quest ahead.

Edited to add: I have now listened to book 2 and 3 as audiobooks, narrated by the masterful Frank Muller. Book 4, however, is the last he recorded before he had a tragic accident, and since The Gunslinger was revised and re-released after this happened, there's a different narrator for books 1, 5, 6 and 7. However, I recently discovered that Frank Muller did in fact narrate the original version of this first book. The audiobook is not sold anymore, but I'm sure it can be found if you look hard enough.

Zahra

I am not afraid to admit when I am lost and have no idea what’s going on LMAO. I think in terms of a first stephen king novel this was probably not the one, purely because apparently this is the apex of the stephen king multiverse, and I’m sure many references to other novels of his were lost on me. that said, I really really liked this! the writing was incredible, I have so many quotes I was writing down as the audiobook was going because I was like wow this is a masterclass in writing. it was flowery-er than I was expecting, more philosophical, and I really liked that! also free my man Roland from the chains of heterosexuality, like he described the man in black as sensual and handsome before anything else I was like 👀👀 but anyway love the western elements, the vibes were good, I was just a little lost towards the end but I really liked it and will read the next one! and definitely others of king’s, though I will be honest and say horror/thriller is not my usual pick so I will tiptoe around his most popular ones I think

fris🐝

The Gunslinger 

Geoffrey Froggatt

I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book series, and finally decided to read the first entry in the series after a friend’s recommendation. Roland of Gilead: The Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner on a spellbinding journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which mirrors our own in frightening ways, Roland tracks The Man in Black, encounters an enticing woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with the boy from New York named Jake. I liked how the story doesn’t hold the reader’s hand and explain the world and the characters, despite the fact that I felt like I wanted an explanation for certain parts. The characters were interesting and what I could gleam about the world-building was intriguing. I definitely thought this was set in an alternate world or a post-apocalyptic universe, but the hints about how similar this world was to ours was both interesting and confusing. I wasn’t particularly engaged by the story or the characters until the introduction of Jake’s character. I loved seeing Jake and Roland interact, two beings from two different worlds becoming allies. I related to Jake’s character the most because as a reader I also felt dropped into this strange world with no explanation. I was intrigued by characters like Roland, Alice and The Man in Black, but I didn’t feel like I could get a clear picture on who they are with just the context of the first book. While this story didn’t particularly grip me, I’m intrigued enough to want to continue onto the next book in the series. I’ve heard that the series only gets better after the first book, so I’m willing to read on to see how that happens. Despite not feeling very connected to the story and characters in the first book, I can tell that this book lays the foundation for the rest of the series. I’m very curious to see what comes next. I recommend this book for fans of Stephen King who haven’t read the series yet.

Lara Engle

The gunslinger fascinates as the embodiment of the lone hero throughout eras. He is a loner, but he interacts deftly with others in attachments that range from single evenings to unknown (but lengthy) spans of time. His mysterious existence in a world that seems to cross time and space intrigues me. I will read on.

Katherine 

Boring start to an excellent epic series.

Briar's Reviews

I have a very long term goal of reading as many Stephen King books as I can. I also have a more short term goal of reading a couple books in this series and then watching the movie adaptation. What can I say? I like seeing if the movie adaptations fall in line with the book or have fun with the story.

I picked this book up after buying it many years ago (one of the few books I've bought full priced). A coworker of mine kept suggesting it, and I decided it was FINALLY time. And man, I actually binged this book! I normally don't go for more slow paced westerns, but this one intrigued me. I don't know if it's Stephen King's writing or just the pure intrigue I had from my friends and family all talking about it. Either way, it was a good read that I binged in a couple days (initially). 

I will say, it's very slow for me. I won't be able to read a lot of this series back to back. I'll be continuing on with this series eventually, but man... I hope it picks up and brings out some more of the fantasy and intrigue of this series.

Three out of five stars. It's okay.

Although I did enjoy it, it has left me completely baffled as to what actually happened. Will have to try it again one day

Marcus Jeffery

Wynter

2017: Hey, what do you know, I actually enjoyed The Gunslinger much more the second time around. Perhaps the details that seemed a little jumbled at first made more sense on a reread, or perhaps I just got used to King's stylistic choices. I still can't force myself to add another star, even though I toyed with the idea, but the first Dark Tower book finally convinced me that it is a solid, albeit brief, introduction into a fascinating series.

I really liked Roland's world with all the accompanying monsters, demons, and relics of the past. Once the story shifted to his childhood, or to Jake's memories, I got a little bored, however. The conclusion is also rather anti-climatic, considering the entire book's stakes are placed on the meeting between the gunslinger and the man in black. I guess there won't be any sequels otherwise. I'm looking forward to continuing with the rest of the volumes in due time.

Michael Springer

A big part of me suspects that Steve just wanted to write a cowboy book, and also wanted to write a big series. Then, when he started writing the cowboy book, he decided about halfway through to make it into a series. But, either way, when he finished this novel, he had no fucking idea where any of it was going. 

Actually, I suspect that's how he ALWAYS writes, now that I'm thinking back over his books: has an idea and just goes with it, doesn't know how it will end or what's gonna happen, and if it sucks, a bunjillion people will buy it anyway. 

That's how he rolls.

Victoria

Gavin

I see that he's building an allegory, I just wasn't willing to wait hundreds of pages for it to arrive.

Fatima Kadri 

It would be 4 stars if not for the horridly bland, seventy-six (76) page first chapter. But, regardless of the fact that the prose was about as comprehendible as Ray Bradbury’s, I do see the odd charm in Stephen King’s writing. He has his moments, and they’re pretty darn good ones.

Prashanth Srivatsa

The first of seven. The beginning of Stephen King's supposed magnum opus is nothing short of a sandstorm ride through the eyes of the last Gunslinger, who seeks the mysterious Dark Tower. With moments of tragedy, comedy and absolute absurdity, it ends on a cliffhanger. And I'm already picking up the pieces with the second.

Go then. There are other worlds than these

To be honest? I‘m freaking confused. Most of the time I had no idea what is going on but I‘m still excited enough to find out. Knowing this is the first book of a pretty long series I‘m having some mercy and perceive this as the necessary „get to know your main character and enjoy some worldbuilding“ kind of book. So far the setup is intriguing and I‘m in love with the vibe and the dark and mysterious atmosphere.

‘Go then. There are other worlds than these.’

To be honest? I‘m freaking confused. Most of the time I had no idea what is going on but I‘m still excited enough to find out. Knowing this is the first book of a pretty long series I‘m having some mercy and perceive this as the necessary „get to know your main character and enjoy some worldbuilding“ kind of book. So far the setup is intriguing and I‘m in love with the vibe and the dark and mysterious atmosphere.

Mahogany Skillings

A little slow. But I could also see that we are building a world with rules and it will expand. Great narrator.

Mary Baldwin

I am ashamed to say that until now, I haven't read any of Stephen King's work. I haven't intentionally avoided it, but I came across this book whilst shopping for something else entirely (you know the score... you need new jeans but instead spend an hour in the aisle marked 'books' because they fit you better)and decided to pick it up. It has sat on my dresser for about 5 months, I've looked at it a few times, even opened it. But something deterred me.

Anyway, this week was the week I started reading it. I'm determined that this isn't going to set the tone of my future relationship with Mr King, but I was really really disappointed. Perhaps a bad place to start on his work, who knows?

The first thing you'd notice about this book is that there is no plot. By that I don't mean "the plot is poor" or "I was unable to follow the plot" or "the plot was a little unusual". No, there isn't one. Instead, what we have is a description of one man following another man, with flashbacks and some contemplative moments from 'The Gunslinger' to provide description of the setting - a dry, dull, hot...desert.

I guess the fact that King was writing this on and off for thirty years is responsible for what seems to be a lack of characterisation - he has known the character for all that time, but as a reader, meeting The Gunslinger for the first time we get very little of his past, his motivations and intentions. I find that quite frustrating. The distance that creates does make it easier to adapt to the shift in settings though, we're taken from the barren desert to an old Wild West town then to hints of the Sci-Fi with mountain dwelling mutants.

The introduction of Jake to the 'plot' is definitely a turning point, his stay is short but he adds that missing relatability and human touch.

The 'mysterious' tone of the book goes too far, instead of creating intrigue, it just leaves frustration in it's wake. I'm sure this will be expanded as the series continues; the sequels will perhaps save the day.

I say perhaps, because it's unlikely I'll take the time to find out.

Inês Santos

Taran Snodgress

A product of its time- it’s obvious that the book was written in the 80s, and was one of King’s early work. As a reader in 2021, I found some of his depictions of women frustrating. I get what he was going for, the “rough, edgy, end-of-society” vibe, and it works for the most part. Some of it just simply hasn’t aged particularly well. With that said, the writing demonstrates why Stephen King is a household name. Even in this, one of his early and lesser-known works, his sheer talent and brilliance shines through

dead line

I don't know what just happened.

I don't know if I liked it? 

I don't think it was supposed to make sense, so I'll rate based on vibes.

It was decently viby.

Mysterious and surreal vibes.

We continue.

Jenna Kathleen

"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed."

I knew this was the most iconic line of The Gunslinger, but I didn't realize how much so until later. I could have read the first line and almost skipped the whole book! That being said, it was enjoyable for 300 pages of basically nothing.

It did drag on a bit, but I kind of got the feeling that it is more of a giant prologue that you understand once you get to the very end of the series. Not sure how accurate that is, but that's just how I was feeling.

Tanya Sutton

Part fantasy, part western, The Gunsinger follows Roland of Gilead, the last Gunslinger, as he tracks the mysterious Man in Black across the wastelands of a world that appears to be some version of our own. On his journey, Roland meets a young boy, Jake, who has appeared in this world from 1970s New York City. He joins Roland on his trek across the desert and into the mountains, hoping to find the Man in Black, who has the amazing ability to raise the dead.

I need to preface this review by saying that I love Stephen King. I do not, however, love fantasy or westerns. As a result I have mixed reviews about this book. I found the overall story intriguing even as I found specific parts of the story uninteresting. I found specific passages mesmerizing even as I found the writing, overall, to not be what I had expected from King. I will probably pick up the series eventually and I hope the writing will continue to improve and that I'll get drawn into the story of Roland and the Man in Black, but so far I'm not feeling an urge to run out and grab the next book.

I have been told that these books get better, but I have to say that's it's going to be a while before I actually pick the next one up and give it a try. Frankly, I'm disappointed.

I know that I read the version King revised after completing the series, but I am still confused as to what is even really happening and how I'm supposed to understand everything. There is so much potential, but it is the bare bones idea of a story that would fail miserably as a standalone book. I now understand why King's novels are always so long, because he can be concise and stick to the pertinent details. It's as if he wanted so many ideas started that he couldn't take the time to flesh them out, making it a haphazard glance between past and present. I almost wish he had done a circular novel wherein we get the history after being introduced to the present and then winding forward again.

But, I know there are more to these books. I will probably pick another up as they are easily available to me, but it isn't a series I find myself loving as of yet.

The Gunslinger The Dark Tower I

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