|
King's interjection of himself in the books, taking the stage away from the characters we had come to love, was intolerable, as was the quick disposal of those characters, and the villians we had come to despise for nearly 3 decades. Like many others, I was enchanted with The Dark Tower early on, having actually read The Wastelands first, but then going back to read them properly. Anxiously awaiting the continuation of the series, I was disappointed to find the series swiftly going downhill after the 4th book, culminating in this steaming pile. I found it interesting that he was attempting to tie so many of his other works into this one, but ultimately it left me with a sense of bewilderment as it was just not done well. His writing became less a powerful story telling ability, and more a mechanical 'just get it done' attitude, almost as if he himself tired of the story.Save your money, check it out from the library if you need to finish the series off, but be warned it won't be a good ending to such an epic.
Similar points, such as the actions of the member of his Ka-Tet (for whom character shields no longer apply), also reach an emotional intensity not found in many books.The main weakness in this book is that it really is too long. "The Dark Tower", from the Stephen King series of the same name, is the seventh and final book in the series, and the conclusion of Roland Deschain's quest. King appeared to have some things that he really needed to get done before Roland could reach the Dark Tower, but didn't spread them across the rest of the series or do adequate foreshadowing in most cases. It continues from the "Song of Susannah", with our Ka-Tet struggling to protect the fictional in-universe characterization of Stephen King, while they plunge further into the various areas of the Crimson King, ultimately leading to the Dark Tower.This is an emotional book at points. The ending (which King warns against reading, but you should never take an author at his word on the quality of his writing) is shocking but yet hopeful, and you really feel for Roland as he finds out just what he's been traveling towards. As a result, there are not one but several points where, if you haven't read some of the connecting books (particularly "Insomnia"), it appears like deus ex machinas show up to save the day, or destroy it.Nonetheless, it is well worth reading, and I recommend it to anyone that is reading the "Dark Tower" series or interested. Of course, if you are the former, this probably won't make the difference (as you've come all this way already), but hopefully it will reassure you to continue.
I read all seven books. The series is one of the most unusual stories I have ever read or heard of. Once started I couldn't stop. It's unbelievable how many years this story took to evolve. The stuff in the middle with Stephen playing a role is unique. The ending is one of the greatest ever.
But all his new works leave me feeling like I missed the ending. King has seemed to have lost his edge ever since his accident. His books were frightning and yet alluring. The Dark Tower was no exception. The first books hooked me (pre accident) and the later books drug me along, hoping for Kings return to greatness.
It takes a while to read and you must read the other books first but I would say it was a great series. I have told other people in my family that love scifi they need to read this. Loved it, all the books.
|
