What is this book about?

This epic cannot be traced back to any specific framework of a separate genre. It has almost everything. From “dark fantasy” , mysticism to the drama and western. This is a story that weaves together genres, not the other way around.

There is no doubt that the Dark Tower is the most important creation in King’s life. And even though it was written for more than thirty years, in the foreword to “The Gunslinger ” the author says that it is just one small story “under the impression” of the Lord of the Rings.

The first volume is one of the hardest to read. King immediately throws us into what is happening, without explaining anything. His eyes are confused in unfamiliar words, the plot is quite incomprehensible. The world around us is surprising.

However, the main character immediately catches the eye – a tall, statuesque, already immature Gunslinger , delirious to his goal. This is a killing machine with a perfect reaction. We do not care what the purpose, why he goes there. The character himself inspires respect and admiration. As a hero, Roland is such an “echo of romance” . He represents the best of the past, strength, steadfastness. But at the same time, he is not perfect, he is almost ruthless, her heart has cooled down, and in her soul he is endlessly tired of this campaign, but during the narration he will change thanks to friends. He will change – but not to the end, but his heart will open again.

And yet, whether finding new heroes Roland otherwise helps them, gives them hope or saves them from loneliness (as in the case of Jake). But the price of travel and ruthlessness show themselves – and so Roland sacrifices his friend, but continues his journey.

Indeed, one of King’s strongest factors is his characters.

But the first volume ends and the second appears, the action in which starts with astronomical speed. “The Drawing of the Three ” – this is one of the two most adrenaline volumes in the epic. Then new main characters are added to the story. And again Roland somehow saves them.

The third volume is held under the sign of “Divide personality” and marks the appearance of the old hero, and a new, the beast from the Mid World, through which the cat will find integrity.

What I liked about the book

By the way, besides the main characters in the history, there are many other interesting creatures. But the most important thing is that King managed to make almost each individual personality without falling into the frame of the cliche. Whether it’s Callaghan – a former priest, from the roads, Aaron Dipno and Calvin Tower – the keepers of the rose in our world, or the beloved by readers old Roland’s cathet: funny Cuthbert and judicious Alain. And a stunning image of the mastermaster of the Shooter’s mentor Court.

Stephen Discain – Roland’s father, Gabrielle Discain – mother, numerous random characters – the old men from the River Crossroads, John Callem, an old friend of Shimmy, Ted Brotigen, a young artist PatrickNow and finally one of the apotheosis characters – Stephen King himself, fully involved in what is happening. Images of opponents of kA-teta and Roland in particular also succeeded – Gasher, Tic-Tac, Walter, thinking train Blae Mono(!!!), Mordred, Scarlet King and many others. And not all villains are unambiguous in character. This is especially observed in volume five.

All the heroes and villains play their roles to the fullest, resulting in interesting and exciting situations that do not bore the reading.

The world invented by King is huge and amazing. At first, we draw a world after the atomic war, but then the author expands his view and some details of the world structure become clear. In the center of the universe, like a rod, is the Tower. Around it, there are many worlds, but only a few true ones – the rest are just reflection worlds. The rays that support the Tower depart from it. Our world is one of the true ones, among others. In the course of the narration there will be many hints and references to our world.

One of the most significant incidents in King’s life was the car accident of June 19, 1999, and the author reflects this in his story in two ways. One – during which the heroes are trying to stop his death, and the other is a constant reference to the numbers 19 and 99.

Of course, history has disadvantages, mainly it is a confusing world order and the world itself. It is difficult to perceive the language, easy tidying and in some places, it is a bit delayed.

If we talk about the finale of an epic (and King disapproves of those who read in order to know the finale), it is certainly strong and strange. King makes almost impossible in our time – ends the book happy ending and invites the reader to stop there and close the book one step away from the mystery of the Dark Tower. This offer is one of the most mocking in the world. In a good sense. King honestly warns that the ending may surprise and upset the reader

It is possible to recommend the “Dark Tower” to many people, mainly to fans of fantasy, thrillers and adventures.