The Dark Tower

Executive Summary: A satisfying ending to what has always been one of my favorite series of books.

Audio book: George Guidall was on par with his previous readings in the series. He's once again great for Roland, and so-so for everyone else. He neither adds to nor detracts from the book in my opinion.

Full Review
And so Roland's (and therefore my own) journey to the Dark Tower has once again reached its conclusion. I for one was very happy when I first reached the end. Both of them. I wonder if anyone really stops where he suggests?

I think both endings work well, though I prefer the actual ending to point where he tries to guilt you into stopping. He brings up the fact that the journey is always more important than the ending, and with the Dark Tower series, I certainly agree with him.

It is the journey part of this book, and not the ending that cost this book an extra star in my opinion. This books wanders a bit too much, and delves a bit too much into the background of new characters who in my opinion aren't that important to Roland's story.

This is only the second time I've read this book, and I enjoyed it about the same I believe. It's been many years now since I read it when it first came out in 2004 (I have a really nice Grant First Edition copy).

I've always felt the first half of the series (1-4) is much stronger than the latter half he wrote in one go after his near death experience. That isn't to say it is bad, or that I'm unhappy.

It might simply be changes to me, and not the series. I started this series in high school, and read and re-read the first four books more times than I can remember while waiting on Mr. King to finish. By the time the story was concluded I was mostly done with college.

On this audio journey, I got to revisit old places and old friends (and enemies) as Roland and his Ka-tet journeyed to the Dark Tower. I started it because I had some friends who were reading it for the first time. One dropped out after just the first book, but the other continued on and seemed to enjoy the series nearly as much as I have.

These days I don't have much time for re-reading. There are too many books that I want to read. This series might be an exception. I'm not sure if I'll ever read my physical copies again (listening is just a lot more convenient for re-reads), but I'm sure this won't be the last time I quest out for the Dark Tower. Say True, and I Say Thankya.