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[runlikehell]

Book 4.5 eh... I'm excited.

 

[ronito]

so I've made it to the seventh book.

I'm up to the point where

Spoiler

Jake is looking for Susana and singing "The lion sleeps tonight"

and really it's sorta hard not to just put this down for good. I can't help but that King is just fucking with me. I got the same feeling from Wizard and Glass a "oh come on man." kind of feeling. The first book I consider to be King's best work. The drawing of the three was also pretty good. But sometimes I keep thinking that King's editor might've been better off saying "No. This is dumb." But by now I've spent too much getting involved in the series to stop.

 

[JDSN]

so I've made it to the seventh book.

I'm up to the point where

Spoiler

Jake is looking for Susana and singing "The lion sleeps tonight"

and really it's sorta hard not to just put this down for good. I can't help but that King is just fucking with me. I got the same feeling from Wizard and Glass a "oh come on man." kind of feeling. The first book I consider to be King's best work. The drawing of the three was also pretty good. But sometimes I keep thinking that King's editor might've been better off saying "No. This is dumb." But by now I've spent too much getting involved in the series to stop.

Oh yeah that whole part with

Spoiler

the mindtrap

was fucking stupid.

 

[Filth]

so im looking to get into this series. should i just get the paperbacks? i like the art of the marvel ones but are those just comics are the whole book with pictures?

 

[xxracerxx]

i like the art of the marvel ones but are those just comics are the whole book with pictures?

The comics cover stuff not in the books mainly. Get the actual books.

 

[Filth]

The comics cover stuff not in the books mainly. Get the actual books.

you are a gentleman and a scholar.

 

[DiscoNaldo]

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/07/18/plan-to-adapt-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-reaches-dead-end/

Sad... but also relieved?

 

[Tim the Wiz]

so I've made it to the seventh book.

I'm up to the point where

Spoiler

Jake is looking for Susana and singing "The lion sleeps tonight"

and really it's sorta hard not to just put this down for good. I can't help but that King is just fucking with me. I got the same feeling from Wizard and Glass a "oh come on man." kind of feeling. The first book I consider to be King's best work. The drawing of the three was also pretty good. But sometimes I keep thinking that King's editor might've been better off saying "No. This is dumb." But by now I've spent too much getting involved in the series to stop.

Yay, someone who agrees with me. The Gunslinger is a classic, in my opinion. It reminds me of Malazan, actually. The opening salvo of three or four books (ignoring Gardens of the Moon) are amazing, transcendental experiences, but then comes the bloat and overly-satisfied-with-itself patter. Still, the limitless horizon of awesome presented in that first book will always stay with me. Even if I didn't mind the actual ending, anyway.

 

[Trouble]

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/07/18/plan-to-adapt-stephen-kings-the-dark-tower-reaches-dead-end/

Sad... but also relieved?

Pretty much sums up my feelings on the matter.

 

[oatmeal]

Maybe WB will take it seeing as Harry Potter is done with and made them countless monies.

 

[Mockingbird]

Hey, I want to start reading this series and plan to purchase it on my kindle but I have a question before I start.

1. Is there some kind of possible kindle bundle set with all the books -- in case I might've overlooked it at the amazon store.

2. I noticed there is a revised edition. Is this better than the original? as someone who has never read anything from this series, would you recommend starting with the revised one or the og (provided it's on kindle)?

Thanks!

 

[milkyjay20]

2. I noticed there is a revised edition. Is this better than the original? as someone who has never read anything from this series, would you recommend starting with the revised one or the og (provided it's on kindle)?

it depends on where your priorities lie. if you want it to gel together in one story, then get the revised. however, the first editions have a good deal of cosmic mysteries that get ironed out in the revised editions, so if you can handle a few contradictions, i'd go with that.

 

[Atramental]

Well I just started reading the first book (revised) to see what all this fuss over the Dark Tower is about. Anything I should know before I begin this literary journey?

 

[Wark]

I've read the first book a LONG time ago, but I haven't read any of the books after that. I'm going to have to jog my memory of the first book before I jump to any of the others.

 

[Mockingbird]

Ok, finished reading the first book -- which would seem many consider to be the best book. It was good, but I didn't think it was great. I kind of know one big spoiler, and after hearing how the other books aren't as good as the first, I don't think I'll be continuing this series --- at least I don't want to buy it on my kindle. Might check it out of the library if I really want to read something.

 

[darksnowman]

Ok, finished reading the first book -- which would seem many consider to be the best book. It was good, but I didn't think it was great. I kind of one big spoiler, and after hearing how the other books aren't as good as the first, I don't think I'll be continuing this series --- at least I don't want to buy it on my kindle. Might check it out of the library if I really want to read something.

When I first read the Gunslinger (unrevised), I thought it was a slog and difficult to get into. However, reaching the final part - the palavar - I became absolutely hooked and started The Drawing of the Three straight away, and had The Wastelands read the week after. Roland and Mid-World have never been far from my thoughts for over a decade now. I'd say give TDotT a go and if you don't like it then give up on the series.

Things do get pretty mental during the final three volumes but considering the point SK was at in his real life, its understandable.

 

[Vlad]

When I first read the Gunslinger (unrevised), I thought it was a slog and difficult to get into. However, reaching the final part - the palavar - I became absolutely hooked and started The Drawing of the Three straight away, and had The Wastelands read the week after. Roland and Mid-World have never been far from my thoughts for over a decade now. I'd say give TDotT a go and if you don't like it then give up on the series.

Things do get pretty mental during the final three volumes but considering the point SK was at in his real life, its understandable.

What he said.

Honestly, I'd call The Gunslinger more of a prologue to the whole series. It's basically just introducing Roland and giving you an idea of what he's about. Drawing of the Three is where the actual plot for the series forms.

I think it took me a couple tries to finally force my way through The Gunslinger, but I ended up liking it enough at the end to see where it went. I ended up getting hooked from the very beginning of the next book onward. There's something that happens in the first few pages that made me basically go "wow, can't believe they just did that" and I had to see what came next.

 

[ArjanN]

Well I just started reading the first book (revised) to see what all this fuss over the Dark Tower is about. Anything I should know before I begin this literary journey?

IMO the quality of the books definately goes downhill near the end, but the first 3 books or so were good.

 

[Patryn]

IMO the quality of the books definately goes downhill near the end, but the first 3 books or so were good.

I'd agree with this, but amend it to first 4. Basically, read everything from before King's accident, then imagine your own ending.

 

[Sullichin]

IMO the quality of the books definately goes downhill near the end, but the first 3 books or so were good.

I'd disagree. I think all of the books are great. I'm in the camp that

Spoiler

likes the meta-stephen king

. The seventh book in particular is incredible. Drawing of the Three or Wastelands might be my favorite though

 

[Number45]

When I first read the Gunslinger (unrevised), I thought it was a slog and difficult to get into. However, reaching the final part - the palavar - I became absolutely hooked and started The Drawing of the Three straight away, and had The Wastelands read the week after. Roland and Mid-World have never been far from my thoughts for over a decade now. I'd say give TDotT a go and if you don't like it then give up on the series.

Things do get pretty mental during the final three volumes but considering the point SK was at in his real life, its understandable.

I found reading the prologue (which I read after the book, weirdly) compelled me to carry on with the series after enjoying the first but not really getting into it. When I read how much time he'd dedicated to it and the links it held to other books of his (I think I read Insomnia just before picking this up) I really wanted to see what happened and who would turn up.

Love the series now, although I haven't read any of them for a long time.

 

[darksnowman]

When I read how much time he'd dedicated to it and the links it held to other books of his (I think I read Insomnia just before picking this up) I really wanted to see what happened and who would turn up.

Insomnia was basically an unnumbered Dark Tower novel. However, due to SK's accident, the vast majority of everything that was set up in Insomnia went out the window when he penned vols 5-7.

There's so much reading around DT I-VII you can do. Everythings Eventual, Hearts in Atlantis, From a Buick 8, The Stand, Eyes of the Dragon, Salem's Lot... almost everything SK has written, infact. A quick Google turned up this diagram:

 

[Vlad]

Insomnia was basically an unnumbered Dark Tower novel. However, due to SK's accident, the vast majority of everything that was set up in Insomnia went out the window when he penned vols 5-7.

How so?

Just finished reading Insomnia a month or so ago, and the big setup seemed to be the

Spoiler

Patrick Danville

stuff, which pretty much jived exactly with what happened in the book. The only thing that I could see going out the window was Roland

Spoiler

literally getting rid of his copy of the book

.

 

[bengraven]

I think the film/TV series will never be made because of the Stephen King angle and the poor ending. Also the fact that the first film ends on a cliffhanger.

And that they are going to want to get to 7 movies and are worried some will work better than others.

 

[darksnowman]

How so?

Just finished reading Insomnia a month or so ago, and the big setup seemed to be the

Spoiler

Patrick Danville

stuff, which pretty much jived exactly with what happened in the book. The only thing that I could see going out the window was Roland

Spoiler

literally getting rid of his copy of the book

.

The painter is the only thing to come from it and he's used very cheaply in the DT. The way the CK was set up as an uber-villain was completely disregarded too.

Its been a long time since I read Insomnia but I remember being pumped for DT V when I finished it. At the time (pre-accident) SK himself billed Insomnia as a must read for DT junkies to tide us over until ka called him to write the fifth installment.

I think the film/TV series will never be made because of the Stephen King angle and the poor ending. Also the fact that the first film ends on a cliffhanger.

And that they are going to want to get to 7 movies and are worried some will work better than others.

Never mind the fact that everything would need toned down and it wouldn't even translate to the screen well at all. Peoples minds being invaded, etc.

 

[Vlad]

I think the film/TV series will never be made because of the Stephen King angle and the poor ending. Also the fact that the first film ends on a cliffhanger.

And that they are going to want to get to 7 movies and are worried some will work better than others.

Personally, I always thought that a good approach to the movies would be to make them a (spoilers for DT7)

Spoiler

sequel to the books of sorts. Basically have the first establishing shot of Roland show him with his horn, so that readers of the book know that he's not on the same cycle that he was during the books. This way they can take whatever liberties they want with the main storyline (within reason) while having the explanation that it isn't the same run to the tower that was covered in the novels. Not only that, but there could also be more of a "final" ending by having Roland actually make it to the tower with the horn this time.

 

[John Harker]

I feel like I'm the only one anymore who liked each book more than the one before it. I just loved the journey of it all. Yes things got weirder and weirder, but the whole damn universe was falling apart!

Except the ending

Spoiler

Put me in the hate it camp.

 

[Ichabod]

Spoiler

sequel to the books of sorts. Basically have the first establishing shot of Roland show him with his horn, so that readers of the book know that he's not on the same cycle that he was during the books. This way they can take whatever liberties they want with the main storyline (within reason) while having the explanation that it isn't the same run to the tower that was covered in the novels. Not only that, but there could also be more of a "final" ending by having Roland actually make it to the tower with the horn this time.

I could get behind this.

 

[UraMallas]

Personally, I always thought that a good approach to the movies would be to make them a (spoilers for DT7)

Spoiler

sequel to the books of sorts. Basically have the first establishing shot of Roland show him with his horn, so that readers of the book know that he's not on the same cycle that he was during the books. This way they can take whatever liberties they want with the main storyline (within reason) while having the explanation that it isn't the same run to the tower that was covered in the novels. Not only that, but there could also be more of a "final" ending by having Roland actually make it to the tower with the horn this time.

This is an amazing idea. You have my sword.

 

[WanderingWind]

The ending was fantastic. The Harry Potter stuff wasn't though.

 

[The Wise Old Man]

I'm halfway through the last book now and it feels a little rushed to me. Spoilers ahoy...

Spoiler

Killing off Eddie and Jake within 100 pages of each other was just ridiculous and like most other people, I'm not digging the meta narrative...

I liked the earlier books a lot more since they had that "road trip" adventurous feeling to them. This last one is just all over the place tone-wise.

 

[Doublesith]

Here's an excerpt from The Wind through the Keyhole (aka The Dark Tower 4.5):

http://www.tor.com/stories/2011/12/the-dark-tower-the-wind-through-the-keyhole-excerpt

 

[blainethemono]

Apparently Grant Books is already shipping their deluxe/artist editions of the new book. I just got mine in the mail...didnt even expect it so soon because they only shipped out the last few books about 2 weeks before they came out in stores. It looks beautiful. Has the same texture on the slipcase as their new edition of The Gunslinger/Little Sisters from a few years ago:

http://www.abload.de/img/img_20120305_143929qydax.jpg

I don't even know if I want to open this right now because I still have to finish reading Blood Meridian and i'd rather read this on kindle anyway and keep it shrink wrapped

 

[JDSN]

Body=ready.

 

[blainethemono]

I read a little bit of it so far...I was expecting just another regular DT book but something happened pretty early on that shocked me and set it apart from the other books in a major way. i'm really excited to continue reading it now, it seems like a pretty good bridge between books 4 and 5. i'm not too far in yet but I think fans of the early DT books as well as the comics will appreciate this one a lot for the chance to get a new look at Roland as a character from a different angle

 

[DarkChronic]

Starting a reread! Very excited. Just ordered WttK on Amazon, will read it in order chronologically.

 

[bengraven]

Starting a reread! Very excited. Just ordered WttK on Amazon, will read it in order chronologically.

I started one as well, though I realized I can't find my Drawing of the Two copy. I still love Gunslinger though.

Then tonight my brother borrows me the Wind Through the Keyhole, so I think my re-read is on hold for now!

 

[Socreges]

I got up to Wizard and Glass many years ago and got about halfway before shelving it for some unknown reason. Maybe I wanted to wait until the next book was actually available.

Anyway, I haven't gone back to the series since, especially after hearing that books 5-7 were disappointing. Anyone care to talk me into returning? I'd probably start at Gunslinger again since I remember so little.

 

[blainethemono]

I got up to Wizard and Glass many years ago and got about halfway before shelving it for some unknown reason. Maybe I wanted to wait until the next book was actually available.

Anyway, I haven't gone back to the series since, especially after hearing that books 5-7 were disappointing. Anyone care to talk me into returning? I'd probably start at Gunslinger again since I remember so little.

Completely worth it even if you just stop after W&G. the first 4 books are fantastic. i liked the 5th one, but the last two just kind of pissed me off. 4.5 is also good

 

[bengraven]

Gunslinger and Wizard are my two favorite of the books.

I'd have to say it goes:

1. Gunslinger
2. Wizard and Glass
3. Wastelands
4. The Drawing of the Three
5. The Dark Tower
6. Wolves of the Calla
7. Song of Susannah

 

[DarkChronic]

I got up to Wizard and Glass many years ago and got about halfway before shelving it for some unknown reason. Maybe I wanted to wait until the next book was actually available.

Anyway, I haven't gone back to the series since, especially after hearing that books 5-7 were disappointing. Anyone care to talk me into returning? I'd probably start at Gunslinger again since I remember so little.

Keep at it.

This series is probably my favorite series of all time. Honestly, yes, book 5 and 6 do dip in quality a little bit, but not to the point where it's not worth it. They are still great reads and there is some really good stuff in them.

I thought Book 7 was excellent. I can definitely see why some people don't like it, however. But I loved it, and I absolutely LOVED the ending. One of my favorite endings of all time.

Give it another go, and enjoy!

 

[nicoga3000]

I love how Wizard & Glass is always touted as the pinnacle of the series. It's easily my favorite book of the series, and possible that I've ever read. SUCH an exciting story!

 

[ThankeeSai]

Didn't know if I should make a new thread on this (couldn't see anything about the film when I searched), but thought I'd just put it in here.

More film news -

Stephen King has been waiting a long time for "The Dark Tower" series to find a place on screens. "The Gunslinger," the first book in the series, was published in 1982, and he's returned to that science fiction/fantasy/horror/western world for almost 4,000 pages. More than once, it has looked like Hollywood would tackle the enormous cross-genre project. More than once, the project has been killed.

That's what happened Tuesday at Warner Bros., which passed on "The Dark Tower." Deadline reports, "After getting an overhauled script from Oscar winning scribe Akiva Goldsman, the studio just balked on the project that Ron Howard wants to direct with Brian Grazer, Goldsman and King producing, and with their A Beautiful Mind star Russell Crowe being eyed to play the gunman Roland Deschain."

If this sounds like a rerun, it is. The project -- packaged as three feature films and two limited-run television series -- was killed by Universal last summer. In July 2011, Universal, operating under Comcast's new, frugal ownership, announced it would not produce "The Dark Tower." In that iteration, Javier Bardem was set to star; as in this one, Brian Grazer was producing, Goldsman was scripting, and Ron Howard was directing. Howard and Grazer had worked on the project for a year before approaching King -- and then the bestselling author came on board as a producer.

"I've been waiting for the right team to bring the characters and stories in these books to film and TV viewers around the world," King had said in a statement, back when things at Universal were looking good. "Ron, Akiva, Brian [Grazer] along with Universal and NBC have a deep interest and passion for 'The Dark Tower' series and I know that will translate into an intriguing series of films and TV shows that respect the origins and the characters in 'The Dark Tower' that fans have come to love."

Fans have bought more than 30 million copies of "The Dark Tower" books. The most recent book in the series, "The Wind Through the Keyhole," came out in April of this year.

Maybe there is hope for them. Deadline has updated its report about Warner Bros.' passing with news that a new financier may have stepped in. Media Rights Capital, the company behind the surprise summer hit "Ted," is reportedly in talks to bring "The Dark Tower" to screens. Finally.

Source

Please not Russell Crowe.

Just don't like the guy at all.

Javier Bardem was perfect imo.

Secondly, if it gets made, they better make damn sure that they do it justice. Couldn't stand to see this get turned to shit

 

[Puddles]

Well, I started this series a few weeks ago. Right now I'm on Wastelands.

The Drawing of the Three was absolutely amazing, but Wastelands has been a bit of a drag so far. People seem to think highly of it though, so I'll keep going.

 

[Mastodonkey]

I read the first 4 books about six years ago and loved them.. I've been trying to get started on wolves for what seems like forever now but I always seem to put it down.. sometimes I wonder if I should even continue on in the first place when hearing so many bad things about the last three.. oh yeah and I did read wind through the keyhole and loved it

 

[blainethemono]

Aaron Paul Wants To Play Eddie Dean In Stephen King's The Dark Tower

https://twitter.com/aaronpaul_8/status/256443830201630720
https://twitter.com/aaronpaul_8/status/256455649817399296

Warner Bros.’ planned adaptation of Stephen King’s massive The Dark Tower series has stalled. Last we heard, the studio passed on an elaborate plan that would have spread King’s story across multiple feature films and a television series. But even though the project’s on the shelf, that hasn’t stopped fans in high places from speculating on the franchise’s future.

Case in point: Breaking Bad Emmy winner Aaron Paul took to Twitter last night to claim that playing reformed junkie Eddie Dean in King’s story is a “HUGE dream of mine.” Those of us who’ve read King’s story promptly had our brains melted by the mere suggestion of Paul playing Eddie. It’s so perfect a casting choice that Damon Lindelof chimed in with the Tweet, “You would be the best Eddie ever.”

And he would. Dean is a New York junkie pulled into a fantasy world by rambling gunslinger Roland of Gilead. He’s a deeply flawed but ultimately heroic character, and he’s characterized by his bravery and sarcasm. Paul would be so perfect in the role. And as Breaking Bad has proven, this powerful actor easily could hold his own alongside Russell Crowe, Javier Bardem, or any other actor cast as Roland.

Unfortunately, as far as we know, the movie isn’t happening. The budget might have been too high. Ron Howard’s vision might have been too unwieldy. But King’s Dark Tower story is so amazing, you can understand why Hollywood’s reluctant to let it go. And with casting suggestions like Paul for Eddie, now I’m refusing to let it go, as well. How about you?

I think he would be pretty damn good for the role, but mostly I just love that he wants to do it. If this project ever actually happens anyway.

 

[ZombieFred]

God damn, Aaron Paul would be perfect for the role as Eddie. Perfect.

 

[icespide]

sorry to bump an old thread. I just wanted to hop in here and say that I finished book 7 last night and it completely destroyed me! I loved the ending and honestly I've been pretty somber all day thinking about it.

Spoiler

Oy's death really hit me hard =(

 

[Tigel]

This reminds me that I should get back to the series. I've stopped at the beginning of book 6 for some reason...

I'm curious to know why the ending is causing so much controversy/debates.

 

[blainethemono]

sorry to bump an old thread. I just wanted to hop in here and say that I finished book 7 last night and it completely destroyed me! I loved the ending and honestly I've been pretty somber all day thinking about it.

Spoiler

Oy's death really hit me hard =(

read the comics yet? I love them, especially the ones early on that give you a fuller story of the journey back from Mejis