You hit the nail on the head when you say the appeal of the book is in its mystery. The Gunslinger invites you, even dares you, to try to figure out just what is going on and what’s happened to get you where you are, leading you along with some fascinating and bizarre clues. Awesome video - your enthusiasm for the book is contagious!
It's hard for me not to be enthusiastic about King. His stories formed everything that I love in writing and with this, everything I never knew I wanted in fantasy.
Mike's Book Reviews Tolkien is like that for me, and I know you’re a Tolkien fan too, but I’m beginning to understand why you’d feel that way about King (who, as you mentioned, wrote this as his unique ode to Tolkien).
I've been listening to Kingsligers podcast as they do a read through discussion on the whole series, they find so many references to Lord of the rings.
Ive read the dark tower series about 7 times all the way through. It is my favorite epic series/story of all time. It has just about everything you can think of.... Horror,love,war,fantasy,.......etc.
I'm looking for some western horror stories with cowboy/bounty hunter like characters in a world with monsters. The gunslinger was recommended but are the other books in the series similar in theme or does it change and leave the dark western element as the series goes beyond the first book? :)
@uh-ohspaghettio7826 most of them are westernish. I'd say only 2 and 6 aren't. 1 and 4 is exactly what you're looking for. And 5 is like a retelling of an akira kurosawa movie which westerns are based on.
Honestly stumbled into this series by accident. Two years ago I asked my parents for a Stephen King novel for Christmas; I said "surprise me". Well they got me the third book in The Dark Tower series and I was PISSED because I couldn't read it despite it looked *amazing*. Fast forward to this past May, my older sister was able to get me the first two books, and I'm on my way to finally reading the third book. I've never read two books so fast, I was so drawn into this world.
That's almost exactly what happened to me; my grandmother bought me Wizard & Glass, having no idea it was the 4th book in a series, just that it was new and written by Stephen King. I guess we aren't the only ones, haha
One of the most amazing first books to a fantasy series i’ve ever seen. I love the mystery of this book and how little it lets on, just little bits of info that make you NEED to read the next one to understand the first book, and on and on. This book keeps you on edge and let’s you in barely, but each book is like opening the door a little bit more until you open to the other side. Fantastic first book for a fantastic series. 2nd best fantasy after Tolkien.
I really enjoyed the gunslinger even on its own. The atmosphere was incredible, and I was hooked with how many questions King had me asking. I had to see what happened next and get answers to my theories.
Finished this bad boy day I got it, and I honestly adored the atmosphere, the mood, King conveys in this one. You do feel that sense of loneliness that near all desperados have to tumble with, that sense of despair knowing all that you love have long since left ya behind. Also, the Southern drawl of the Otherworld was cool. Always loved the Westerns, so having that plus King’s character filled prose was just fun to read.
The Dark Tower 1: The Gunslinger is the best introduction to a series I've ever read. I find the only people who have trouble reading it are readers who aren't willing to accept an unsolved mystery, but that's what a part one is supposed to do. Leave you with questions. I loved your insight.
that’s what made me dislike it personally. i was so confused. i had no idea what was going on. and it was very short and unfulfilling. but imma read book 2 anyway
@@antony9384 omg yes . the series is my favorite ever but the first book was just not it to me . yet, somehow after the last book finishes, book 1 becomes cool.
My friend pushed this series on me. I was reluctant because I had trouble getting into The Gunslinger. But she assured me that if I can push past the first book the series picks up. She was right. It took me a year to get through all seven books, and I loved the journey every step of the way. But when I wanted to discuss the books with my friend, she said she has forgotten most of it.....
I first started reading in 2018 first i read Harry Potter then His Dark Materials snd as third series i read The Dark Tower. And so far its still one of my favorite fantasy series
actually there are some hints in the backstory of the gunslinger world that indicate that while this is an alternate version of Earth it is definitely not our version of Earth since the knights of Camelot switched from swords to guns and didn't fall the same way they did in our legends
I feel like THE GUNSLINGER is a book that a lot of readers dismiss or feel is a black sheep to the rest of the series, but upon rereading discover there was a lot more in it they liked than they remembered.
That might be because King went back to the first book and re-edited it to add in things he wanted it to foreshadow. He said himself that if he could he would've changed a lot of the things he wrote (think it was in the collaboration Q&A he did with GRRM). Which makes sense since King wasn't used to planning a series of that magnitude.
Yeah I'm reading through the series now currently I'm about half way through the drawing of the three I'm enjoying it so far and I enjoyed the gunslinger a lot as well like not a ton happened but it was a great way to start the series in my opinion
I have been into SK since 4th grade when I found Christine in the school library. The Dark Tower series is my all time favorite series ever.right before the green mile series. I just started to re-read these. Idk how I have never heard of your channel. Thank u for this.
Really loved the Dark Tower series, especially the first 2 books. I'm not familiar with any other King stories so the odd stuff that happens later in the series threw me a bit, but as I've been told, that was King being King. That opening is so great. I think I need to move some other King up in the TBR.
@Bob Ross It was years ago I just bought whole series and read it traditional way. Guidall's version is so different than Muller's, to be true I had that problem before, especially with DF "Ghost Story" Marsters couldn't record at the time and some other guy did and in my mind it sounded soo awful It was unbearable.
@Bob Ross Big fan, I read everything except "The Institute". Will Patton was very good and I hope he'll continue recording Kings books, but my favourite is Steven Webber in IT and Michael C Hall in Pet Semetary. They are fantastic lectors especially Hall I recommend it wholeheartedly (apparently good actors are great in narrating books, who knew ;-)).
If you had not quoted “the man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed”, I would have turned this video off and unsubscribed from your channel. Again an amazing review from the Master. Love your Stephen King videos and your other videos have inspired me to read novels I have never even heard of
I read The Gunslinger for the first time at 10 years old. Tore through The Drawing of the Three then had to wait years for the Wasteland and Wizard and Glass. Shit I was in my late 20's before the series was finished.
My favorite line from The Dark Tower is “stand and be true” if I ever got a a tattoo (still don’t have one) I’d get a turtle or a rose or something with Stand and Be True by it.
Does it mean "long, interminable talk", or something close to Parley, "Peace talk"? Or a mix of the two? In the Irish original meaning? In french, we do have "palabre", long talk, sometimes with hints of "high language" (vs commoner). And it also could imply, lonh ago, a remedy to a dispute through long talks.
Now this is something i've been waitin' since the day one when i first click on you're channel,oh my what a masterpiece,some folks have opsession with Wheel of time and i dig that cause this series are my dearest and always will have a very special place in my heart And that intro,i got my dose of epic for today
And may you have twice the number :) Lookin' forward for more,it makes my day when one of you're videos jump in my screen,even better if it is new "into the Macroverse" kind of stuff
Personally, I think the conversation about The Gunslinger being “pointless” or “more like a prologue and nothing like the rest of the series” is waaaay overdone. It’s a greet introduction to the world and to Roland as a character, not to mention Jake. Yes, it’s full of mystery but if that’s a problem for you, you probably want to skip the next books too. There’s LOTS of mystery throughout. Don’t expect everything to be answered and resolved in the next book. And when people say to skip The Gunslinger altogether I’m always just baffled. It’s like those that recommend skipping it have read a completely different book than I have I.
I truly think the "there's too many plot holes!" rabble (those one who consider unanswered questions in a book 1 a "plot hole") just don't know how to handle series because they want all the answers immediately.
Mike, this is my first time on your channel. Thank you for your analysis. Best one I’ve seen on TH-cam so far. Thanks for focusing on the first novel and not spoiling anything in terms of the next books in the series. I’m not a big reader, but recently I have been more and more regularly. I have a coworker who set the gunslinger on my desk one day and said I should read it. I had a great time with it. This being my first time reading Stephen King and being an in-experienced reader, you can imagine the challenges I had reading it. When I would take breaks from reading, I’d step outside and listen to the audiobook of what I had just read (especially for heavier scenes that I wanted to be sure I didn’t overlook any important details). It was in doing this I realized I was reading the 1988 version and listening to the 2003 version. I am a little bit worried about having trouble with the next books as I understand there is quiet a bit of context missing to help them make more sense. For instance- the letter that the bartender is given about “19” is not mentioned at all. Things like that. What do you think about having missed certain details like that? But what an incredible journey it was, I was planning on continuing with reading the next book but this analysis really got me excited! Thanks.
Awesome you were 19 when first reading my Dude and cannot thank you enough for the shout-out here. Humbled and honored as always for the recommend. The closest King ever got to 19 explanations is in that awesome essay he did entitled 'On Being 19' that I'm sure you've read. Definitely imparted an immense amount of insight about at least why he finds the number imperatively important in a person's development. I've heard a lot of peeps, including my lady when she read this for the first time earlier this year, say that the prose is especially difficult in this one which I personally don't feel. If anything I'd say it's moreso the scope/scale and lack of explanation that this provides as far as world building goes. Probably overwhelming for a lot of readers not used to that stuff, especially that psychedelic palaver between Roland & you know who. I do have mixed feelings about how much of a cold-hearted bastard Roland is at times in this book as you mentioned, however I suppose it was necessary to make that apparent of the character arch that transpires in the later volumes wouldn't be as profound. SO STOKED to hear your thoughts on Eyes of the Dragon and The Talisman as I've said before, but AWESOME work as always Mike. Looking forward to our proper Palaver in the not to distant future. Long days and pleasant nights!
I look forward to your thoughts every time I do a Multiverse episode. As for Talisman, I've head pretty much unanimous great things. As for EotD...Well, that's a mixed bag. But I look forward to it since my guy R.F. is in it.
I loved the first book of TDT series. It set up a grim and mysterious world. And I could tell S.K. had really good ideas here. The Gunslinger was a badass.
I recently read The Gunslinger and am glad you made this video. I thought the book was great and this video helped me understand some things a little better.
How weird, I am currently re-reading Stephen King’s anthology in order of publication too - although I’m doing the whole anthology, including Bachman and short stories. I’ve found that re-reading a few have given me a different take on them now - some that I wasn’t so keen on the first time round I’m really enjoying on this read through. I’ve aways loved the Dark Tower series as a whole - I even have a ‘Stand and be true’ tattoo. I must admit that the first time I read The Gunslinger I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. So glad I continued on the journey with Roland and the gang - I found that my view on the world changed throughout that journey. Have now re-read the whole series many times and can really appreciate the first book much more. Anyway, I’m off to start the next on my list - IT :) Glad to have found your channel - thankee Sai - long days and pleasant nights to you.
Nice video. I was lead into the dark tower series "accidentally" after reading 'It' and discovering 'Insomnia' being a pseudo sequel. Insomnia had all these references to this series. So I was curious, but I was hooked to this series at the end of the book with that palaver. Can't wait for your book 2 review. Did-a-chick?
My favorite. I own all the books and read them all. Put them away for years now, think I’m going to dig them out and re read them all again. The story is a legendary piece imho, I haven’t read much that comes close.
Marvellous review! I liked The Gunslinger from the start, I've never quite understood those people who say that you should only read the first book because it sets the scene or whatever.
I’ve been trying to read this book since 2005 but I finally buckled down and restarted it last month and finished it at the end of last month (June). The writing style always through me off in the past however this time for whatever reason I was hooked on every word and breezed through it. I guess it was just the right time in my life. Loved it this time around! Five stars!
I just finished The Gunslinger today on my lunch break. I loved it thought it was great the first thing I told my friend, who told me to read it, was "Stephen King uses the word Crotch like 37 times in this book." Lol but great book!
Not a popular statement but the Dark Tower isn’t just inspired by the Arthurian Legend..I really believe that this is Stephen Kings own expansion to the Arthurian Legend. The main reason why I dived into the Dark Tower universe is because of King Arthur and Merlin. “The once and future king” except there’s no story of king Arthur’s return but Roland Deschain being the last descendant of King Arthur (the eld) and excalibur melted and molded into revolvers? Come on, Arthur Pendragon/Arthur Eld, Maerlyn/Merlin, Mordred/Mordrid?? This is it.
Yes!! Once I finish Oathbringer (still waiting for it to come in the mail), I’m going to Dark Tower. I’ve started this series twice now and never made it past The Waste Lands. I like to blame that on being in college both times I started it and having no attention span at the time.
I just recently started working through The Dark Tower. I dunno if it is confirmed later or not to be a proper connection, but Roland referred to Jake seeming to have "the touch," and the way he regarded it called to mind folks with who can shine. I'm not sure if the touch and the shine are the same, and where I'm at in the series now it still hasn't been said, but it stuck with me. Still keeping my eyes peeled for more instances of "the touch," and if it continues to sound like shining.
Guess my favorite part of discovering this series and reading up to where it left off before his accident, was reading his other works. And slowly realizing how many tie together. Talisman, Black House, Insomnia, IT and so many more in large and small ways.
@@mikesbookreviews we seem to be roughly the same age. I don't know about you, but when he was hit by that van, and as awful as it seems, my second thought was "Oh god, now he'll never finish the Dark Tower."
I started reading this 37 yrs ago when it first came out. It's one of my favorite series, but I can only remember main character names and some other stuff because it was so long ago. Maybe I'll re-read it again.
Hey Mike, I hope you see this. Ive never read for fun in my life but you got me into reading the dark tower series after I read Fairy Tale and saw your review about it. Thanks a lot and ps, I dont think its a coincidence that im 19 and starting to read stephen king.😮
Infinity thumbs up. I was waiting for this, and it did not disappoint. Dark Tower is near and dear to my heart, and while Book 1 is not my favorite in the series (Book 2), it is a very important book. Long days and pleasant nights!
Great job with the video - totally agree about the opening line. (Though, to be fair, this book has SO MANY quotable lines!) It always makes me sad to hear that people don't enjoy The Gunslinger; it just sets the tone for the rest of the series so well. It's like a fever dream, but in the best way possible. I really enjoyed hearing all your opinions/favourite parts of the book. Rereading is such a rich experience - every scene takes on a new and deeper meaning, and really showcases what a brilliant storyteller King is. This has been my favourite series for such a long time, and I can't wait to hear your take on the other volumes.
I recently read this book and it just left me scratching my head. It was my first King book.I think I'm going to try reading a non-Dark Tower book before I go on to the second book. Either MR. MERCEDES or 11/23/63 (just because I already own those).
This is the most important book in the series and says the most. It's not all "lore" but it is the foundation upon which all else is built. It is not lesser or simply a prologue. Silly to think anything of the sort.
When I first read The Gunslinger, I rated it 3.5-4 stars. But once I finished the entire series and reread it like I was advised to do, then it all made sense, especially the conversation they have at the end… and it was soooooo good to me. 5 stars now! 🤘
The Dark Tower remains my most favorite fantasy series and at this point I’ve read a ton of fantasy and I ALWAYS say the same thing to people I’m recommending the Dark Tower to, get through book 1 then ENJOY book 2.
@@ItalianStallionBDM Not arguing or anything, but can you explain why 2 was hard to get through? Super curious as it's definitely my favorite in the series by a large margin. I couldn't put it down! Being introduced to Eddie on the plane was riveting and getting to know Odetta/Detta was a trip. And the whole Jack Mort section was gold imo.
Thank you Mike. I enjoyed your review. I have read all of these books. This one "The Gunslinger" is the "hook" that got me started. I do realize the connections to King's multiverse in all of these other books. King's brain works on a totally different level than the rest of us. Suggestion: rather than re-read some of these books. Try audio books. I am hooked. I used to buy real books with pages. I really enjoyed reading as a young adult and that has carried throughout my life. There is no substitute for getting to know the mind of the writer. But, I drive 40 miles one way to work every day. This really eats up a lot of my time. To keep my mind occupied, I listen to books while i drive. It is a great way to fill the hour each way. If you don't wish to "re-read" the "Wheel of Time" collection, try listening to it. The entire series is available on audio and the readers are excellent. Stephen King is one of my favorite writers. I read everything he writes. His stories and characters are so well developed and realistic, that you tend to believe that he has experienced all of what he has written rather than just dreaming it up. Thanks again, Andrew Boyd
I absolutely ADORE this book. I seriously can't understand when people say they don't like it or that is slow. I mean, less than 300 pages and you get The Gunslinger, Jake Chambers, The Slow Mutants, first Dark Tower mythology, the battle of Tull, a talking crow, a guy getting back from the DEAD, a super interesting Universe crazy shit at the ending and the goddamn MAN IN BLACK. much much better to me than the second book, which introduces great chatacters but unlike the first one, a plane and boring story after the first third. To me, at least
Remember in the Thomas Jane "The Mist" movie (freaking amazing btw) where he is painting the picture of the Gunslinger? That blew my mind as a kid. I knew the Mist short story is tied to the Gunslinger, but I appreciated the nod.
@@donovanchilton5817 I've seen the ending. I know it's not a book, but it's like Storm of the Century right? He wrote the screenplay to fit into his universe?
Yeah, that was epic. It fueled my speculation that Thomas Jane was going to play Roland in the then Ron Howard adaptation. I still think he'd be a great Roland.
Never read much King aside from a few books here and there when I was younger, but I picked up the Gunslinger recently and was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. I’m on book two and plan to just follow this series, but I, like many people, have at least seen some of his film adaptations that might help with some of the references in place of the books that I missed (although, I do plan to check them out now.) I hadn’t seen anyone bring up Storm of the Century, but I also recall faintly Andre Linoge (not sure if I spelled that correctly) be referred to as legion, which would be a neat reference. Anyway, love your review and I’m so excited to continue on with this amazing series. Thanks!
Reading book 1 and 2 after each other is such good advice. I read DT 1 and then months later DT 2, and I was left so confused after DT 1. Up to DT4/4.5 and Wolves of Calla next and loving it so far.
For those who also like to listen to the audiobooks too, look for the gunslinger read by Stephen King. It’s 4 parts and free on TH-cam and I like hearing King read.
Three books is the count. Three books you have, in a couple of weeks, convinced me to read . I don´t how I´m going to make time, since right now I´m reading a ton of stuff: Mistborn 2 (first era) on a reread, Men at arms, College stuff, and D&D books. Either way, this year I´ll be tackling Dune, restart Dark Tower, and hopefully get Count of Monte Cristo.
I read the first three books, but put down book 4 with the intention to pick it up again, unfortunately I forgot to. In 2021 at the end of the year I decided to reread The Gunslinger and Drawing of Three. I loved them, and I meant to pick up The Waste Lands in 2022, but I got distracted by other books. It was my favorite the first time around.
I’m only a 1/3 way through The Eyes of the Dragon and it is different from King’s other books but I’m enjoying it lol considering that it’s king’s only medieval work (I think). Hulu is supposedly currently shooting the live series as we speak. After watching Castle Rock, I think Hulu can bring this book to a live-series-justice
Amazing video, man! Big fan of the channel. Just read The Gunslinger and I’m excited to continue on in the series! Curious to know where you got that awesome SK t-shirt from!
Re reading the gunslinger after deciding to go back and do the expanded reading before Wizard and glass and for the small role of Brown you are the only face I can image for some reason. I guess it’s ka.
You hit the nail on the head when you say the appeal of the book is in its mystery. The Gunslinger invites you, even dares you, to try to figure out just what is going on and what’s happened to get you where you are, leading you along with some fascinating and bizarre clues. Awesome video - your enthusiasm for the book is contagious!
It's hard for me not to be enthusiastic about King. His stories formed everything that I love in writing and with this, everything I never knew I wanted in fantasy.
Mike's Book Reviews Tolkien is like that for me, and I know you’re a Tolkien fan too, but I’m beginning to understand why you’d feel that way about King (who, as you mentioned, wrote this as his unique ode to Tolkien).
I've been listening to Kingsligers podcast as they do a read through discussion on the whole series, they find so many references to Lord of the rings.
Ive read the dark tower series about 7 times all the way through. It is my favorite epic series/story of all time. It has just about everything you can think of.... Horror,love,war,fantasy,.......etc.
I'm looking for some western horror stories with cowboy/bounty hunter like characters in a world with monsters. The gunslinger was recommended but are the other books in the series similar in theme or does it change and leave the dark western element as the series goes beyond the first book? :)
Read the entire series. If you haven’t yet.
read it 12 more times
@uh-ohspaghettio7826 most of them are westernish. I'd say only 2 and 6 aren't. 1 and 4 is exactly what you're looking for. And 5 is like a retelling of an akira kurosawa movie which westerns are based on.
Honestly stumbled into this series by accident. Two years ago I asked my parents for a Stephen King novel for Christmas; I said "surprise me". Well they got me the third book in The Dark Tower series and I was PISSED because I couldn't read it despite it looked *amazing*. Fast forward to this past May, my older sister was able to get me the first two books, and I'm on my way to finally reading the third book. I've never read two books so fast, I was so drawn into this world.
That's almost exactly what happened to me; my grandmother bought me Wizard & Glass, having no idea it was the 4th book in a series, just that it was new and written by Stephen King.
I guess we aren't the only ones, haha
Re-read this inbetween reading The Shining and The Stand, forgot how much I loved it. Got me into King
King not only introduced me to Lovecraft and Shirley Jackson, but he also rekindled my love for fantasy with this tale. He's the man.
My first King book was the gunslinger! Loved it.
Gotta start somewhere.
One of the most amazing first books to a fantasy series i’ve ever seen. I love the mystery of this book and how little it lets on, just little bits of info that make you NEED to read the next one to understand the first book, and on and on. This book keeps you on edge and let’s you in barely, but each book is like opening the door a little bit more until you open to the other side. Fantastic first book for a fantastic series. 2nd best fantasy after Tolkien.
I really enjoyed the gunslinger even on its own. The atmosphere was incredible, and I was hooked with how many questions King had me asking. I had to see what happened next and get answers to my theories.
Good palaver, Mike!
Thankee.
Finished this bad boy day I got it, and I honestly adored the atmosphere, the mood, King conveys in this one. You do feel that sense of loneliness that near all desperados have to tumble with, that sense of despair knowing all that you love have long since left ya behind.
Also, the Southern drawl of the Otherworld was cool. Always loved the Westerns, so having that plus King’s character filled prose was just fun to read.
It is amazing the world he visualized in just over 200 pages.
The Dark Tower 1: The Gunslinger is the best introduction to a series I've ever read. I find the only people who have trouble reading it are readers who aren't willing to accept an unsolved mystery, but that's what a part one is supposed to do. Leave you with questions. I loved your insight.
that’s what made me dislike it personally. i was so confused. i had no idea what was going on. and it was very short and unfulfilling. but imma read book 2 anyway
@@youtubeaddict487how did you get on with 2? I’ve nearly finished 1 and I’m confused as all hell
@@antony9384 omg yes . the series is my favorite ever but the first book was just not it to me . yet, somehow after the last book finishes, book 1 becomes cool.
@@youtubeaddict487 since I asked you before I have finished The Gunslinger. Going to start book 3 tomorrow. 😀
My friend pushed this series on me. I was reluctant because I had trouble getting into The Gunslinger. But she assured me that if I can push past the first book the series picks up. She was right.
It took me a year to get through all seven books, and I loved the journey every step of the way. But when I wanted to discuss the books with my friend, she said she has forgotten most of it.....
I first started reading in 2018 first i read Harry Potter then His Dark Materials snd as third series i read The Dark Tower. And so far its still one of my favorite fantasy series
actually there are some hints in the backstory of the gunslinger world that indicate that while this is an alternate version of Earth it is definitely not our version of Earth since the knights of Camelot switched from swords to guns and didn't fall the same way they did in our legends
Yeah, trying to keep the mystery alive for new readers.
I feel like THE GUNSLINGER is a book that a lot of readers dismiss or feel is a black sheep to the rest of the series, but upon rereading discover there was a lot more in it they liked than they remembered.
That might be because King went back to the first book and re-edited it to add in things he wanted it to foreshadow. He said himself that if he could he would've changed a lot of the things he wrote (think it was in the collaboration Q&A he did with GRRM). Which makes sense since King wasn't used to planning a series of that magnitude.
I think the first paragraph of The Gunslinger may be the best prose King has ever written.
@@pjdunlevy3894 ah you make a great point there! So iconic!
Yeah I'm reading through the series now currently I'm about half way through the drawing of the three I'm enjoying it so far and I enjoyed the gunslinger a lot as well like not a ton happened but it was a great way to start the series in my opinion
I’m halfway through it now. I don’t really care for it so much as of now.
I was 19 when I first read the series too!!!
NOT A COINCIDENCE
Weird, me too...
I love the Gunslinger...
You are the god of intros...
Ha! Thanks. So many good lines to quote.
See that bear of enormous size? All the world fits in his eyes.
Re-watching this with a new appreciation, now that I have just completed the book. Loved it.
Everyone should read this great series.
I concur.
Long days and pleasant nights
I have been into SK since 4th grade when I found Christine in the school library. The Dark Tower series is my all time favorite series ever.right before the green mile series. I just started to re-read these. Idk how I have never heard of your channel. Thank u for this.
Really loved the Dark Tower series, especially the first 2 books. I'm not familiar with any other King stories so the odd stuff that happens later in the series threw me a bit, but as I've been told, that was King being King. That opening is so great. I think I need to move some other King up in the TBR.
Yeah, when I read book 5 I said "I sure am glad I read Salem's Lot."
I loved reading this book back in the day, I was in Middle School I believe. I also read the Tommyknockers and eyes of the Dragon back in those days
🐢turtle of enormous girth on his back he holds the earth.
His thought is slow but always kind, he holds us all within his mind.
@@banditoheat yup
Skoldpaddaaaaaa
George Guidall's audible version of the Gunslinger is classic.
I can't stand it because I listen to Frank Muller's version first. And unfortunately couldn't make myself to continue after book 4.
I don't audio, but I've heard folks love both narrators.
@Bob Ross It was years ago I just bought whole series and read it traditional way. Guidall's version is so different than Muller's, to be true I had that problem before, especially with DF "Ghost Story" Marsters couldn't record at the time and some other guy did and in my mind it sounded soo awful It was unbearable.
@Bob Ross Big fan, I read everything except "The Institute". Will Patton was very good and I hope he'll continue recording Kings books, but my favourite is Steven Webber in IT and Michael C Hall in Pet Semetary. They are fantastic lectors especially Hall I recommend it wholeheartedly (apparently good actors are great in narrating books, who knew ;-)).
Guidall’s Roland is mesmerizing
If you had not quoted “the man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed”, I would have turned this video off and unsubscribed from your channel. Again an amazing review from the Master. Love your Stephen King videos and your other videos have inspired me to read novels I have never even heard of
I read The Gunslinger for the first time at 10 years old. Tore through The Drawing of the Three then had to wait years for the Wasteland and Wizard and Glass. Shit I was in my late 20's before the series was finished.
My favorite line from The Dark Tower is “stand and be true” if I ever got a a tattoo (still don’t have one) I’d get a turtle or a rose or something with Stand and Be True by it.
If I was the tattoo type, I'd like the one of the Ka logo with the rose in it.
I have a stand and be true tattoo :)
The word "palaver" is reasonably common in Ireland. The second "a" is pronounced long, like "palaaver".
Does it mean "long, interminable talk", or something close to Parley, "Peace talk"? Or a mix of the two?
In the Irish original meaning?
In french, we do have "palabre", long talk, sometimes with hints of "high language" (vs commoner). And it also could imply, lonh ago, a remedy to a dispute through long talks.
@@ChristmasLore I think long, interminable discussion is close. I don't think I've ever heard the word used positively.
@@pjdunlevy3894 , thank you!
Yes, indeed, now that I think of it, there is a negative aspect to it.
Have a nice day!
Just finished this book, absolutely love it - why did it take me so long to read 📚 🤩....
Better late than never!
Now this is something i've been waitin' since the day one when i first click on you're channel,oh my what a masterpiece,some folks have opsession with Wheel of time and i dig that cause this series are my dearest and always will have a very special place in my heart
And that intro,i got my dose of epic for today
Long days and pleasant nights, my friend.
And may you have twice the number :) Lookin' forward for more,it makes my day when one of you're videos jump in my screen,even better if it is new "into the Macroverse" kind of stuff
I have read all the 8 books, and will come back to it again.
Good timing; just about to start the drawing of the three.
Excellent. Enjoy!
enjoy!
Just finished it today. I'm certainly hooked at this point, my God. "The Drawing" was absolute madness
Personally, I think the conversation about The Gunslinger being “pointless” or “more like a prologue and nothing like the rest of the series” is waaaay overdone. It’s a greet introduction to the world and to Roland as a character, not to mention Jake. Yes, it’s full of mystery but if that’s a problem for you, you probably want to skip the next books too. There’s LOTS of mystery throughout. Don’t expect everything to be answered and resolved in the next book. And when people say to skip The Gunslinger altogether I’m always just baffled. It’s like those that recommend skipping it have read a completely different book than I have I.
I truly think the "there's too many plot holes!" rabble (those one who consider unanswered questions in a book 1 a "plot hole") just don't know how to handle series because they want all the answers immediately.
Mike's Book Reviews exactly!
Exactly. Plus the book is amazing.
Mike, this is my first time on your channel. Thank you for your analysis. Best one I’ve seen on TH-cam so far. Thanks for focusing on the first novel and not spoiling anything in terms of the next books in the series.
I’m not a big reader, but recently I have been more and more regularly. I have a coworker who set the gunslinger on my desk one day and said I should read it. I had a great time with it. This being my first time reading Stephen King and being an in-experienced reader, you can imagine the challenges I had reading it.
When I would take breaks from reading, I’d step outside and listen to the audiobook of what I had just read (especially for heavier scenes that I wanted to be sure I didn’t overlook any important details). It was in doing this I realized I was reading the 1988 version and listening to the 2003 version. I am a little bit worried about having trouble with the next books as I understand there is quiet a bit of context missing to help them make more sense. For instance- the letter that the bartender is given about “19” is not mentioned at all. Things like that. What do you think about having missed certain details like that?
But what an incredible journey it was, I was planning on continuing with reading the next book but this analysis really got me excited! Thanks.
Awesome you were 19 when first reading my Dude and cannot thank you enough for the shout-out here. Humbled and honored as always for the recommend. The closest King ever got to 19 explanations is in that awesome essay he did entitled 'On Being 19' that I'm sure you've read. Definitely imparted an immense amount of insight about at least why he finds the number imperatively important in a person's development.
I've heard a lot of peeps, including my lady when she read this for the first time earlier this year, say that the prose is especially difficult in this one which I personally don't feel. If anything I'd say it's moreso the scope/scale and lack of explanation that this provides as far as world building goes. Probably overwhelming for a lot of readers not used to that stuff, especially that psychedelic palaver between Roland & you know who.
I do have mixed feelings about how much of a cold-hearted bastard Roland is at times in this book as you mentioned, however I suppose it was necessary to make that apparent of the character arch that transpires in the later volumes wouldn't be as profound. SO STOKED to hear your thoughts on Eyes of the Dragon and The Talisman as I've said before, but AWESOME work as always Mike. Looking forward to our proper Palaver in the not to distant future. Long days and pleasant nights!
I look forward to your thoughts every time I do a Multiverse episode. As for Talisman, I've head pretty much unanimous great things. As for EotD...Well, that's a mixed bag. But I look forward to it since my guy R.F. is in it.
I loved the first book of TDT series. It set up a grim and mysterious world. And I could tell S.K. had really good ideas here. The Gunslinger was a badass.
I recently read The Gunslinger and am glad you made this video. I thought the book was great and this video helped me understand some things a little better.
Intro is KILLER as usual 😍🔥
Thankee.
How weird, I am currently re-reading Stephen King’s anthology in order of publication too - although I’m doing the whole anthology, including Bachman and short stories. I’ve found that re-reading a few have given me a different take on them now - some that I wasn’t so keen on the first time round I’m really enjoying on this read through. I’ve aways loved the Dark Tower series as a whole - I even have a ‘Stand and be true’ tattoo. I must admit that the first time I read The Gunslinger I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. So glad I continued on the journey with Roland and the gang - I found that my view on the world changed throughout that journey. Have now re-read the whole series many times and can really appreciate the first book much more. Anyway, I’m off to start the next on my list - IT :) Glad to have found your channel - thankee Sai - long days and pleasant nights to you.
I had started doing this in 2017. Got up to The Dark Half and then started this channel and that schedule fell off a bit.
Gunslinger rules
Nice video. I was lead into the dark tower series "accidentally" after reading 'It' and discovering 'Insomnia' being a pseudo sequel. Insomnia had all these references to this series. So I was curious, but I was hooked to this series at the end of the book with that palaver. Can't wait for your book 2 review. Did-a-chick?
Those got damn lobstrosities.
Been waiting for this!
My favorite. I own all the books and read them all. Put them away for years now, think I’m going to dig them out and re read them all again. The story is a legendary piece imho, I haven’t read much that comes close.
Marvellous review! I liked The Gunslinger from the start, I've never quite understood those people who say that you should only read the first book because it sets the scene or whatever.
I was into it from go. No clue why anyone would recommend skipping it.
Took me 3 tries to finish The Gunslinger. Glad I finally did. The final 3rd pulled me in.
Excellent!
Nice Lost reference. I love that show!
I was badly waiting for this!
I hope it met expectations.
@@mikesbookreviews It's a lot more than that!
I’ve been trying to read this book since 2005 but I finally buckled down and restarted it last month and finished it at the end of last month (June). The writing style always through me off in the past however this time for whatever reason I was hooked on every word and breezed through it. I guess it was just the right time in my life. Loved it this time around! Five stars!
I’m reading it now. The writing is definitely the weirdest that I’ve ever read from him
Just finished rereading it today! Only took me two days. For some reason I could not stop. I’m older now and grasp the storyline more thoroughly!
The intros are just getting better and better :)
I just finished The Gunslinger today on my lunch break. I loved it thought it was great the first thing I told my friend, who told me to read it, was "Stephen King uses the word Crotch like 37 times in this book." Lol but great book!
Not a popular statement but the Dark Tower isn’t just inspired by the Arthurian Legend..I really believe that this is Stephen Kings own expansion to the Arthurian Legend.
The main reason why I dived into the Dark Tower universe is because of King Arthur and Merlin. “The once and future king” except there’s no story of king Arthur’s return but Roland Deschain being the last descendant of King Arthur (the eld) and excalibur melted and molded into revolvers? Come on, Arthur Pendragon/Arthur Eld, Maerlyn/Merlin, Mordred/Mordrid?? This is it.
Yes!! Once I finish Oathbringer (still waiting for it to come in the mail), I’m going to Dark Tower. I’ve started this series twice now and never made it past The Waste Lands.
I like to blame that on being in college both times I started it and having no attention span at the time.
I have a few series like that. Just depends on where you're at in life.
I just recently started working through The Dark Tower. I dunno if it is confirmed later or not to be a proper connection, but Roland referred to Jake seeming to have "the touch," and the way he regarded it called to mind folks with who can shine. I'm not sure if the touch and the shine are the same, and where I'm at in the series now it still hasn't been said, but it stuck with me. Still keeping my eyes peeled for more instances of "the touch," and if it continues to sound like shining.
I remember reading the Gunslinger not understanding what the hell ka, khef and ka-tet meant.
Guess my favorite part of discovering this series and reading up to where it left off before his accident, was reading his other works. And slowly realizing how many tie together. Talisman, Black House, Insomnia, IT and so many more in large and small ways.
Yeah, when I read the first 4 back to back I was like HOW IN THE HELL DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS?!
@@mikesbookreviews we seem to be roughly the same age. I don't know about you, but when he was hit by that van, and as awful as it seems, my second thought was "Oh god, now he'll never finish the Dark Tower."
drawing of the three is my fav.
I started reading this 37 yrs ago when it first came out. It's one of my favorite series, but I can only remember main character names and some other stuff because it was so long ago. Maybe I'll re-read it again.
Yeah, after 20+ years it was like running into a couple of old friends again. Can't wait to re-meet Eddie and Odetta.
@@mikesbookreviews When u mentioned Odetta, it took me a minute before I remembered the other one. lol
“It’s been a long time since 19 for me”
You making me feel old too lol
I just finished it for the first time yesterday. Holy shit. This book was amazing. I was blown away
🤠
“Testicular fortitude”😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hey Mike, I hope you see this. Ive never read for fun in my life but you got me into reading the dark tower series after I read Fairy Tale and saw your review about it. Thanks a lot and ps, I dont think its a coincidence that im 19 and starting to read stephen king.😮
i was 19 as well when i first read the gunslinger!
incredible intro
Thank ya.
Just read this, surprised how good it is.
30 pages into Gunslinger, I decide to watch this video. Loved the intro
I’ve never read anything better than this series the main books I’ve read multiple times
Yessss!
Keep safe!!
Infinity thumbs up. I was waiting for this, and it did not disappoint. Dark Tower is near and dear to my heart, and while Book 1 is not my favorite in the series (Book 2), it is a very important book. Long days and pleasant nights!
Great vid Mike.
I read this and reviewed it for the first time a few weeks ago (Shameless Plug)
I'll hop on over in a minute!
Mike's Book Reviews
You just did, then i hopped back over here.
This is getting weird, like a TH-cam creators extended universe. The YCEU
Great job with the video - totally agree about the opening line. (Though, to be fair, this book has SO MANY quotable lines!)
It always makes me sad to hear that people don't enjoy The Gunslinger; it just sets the tone for the rest of the series so well. It's like a fever dream, but in the best way possible.
I really enjoyed hearing all your opinions/favourite parts of the book. Rereading is such a rich experience - every scene takes on a new and deeper meaning, and really showcases what a brilliant storyteller King is. This has been my favourite series for such a long time, and I can't wait to hear your take on the other volumes.
Yeah, hearing folks recommend new readers skip it made me sick.
Also a mentioned of Hearts In Atlantice, happens in the story to.
Im going to read it again.
You're making me want to read this again.
Mission: ACCOMPLISHED
I recently read this book and it just left me scratching my head. It was my first King book.I think I'm going to try reading a non-Dark Tower book before I go on to the second book. Either MR. MERCEDES or 11/23/63 (just because I already own those).
11/22/63 is a brilliant novel.
I tear up every time I think about "go then. There are other worlds than these"
This is the most important book in the series and says the most. It's not all "lore" but it is the foundation upon which all else is built. It is not lesser or simply a prologue. Silly to think anything of the sort.
the comics actually add to the universe. throws in a lot that happens between wizards and glass and the gun slinger.
The comics are great. Some of the best.
@@mikesbookreviews i was bummed when they stopped them.
When I first read The Gunslinger, I rated it 3.5-4 stars. But once I finished the entire series and reread it like I was advised to do, then it all made sense, especially the conversation they have at the end… and it was soooooo good to me. 5 stars now! 🤘
The Dark Tower remains my most favorite fantasy series and at this point I’ve read a ton of fantasy and I ALWAYS say the same thing to people I’m recommending the Dark Tower to, get through book 1 then ENJOY book 2.
Drawing of the Three is LEGIT
@@ItalianStallionBDM Not arguing or anything, but can you explain why 2 was hard to get through? Super curious as it's definitely my favorite in the series by a large margin. I couldn't put it down! Being introduced to Eddie on the plane was riveting and getting to know Odetta/Detta was a trip. And the whole Jack Mort section was gold imo.
Thank you Mike. I enjoyed your review. I have read all of these books. This one "The Gunslinger" is the "hook" that got me started. I do realize the connections to King's multiverse in all of these other books. King's brain works on a totally different level than the rest of us.
Suggestion: rather than re-read some of these books. Try audio books. I am hooked. I used to buy real books with pages. I really enjoyed reading as a young adult and that has carried throughout my life. There is no substitute for getting to know the mind of the writer. But, I drive 40 miles one way to work every day. This really eats up a lot of my time. To keep my mind occupied, I listen to books while i drive. It is a great way to fill the hour each way. If you don't wish to "re-read" the "Wheel of Time" collection, try listening to it. The entire series is available on audio and the readers are excellent.
Stephen King is one of my favorite writers. I read everything he writes. His stories and characters are so well developed and realistic, that you tend to believe that he has experienced all of what he has written rather than just dreaming it up.
Thanks again,
Andrew Boyd
I absolutely ADORE this book. I seriously can't understand when people say they don't like it or that is slow. I mean, less than 300 pages and you get The Gunslinger, Jake Chambers, The Slow Mutants, first Dark Tower mythology, the battle of Tull, a talking crow, a guy getting back from the DEAD, a super interesting Universe crazy shit at the ending and the goddamn MAN IN BLACK.
much much better to me than the second book, which introduces great chatacters but unlike the first one, a plane and boring story after the first third. To me, at least
There is alot of stuff you get, I think there are some slower parts and I think second book is alot better. The first book is still good.
Thanki Sia
Remember in the Thomas Jane "The Mist" movie (freaking amazing btw) where he is painting the picture of the Gunslinger? That blew my mind as a kid. I knew the Mist short story is tied to the Gunslinger, but I appreciated the nod.
Go watch cats eye. So many references in that movie go by so fast. It's crazy.
Yuuuup
@@donovanchilton5817 I've seen the ending. I know it's not a book, but it's like Storm of the Century right? He wrote the screenplay to fit into his universe?
@@thomaswootress-reidt101 2/3 are from Night Shift(Quitters Inc and the ledge)one is original.
Yeah, that was epic. It fueled my speculation that Thomas Jane was going to play Roland in the then Ron Howard adaptation. I still think he'd be a great Roland.
Never read much King aside from a few books here and there when I was younger, but I picked up the Gunslinger recently and was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. I’m on book two and plan to just follow this series, but I, like many people, have at least seen some of his film adaptations that might help with some of the references in place of the books that I missed (although, I do plan to check them out now.)
I hadn’t seen anyone bring up Storm of the Century, but I also recall faintly Andre Linoge (not sure if I spelled that correctly) be referred to as legion, which would be a neat reference. Anyway, love your review and I’m so excited to continue on with this amazing series.
Thanks!
Reading book 1 and 2 after each other is such good advice. I read DT 1 and then months later DT 2, and I was left so confused after DT 1. Up to DT4/4.5 and Wolves of Calla next and loving it so far.
For those who also like to listen to the audiobooks too, look for the gunslinger read by Stephen King. It’s 4 parts and free on TH-cam and I like hearing King read.
it was my first stephen king book that i read and i just bought IT
I plan to reread the series, probably next year. I want to read some books with connections that I haven't read yet first.
Three books is the count. Three books you have, in a couple of weeks, convinced me to read . I don´t how I´m going to make time, since right now I´m reading a ton of stuff: Mistborn 2 (first era) on a reread, Men at arms, College stuff, and D&D books. Either way, this year I´ll be tackling Dune, restart Dark Tower, and hopefully get Count of Monte Cristo.
I love you videos Man thanks for posting keep it up
I read the first three books, but put down book 4 with the intention to pick it up again, unfortunately I forgot to. In 2021 at the end of the year I decided to reread The Gunslinger and Drawing of Three. I loved them, and I meant to pick up The Waste Lands in 2022, but I got distracted by other books. It was my favorite the first time around.
The eyes of the dragon reads like a grandpa telling a story to his grandchildren hahaha, beware
Ha ha I've been warned
@@mikesbookreviews Think of it as Stephen King telling you a fairytale
I’m only a 1/3 way through The Eyes of the Dragon and it is different from King’s other books but I’m enjoying it lol considering that it’s king’s only medieval work (I think). Hulu is supposedly currently shooting the live series as we speak. After watching Castle Rock, I think Hulu can bring this book to a live-series-justice
Just finished Wind Through the Keyhole. Strange addition to the series but I loved it. Curious your thoughts on that one.
When o get there, it will be my first reading of that one.
the big thing added to Gunslinger was references to 19. I never read the revised edition. Would like to amend that one day
Amazing video, man! Big fan of the channel. Just read The Gunslinger and I’m excited to continue on in the series! Curious to know where you got that awesome SK t-shirt from!
Re reading the gunslinger after deciding to go back and do the expanded reading before Wizard and glass and for the small role of Brown you are the only face I can image for some reason.
I guess it’s ka.
Mike love your stuff bro where you get the peacemaker love it