Book 4 of the Dark Tower series was an epic in both storytelling and proportions – nearly 900 pages, and covering several significant storylines. Continuing where book 3 left off, our merry band of travellers survives the murderous train ride to find themselves walking a yellow brick road in Kansas and discovering an emerald castle (the Oz references are dense in the latter section of the book). In the meantime, Roland spins a campfire tale of his earliest days as a Gunslinger, an adventure of romance and necromancy and cowboy excitement that provide some needed complexity and empathy to his morose grittiness. By the end, the Wizard has been revealed and driven away, and group gets back on track toward the tower.
While I ultimately enjoyed this book, I found the extreme detail of the Susan story to be tedious at times and was glad when it finally came to its conclusion. It is essential background to Roland’s mystique but could have been accomplished with at least 200 fewer pages. I do look forward to the upcoming tales that tie off the various characters from that history but hope that they are more concise.
I am surprised to find myself enjoying this fantasy/cowboy series of stories, as these are not my usual genres. This is perhaps a testament to King’s storytelling prowess.
Onward to Book 5!
Fate: little book library.
(With these few categories, this book might not make the year’s final list.)
1 – a book with a murder
36 – part of a series
rclr 
Leave a comment