Richard Alex’s review of The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, #1) > Likes and Comments
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Great review, Richard! Glad you enjoyed!
Richard, are you trolling us when you shockingly say that King does fantasy? As this is your first read through, perhaps you didn't know, as his reputation is the King or Master of Horror, but he actually writes several genres including dystopian, crime and fantasy. One of his most well known fantasy books is the one that I just finished in my re-reading journey, The Green Mile, and more recently he published a book aptly named Fairy Tale.
If you are a new constant reader, welcome to the club!
Panda wrote: "Richard, are you trolling us when you shockingly say that King does fantasy? As this is your first read through, perhaps you didn't know, as his reputation is the King or Master of Horror, but he a..."
It's definitely me, Panda, when I see the name Stephen King I don't necessarily associate him with fantasy.
Richard Alex wrote: "It's definitely me, Panda,.when I see the name Stephen King I don't necessarily associate him with fantasy.."
Hopefully this will continue to be a pleasant surprise. I absolutely love the Dark Tower series, but it isn't for everyone. I look forward to reading how the next book does for you.
Happy reading!
I think most people think "The Shining" or "IT" when they hear King's name. You aren't the only one who is pleasantly surprised by the man's diverse bookshelf
C.C. wrote: "I think most people think "The Shining" or "IT" when they hear King's name. You aren't the only one who is pleasantly surprised by the man's diverse bookshelf"
Absolutely.
Misery, Carrie, Salem's Lot, the list goes on.
This is my 11th book by Stephen King and he's so prolific it's inevitable that will double or treble over the years.
Whether that will include multiple Dark Tower books, only time will tell. They can't all be as good as The Stand.
Jakob wrote: "Great review, Richard! Glad you enjoyed!"
Thanks, Jakob.
Definitely not my favorite Stephen King but I'm aware this first volume isn't his best either, thanks to Theresa and crew over at our Horror or Heaven reading group.
I'd be keen to start reading the whole series but I've heard mixed reviews about the ending. One thing you always remember about something is how it ends.
My first SK magical book was actually The Eyes of the Dragon and I was surprised he had written it since I am much more used to his horror stories. But he does make some interesting ones outside of his main genre!
I think your review made me curious to start this series, despite its flaws ☺️ glad you enjoyed it!
Maggie ♡ wrote: "My first SK magical book was actually The Eyes of the Dragon and I was surprised he had written it since I am much more used to his horror stories. But he does make some interesting ones outside of..."
From what I can gather, Maggie, it's worth persevering as Vols. #2 and #3 are apparently much better.
I am going to put this on my list. I'm not a big King horror fan with a couple of exceptions--Carrie and Fire Starter--but I agree he is a talented story teller and maybe this one is in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the thoughtful review.
Pseudonymous wrote: "I am going to put this on my list. I'm not a big King horror fan with a couple of exceptions--Carrie and Fire Starter--but I agree he is a talented story teller and maybe this one is in my wheelhou..."
I wouldn't exactly call myself a big Stephen King fan either but as he's written so much material, much of it is surprisingly excellent and my esteem goes up twofold each year. I also love Carrie, as well as The Stand, Pet Sematary, and Cujo - my four top 5 star reads!
I appreciate the comments!
C.C. wrote: "I'd be keen to start reading the whole series but I've heard mixed reviews about the ending. One thing you always remember about something is how it ends."
If you're already thinking about the ending some seven volumes down the line then you'll probably never get going with Vol. 1. That's understandable but maybe give it a try while accepting this first book is a bit of a hodgepodge of ideas.
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Jakob
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Jan 22, 2026 02:54PM
Great review, Richard! Glad you enjoyed!
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Richard, are you trolling us when you shockingly say that King does fantasy? As this is your first read through, perhaps you didn't know, as his reputation is the King or Master of Horror, but he actually writes several genres including dystopian, crime and fantasy. One of his most well known fantasy books is the one that I just finished in my re-reading journey, The Green Mile, and more recently he published a book aptly named Fairy Tale.If you are a new constant reader, welcome to the club!
Panda wrote: "Richard, are you trolling us when you shockingly say that King does fantasy? As this is your first read through, perhaps you didn't know, as his reputation is the King or Master of Horror, but he a..."It's definitely me, Panda, when I see the name Stephen King I don't necessarily associate him with fantasy.
Richard Alex wrote: "It's definitely me, Panda,.when I see the name Stephen King I don't necessarily associate him with fantasy.."Hopefully this will continue to be a pleasant surprise. I absolutely love the Dark Tower series, but it isn't for everyone. I look forward to reading how the next book does for you.
Happy reading!
I think most people think "The Shining" or "IT" when they hear King's name. You aren't the only one who is pleasantly surprised by the man's diverse bookshelf
C.C. wrote: "I think most people think "The Shining" or "IT" when they hear King's name. You aren't the only one who is pleasantly surprised by the man's diverse bookshelf"Absolutely.
Misery, Carrie, Salem's Lot, the list goes on.
This is my 11th book by Stephen King and he's so prolific it's inevitable that will double or treble over the years.
Whether that will include multiple Dark Tower books, only time will tell. They can't all be as good as The Stand.
Jakob wrote: "Great review, Richard! Glad you enjoyed!"Thanks, Jakob.
Definitely not my favorite Stephen King but I'm aware this first volume isn't his best either, thanks to Theresa and crew over at our Horror or Heaven reading group.
I'd be keen to start reading the whole series but I've heard mixed reviews about the ending. One thing you always remember about something is how it ends.
My first SK magical book was actually The Eyes of the Dragon and I was surprised he had written it since I am much more used to his horror stories. But he does make some interesting ones outside of his main genre! I think your review made me curious to start this series, despite its flaws ☺️ glad you enjoyed it!
Maggie ♡ wrote: "My first SK magical book was actually The Eyes of the Dragon and I was surprised he had written it since I am much more used to his horror stories. But he does make some interesting ones outside of..."From what I can gather, Maggie, it's worth persevering as Vols. #2 and #3 are apparently much better.
I am going to put this on my list. I'm not a big King horror fan with a couple of exceptions--Carrie and Fire Starter--but I agree he is a talented story teller and maybe this one is in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the thoughtful review.
Pseudonymous wrote: "I am going to put this on my list. I'm not a big King horror fan with a couple of exceptions--Carrie and Fire Starter--but I agree he is a talented story teller and maybe this one is in my wheelhou..."I wouldn't exactly call myself a big Stephen King fan either but as he's written so much material, much of it is surprisingly excellent and my esteem goes up twofold each year. I also love Carrie, as well as The Stand, Pet Sematary, and Cujo - my four top 5 star reads!
I appreciate the comments!
C.C. wrote: "I'd be keen to start reading the whole series but I've heard mixed reviews about the ending. One thing you always remember about something is how it ends."If you're already thinking about the ending some seven volumes down the line then you'll probably never get going with Vol. 1. That's understandable but maybe give it a try while accepting this first book is a bit of a hodgepodge of ideas.
