Mike Jung answers “I haven't read this book, but have wanted...”

S.J. Romero asked this question about The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, #1):

I haven't read this book, but have wanted to for some time. My hesitation is that some of King's works can start great, but end a bit flat. IT and The Stand are two examples. Both started great and powered along for about 95% of the story, only to run out of steam in the end. Not sure I want to spend the time on DT if it ends in such a way. Any encouraging words to ease my concerns? Thanks in advance.

Mike Jung That's exactly what happens with this series. It starts off great, and gets very lost and ends with a "why did I bother?".
The last 3 or 4 books were …moreThat's exactly what happens with this series. It starts off great, and gets very lost and ends with a "why did I bother?".
The last 3 or 4 books were almost painful to read, but you felt so invested at that point that you were compelled to continue. In the end, it all leads up to disappointment. The "irony" of the ending felt more like a cop-out to me.

My recommendation would be to read the first book "The Gunslinger", and then watch the upcoming movies for the rest of the story. Afterwords, go back and read the fourth book "The Wizard and Glass". It kind of stands-alone and is well-done.(less)

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