Diabl0s 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.

Diabl0s I would say wait for a revised edition of the whole series. SK already revised the first book which is what I started with and I really enjoyed it. It…moreI would say wait for a revised edition of the whole series. SK already revised the first book which is what I started with and I really enjoyed it. Its lean and direct which works really well to define the gunslinger and leaves you feeling dubious about the character by the end of it. After that though, you are stuck reading the original edits of the following books in the series and the tone and pacing changes not necessarily for the better.
I just finished reading the 4th book and it was a slog. I am actually considering stopping my read and waiting for the revised editions myself but I think its going to be tricky for SK to re-edit the later volumes as the elements he wants to remove end up defining a lot of the world around the characters. We may never see a full edit. Fortunately book 4.5 is a lot more interesting eventhough it's more of a side step than a step forward in the actual story (mainly because this book was created long after the series was completed making it the most recent book in the series).

So really, its your call. Its a long slog of a read and SK himself pretty much expects not everyone will be able to complete it but the first three books still keep you entertained although book three reads like a comic book. (less)

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