The Dark Tower Series by King, definitely a masterpiece

So, I read a lot, or i used to, don't really do it so much any more, but I started reading the dark tower series by Stephan King and it made me read non stop for almost a year, although I still haven't finished. When they were recommended to me I didn't think I would like it because Stephen King writes horror, not something I usually like, but I instantly fell in love with the story. Don't get me wrong, the story is very scary, but not in a clown stalking you from the sewers sort of scary.

There are seven books in the series, and they are unlike anything i've ever read. They follow Roland, the last of a special breed of soldier, called Gunslingers (they were the cops, as well as the politicians of the old world) as he pursues a man in black across the desert, and then through subsequent other areas. The plot quickly turns strange, and very detailed, with tons of side stories that go into the past of each character.

What I really loved about the stories wasn't the plot, it was the characters. King describes them in such a vivid way, that you feel as if you know them. But still, they never stop surprising, especially Roland. He is hands down the deepest character i've ever read about.

So if you want an amazing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then pick these books up and read them. They will not disappoint.

Also, does anyone know of any books with a similar style, or feel? I need something good to read.

Comments & reviews · 12
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I have started reading the first book. It did not impress me much. But it is none the less a good read.

As for the Left Behind series as a poster above mentioned, the kids series is probably better. It's fast paced and an easy read.

The characters in the adult series tend to sound the same at times. And that's bad considering there is heaps of dialogue in that series. :lol:

And as for the other poster who mentioned them... wow, that was a very long blog post! A very detailed one at that. But as far as I could tell there was very little mention of the villain Nicolae Carpathia. Then again, I didn't go through every single post.

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ridersofdamar
Comment

I dont like his other stuff, but this is a good blending of sci-fi, fantasy, horror and everything in between. Its funny, its sad, and its weird. But its great. Give it a try. The main character may be hard to like, but he grows on you.

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Bickazer
Review

Try the Left Behind Series by Tim LeHaye and Jerry Jenkins


Or the awesome continuing analysis of those books on the Slacktivist blog. I've been following those for a while and they've taught me a lot about writing.

As for King, I've been meaning to read anything by him for a while, but I never got around to doing it. Would The Dark Tower be a good place to start?

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writewannabe
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I read through Wizard and Glass and have been meaning to read the rest. But I will have to go back and start from the beginning.

Try the Left Behind Series by Tim LeHaye and Jerry Jenkins

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Hippie
Review
Hippie wrote a review · Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:34 am

I read the first one in the car while my brother and sister had a movie going and there was music on and didn't like it a lot. I re-read it recently becasue I'd read all of my books and the next lot I'd ordered hadn't come yet. I absolutely loved it the second time around. I think you need a distraction free environment becasue it's quite deep and you can easily miss bits. It makes you work, piecing together facts to figure out what's going on, but it's highly rewarding. I ordered book 2 and am waiting for it to arrive.

And Creative Freak, why not just order it online if your library doesn't have it. That's how I get all my books.

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CreativeFreak
Review

I really wanted to read this series, but my school library only had on of them in the middle of the series...I think it was the second. I'm trying to loan them from another school. It's been nearly a month and a half, and they still haven't come in yet. I'll probably re-post to this when I finally finish reading the first, when I finally get it. xD

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ridersofdamar
Comment

i think the first book was deffinately not my favorite. The second book really caught me though, and the third was just as good. I would give it another try if I were you :)

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Terpsichore
Review

Wow. I read the first book in the series and really didn't like it. I'm very open minded when it comes to reading books, I've read Dune by Frank Herbert and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and enjoyed them equally.
I just found it difficult to read and not that impressive. It could be because everybody hyped it up for me and I expected too much. I wasn't draw into the story and it was very difficult to get into, which is something I feel an author should do effortlessly - draw the reader in!

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ridersofdamar
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actually, I just picked that up, and am enjoying it immensly

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Actawesome
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Try A song Of ice and Fire. Sort-of like The Dark Tower, but I seem to like it more myself. =P

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Krupp
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I've only read the first two books, and I can easily say this devours series like Harry Potter and Twilight. The only that holds up and beats the Dark Tower is Lord of the Rings.



I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.
— Markus Zusak, The Book Thief