perch15's review against another edition
4.0
It ended how it began and I don't know what more to say. Regardless of what came before and what has come after, I think The Dark Tower is King's masterpiece. Maybe I'm too close to it still, having just finished early this morning. This series--and this book--are far from perfect. But it is so inherently human--and so curiously American--that I don't think it will ever lose its place in my personal canon. I'd imagine these books mean something very different to everyone. I know what they mean to me. I just can't seem to put words to it. Maybe someday.
sambora's review against another edition
4.0
*This will be a spoiler-free review.*
This book made for a satisfactory end to the series. This was, in my opinion, the best the series has been for a while. Alas, I don't have particularly strong feelings towards it because, honestly, the journey getting here didn't keep me all that engaged. The books were hit and miss and the few before this were a bit of a slog for me.
However, here in book #7 (#8 if you count "Keyhole") I found the direction, the purpose, the focus that I felt the last few books lacked.
There were scenes of horror that created in me a classic Stephen King sort of fear that I don't remember feeling this whole series. The characters felt vulnerable and at risk, increasing the tension from scene to scene. They had mysteries, the clues to which were foreshadowed well and the answers to which were satisfying.
It still had it's meta, fourth-wall breaking, often straight up wacked elements, but I felt they added to the journey here, rather than distract from it like they so often did before.
The Dark Tower did indeed go some way towards redeeming the series in my eyes. And funnily enough I am sure I would get more from the series if I were to ever read it again, which I may. I will be giving it a few years at least though, if I ever do.
I haven't got much more to say, other than despite my mixed feelings on the series as a whole, I am glad I read it.
4 stars for this book.
3 stars for the series as a whole.
Thank you for reading my review. Long days and pleasant nights.
This book made for a satisfactory end to the series. This was, in my opinion, the best the series has been for a while. Alas, I don't have particularly strong feelings towards it because, honestly, the journey getting here didn't keep me all that engaged. The books were hit and miss and the few before this were a bit of a slog for me.
However, here in book #7 (#8 if you count "Keyhole") I found the direction, the purpose, the focus that I felt the last few books lacked.
There were scenes of horror that created in me a classic Stephen King sort of fear that I don't remember feeling this whole series. The characters felt vulnerable and at risk, increasing the tension from scene to scene. They had mysteries, the clues to which were foreshadowed well and the answers to which were satisfying.
It still had it's meta, fourth-wall breaking, often straight up wacked elements, but I felt they added to the journey here, rather than distract from it like they so often did before.
The Dark Tower did indeed go some way towards redeeming the series in my eyes. And funnily enough I am sure I would get more from the series if I were to ever read it again, which I may. I will be giving it a few years at least though, if I ever do.
I haven't got much more to say, other than despite my mixed feelings on the series as a whole, I am glad I read it.
4 stars for this book.
3 stars for the series as a whole.
Thank you for reading my review. Long days and pleasant nights.
unravelanelephant's review against another edition
5.0
I think it's good end to the series. It's a bit long and rambly but I really appreciate tying up loose ends as much as King does. This one still got some tears even 17 years after I first read it.
Completely spoiler riddled review of the ending:
Completely spoiler riddled review of the ending:
Spoiler
I read the ending, partly because I had already read it and partly because it was there. I don't know how I would've felt if it hadn't been, but I can't leave words unread. I actually really really really like the very ending - it's horrific in the best Stephen King way. Ka is a wheel, after all.cburling's review against another edition
I did not enjoy the Gunslinger. I was told not to judge the series there and to give Drawing of the Three a chance. It was just too weird.
scostanzo42's review against another edition
4.0
I really want to give the final Dark Tower book 5 stars. There is a lot to love, but the end. I just can’t. ‘The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed.’ Still one of the best series I have ever read.
krameriii's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
good_creon's review
4.0
This rating doubles as a rating for the series as a whole. When it's good it's really good, but when it drags it becomes a slog to get through. Still, the world King created is fantastic, and I appreciate the "ending" and the point made in the Coda. A long but overall worthwhile read
nekomancer42's review against another edition
3.0
Significantly better than the previous two books in the series, but still doesn't live up to the promise of the earlier books. Lots of ridiculous things happen, and most of the conclusions are unsatisfactory. A decent-to-mediocre read.
matt4hire's review against another edition
5.0
An intensely excellent capper to a wonderful series. At first, it suffers from what look like too many climaxes, but it eventually settles into a pace and manages to rocket all the way to its conclusion. Certain characters don't get quite enough of a goodbye (mostly the villains), and the Crimson King could have used a great deal more explanation, but it ends well, and is utterly satisfying by the end.