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felifirefly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
wrussell1984's review against another edition
5.0
"Song of Susannah" – or as I like to call it, the rollercoaster ride from hell (in the best possible way, of course).
First off, Susannah Dean. She's got this still got her split personality thing going but this time with the mysterious Mia who makes makes Detta seem like a cuddly teddy bear in comparision. One minute she's all kick-ass gunslinger slanging Oriza plates, and the next she's pregnant (sort of?) with the spawn of Roland's archenemy.
Roland and Eddie pursue the rare books obsessed Calvin Tower (maybe the most unlikeable character in the books and that includes the) in order to finally gain possession of the important vacant lot with the lovely rose. This sends them on a .
Jake and Callahan get the least screen time in New York as they pursue, but this will hopefully sets up a crucial moment in the finale. The addition of the was a fun bit for me. So far this has been my second favorite in the series after Drawing of the 3.
First off, Susannah Dean. She's got this still got her split personality thing going but this time with the mysterious Mia who makes makes Detta seem like a cuddly teddy bear in comparision. One minute she's all kick-ass gunslinger slanging Oriza plates, and the next she's pregnant (sort of?) with the spawn of Roland's archenemy.
Roland and Eddie pursue the rare books obsessed Calvin Tower (maybe the most unlikeable character in the books and that includes the
Spoiler
rat-faced vampiresSpoiler
4th wall breaking mission to actually encounter Stephen King himself. I've seen some reviews touting this moment as unnecessarily self aggrandizing but I did not mind this bit at all. The Dark Tower series has clearly been a labor of love or inspiration for King and I think this is an extension of this. When you have a story that will not let go of you as the writer, you find yourself as a character within the storyJake and Callahan get the least screen time in New York as they pursue
Spoiler
Sayre and the vampiresSpoiler
Henchik-looking street preacherryoung23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rymrgard's review against another edition
3.0
Even though my least favourite volume in the Dark Tower, I absolutely love the song included at the end of every chapter. I loved it enough to search for it on the internet, print it out and keep the piece of paper hidden in my school folder behind the timetable.
Commala-come-come,
The battle’s now begun!
And all the foes of men and rose
Rise with the setting sun.
Commala-come-come,
The battle’s now begun!
And all the foes of men and rose
Rise with the setting sun.
ghost_mutt's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
erickibler4's review against another edition
4.0
The first time I listened to this book was on a long road trip. I don't think I gave it my full attention.
This time I was able to enjoy it fully, listening to it on my walks.
There's a lot of exposition in this book, but that's not a bad thing. A lot of questions needed to be answered. Like: 1) Who is Mia? 2) Who is the father of Susannah's baby? 3) What does Stephen King (in the story itself) have to do with all this? These questions are all answered after a fashion.
The main threads of the story are first, Susannah and Mia and their adventure in New York in 1999, as the baby, Mordred, awaits his imminent approach. Second, Roland and Eddie's trip to Maine in 1977, with a violent altercation with Balazar's men, and a fascinating trip to see Stephen King. Third, Jake and Callahan and their preparation to face off against the Crimson King's minions and rescue Susannah. The whole thing has the feel of a "middle episode", but nevertheless, it's full of suspense.
Maybe the most fascinating part is the coda, which is presented as a selection of King's diary entries dealing with his episodes of creative work on the Dark Tower series, and how certain dark forces may be trying to do away with him before he finishes it. A really stellar meld of metafiction and autobiography no Stephen King fan would want to miss.
This time I was able to enjoy it fully, listening to it on my walks.
There's a lot of exposition in this book, but that's not a bad thing. A lot of questions needed to be answered. Like: 1) Who is Mia? 2) Who is the father of Susannah's baby? 3) What does Stephen King (in the story itself) have to do with all this? These questions are all answered after a fashion.
The main threads of the story are first, Susannah and Mia and their adventure in New York in 1999, as the baby, Mordred, awaits his imminent approach. Second, Roland and Eddie's trip to Maine in 1977, with a violent altercation with Balazar's men, and a fascinating trip to see Stephen King. Third, Jake and Callahan and their preparation to face off against the Crimson King's minions and rescue Susannah. The whole thing has the feel of a "middle episode", but nevertheless, it's full of suspense.
Maybe the most fascinating part is the coda, which is presented as a selection of King's diary entries dealing with his episodes of creative work on the Dark Tower series, and how certain dark forces may be trying to do away with him before he finishes it. A really stellar meld of metafiction and autobiography no Stephen King fan would want to miss.
howattp's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
alduina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
serinde4books's review against another edition
2.0
Next in the BOTM series read. I think I am starting to get burnt out, I had a hard time with this one.
This book focuses on Susannah and her pregnancy, and the effects it has on the ka-tet. We meet a new personality of Susannah's and seem some more twisting and conniving by the Red King. There are some good fight scenes, but for the most part I felt that this book did nothing to move the storyline along and I could have been just as happy if I hadn't had to read it.
see my full review at my Blog: http://adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
This book focuses on Susannah and her pregnancy, and the effects it has on the ka-tet. We meet a new personality of Susannah's and seem some more twisting and conniving by the Red King. There are some good fight scenes, but for the most part I felt that this book did nothing to move the storyline along and I could have been just as happy if I hadn't had to read it.
see my full review at my Blog: http://adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com
brandidean's review against another edition
4.0
This is where things started to get real weird! Well, I guess it started in the last book, but this is where it really started to play out. I don’t hate it, but I’m just very perplexed as to why King would write himself into the book like this. It’s so odd, and I can’t figure out what I’m supposed to make of it. Also, although I understand you have to do it in books like this, I always hate it when the group has to break up.