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weak_tree's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
scarecrow896's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dullshimmer's review against another edition
4.0
The Song of Susannah is a good book, but at the same time I feel like the plot reached a point where it becomes so convoluted it starts to weight the whole thing down. The multiple universes concept is cool and everything, but I feel it would be terribly hard to write without making it either too simplistic or too complicated.
The multi-verse of the Dark Tower seems more the latter. You have everyone at different wheres and whens in the book. You start out with everyone but Susannah at Calla Bryn Sturgis. Susannah is in 1999 New York City and her own inner-space trying to deal with and understand Mia.Jake, Oy, and Father Callahan also head towards that New York City to rescue Susannah. While at the same time Roland and Eddie venture to 1977 Maine.
There is just a lot going on. Which in many ways is good. It keeps you engaged and interested in the book. However, at the same time it is a lot to keep your head around. You also have somewhat questionable sections of the book like Roland and Eddie meeting Stephen King. Which is both kind of cool, but adds some more complications to the plot. Not to mention it is a bit strange for an author to write himself into the book.
Song of Susannah is was enjoyable, it just wasn't my favorite of the series. It's still worth a read if you've stuck with the Dark Tower series after this long of course.
The multi-verse of the Dark Tower seems more the latter. You have everyone at different wheres and whens in the book. You start out with everyone but Susannah at Calla Bryn Sturgis. Susannah is in 1999 New York City and her own inner-space trying to deal with and understand Mia.Jake, Oy, and Father Callahan also head towards that New York City to rescue Susannah. While at the same time Roland and Eddie venture to 1977 Maine.
There is just a lot going on. Which in many ways is good. It keeps you engaged and interested in the book. However, at the same time it is a lot to keep your head around. You also have somewhat questionable sections of the book like Roland and Eddie meeting Stephen King. Which is both kind of cool, but adds some more complications to the plot. Not to mention it is a bit strange for an author to write himself into the book.
Song of Susannah is was enjoyable, it just wasn't my favorite of the series. It's still worth a read if you've stuck with the Dark Tower series after this long of course.
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