The Dark Tower

The Dark Tower VII

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 28 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

All good things must come to an end, Constant Listener, and not even Stephen King can write a story that goes on forever. The tale of Roland Deschain's relentless quest for the Dark Tower has, the author fears, sorely tried the patience of those who have followed it from its earliest chapters. But attend to it a while longer, if it pleases you, for this volume is the last, and often the last things are best.

Roland's ka-tet remains intact, though scattered over wheres and whens. Susannah-Mia has been carried from the Dixie Pig (in the summer of 1999) to a birthing room (really a chamber of horrors) in Thunderclap's Fedic Station; Jake and Father Callahan, with Oy between them, have entered the restaurant on Lex and 61st with weapons drawn, little knowing how numerous and noxious are their foes. Roland and Eddie are with John Cullum in Maine, in 1977, looking for the site on Turtleback Lane where "walk-ins" have been often seen. They want desperately to get back to the others, to Susannah especially, and yet they have come to realize that the world they need to escape is the only one that matters.

Thus the audiobook opens, like a door to the uttermost reaches of Stephen King's imagination. You've come this far. Come a little farther. Come all the way. The sound you hear may be the slamming of the door behind you. Welcome to The Dark Tower.

Set in a world of extraordinary circumstances, filled with stunning visual imagery and unforgettable characters, The Dark Tower series is unlike anything you've ever heard. Here is Stephen King's most visionary piece of storytelling, a magical mix of fantasy and horror that may well be his crowning achievement. Don't miss the other volumes of Stephen King's The Dark Tower.

©2004 Stephen King (P)2004 Simon & Schuster Inc. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"A pilgrimage that began with one lone man's quest to save multiple worlds from chaos and destruction unfolds into a tale of epic proportions....a closer look at the brilliant complexity of his Dark Tower world should explain why this bestselling author has finally been recognized for his contribution to the contemporary literary canon. With the conclusion of this tale...King has certainly reached the top of his game." (Publishers Weekly)

Now that I've thought it over...

I finished this audiobook a few months ago and couldn't post my review then because I was still reeling from that ending. I had to think long and hard about how I felt. Now I can post my honest review.

I really enjoyed the first three-fourths of this book. Great story line. It felt like the intensity of <i>Drawing of the Three</i> and <i>The Wastelands</i> was back. I savored it, especially after being bogged down with <i>Song of Susanna</i> for so long. Knowing it was the last book in the series may have also had something to do with it. It had been a long journey through these books and the end was finally in sight.

Then the long walk to the tower. Sheesh, what a marathon that was. It went on and on, and of course I HAD to keep listening. You know, only (fill-in-the-blank) more hours to go. Can't press "stop" now. That contributed to my burnout with this book, I'm sure. The last four hours of this book was swallowed in one fell swoop. I do NOT recommend this method of listening. Give it a break and come back to it the next day. Really.

Anyways, the ending was...well...an ending that made sense I suppose. Fairly clever. Overall, when the guy said "Audible hopes you have enjoyed this program" I was just happy it was over. I spent nearly a year (off and on) listening to this series on audio. I was so glad it was over. If I ever listen to this series again it will be DECADES in the future.

Four stars. Good novel, decent ending. Some loose ends but that's to be expected in a series that the author spent around a quarter century writing. The way Stephen King wrote himself into the storyline was absolutely brilliant. He really reached for the stars of his storytelling gift with that idea.

4.21 stars

My journey to The Dark Tower has finally come to an end. The series is at its best in books 4 and 5. This last installment is good, though there are many new characters introduced as the series comes to an end. Still, it’s a great series.


Overall rating for book # 7: 4.21 stars

Series rating: 4.51 stars

Quite possibly the best book King has ever written

What made the experience of listening to The Dark Tower the most enjoyable?

The narrator brought to life the characters I have grown up with, and did a great job doing doing so. I have always pictured Roland sounding allot like Clint Eastwood's "man with no name" and George Guidall did an excellent job.

What did you like best about this story?

I started reading this series in 1992, when I was twelve years old, so I would have to say the longevity of the story is one of the best things in my opinion. And how King works many of his characters from his universe into this epic adventure.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

Definately Roland Deschain. Followed by Oy as a close second.

If you could take any character from The Dark Tower out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Steven King himself without a doubt!

i can't believe my trip is done

favorite series, by far.
long days and pleasant nights to ya.
don't miss this fantastical series.

an excellent escape!

i LOVED every page of this story and crave more... wish it wasnt over yet.

Masteful story telling

A different tale, but SO with it! One of my favorites of all time! Sad it ended and to say goodbye to my quest with Roland and the Ka-tet. But, the journey was so with it! Thank you Sai King!

epic tale

each portion in the tale is fun to follow and King plugged in various themes, characters, and environments from his other works. ka is a wheel

Sad to see the Ka-tet go. Goodbye Roland.

I’m so sad this is over. The narrators, Frank Muller and George Guidell were amazing.

I Love this book series!

the series just draws you in and like in the books it's calls you it grabs little pieces of your mind and you just want to keep reading and you wanna know what's next! beautifully done!

about the journey not the destination.

There were at least three times where I was trying to hold back the tears.