The Wind Through the Keyhole

The Dark Tower

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

For those discovering the epic best-selling Dark Tower series for the first time—and for its legions of dedicated fans—here is an immensely satisfying stand-alone novel and perfect introduction to the series.

Beginning in 1974, gaining momentum in the 1980s and coming to a thrilling conclusion when the last three novels were published in 2003 and 2004, the Dark Tower epic fantasy saga stands as Stephen King’s most beguiling achievement. It has been the basis for a long-running Marvel comic series.

Now, with The Wind Through the Keyhole, King has returned to the rich landscape of Mid-World. This story within a story within a story finds Roland Deschain, Mid-World’s last gunslinger, in his early days during the guilt-ridden year following his mother’s death. Sent by his father to investigate evidence of a murderous shape-shifter, a "skin-man", Roland takes charge of Bill Streeter, a brave but terrified boy who is the sole surviving witness to the beast's most recent slaughter. Roland, himself only a teenager, calms the boy by reciting a story from the Book of Eld that his mother used to read to him at bedtime. "A person's never too old for stories," he says to Bill. "Man and boy, girl and woman, we live for them."

Sure to captivate the avid fans of the Dark Tower epic, this is an enchanting introduction to Roland’s world and the power of Stephen King’s storytelling magic.

Please Note: This audio edition of The Wind Through the Keyhole ends with a short preview of Stephen King's The Dark Tower VII, read by George Guidall, followed by a brief introduction and the first chapter of King's Doctor Sleep, both read by the author.

©2012 Stephen King (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

I just can't get past King's bad performance

Any additional comments?

Why did they allow King to read this book? Just... so... bad.

Started and finished on the same day

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

As I said in the title of this review, I finished this story in one day. I was filled with a nervous excitement at the prospect of a new Dark Tower book, I just couldn't see how King was going to fit a book in between Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Calla. To my great relife he didn't try. While this book starts off after the ka tet has left the Green Palace, the story itself is a tale of Roland's youth mixed in with a really cool fairy tale, slightly reminiscent of King's first fairy tale effort, Eyes of the Dragon.

Any additional comments?

I was pleased and relieved that this wasn't any longer of a tale, nor did it try to place any new aspects of the Dark Tower series within it. Not that you need to hear it from me, but nice work Mr. King.

Brilliant

Such a brilliant story within a story within a story and the perfect way point in our adventure through Midworld. One of my all time favorites and one I think of often as I make up my own little stories.

A wonderful addition

It’s so nice to be able to revisit the Dark Tower saga again! Think I’ll go back a listen to the rest and buy the audio versions of those I’ve just read. A nice to hear Stephen King’s voice. This is a great stand-alone story, but it does help to have the Dark Tower series under your belt for context. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love you Stephen King!

Amazing favorite series of all time

Great addition. As a add on the theee most amazing series I thought it was very well contrived. I didn’t mind the narration at all I liked dunno what all the fuss was about. I do wish with all my heart Stephen king would right more stories of rolands youth I love them so much it’s what makes the wizard and the glass my favorite of the series and this is now probably my second favorite. I do wish cuthburt was in the story I truly miss his character dear Stephen king could u please find it in your heart to write more of rolands youth!

GREAT, as expected...

I was SO excited to hear that Mr. King had written another chapter in The Dark Tower series (you can arrange this one in your library as book number 4.5) and was not disappointed.

It tells a story inside another story inside another story so it doesn't add much to journey of Roland, Jake, Eddie & Suzanna, but gives you more of Roland's background and life before his journey to the tower really began..

The only thing I missed were the previous narrators of the other books (George Guidall & Frank Muller) but Mr. King did a good job.. I didn't notice after about 20 minutes in so it certainly didn't ruin the experience for me..

EVERYTHING about it was fantastic... If you love The Dark Tower, GET IT...

Great to visit old friends -

Listening to the author read the story of my absolute favorite King characters was a joy!

Nice to get back to Mid-World but....

The story was good. I wish we got to see more of Jamie De Curry since we heard about him in the first 7 novels. Overall it was entertaining and but King as narrator was just terrible. His voice as Roland was awful. If this was done with George Guidall it would have been some much better.

The Dark Tower Series Grows Another Engaging Story

Does not necessarily need to be read in chronological order (between Books 4 & 5) to be enjoyed and understood. Would probably make a great read on it's own to someone who has never read any of King's The Dark Tower series (although you should, or you'll miss out on 7 other incredible books).
I hope he continues to build on his Magnum Opus. After reading Sleeping Beauties, I'd like to read something co-authored by King & his son make it into The Dark Tower series

Such a good story but...

The Wind in the Keyhole is a wonderful Story! I just wish that Stephen King hadn't read it. Sometimes when he reads it works really well but after listening to the Dark Tower Books it just doesn't sound right. He did a great job with the Man in black's voice. You should listen to this book or read it yourself because it's a very worthy tale.