Title: The Gunslinger
Author: Stephen King
Pages: 238
Name of the series: The Dark Tower
Book nr: 1
Published: 1982 (original), 2012 (my edition)
Publisher: Hodder
Genre: Fantasy, dystopian, western
ISBN: 9781444723441
Illustrated by: Michael Whelan
Cover: Rhett Podersoo
My rating: 5/6
A gunslinger – the last of his kind – is on the hunt for the man in black. For months, he has tried to track this man down, traveling the never-ending wastelands, getting ever closer – but still so far away. On his journey, he meets people – some helpful, some dangerous. But he does not have the time or opportunity to get attached. His mission is to find this vile man, no matter the sacrifices.
Along the way, the gunslinger faces many trials. Demons are creeping, emotions run freely, and pictures of his past haunt his mind.
Who is this man in black? The gunslinger follows his tracks and observes the mess he leaves behind. Dead people are rising back to life, and religious fanatics are getting poisoned with corrupt ideas. He understands the man in black is testing him but walks willingly into the traps laid out for him. The gunslinger’s destiny is to find and lose love in hopeless places.
Will he ever reach the man in black? What sacrifices must he make?
I read this book as part of a student book club. The theme of September was “Western”. Once I heard we were to read this book, I was thrilled! The Gunslinger is the first book I have read by Stephen King, and now I understand what the fuss is all about. King has a simple yet addicting way of writing, and the language flows perfectly.
This book is a Western dystopian fantasy-horror with an exciting concept and complex characters. As the big fantasy nerd I am, I had hoped for more magical elements in the story and less “walking around the desert with no end in sight” – but I still enjoyed the book.
The character of Roland (the gunslinger) might be the most intriguing. I could never tell if his intentions were good or bad. He did the honorable things in most situations but was willing to make selfish decisions to achieve his goals. Slaughter, murders, betrayal, and threats give his character an anti-hero feel – still, he does not portray the villain of this story.
Did I expect cowboys and gun shows, as this was called a Western book? Yes, I did. Did I get it? No, not exactly. BUT I did get demons, oracles, and tarot readings – and that makes up for it.
If you want to start reading Stephen King books, I recommend this. It is not too long (compared to other King books) and is quite entertaining. At points, the story is a bit slow, and we get very few explanations, leaving the reader to read between the lines (or make assumptions). But overall, I would say this is a good book with a likable story and a mystical feel.
Have a pleasant time reading!
If you liked this book, you may like:
The Beast Hunters
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