For those discovering the epic bestselling Dark Tower series for the first time—and for its legions of dedicated fans—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 2003–2004, 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.
Review’Classic King, fine characters, compellingly written in a gripping, well-honed plot’ — Daily Express on THE DARK TOWER ’Superbly energetic, it’s King at his best.’ — Mail on Sunday on WIZARD AND GLASS
Review’[A] phantasmagorical folk tale… King’s ability to entertain and unsettle cannot be denied. The skill with which he delivers a shock or sense of gothic terror is simply unmatched’ — Independent on Sunday ’Perfectly balanced: another excellent example of King’s sheer skill as a storyteller.’ — Daily Express ’Like John Steinbeck, he’s an unfussy writer whose voice is rooted equally in the rhythms of everyday speech and the mythic made manifest in everyday life. Indeed, reading King, you often sense the presence of the dustbowl America of The Grapes of Wrath … a King novel has a sparse elegance that most novelists never achieve in a whole career. Put it down to the insistent, economical and wholly distinctive authorial voice.’ — SFX Magazine ’A frantic-paced puzzle-box adventure that encompasses gunslinger Roland Deschain’s early years, werewolves and powerful storytelling.’ — Shortlist ’King is one of the great popular artists of our time.’ — Independent ’Classic King, fine characters, compellingly written in a gripping, well-honed plot’ — Daily Express on WOLVES OF THE CALLA ’Superbly energetic, it’s King at his best.’ — Mail on Sunday on WIZARD AND GLASS