The first time I tried to read this I just wasn't in the mindset and couldn't do it; I tried twice more. Then I listened to it and was immediately intrigued! I listened to the next six books in the series and enjoyed every minute of it and both narrators [Frank Muller is missed!]. Get this book!

I have to admit at the outset that this is one of my favorite series... but it didn't start out that way. I loved The Gunslinger; he's such a flawed yet redeemable character. (And I'm so sorry that Clint Eastwood isn't young enough to play him in the inevitable movie; I can't imagine that anyone else could do him justice.)

This book gives you a glimpse of who he is, but it isn't until the fourth book that you really get the back story. I took a break after the 3rd book; I didn't like the way it wound down. It took a while to start the fourth. But I was glad I did, it's a good one. The sixth (Song of Susannah) is also a bit slow, but necessary and interesting (and short).

I didn't really appreciate the series until I had completely finished the last book - especially the Epilogue. The series as a whole is beautifully constructed and has a very interesting premise.

About the narrators, I love George Guidall and had a hard time when it switched to Frank Mueller. But Mueller is a wonderful narrator, just with a different style. And he does (used to do) a lot of audio for King's novels. (He does The Talisman, which is one of my favorites.) He was injured in an accident and can no longer perform.

Anyway, I truly recommend this one. Even if the book isn't your cup of tea, the narration is incredible and makes it enjoyable. If you liked this one at all, give the second one a try and meet Eddie and Susannah before you decide.

Best I ever read and I can't even put into words how much I enjoy The Gunslinger and all the rest of the Dark Tower books. I'm beginning them all over again; this is my second time around. I love them so I go slowly through them because I don't want to miss Anything! Thank You Stephen King.

Downloaded this one on a whim and I was blown away. "The Fall of Camelot" meets "Mad Max" meets a metaphysical mind-f***. Gritty, disturbing, atmospheric, action-packed, and awesome.

the way only Master King can tell it. I've read the entire series three times, and when I finally joined the world of audiobooks, this series was at the top of my list. The narrator brings the story to life, and what a story it is. The series fully unfolds the lives of many, and the world moves on throughout. Roland & Co. will leave you wanting more, and thankfully, there's a LOT more after this one! Buy it - it will NOT disappoint!

If you have ever thought about reading or listening to this series, just do it. This first book was my least favorite of them, but it started something that I don't want to end. As I am reviewing this, I am halfway through the 6th book and am so glad that I decided to give it a try; it is easily one of my favorite book series.

I bought this book because it was recommended by someone who is normally spot on when comparing his taste to mine. I was skeptical more than halfway through the book because it doesn't really seem to be going anywhere.

There are slow, methodical descriptions of both the environment the story takes place in and of the characters in the story. I kept on reading despite how rambling it becomes at times because I'm looking for a payoff at some point.

I will confess that by the end of the book I am intrigued by where the story may go but wherever it goes you must know that this kind of story can only be done by a well-established author because it's was the most incomplete book 1 I've ever seen. Most authors can't do that because they never know if they can sell a complete series like this. Especially when so little story and character development takes place. They normally have to choose an ending that has SOME closure but which can still be continued at some point. This book doesn't come anywhere near closure.

Still, something about the last eighth of the book hooked me. I have to see where it goes next...

Before you read this, you should make sure you can stomach a book with a distant payoff which may be several volumes away.

I've been reading the reviews, and it seems there's those who love it, and those who hate it. Alot of the story line is very subtle, alot of folks apparently miss things completely. Oh well it's their loss....
who was it who said "as you judge the book, so the book judges you"? To be fair, you really do need to read(or listen to) more of the series for this volume to fully made sense. It's a different direction for King, but if you continue on through the story, you will see how it ties most of his other stories together. Many characters from other SK books play a part in this one, (IE: Randall Flagg, Father Callahan, Danny whats-his-name from the shining, 3 characters from Insomnia, there's others as well....
This story isn't for everyone, granted, but if you like really BIG stories, great stories, this is the beginning of Stephen King's greatest work

To me, this is not the best of the seven Dark Tower books but without it we couldn't have the rest. I'm glad Mr. King decided to finish the series. I have read them all and listened to them all. My earlier version of this audio book was read by Stephen King and I wanted this one mainly because of the narrator. I'm going to listen to them again because I can't get enough of Roland and his travelers.

A slow and confusing start to a VERY good series. This was my first experiance with Steven King and the only reason I picked it up was by suggestion of a friend at work. In fact I almost didn't get the second book because I was basicly lost at the end of this one. Only Audible reviews convinved me to try to carry on and boy am I glad I did! Without giving it away the Dark Tower series is one part Clint Eastwood western, one part Mad Max, and a dash of Authorian mystisim tossed in. Once you get a grip on the story it truely is difficult to put down. While the narritor does a passable job, I do have to admit the Frank Muller, who does parts 2, 3, & 4, is a much prefered favorite for THIS story (his work in parts 8 & 9 of the Left Behind series is just ..... off). Anywho, while this opening chapter to a GREAT story is difficult to follow at times and a bit of a chore to get through, the payoff in further installments is quite worth it.