Song of Susannah

The Dark Tower VI

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The next-to-last novel in Stephen King's seven-volume magnum opus, Song of Susannah is a fascinating key to the unfolding mystery of the Dark Tower.

To give birth to her "chap", demon-mother Mia has usurped the body of Susannah Dean and used the power of Black Thirteen to transport to New York City in the summer of 1999. The city is strange to Susannah...and terrifying to the "daughter of none" who shares her body and mind.

Saving the Tower depends not only on rescuing Susannah but also on securing the vacant lot Calvin Tower owns before he loses it to the Sombra Corporation. Enlisting the aid of Manni senders, the remaining ka-tet climbs to the Doorway Cave...and discovers that magic has its own mind. It falls to the boy, the billy bumbler, and the fallen priest to find Susannah-Mia, who in a struggle to cope, with each other and with an alien environment, "go todash" to Castle Discordia on the border of End-World. In that forsaken place, Mia reveals her origins, her purpose, and her fierce desire to mother whatever creature the two of them have carried to term.

Eddie and Roland, meanwhile, tumble into western Maine in the summer of 1977, a world that should be idyllic but isn't. For one thing, it is real, and the bullets are flying. For another, it is inhabited by the author of a novel called Salem's Lot, a writer who turns out to be as shocked by them as they are by him.

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

"There's something about a crippled, black, schizophrenic, civil rights activist-turned-gunslinger whose body has been hijacked by a white, pregnant demon from a parallel world that keeps a seven-volume story bracingly strong as it veers toward its Armageddon-like conclusion....The biggest cliffhanger of King's career." (Publishers Weekly)

I didn't like this one as much.....

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Well of course I recommend it to a friend. If you are reading TDT series this is a must.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the narration. I think Mr. Guidall has done an amazing job narrating the books he's done in this series. As soon as he speaks I know which character he's doing , before it's clarified.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I've heard George Guidall read before. I adore his voice.

Do you think Song of Susannah needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Of course it needs a follow up. Thank gosh there is one!

Any additional comments?

My title for this review is I didn't liike this one as much....as the others. That's not to say I didn't like it though. IMO it just drug on a bit(as any fan of Mr. Kings knows,he's good at that and normally I love it. But this book just didn't grab me as much as the others.I just wanted Susannah/Mia to have that dang baby(or whatever) already. I do like this book,don't get me wrong. I just didn't "feel" it like the others. Years ago I read(with my eyes) the first 3 books. When I found them on audio I was pleased. I commute an hour to work by bus so these books were a pleasant diversion to the boring ride. I have one more book to go,I've actually not read nor listened to the last of the series. Frankly I'm scared to. I wan't give away what another person from another well known site did but this persons review of another book in the series gave away book 7's ending and another important factor. So now I'm worried. I'm about to listen to It. Maybe after that one I'll be ready!

Another excellent tale

Some fun outsider POVs, a complicated weaving between all the powers at play. I loved the coda after the chaos of the main plot. Another excellent story!

sum of kings best work

I love how alot of his other books characters are tied to this series like Randal flag for instance and many other loosely based things from his works. its genius really I can't wait to read the last two books in the series I'm including wind through the key hole as well

Can't get enough of the Dark Tower

first I want to say I was a little bummed to hear about Frank Mueller, and I did have a hard time with George Guidells narration in the beginning. Frank was such an incredible force! but in my opinion in this next installment, it feels like George has gotten more relaxed and come into his own. I thoroughly enjoyed his narration of this book.
I have seen in some of the reviews that many people did not love this installment. I have to disagree. I thought it was incredible. I loved the time travel, And I loved the way Stephen interjected himself into this story. I thought it was brilliant. He is my favorite storyteller. I have just downloaded the last book, thank God it is so long because I am not ready for this to end!

Kings greatest works

From the trail dust and gritty cowboy feel of book one, to the Isaac Asimov 60s quasi futurism mixed with the dark and mysterious, even supernatural undercurrents that Steven King is so good at weaving throughout his stories, the Dark Tower series is without a doubt the work which all others should be measured against. Indeed as they should be, since so many characters who appear in his other great works give their debut performances here. Even Steven King himself becomes a key character in book 7, drawing the reader past the 4th wall, and into a totally new and unexplored dimension in story telling. This series is not only Kings greatest work, but should serve as a touchstone, or benchmark if you prefer, for all master works of art in the fiction genre. Simply put, this is Steven King’s Lord of the Rings. Don’t miss out on the most incredible story of all time, and one which will take you on the wildest ride you have ever been on! So buckle up and prepare to be blown away gunslingers, and never forget the faces of your fathers!

this was an awesome awesome book I have read them

this was an awesome awesome book I loved it I love all the dark Tower series I have random in paperback and I cannot wait to continue with everything I can find Stephen King. I am one of his great-ish admirers and love his writing here in New Hampshire. I have listened for almost 30 years if not longer to his books I have read most of them and now I have an opportunity to listen more My grandkids are getting them for Christmas for me The audio version so that I can just listen and listen and listen thank you Mr King for all your books.

Well there's one more to go...

I've almost finished this journey to the tower. I've seen the video reviews on YT, so I "know" how this will turn out but even still I'm not sure how it will turn out in ME when its finished. Long Days and Pleasant Nights to all.

Can’t top Stephen King

I’m so glad that I finally decided to dive into this series. One more book to go, and I’m sad that the end is so near!!!

Kool-Ade, Drunk.

I have invested so many hours in this saga that I have no capacity to nit pick its minor shortcomings or flaws. I am all in. Bring on the final book.

Like a 2 course meal (when you're spoiled)

Sandwiched between Wolves and Dark Tower (both roughly 28 hours), Song of Susannah felt like a deep dive in the shallow end. It was a fantastic romp through the Maine countryside, and New York giving us a new look at our beloved ka-tet in very familiar surroundings. With a fun visit to the creator's home, this was a too short of a great experience. With the aside at the end of the book taking off another chunk of time, I took one point off for leaving me wanting more ... too much more.

AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY