Wolves of the Calla

Dark Tower V

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 26 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Roland Deschain and his ka-tet are bearing southeast through the forests of Mid-World, the almost timeless landscape that seems to stretch from the wreckage of civility that defined Roland's youth to the crimson chaos that seems the future's only promise. Followers of Stephen King's epic series know Roland well, or as well as this enigmatic hero can be known. They also know the companions who have been drawn to his quest for the Dark Tower: Eddie Dean and his wife, Susannah; Jake Chambers, the boy who has come twice through the doorway of death into Roland's world; and Oy, the Billy Bumbler.

In this long-awaited fifth novel in the saga, their path takes them to the outskirts of Calla Bryn Sturgis, a tranquil valley community of farmers and ranchers on Mid-World's borderlands. Beyond the town, the rocky ground rises toward the hulking darkness of Thunderclap, the source of a terrible affliction that is slowly stealing the community's soul. One of the town's residents is Pere Callahan, a ruined priest who, like Susannah, Eddie and Jake, passed through one of the portals that lead both into and out of Roland's world.

As Father Callahan tells the ka-tet the astonishing story of what happened following his shamed departure from Maine in 1977, his connection to the Dark Tower becomes clear, as does the danger facing a single red rose in a vacant lot off Second Avenue in midtown Manhattan. For Calla Bryn Sturgis, danger gathers in the east like a storm cloud. The Wolves of Thunderclap and their unspeakable depredation are coming. To resist them is to risk all, but these are odds the gunslingers are used to, and they can give the Calla folken both courage and cunning. Their guns, however, will not be enough.

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.

©2003 Stephen King (P)2003 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Audioworks is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Gonna be a humdinger of a fight! Fore and aft of the showdown, King stuffs the book with juice...One of the greatest cavalcades in popular fiction is back on track." (Booklist)
"The high suspense and extensive character development here...plus the enormity of King's ever-expanding universe, will surely keep his 'Constant Readers' in awe." (Publishers Weekly)

Great Book but terrible narrator

I bought a read part of the Gunslinger but found it unintriging. Then I bought it on audibook and loved it!! I continued feverishly with the next 4 books and enjoyed everyone of them. The fifth book also is great but I am dissappointed with the narrator as he is different from the previous book's narrator. His accents for the main character are indistinguishable. In fact, Eddie sounds a bit like Woody Allen at times. But the story was wonderful and I hope to hear a different narrator on book VI and VII!!

This one might stand alone best

The Dark Tower Series is a remarkable work in that it is individual books that were written over two decades, but the larger narrative holds together as almost a single, enormous book with five very long chapters. Some of those chapters would not work as well standing alone as Wolves of the Calla does, but it still should be read in its order for best appreciation.
I love how King allows his characters in the series to be consistent to themselves without being one-dimensional. Just like "real" people, they stay who they are, essentially, while yet evolving from the impact of their experiences and challenges.
Veterans readers of the Dark Tower series will probably be able to figure out some of the plot revelations well in advance, but it doesn't make getting to them any less enjoyable.
In an afterword, King himself explains the circumstances that kept Muller from continuing to read the series and it would be worth listening to for fans of Muller, and for them to reach out to aid him in his rehabilitation. His characterizations of Eddie and Susanna are not equalled by Guidall, but it's still a worthy substitution.

Narrator doesn’t do it for me

Frank was a significantly better narrator in the previous books. Wish they had found someone similar sounding

Excellant continuation of the saga

This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end. I also like how Mr. King tied this book to several of his past writings. I am going back to re-read and read some of his books mentioned. Some books I read 20 years ago. I would highly recommend this book to any who is looking for a good read. I can't wait until the next book comes out in June.

A fine installment in the series

This is truly one of my favorite stories in the Dark Tower series. I tend to enjoy the tale of the ka-tet most when they interact with people or groups from Roland's where and when. The folken of the Calla and their story is very rich and very satisfying. A lot of questions are aswered in this book about the next level of the progression towards the tower. Questions about the character of the members of the group as well. A great addition to the series, and a fantastic listen!

My only deduction in the area of the performance was for the way Mr. Guidall portrayed Andy the robot. Not how I heard him in my head, and threfore not as enjoyable for me. Probably my problem as much as anything. Not enough to deduct from an overall 5 for the book! Enjoy!

5 down

I have consumed these books one after another in a shirt time. I have enjoyed them so much. This one is no different. Nice little twist at the end... Can't wait to jump into the next one. But I'm taking a little break. I sometimes burn myself out on a series if I listen to too much. But I'm really looking forward to 6. This series has blown me away so far. It's really fantastic.

Very Good

Very Good, must read other books first.

My fave

this book is my favorite of the entire series. It weaves so many stories into one book. there is supernatural, futuristic robots with free thinking, deception, honor and a side of Roland that you thought was there but had never seen.

Great Entertainment

I am really enjoying this immersive story. Just a great series of books. Wonderful entertainment.

The Dark Tower

The dark tower series is my favorite story ever, it's what gave me my love of reading. Thank you Stephen King, you are the greatest author of all time.