The Wind Through the Keyhole

The Dark Tower

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

For those discovering the epic best-selling Dark Tower series for the first time—and for its legions of dedicated fans—here is 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 and 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.

Please Note: This audio edition of The Wind Through the Keyhole ends with a short preview of Stephen King's The Dark Tower VII, read by George Guidall, followed by a brief introduction and the first chapter of King's Doctor Sleep, both read by the author.

©2012 Stephen King (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Great Read!

Unlike some of the other folks in the review pool, I actually really love to hear King read his own stuff. He's my favorite to listen to now that Frank Muller is gone- though the fellow who read Duma Key, John Slattery, also was really a great narrator. This story was a wonderful trip back to the Dark Tower, and I loved the story in a story aspect of it- the tale itself had some nice little peeks into many of King's other stories, even a little "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" flavor to it. I'm loving how SK as an old fellow writes- now that I'm an old girl myself- past all the Bachman-like hammer stuff and on to whimsical, supernatural/fantasy stuff- Loved as well the first look at the "Shining" sequel. Well worth my credit! Keep them coming, Mr. King!

What is a Gunslinger without his gang?

after listening to all the dark tower saga it just felt wrong to go back.

Ugh

I have never written a review despite having been a voracious reader for all of my 36 years. I stumbled upon the dark Tower series and began listening to the audio books and was quickly hooked. I purchased this one, and they are not cheap, despite the negative reviews about the narration. I cannot believe how terrible Stephen King is reading his own book I actually did not finish it but chose to read it instead absolutely terrible

Love it

I will always remain a Stephen King fan to end. I see the stories in my mind. I can escape even while I work.

Narration was the worst. Terrible.

Stephen King's voice is unbearably bad. Stopped listening and just read the book, which I liked.

I am hooked on this story.....

Great story. I can't wait to hear what happens next. on to The Dark Tower....

A good supliment to the original dark towers serie

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wind Through the Keyhole to be better than the print version?

I listen to 85% of my books as compared to the 15% I read. Mr. King decided to read this book himself. Though I have heard him read other stories, I must agree the other listeners it would have been more enjoyable with a voice actor

Would you be willing to try another book from Stephen King? Why or why not?

I think Mr. King is one of the best and most enjoyable writers of our time. He is both thoughtful of what the character would be thinking and living as well as keeps his books moving. What makes him such a good writer is his committment to the story and his refusal to be rushed

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

No, not well

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, it is an excellent story but not an emotional one

Any additional comments?

i think if you have not read/listened to the other Dark Tower stories I think this is not a good story to start with

I can never get enough of these books

Stephen King is by far my favorite writer. His dark tower series is absolutely phenomenal.

Not bad.

Brief but fun. Could have been read with some degree of life, though. Oh King.

Irrelevant Strike Out

While it's nice to read about the Dark Tower series characters again, this story is pretty much irrelevant to the series and inconsequential to the quest of our old friends. King's reading is lackluster and boring, and I almost fear for his health after listening to him drone on for 10 hours. The reading is uninspired, and they made a huge mistake not getting George Guidell to reprise his narration on the book. I would think that so long after the series came to an end, writing another book would mean a story of consequence or something that pertains to the series. And if King feels the need to write about Roland's past adventures, something relevant to the DT quest would be nice. Honestly, I'd save your $$ and not bother with this offering.