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

unfortunate performance

I'm still listening to it only because it's a compelling story as most King stories are. But, and I say true, it's terribly unfortunate the author is also the reader. It's shudder inducing listening to him say "yar and nar." At one point you can tell he's holding his nose to give a nasal quality to one of the characters but it sounds so phony; it all does. It's just plain God-awful. Ka help me finish!

Double embedded stories do not deter King

This is not the Dark Tower of Roland. This is about the Dark Tower of another boy of Mid World long ago.

Stephen King is terrible at narrating

I love Stephen King's books, but he is a terrible narrator. I wish this audio book was available with a different narrator.

that King still hears the song of Manturian

that King still hears the song of Manturian and has yet to finish Roland's tale. It's as if he's afraid.....

An exceptional story, but I miss George Guidall.

Another excellent Steven King story. It doesn't have the same feel as the rest of the Dark Tower series. It's much more stand-alone beginning-middle-end, because we aren't following most of the characters in this book through 7 novels.

I'd recommend reading this one on paper unless you're accustomed to Stephen King's narration. We were really pampered by George Guidall's vocal range. Stephen King comes across much flatter, and in the beginning his version of Roland's ka-tet can be disconcerting.

Great story, but narration was awful.

What didn’t you like about Stephen King’s performance?

Very monotone voice. Previous narrators were great, shouldn't have switched. There is no difference in any of the voices. I have re-listened to all of the series, I won't be on this one.

Any additional comments?

Great story for fans, afraid the narration will scare new listeners from the series.

Stephen Kings Monotone reading

What could Stephen King have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Stephen King reads the whole story.... He is so monotone that I almost cant follow this 28 min into this and I dont want to continue.

Old Friends

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

Can not make the comparison since I only listen, due to job constraints. The audio version is of excellent quality and Stephen has done an excellent job narrating. I was a little worried when I found out that George Guidall would not narrate. George is the Gunslinger in my book! I can't even listen to Don Quixote without seeing Roland Deschain of Gilead. However, Stephen pulls it off, he's gotten very good at doing multiple characters and that is George Guidall's secret to success.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Why, Tim of course. How could you not be rooting for the kid? Facing the unknown, thinking only of his Mom. And the whole time, having to watch out for RF!

What does Stephen King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The Life's blood of the author! Stephen spent most of his life on these characters. His heart and soul belong to these pages. And these pages, belong to the ages ;-).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not to spoil the ending, but the ending. We find out that Roland forgives and has been forgiven.It's good to know that an old friend is well in that regard.

Any additional comments?

Kudo's to you Stephen, I hope you read more of your own work in the future.Thankee Sai!

Where is George Guildall?

What did you like best about The Wind Through the Keyhole? What did you like least?

Its the Dark tower whats not to like.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Everyone!

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I love Mr King but not hes reading style. Where is Goerge Guildall?

Do you think The Wind Through the Keyhole needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Book? No the Dark tower needs a Movie. Better yet a mini series.

This book does not disappoint - King fan or not!

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

I have not read the print version but I sure did enjoy listening to "Sai" King read this wonderful book to me.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the story within the story, within the story. I tired to make the listen last but I just couldn't stop myself from going right back to it whenever I had a free moment.

Which character – as performed by Stephen King – was your favorite?

I always love Roland but there were some ofther fun, new characters in this Dark Tower book. I liked the widow and, of course, stout- hearted Tim, and who doesn't love Oy, the billy-bumbler!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed the part where Tim allows the Tiger to live and frees him from the cage. They go on to survive the starkblast together and then what a great moment when the tiger reverts to his human form (I won't do a spoiler here by telling you who this is - you'll have to listen!)

Any additional comments?

Stephen King is such a wonderful story teller. I hope that he is taking care of his health so that we have more books like this one to look forward to (no walking down busy roads, please, Uncle Stevie!) Buy this audiobook - you will not be sorry, whether you are a fan or a first time King listener.