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

So Many Better Readers...

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I am disappointed that Stephen King chose to read this novel on his own voice. Other readers are better than him. At least he could have pronounced Roland's last name the way I was used to it already.

Previous narrators have done a great job. Stephen King reads with no warmth and no "pull" of the listener into the story.

Maybe others will like this more than me, but I felt unhappy I even got started with this one. I put it down about an hour into it, just disgusted with it. I guess the characters' dialogue annoyed me "back then" too, but hearing them again -- and this time in Stephen's voice -- annoyed me more than ever, and made me not want to stick around to see how the plot went.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Not a good voice for narration. Stick to writing.

Loved it! A great addition to the dark tower!

Loved it! A great addition to the dark tower! it's fun hearing Stephen King's own voice.

A complete surprise. I was not aware there is another Dark Tower novel.

Very fun story presented in the dark tower style.
I would recommend to anyone who thinks they completed the Dark Tower and Roland.

Kept me interested

I'm writing this because many reviewers didn't like Stephen King reading his own book. My view differs. I feel that he knows exactly how his story should be told and I was not disappointed by his reading. The story was not his strongest but it was entertaining. The short bursts of music did not detract. They were between chapters, and not overlaying the story.

It Was a Good Tale However...

If you’ve listened to books by Stephen King before, how does this one compare?

I have listened to the entire Dark Tower series and only now listened this one. Big mistake on my part. This needs to be listened to directly after Dark Tower 6 for continuity.

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

I really enjoyed the story within the story within the story. It was fun to follow and meet a few new characters as well. It was also good to meet Roland as a young man.

Any additional comments?

Not my favorite of the series but a good read nonetheless and for those like myself who are true Dark Tower addicts, I didn't want to miss anything from the series. Again, I wish I had listened to it directly after Dark Tower 6.

Definitely not the best in the series

As usual with a King book, you can't put it down once you start. I've read the entire Dark Tower series and this is probably the weakest of the bunch. However, I always enjoy interesting plot devices and this has one of the most unusual King has ever used. I don't think it spoils anything to point it out, but if you want, you can skip to the next paragraph........The book actually tells three stories one inside of another inside of another.

I've gotten used to him, but I really don't care much for King as a narrator, especially since for many of his books he gets some of the best in the business. He has a flat voice and some mildly annoying speech mannerisms (e.g. he swallows his "L's").

love

love Stephen King & hos stories so much Im sorry to say its harder to get into his stories a much when he reads. but still love love love

A PERSONAL TOUCH

It's been many years since I traveled with Roland through Midworld, and I relished the chance to return.
This story ties well with the original series in place and characters, but had a slightly different feel and I say this in a good way. It came across a little more personal as we are treated to a glimpse into Roland's early childhood, his relationship with his parents, and his earliest days as a Gun Slinger.
The layers of stories within a story, blended so perfectly together, again shows the masterful writing of King. Other reviews have found his narration a bit flat, but I found it to add to the more personal feel of this story.
My sincere thanks to the author for his many years of great work and freely admit my selfish enjoyment of it all.

WHY?!?!?!

Would you listen to The Wind Through the Keyhole again? Why?

ONLY if it was read by someone else!! This was soooo painful to listen to. The only thing keeping me listening is the fact that I started to listen to the whole series. It has been a long time since I listened to the series and wanted to listen to the Whole story from start to finish. After listening to George Guidall's reading of the "Wizard of Glass" and then starting to listen to this, the only way I can describe this is like taking a pair of knitting needles to your ears to clean the wax out. IT is PAINFUL. All the characters sound just like Mr. King. Sooo sad. This is my second attempt to try and listen to this. I find my mind wandering because it is so monotone blah blah blah. After awhile its like background White Noise. Oh help me get to the end.
NO I WILL NEVER LISTEN to this again. Unless of course a Professional will re-record this.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wind Through the Keyhole?

Just hoping I can get to the end, and remember if I heard any of it. I was looking forward to this book but might have to buy a hard copy and read it myself. Normally I can take Mr. King reading after awhile, but after spoiling us with some Very Talented voice actors, this was torture.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

AWFUL, terrible, boring, all characters sound alike, no distinction, monotone, blah blah blah. I just want to scream.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mr.King Kills a novel. hahahahaha

Any additional comments?

Buy a hard copy and read it yourself. I waaaaant to listen to this but wow it is really hard.

fits perfectly in the series

What made the experience of listening to The Wind Through the Keyhole the most enjoyable?

I love the dark tower series and its awesome that king is still working on it.

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

It's amazing