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

different but good

This was a little different from the black tower series but it was nicely done and provided some insight to earlier years.

Well met, sai.

Loved hearing Stephen read his own book! It had a lull in the middle, but was exciting when the threads of the King universe tapestry started to weave together and make sense. A story within a story within a story.... the ending felt like being pulled out of a dream. Loved it, and I love reading through this series and discovering his versatile writing styles! Truly the King of horror... he uses many forms of it in this book. I can't wait to start the next one!

Great story, but narration was painful to listen to.

You would think that being an amazing storyteller would give you the tools needed to be a good narrator, but sadly, that’s not the case. This is a good book, by a great author, but listening to Stephen King narrate his own book is painful. The delivery is stilted and stiff. I love your books Mr. King, but stick to what you know.

puss poor reading

King is a master of the typewriter.

Total train wreck as a narrator, ruined his own book.

It's Still Worth It, Say True.

Although I do not disagree with the many protestations noted here regarding Sia King's narration, it really isn't as bad as claimed. He isn't a professional narrator, but I honestly didn't feel it took away from the story. Sia King can be a little over wordy in his writing, but if your looking at this late addition to the Dark Tower series you're likely already familiar with that, and ok with it as well. If you are a fan, I believe you will be happy with this one as well.

Good story but

It was like listen to the clear eyes guy read a book. Great story but it was hard to listen to him read it.

Interesting book with poor reading

I enjoyed the story but it was difficult to get through with King's narration. I don't know that this book is necessary to understand the whole storyline. I kind of wonder why King felt he needed to write this. Having said that, it was fun and interesting.

Great story, sub-par narration

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

I wish I would have stayed with the print version. It would have been far less distracting.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoy every trip to mid-word, King's ability to provide a great story never disappoints.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

King's skill is in writing. His inability to narrate a story becomes distracting and the characters manage to come off lifeless and flat. It made it difficult to focus on enjoying the experience.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Stick with the print version and enjoy a wonderful chapter in "The Dark Tower"

However you feel about Wizard and Glass - Book 4

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

Book four of the Dark Tower series was my favorite, so hearing more of how Roland came to be the Gunslinger was for me very enjoyable

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

It took some time for me to adjust to these being read by the author, George Guidall is a really tough act to follow, a couple of hours in it was no longer standing out.

Loved it - Great addition to the series

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

I generally dont listen to books more than once but this series really requires a reread from start to finish!

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the story inside a story which allowed further insight into Rolands past life.