• The Dark Tower I

  • The Gunslinger
  • By: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: George Guidall
  • Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (39,189 ratings)

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The Dark Tower I  By  cover art

The Dark Tower I

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Publisher's summary

“An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen King’s greatest literary achievement” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution), The Gunslinger is the first volume in the epic Dark Tower Series.

A #1 national bestseller, The Gunslinger introduces listeners to one of Stephen King’s most powerful creations, Roland of Gilead: The Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner on a spellbinding journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which mirrors our own in frightening ways, Roland tracks The Man in Black, encounters an enticing woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with the boy from New York named Jake.

Inspired in part by the Robert Browning narrative poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came,” The Gunslinger is “a compelling whirlpool of a story that draws one irretrievable to its center” (Milwaukee Sentinel). It is “brilliant and fresh…and will leave you panting for more” (Booklist).

©1993, 2003 Stephen King (P)2003 Penguin Audio and Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"An impressive work of mythic magnitude. May turn out to be Stephen King's greatest literary achievement." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

"A compelling whirlpool of a story that draws one irretrievably to its center." (Milwaukee Sentinel)

"Brilliant, fresh and compelling - will leave you panting for more." (Booklist)

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What listeners say about The Dark Tower I

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Just the Beginning

The narrator Gorge G made the book come alive and you will love it too

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9 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A Means to an End

I love Stephen King. This book is definitely something to wade through in order to understand the greater story to come in the next books.

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Writer & Reader: 5 Stars Each

Stephen King is a factory of phraseology, and his narrator George Guidall delivers in astounding fashion.

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Confusing

I found the story incredibly difficult to follow. The story went back and forth from present to past . It was so confusing and I had so much trouble following it. I’m going to have to read it again. What a letdown

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  • D
  • 03-22-23

A new significance

I had always thought of The Gunslinger as a necessary evil in a beautiful series, even though it has a brilliant beginning. After revisiting the book, I have a newfound appreciation for the context and the story as a whole. This story is well worth any pacing issues that you may have, after you finish the series. :)

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Second time through

This is the second time for me . I read it once a few years ago but knew I didn’t focus enough.
I took my time and got much more out of it this time and especially liked the last chapter.
The narrator was an excellent choice and did a superb job. On to the next.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Ehh.

Phenomenal build up for a the longer series. Wish it moved a little better at times. Still a good read/ listen.

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This is an fun and well written book

I have been meaning to get to this book for a long while now. I have this book in physical form and have read the first 1/2 of the book about 3 times. Well this time with help of the Narrator: George Guidall I was able to finish it, and I was so glad that I did.

The story is very unique and seems to bring up more questions than answers as you listen through the story. Once you feel like you understand what is happening the whole thing gets flipped upside down.

I really enjoy Stephen King and this book does not disappoint. It has all his usually twist coupled with his witty writing style and insane imagination.

I am hoping the next books in the series hold up as well as this does because it was a fun ride from start to finish.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic Read - His Best Work

The Dark Tower book series is hands down best I’ve ever read. This rendition is on point. Great story, great narration and a fun journey.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I couldn't wrap my head around this book in 86

But now that I've matured. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to hear the next one

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