It can be argued that The Dark Tower is Stephen King’s most ambitious literary effort.  Based loosely on Robert Browning’s poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came,” and comprising some seven novels, this literary epic follows the last remaining Gunslinger, a man by the name of Roland, and his ka-tet on their quest to find the mysterious Dark Tower — at the center of all things.  This is a story about a world that has moved on, a story about fate, destiny, and what it takes to carry on, no matter the cost.

DauntlessMedia.net will be reviewing each of King’s seven novels, as well as providing any news or updates about the series as a whole.

The Dark Tower I – The Gunslinger

The Gunslinger introduces Roland Deschain of Gilead as he pursues the man in black to the mountains that separate the desert from the Western Sea. Along the way he rescues the boy, Jake, who is from a different time and place, and soon they become ka-tet in spite of Roland’s single-minded goal of reaching the man in black at all costs.

The Dark Tower II – The Drawing of the Three

The journey continues for Roland after his confrontation with the man in black. Through doors which mysteriously appear on the beach of Mid-World’s Western Sea, he finds two more to join him in his quest for The Dark Tower–Eddie Dean, a heroin addict, and Odetta Holmes, whose alter personality, Detta Walker, adds additional challenges.

The Dark Tower III – The Wastelands

Roland, Eddie, and Odetta, now known as Susannah, find themselves in the ravaged city of Lud but before continuing on their journey upon the maniacal train that will lead them beyond the Waste Lands, they must have one more from Roland’s past to be drawn to their ka-tet.

The Dark Tower IV – Wizard and Glass

Having narrowly escaped Lud and Blaine, the ka-tet finds itself in Topeka, Kansas, a ghost town depopulated by a superflu.  So that they can continue, Roland must tell them of a time in his youth which helped define the man he has become. Before the tale is finished he must confront a man who may hold the key to the Dark Tower.

The Dark Tower V – Wolves of the Calla

The ka-tet has traveled to the Calla Bryn Sturgis, a tranquil community, long tormented by the Wolves of Thunderclap who have stolen their children and are then returned “roont.”  With help from the ka-tet and Pere Callahan, also from a portal between worlds, the Calla folken decide this time to fight the Wolves and protect their children.

The Dark Tower VI – Song of Susannah

Susannah, now pregnant, has yet another taking control of her.  The demon-mother, Mia, uses Susannah and Black Thirteen to transport to New York City of 1999.  Jake, Oy, and Pere Callahan must rescue Susannah while Eddie and Roland transport to the Maine of 1977.  A vacant lot in New York must be saved and ties these together.

The Dark Tower VII – The Dark Tower

Roland’s ka-tet is reunited, but not without cost. The last episode of the story takes them on the final stretch of their journey to The Dark Tower. Though they have rescued Susannah, there are still enemies who must be dealt with along the way and who could be their ultimate destruction. The journey is long and ka is but a wheel.

Book summaries are reprinted from stephenking.com