Hello everyone and welcome to the Stephen King cast,

one man's musings on the works of Stephen King.

Each week I will review one entry in the bibliography of Stephen King and the chronological order of publication.

If you tuned in last week, you'll know that I reviewed 1982's The Gunslinger.

The first in a seven-part epic that spanned decades of publishing, served as a spine around which King rested the body of his work,

has inspired music and art from fans which can be found with a quick Google search,

launched comic books, and has been a long gestating movie slash television show from Ron Howard for years.

This week, rather than moving on to the next book in the order of publication,

I want to remain in this world a little longer, under the shadow of the tower, and examine how

the Gunslinger fits into the greater series. Casual fans, please note that here there be

spoilers. If you're listening, seriously, I'm going to get into heavy spoilers here. If you have only read the Gunsinger and want to read the remaining novels, please turn back now.

I know that hearing what I have to say is alluring to you as the draw of the dark tower

is to Roland himself, but I beg of you, turn back.

The remaining portion of this episode is dedicated to placing the first book into greater

context of the entire series, so be warned because I will give away the ending to the Dark

Tower.

And just so everyone knows, I'm only going to refer to what King has written of these characters

and not what Peter David and Robin Firth have contributed in the Marvel

comics that have come afterwards.

Now, this isn't to take anything away from the comic books, and I actually might review them

later on down the line in a bonus episode, but for all intents and purposes, right now,

I'm just sticking with King.

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