This review is for the revised edition, which he released in advance of the last two books of the series coming out.

I am admittedly in love with the concept of the series, and I had read up through Wolves of the Calla when I read this one, so I could see all the new material and the ways he subtly (and not-so-subtly) ties this in more effectively with the later volumes.

This book doesn't explain who Roland is, really... it kind of drops you into a story that is already happening, and gives you a bit of the backstory as you go on. But not all of it... just enough to whet your appetite. And draw you on inexorably forward.

The scene in Tull gives you insight into the gunslinger's psyche, which is why it is surprising that he develops such strong feelengs toward Jake later on. However, you are never in doubt that it is the Tower that is Roland's highest priority, so you know what he will choose toward the end of the book.

The final scene, when Roland finally catches the man in black, is both a little anticlimactic (you expect there to be a much more violent encounter) and very deep (you learn things that you will not understand until they are revealed several books later.) Also, you get a good look into the working of Roland's world... and ALL worlds... and you see how King has drawn lines between so many of his books, and is drawing them together into a web of interconnected stories.

It is truly an incredible beginning to an incredible tale. At the time of this review, I have all the books in my possession... and began at the beginning. I am now beginning Wolves of the Calla, and will soon break into material that is all new to me. How will it end? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out.