Stephen King

U

U-Borat

El-Prawno
Joined
Sep 28, 2005
Messages
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Hey, I just completed the Gunslinger, by Stephen King, and I am really confused about his writing chronology.

Are his non-fantasy books related to the Dark Tower Series in any way?
I'm confused about what I need to read to understand the fantasy elements of Stephen King.
 
This chart shows how Stephen King's other books are connected to The Dark Tower. Some are only slightly related, but if you click on the various connecting points you can see how they all relate to the mythos.
 
But I don't think you really need to read all of his non-gunslinger books just to enjoy the series, it stands by itself just fine. Also the first books are deliberately vague, you aren't missing out on some expository nugget somewhere that explains the gunslinger universe from A to Z. In fact I'd argue the earlier stories are the series' stongest precisely because they were unexplained, as they are very evocative and atmospheric.
 
I'm currently reading book 7. Before reading "The Gunslinger", the only SK book I'd read was "The Green Mile". However, it has sparked an interest in me to read some of his other works.

I will suggest, though, that you don't go to Wikipedia and look up info on other characters that appear in the story from other books. I ended up reading a spoiler or two about their roles in The Dark Tower series.

Tracy
 
I recently read The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King. This is one of my favorites by him and I've re-read it a few times over the years. I believe it's the only YA book that he wrote. I remember reading somewhere that he wrote it for his daughter because she was complaining about his other books being too gross and weird. :p
 
The Talisman (co-written with Peter Straub) has fantasy elements in it and is very good. Not a direct book in the Dark Tower series, but tangentially related, especially the sequel, Dark House.
 
Yeah, I read the Talisman about six months ago, and man, did it kick ass!! By the way, were those the Wastelands that Jack Sawyer went through on that railcar thingy, because it sounded a lot like them in the description.
 
There was word of a third Talisman novel, or at least, another novel involving an adult Jack Sawyer (possibly as a burned-out detective). Anyone got any more information on this?
 
I haven't heard anything. I hope it will be better than The Black House.
 
Ok, I have just started "The Gunslinger" I have wanted to read it for awhile, but have kept putting it off. Now, having read this thread I am a little worried. I have only read a few of SK's books, but I do want to read others. Do I have to read all these other books for the Dark Tower series to make sense? I really hope it is just a case of adding more to this series.
 
Yep, I have read the whole series and their stand alone series really- the other SK books are just sortof connected but in no way essential. Only need to read them in connection to the dark tower if you're a perfectionist or an SK junkie.
 
sic's mom said:
Do I have to read all these other books for the Dark Tower series to make sense?
Click to expand...

Not at all. The only SK book I'd read before The Dark Tower Series was "The Green Mile." I thoroughly enjoyed all seven DT books and am now thinking I'll go read some of the related books that were woven into the DT's storyline.

Tracy
 
No, you don't have to read any other Stephen King books. The Dark Tower can definitely stand alone. However, there are some connections; for example, the "man in black" from the gunslinger is apparently the same villain from The Stand (Randall Flagg), and Eyes of the Dragon (Flagg). Always some kind of dark wizard.

I'd personally recommend reading Eyes of the Dragon one day, it's the only other true fantasy book from King.
 
These connections can make the DT reading experience much more valuable though. I'd seriously think about having a read of The Stand, Eyes of the Dragon and Insomnia in parallel with these books.
 
I have read "The Stand" and have to say so far it is my favorite SK book. I just finished "Salem's Lot" and will be glad to see what happens with Father Callahan. "Insomnia" is also one I have read so further in I suppose I will see how this ties in. But I haven't read many others on the map, so maybe between the Dark Tower books I might pick up one or two and see how they intertwine. I do think it is interesting how he has made all these books have something to do with this series. Considering how long ago he started the Dark Tower series this had to have some forthought.
 
Arrr - forgot to mention Salem's Lot - definitely worth reading before Wolves of the Calla.
 
I stopped reading SK many years ago, but I've just found out that the entire Dark Tower series is available for my new Sony Reader. So, can someone convince me why to read the Dark Tower series?
 
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