"great Dark Tower story"

After recuperating from the final door confrontation (see THE DRAWING OF THE THREE), Roland trains Eddie and Susannah on how to survive as gunslingers. All goes well until a seventy-foot-tall bear attacks Eddie. Susannah and Roland team up to kill the bear, who actually is one of the twelve guardians of the beams.

The gunslingers follow the bear's trail, which takes them to a portal that enables the trio to follow the Beam, a line of energy that connects pairs of portals with the center being the Dark Tower. They now know the way, but it may be too late. Roland seems to be losing his mind as a paradox he caused by saving Jake's life on earth has begun to eat at his brain because dual memories of death and rescue seem impossible. They need Jake to complete the team, but to do so they must construct a door where a demon resides.

The third book in Stephen King's great Dark Tower series continues the adventures of Roland, but this time he has associates to help him complete his quest. Though well written and quite exciting, THE WASTE LANDS somewhat feels like a middle book needed to move the tale forward. Still, Mr. King shows why he is more than just a horror guru as he displays his talent as a fantastic fantasist with this novel and the first two books in this strong allegorical series that stands up well with his best works.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 24, 2003