The Gunslinger

by Stephen King

First published 2016

Roland of Gilead walks alone through a dying world. The last gunslinger in existence, he follows the trail of the Man in Black across endless desert wastes. This barren landscape echoes our own world but twisted into something darker. Roland's single-minded pursuit drives him forward through settlements where civilization barely clings to life. Along his journey, he encounters Alice, a woman who offers him temptation and distraction from his quest. He also meets Jake, a boy mysteriously transported from New York City into this strange realm. Jake becomes Roland's unlikely companion, though their bond will be tested by the gunslinger's relentless obsession. The Man in Black remains always ahead, leaving traces and riddles but never allowing himself to be caught. Roland must choose between human connection and his consuming need to reach the Dark Tower. His quest will demand sacrifices that cut to his very soul.

Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, dark-fantasy

Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful

Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, man-in-black

Setting: Gilead, Dark Tower, New York City

Period: Dying World

343 pages · ebook · Scribner

Content warnings: violence

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