And so I’ve reached the third book in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. Roland, Eddie and Susannah continue their journey towards the tower, and this time they add two new companions to their merry band of travelers (yeah that’s irony for you; this band is anything but jolly). The road is full of demons and strange disfigurations of would-be humans – a classic Stephen King setting in other words.
In this desolate country – aptly named The Waste Lands – things are starting to clear up as to why they have to reach this tower and what exactly is wrong with Roland’s world. True to the Stephen King spirit, explanations are vague to keep the mystery alive, which makes you want to keep reading just to see what’s on the next page. The characters’ personalities start to emerge and some of the pieces of the puzzle start to come together. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that King has left nothing to chance.
Something that is somewhat unusual with these books is Roland’s companion Susannah and her legs – or lack thereof. It’s more than rare to read about disabled people in the fantasy genre, which is a welcome change. She’s not portrayed as a victim either, but rather as a strong heroine type. Her disability is only mentioned when it has an impact on the plot. Anywoo, now it’s on to the fourth book in short order.
Tags: Stephen King, The Dark Tower