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The Dark Tower: The Waste Lands (1991)



Before reading: Pretty sure we all already know that I am excited to read the next installment of the Dark Tower series. I can't wait to get back into that world and spend time with some familiar characters. I'm very curious to see what happens next! I am reading a physical copy from 1991 so it is possible that there might be some edits or additions that I will not be privy to so keep that in mind. Let's get to it!

After reading: Took me a while but here we are. I am curled up on my couch, feeling that just-finished-a-good-book slump. It isn't a fun feeling. This is why it took me so long to read, part of me didn't want to finish it. I shot myself in the foot a bit when I decided to read these books in chronological order. I was not thinking of the fact that there would be a series throughout. Now I have to read eight more books before I get to the next DT novel. However, I am aware of some of the lore and what is yet to come from this series, so I know that it will be to my advantage to read the rest of King's books in order instead of skipping ahead. I will be patient...even though I don't want to be. I did not take many notes and this will probably be a short blog. I have noticed that the more I like a book, the less notes I take. So that is a good thing. Also, I take notes mostly on when I see some crossover/easter eggs, and we didn't have too many in this one. 

My first note was that we got a recap at the beginning just like we did with The Drawing of the Three. I cannot accurately express how much I appreciate that. If you think I'm going to be able to read eight books and then remember what happened in this one...you are wrong. I literally only put down three notes for this book, I am just now noticing and that first one didn't really have anything to do with the story...my bad! I was really into the story, you guys! Forgive me! My second note was just me getting excited that we were finally getting to the beams and some turtle talk. If you know, you know. If you don't...go read some Stephen King, what are you even doing here? My final note was about our very best villain, Mr. Randall Flagg. I love that he pops up for just a second but the moment a mysterious character is introduced, it is so obvious who it is. I think that is a testament to Flagg's power as a character, as well as King's writing and character development skills. We got a vague description and an alias and still knew who this was supposed to be. Chef's kiss. 

The last thing I want to discuss is how much of a bummer it is that this is not more popular. I know you may be thinking, "ummm Shayla this is literally one of his most famous series and it is very popular." I mean, yeah. But in the grand scheme of things, it isn't as popular as it should be. This is a really great fantasy series, you guys, and I don't think it ever got the love it deserved. You want to know why? Because Roland is a grown man. I'm telling you right now, if Roland was a teenager...game over. This series would be Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games big if it was under the young adult genre. It is so good and so many people are missing out. I almost missed out! If you haven't read these and you're into those other stories I just mentioned, do yourself a favor and hop on this train (pun intended). Speaking of trains. This book ended on a freakin cliffhanger and I'm pretty upset about it. I think I'm going to go wallow in sadness now that I have to wait so long to see what happens next. Don't be like me, go out there and binge read these books. Long days and pleasant nights.

Get in losers, we're going shopping. Up next is Needful Things.


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