TORY’S SUGGESTED DARK TOWER EXPANDED UNIVERSE READING LIST

Inspired by this reading list, but with some adjustments by yours truly <3 https://tinyurl.com/DARKTOWERBLOG

Links to all recommended titles are at the bottom of this page!

 

1. DT #1 The Gunslinger & DT #2 The Drawing of the Three (I refuse to sell #1 individually. It must be bought in conjunction with #2. Wow I am annoying)

2. The Stand (revised, uncut version, which is the version in print currently)

3. The Eyes of the Dragon

4. The Talisman [King & Straub]

5. DT #3 The Waste Lands

6. DT #4 Wizard and Glass

 

-optional: Bryant’s reading list suggests the novella “The Mist” (published in Skeleton Crew), which you’re welcome to read (it’s great) but I don’t really think it’s necessary; the graphic novels from Marvel cover more of Roland’s earlier life, but aren’t necessary for the full DT plot.

 

7. It

8. Oooof. Okay, yes, Insomnia does have characters & concepts that are important in the Dark Tower finale, but it’s just soooo slow and long. I personally didn’t feel like the slog was worth it, but you’re welcome to make your own decision!

 

 

     9./10. Sister/Twinner novels Desperation and The Regulators [by Richard Bachman]

     11. “Everything’s Eventual” short story from the collection of the same name

 

-optional: Bag of Bones. Tenuous connections to the series, but it is a really good book, and it’s another one of SK’s official DT books. “I sacked my own quartermack!” is a household phrase for us :)

 

     12. “The Little Sisters of Eluria” short story from Everything’s Eventual

     13. Hearts in Atlantis

     14. Black House [King & Straub]

 

-optional: From a Buick 8. It’s one of my FAVORITE Kings, it’s hella Lovecraftian, it’s on SK’s list, but I’ve read it a bunch of times and still hardly can consider it part of the DT-iverse.

 

     15. DT #4.5 The Wind Through the Keyhole

     16. ‘Salem’s Lot (Bryant puts this way earlier on his suggested reading list, but by the time I got to Wolves of the Calla [your next read], I'd basically totally forgotten about Father Callahan, and he's super important for the finale.)

 

Alrighty. Buckle up. Here comes the finale.

 

     17. DT #5 Wolves of the Calla

     18. DT #6 Song of Susannah

     19. DT #7 The Dark Tower (try not to cry. Cry a lot.)

 

Lather, rinse, and repeat.

Long days and pleasant nights, gunslinger. :)