Nerds That Geek Book Review - 'The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

Sadly, every story that draws us in and that we love so much, has to come to its end. It's never easy knowing that fact and it makes picking up the last story in the series all that more difficult, because we know that when we reach those final pages we will no longer share in the wonder of this tale and its characters, we simply say goodbye. That was the case as I picked up the final chapter in Stephen King's magnum opus. I knew full well this would be a final farewell, and yes while The Wind Through the Keyhole came out after this book, that doesn't matter, this is where Roland and his ka-tet met their destiny, this was the book filled with heartbreak, this...was the end with The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower.

Mordred Deschain has been born and is simply an abomination. This shape shifting creature has only one thing on its mind, to find its father, Roland and kill him. Thankfully, it need not look far, for Roland and his ka-tet have reached End World and they will have far worse than Mordred to deal with as they face off against the Crimson King's lieutenants and fight a costly fight to finally reach...The Dark Tower.  

What makes this novel rewarding, yet difficult to get through, is that everyone's story arc comes around full circle, whether you like it or not. I say that, because this is the novel where Stephen King finally unleashes a no holds barred style of writing that ends up costing several characters their lives. I don't want to go into that too deeply if you haven't made it that far yet, but know that heartbreak is coming and you will have to say goodbye to some folks sooner than you would like. 

But the part that matters most about this book, is the grand finale and that we finally get the epic showdown we have been waiting for all along between Roland and the Crimson King and of course...we finally arrive at the Tower. Now I'm not spoiling anything by telling you that, because the title of the book and the cover reveal that fact as well, but it is just so glorious to finally see the Tower after years of searching for this mystical place alongside Roland...which of course leads us to the controversial ending.

Those of you who have finished the book know precisely what I am talking about, and those who have not, well you're in for a grand internal debate. For there are two endings to this novel, one that simply ends the story and one that serves as the true ending. King even warns us that the real ending may not satisfy and it is one that has divided many a fan of this book. I for one, love the real ending. I think it's fitting and beautiful in its own special way.  

Either way, out of all of the books in the series, this one was my favorite. It is a book that I was worried about when it came to the ending, because when you have a universe this big and diverse and a story this grand to tell, the ending could certainly let you down. But man, this book simply delivers in every possible way. Sadly though, our discussion of these fine books must end as well, so I ask that you certainly give them a read, I don't think you'll be disappointed in doing so and I bid you all farewell by wishing each and every one of you...long days and pleasant nights.  

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