The Dark Tower
Reading Order.
Start with The Gunslinger (1982); the 2003 revised edition fits the later books better.
Stephen King's epic saga following Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes.
Where to start
Start with The Gunslinger (1982); the 2003 revised edition fits the later books better.
- •The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012) is set between books 4 and 5.
- •Many other Stephen King books connect to the Dark Tower, but none are required.
Community Consensus
"The overwhelming consensus is to start with the main ten-book series, 'Malazan Book of the Fallen,' beginning with 'Gardens of the Moon.' This order (release/publication order) is generally considered superior to chronological order, as the chronological starting point, 'Forge of Darkness,' is deemed less accessible to new readers and contains significant spoilers/fan-service moments that only resonate after reading the main series. The secondary books (Ian Esslemont's novels and the Kharkanas Prequels) should be read either concurrently by release date or, for maximum safety and simplicity, read entirely after the completion of the main ten-book series."
Start with 'Gardens of the Moon' (Book 1 of Malazan Book of the Fallen), continue through the 10 books, and save 'Forge of Darkness' and the other Esslemont companion novels until afterward.
At a Glance
- First Book:The Gunslinger
- Latest Book:The Dark Tower
- Timeline:1982 - 2004
Complete Series Reading Order
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View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I read The Dark Tower in?
Start with The Gunslinger (1982); the 2003 revised edition fits the later books better.
How many books are in The Dark Tower?
7 main books, published 1982–2004, plus 1 side story.
Can I read The Dark Tower out of order?
It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.
Which books in The Dark Tower are prequels, novellas or side stories?
"The Wind Through the Keyhole". Each is placed in the reading order below.
Has The Dark Tower been adapted for TV or film?
The 2017 film combines elements from several books.