The ka-tet arrives in Topeka, Kansas, having defeated Blaine the Mono in a riddle contest. This version of Topeka is deserted, having been hit by the superlu detailed in The Stand. Roland leads the group out I-70, following the path of the beam.
As they walk, Roland recounts the story of his journey to Mejis, a barony on the outskirts of the alliance. He tells of meeting Susan Delgado and Sheemie Ruiz.
He also relates of his fight with the Big Coffin Hunters, servants of the Crimson King. Roland eventually captures Maerlyn's Grapefruit, a piece of the Wizard's Rainbow. He loses Susan, though.
At the end, he once more meets the Man in Black from The Gunslinger. It is also revealed that Roland killed his own mother after being tricked by the witch Rhea of the Coos.
Wizard and Glass is a big break from the story flow of the Dark Tower. The quest is halted for a while as Roland tells his story. That why I think this book deserves two grades. I sort of feel as though this book doesn't belong in this spot in the series, even though it is absolutely integral to the series. That said, the story within is one of my favorite Stephen King books out there.
Final Grade: A+
Final Grade (within series): B-
Re-readability: 9.2
