The fifth book of the Dark Tower series marks a major point in criticism. Some reviewers claim that this is the beginning of the end for the series, and that Stephen King basically gave up. Other reviewers claim that this is where King really hits his stride.
The story goes:
Immediately following the events of Wizard and Glass, Roland and the ka-tet arrive in Calla Bryn Sturgis, only to find that the town is beseiged by "Wolves" every generation, and it just so happens that the next run is only about a month away. Roland and the others are asked to help.
They meet Father Don Callahan (of Salem's Lot), who indirectly leads the Calla. Callahan had entered Mid-World (in possession of Black 13, part of the Wizard's Rainbow) after dying at the hands of the Crimson King's Low Men in 1983. They journey into the mountains, to the Doorway Cave.
Several trips to alternate realities lead the ka-tet back to the keystone world, where they find a vacant lot in New York City. Jake has been here before, and there saw a rose, that they soon determine is a doppleganger for the Dark Tower, which has a representation in the every dimension. The ka-tet learns that if they can protect the rose, it will limit the Crimson King's power over the real Dark Tower.
Throughout all of this, Roland and Jake note that Susannah is acting odd. Roland eventually puts together that Susan has a new personality, Mia, who is actually a demon. Susannah is actually pregnant, but the demon is carrying the child in another dimension.
While dealing with this new personality, the Wolves attack. Thankfully, the ka-tet is prepared, and so is the Calla. The wolves are defeated, though not without loss for the Calla. The ka-tet members realize after the battle that Susannah has run away.
Final Grade: A
Re-readability: 8.9
