This story picks up where the fifth book in the Dark Tower cycle left off. Susannah has fled from the Calla after the victory over the Wolves. Roland, Eddie, Jake, and Pere Callahan (of Salem's Lot fame) decide to chase after her, using the Door in the Doorway Cave. The Manni, a group of mystics, agree to help. They hope to open the door to the last place that it went, so that Eddie and group can rush through.
Fate, though, has different things in mind. The door opens to where Susannah went, but forces pull Jake and Callahan through, along with Black Thirteen, the evil orb of the Wizard's Rainbow. They are taken to Susannah's destination: New York City, 1999. Eddie watches in horror as the door closes. It opens again and pulls Eddie and Roland through to Maine in 1977.
Jake and Pere Callahan search through New York, trying to find Susannah. Susannah, though, as a lead on them. She makes her way to The Dixie Pig restaurant, the entire time being helped by the demonic Mia, who is bent on birthing and raising the child Susannah is carrying, the child of the Crimson King.... and Roland.... and Susannah... and Mia. It's complicated. Along the way, Susannah comes to possess a scrimshaw turtle that will play a big part in the opening chapters of the final book of the series.
Jake and the Pere hide Black Thirteen in a locker under the World Trade Center, making a seemingly off-hand comment that perhaps it could be destroyed by a building falling on it.
Meanwhile, Eddie and Roland continue their journey in Maine in 1977. There, they meet a young writer named Stephen King. That's right, King is putting himself into these stories. This has been a point of contention among fans of this series since the release of these books. I'll withhold comment for the time being.
After a conversation with King, at which time Eddie and Roland realize that King is a conduit for their story, but is also essential for their continued existence, Eddie and Roland depart to try and reach Susannah in New York.
Final Grade: B+
Re-readability: 8.9
