The Gunslinger

by Stephen King
The Gunslinger cover
Good Books rating 4.17
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  • ID: 4584
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
good 3.50

The Gunslinger is a captivating novel that blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, offering a unique and imaginative story. The book's exploration of guilt and redemption through the lens of animal companions is both insightful and thought-provoking. The narrative's global phenomenon, localized in Johannesburg, adds depth and complexity to the story. The novel's energetic and imaginative style makes it a compelling read, though some readers might find the plot thin in certain areas.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King is a novel that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, creating a unique and captivating story. The book's central premise revolves around the concept of 'animalled' people, where individuals are accompanied by animals that reflect their guilt or past actions. This allegory is both insightful and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on themes of guilt and redemption. The story is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, but the phenomenon is global, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. The novel's energetic and imaginative style makes it a compelling read, with a richly detailed world that draws readers in. However, some readers might find the plot thin in certain areas, and the pacing can be uneven at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, the book's unique concepts and engaging storytelling make it a standout in the genre. The Gunslinger is a book that will leave readers thinking long after they've turned the last page, making it a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

Quick quotes

    The phenomenon in the book is a global one, the particular story local.

    I think it’s worth checking out.

    The Aids thing is a great insight isn’t it Tom?

Joe's Notes Blog · 2024-11-27
compelling 4.50

The story is dark and mysterious, taking place in a world similar to our own but with a unique twist. It's infinitely compelling and captivating.

The reviewer describes 'The Gunslinger' as a dark and mysterious story that is infinitely compelling. They appreciate the novel's setting, which is similar to our own world but with a unique twist that makes it captivating. The reviewer finds the story to be dark and mysterious, drawing readers in with its rich details and compelling narrative. They highlight the novel's ability to create a sense of intrigue and suspense, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Stephen King's The Gunslinger is a dark and mysterious story that is infinitely compelling.

    It takes place in a world similar to our own but where death and ...

    It's one of King's most experimental, narrative-wise.

Cannonball Read · 2024-06-21
mythic 4.20

The book is inspired by poetry and allows King to explore his inner self. The reviewer appreciates the unique stylistic choices and the mythic magnitude of the story.

The reviewer notes that The Gunslinger was infamously inspired by the poem “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came” by Robert Browning, which adds a layer of depth to the story. The reviewer appreciates King's stylistic choices, such as the economy of sentence and parable-like rhythm, which make the book unique. The reviewer also highlights the mythic magnitude of the story, which they find impressive and memorable. The reviewer suggests that this book is a great starting point for anyone interested in the Dark Tower series.

Quick quotes

    This book was infamously inspired by the poem “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came” by Robert Browning, but also King just let his inner self go.

    King's stylistic choice in The Gunslinger is an economy of sentence and a parable-like rhythm that often reads less like his contemporary works.

    An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen King's greatest literary achievement.

Grimdark Magazine · 2021-05-05
compelling 4.50

The novel crafts a decaying world that feels familiar through its mix of Arthurian legend and modern-day nostalgia. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of genres and settings.

The reviewer at Grimdark Magazine highlights how The Gunslinger manages to craft a decaying world that feels just familiar by mixing in pieces of Arthurian legend along with bits of modern-day nostalgia. They praise King's ability to blend different genres and settings, creating a rich and immersive narrative. The reviewer finds the novel to be a compelling read that effectively establishes its world and characters.

Quick quotes

    Mixing in pieces of Arthurian legend along with bits of modern day nostalgia, King manages to craft a decaying world that feels just familiar ...

    The Gunslinger is a tight novel.

    It's one of King's most experimental, narrative-wise.

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