The Dark Tower Books in Order
The Dark Tower is Stephen King's magnum opus, weaving fantasy, science fiction, western, and horror elements into a legendary multiverse-spanning adventure following Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger. Explore the full publication and chronological sequence below, complete with book summaries, ratings, and purchase links.
What is the recommended reading order for The Dark Tower?
To read The Dark Tower in order, follow the publication sequence starting with The Gunslinger (1982) and concluding with the main eighth novel, The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012) positioned between books 4 and 5.
The Gunslinger
Roland Deschain of Gilead, the last gunslinger, pursues his enigmatic adversary, the man in black, across a vast, desert-strewn landscape.
The Drawing of the Three
Roland passes through magical doors on a beach on our Earth, drawing companions Eddie, Odetta, and Jack Mort into Mid-World.
The Waste Lands
Roland and his newly formed ka-tet cross the radioactive wastes to the decaying city of Lud, guided by a sentient, insane train.
Wizard and Glass
Roland recounts a tragic tale of his youth, his first love Susan Delgado, and his early encounters with Maerlyn's Grapefruit.
Wolves of the Calla
The ka-tet defends a farming community from masked riders stealing children, aided by Father Callahan from Salem's Lot.
Song of Susannah
Susannah's body is possessed by the demon-mother Mia, leading the ka-tet through dimensional gateways into 1999 New York City.
The Dark Tower
The epic conclusion of Roland's quest as he approaches the titular tower at the center of all times and realities.
The Wind Through the Keyhole
Roland tells his companions two stories during a harsh windstorm, reflecting on his early days as a young gunslinger.
The Complete Concordance (With: Robin Furth)
A key entry in Stephen King's multiversal masterpiece following the last gunslinger's quest.