#27 – The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla

Plot

Roland and his tet have just returned to the path of the Beam when they discover that they are being followed by a group of inexperienced trackers. The trackers are from the town of Calla Bryn Sturgis, and they desperately need the help of gunslingers. Once every generation, a band of masked riders known as the Wolves gallop out of the dark land of Thunderclap to steal one half of all the twins born in the Callas. When the children are returned, they are roont, or mentally and physically ruined.

In less than a month, the Wolves will raid again. In exchange for Roland’s aid, Father Callahan—a priest originally from our world—offers to give Roland a powerful but evil seeing sphere, a sinister globe called Black Thirteen which he has hidden below the floorboards of his church. Not only must Roland and his tet discover a way to defeat the invincible Wolves, but they must also return to New York so that they can save our world’s incarnation of the Dark Tower from the machinations of the evil Sombra Corporation.

Review

The Dark Tower series – at its best – is nothing more than fantastical pure storytelling.  It creates worlds and characters that you can completely get swept away.  It also builds suspense towards exciting climaxes, often involving a large battle scene.  Essentially it is everything Game of Thrones tried to accomplish.  Wolves of the Calla exemplifies nearly the very best of The Dark Tower.

If there is one criticism of this book it is that it felt like the ending was cheapened – slightly – by a late reveal that didn’t seem earned.  Most of this book builds to a large battle scene and then right before it takes place, a new clue is revealed to benefit Roland’s crew.  I’m not against information to help the good guys, but I didn’t like the actual information used in this scenario.

Wolves of the Calla also features Father Callahan, who was a main character in Salem’s Lot (yet to be revealed).  I would have thoroughly enjoyed his presence had I previously read Salem’s Lot, which is a big part of the reason why I eventually decided to start at the beginning of King’s bibliography and work my way down. 

Despite the late arriving reveal, I was still riveted by the final battle scene.  King is incredibly deft at writing clashes, and he’s on top of his game in this one.  His style of writing quickens during the climax and had this Constant Reader unable to put the novel down.

Details

Pages: 931

Dates Read: Pre-2012

Quote: “Your man Jesus seems to me a bit of a son of a bitch when it comes to women, ‘Roland said. ´Was He ever married?´ The corners of Callahan’s mouth quirked. ´No´ he said, ´but His girlfriend was a whore.´ ´Well,´ Roland said, ´that’s a start.´”

Best Part: Gunslingers come in all shapes, sizes, races, genders and can throw plates instead of shooting bullets.

Hint for #26: The characters from What We Do in the Shadows would not appreciate this novel.

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.