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Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass Audiobook
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(4.09) - 80 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Now a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba
The fourth volume in the brilliant Dark Tower Series is “splendidly tense…rip-roaring” (Publishers Weekly)—a #1 national bestseller about an epic quest to save the universe.
In Wizard and Glass, Stephen King is “at his most ebullient…sweeping readers up in…swells of passion” (Publishers Weekly) as Roland the Gunslinger, Eddie, Susannah, and Jake survive Blaine the Mono’s final crash, only to find themselves stranded in an alternate version of Topeka, Kansas, that has been ravaged by the superflu virus. While following the deserted I-70 toward a distant glass palace, Roland recounts his tragic story about a seaside town called Hambry, where he fell in love with a girl named Susan Delgado, and where he and his old tet-mates Alain and Cuthbert battled the forces of John Farson, the harrier who—with a little help from a seeing sphere called Maerlyn’s Grapefruit—ignited Mid-World’s final war.
Filled with “blazing action” (Booklist), the fourth installment in the Dark Tower Series “whets the appetite for more” (Bangor Daily News). Wizard and Glass is a thrilling read from “the reigning King of American popular literature” (Los Angeles Daily News).
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"Wizard and Glass begins on a high note with Stephen King's own version of Riddles in the Dark. Eddie Dean proves his resourcefulness by defeating the psychotic monorail Blaine by, ironically enough, solving a riddle presented in Charlie the Choo-Choo (one that the party never realized was such until the end). Disembarking from their deadly voyage the ka-tet finds themselves crossed into a version of Topeka Kansas, the version from King's novel The Stand, where the world is wiped out by a virus called the super flu. This marks one of the earliest introductions to the connected Kingverse that will be strengthened greatly as the mythology deepens. It is here that King departs from the central story to tell us the history of Roland's quest. Until this point we have seen only glimpses of Roland's past through brief flashbacks, and essentially only of his early years and gunslinger training. Here we are finally given a full account of how Roland and his first ka-tet began their quest for the tower. Wizard and Glass becomes a refreshing return to the western backdrop of The Gunslinger in a unique mexican standoff type story involving conspiracy, mystery, romance, and gunfights. When Roland and his two companions, Cuthbert Allgood and Alain Johns, are sent away from Gilead by Steven Deschain, to be kept safely out of reach of Walter O'dim, they discover an even more prominent threat to the people of In-world than Walter's treachery. What ensues is a narrative that manages to feel both original and classic, with King's uniquely fantasy twist on classical spaghetti western devices all before the backdrop of Mid-world's unique apocalyptic cultural setting. More importantly, this story within the story is where the audience finally understands Roland Deschain, his obsession with the tower, and his often cold and detached personality. He becomes a more human character than is ever expected of the hardened killing machine he is portrayed as in previous books, and his origin story is a tragedy of epic proportions. Wizard and Glass is constantly in contention with Wolves of the Calla and Song of Susannah for the status of my personal favourite. They each have their own astonishing aspects that are each so very different, but Wizard and Glass is certainly one of the best in the series if not its pièce de résistance."
— Nathaniel (5 out of 5 stars)
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“King’s intricate plot twists take the audience in and out of worlds and times, each of which calls for variations of dialect and several social classes. Muller rises to the challenge.”
— AudioFile -
“King is the genre fiction writer’s genre fiction writer, and the action...here is...blazing—brightly.”
— Booklist -
“[Listeners] will find [Frank Muller’s] voice the perfect accompaniment to King’s creepy characters and nightmarish plots.”
— Amazon.com editorial review (audio review) -
“Frank Muller's reading of King’s fourth book...is effective in creating a suspenseful and fearful atmosphere...The writing is expectedly imaginative, the story line engrossing, and the characters vivid. The listener is carried along through alternating Western, urban, and futuristic settings...Recommended.”
— Library Journal (audio review)
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Dark Tower IV Listener Reviews
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Joseph Bonczek, 10/27/2022
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Michael Patrick, 3/17/2022
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breana pennington, 10/1/2021
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janet lee, 7/24/2019
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Lisa Allison, 8/18/2018
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" Fantastic and captivating story! This series is amazing and keeps the reader wanting more of the interesting world. "
— mama Mia, 5/22/2018 -
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Gerald Eskilsen, 4/24/2018
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" I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books up to this one. I know others have enjoyed it, but I found most of the story line boring and in many cases useless to the overall story. I found myself thinking that he was trying too hard to be provocative which in the end just did not work. I had to stop listening more then 5 times and take long breaks before starting up again. I am happy this book is over and I am not sure I will get the next one....at least not yet... "
— Selina, 3/3/2018 -
" This one was actually one of my favorite out of the entire series. I was iffy on continuing but everyone told me it gets better it gets better just keep going. This one made it worth it. "
— Shannon Petrosky, 2/2/2018 -
" This is a great book that spends most of its time telling you about Roland's past. It's a great story and entertaining, but it doesn't move the plot along too much. I loved it though. "
— Terri, 7/21/2017 -
" This series just keeps getting better and better! I am absolutely hooked and can't wait to start the next one! "
— les, 5/2/2016 -
" The Wizard and Glass, written by Stephen King and narrated by Frank Muller (who, by the way, was a very dear friend and Mr. King still mourns his death to this day) is the fourth book in the Gun Slinger series. This is Mr. King's Opus Magnum and many of his other books owe it's origin to this masterpiece. Start at book number one (the gunslinger) and listen or read them all. It is fantastic and well worth the time. Frank Muller is a great narrator of this book. "
— Chap, 4/12/2016 -
" I have to find book V "
— Scott, 2/3/2014 -
" Couldn't finish it! The first book was boring. The second got interesting, the third was exciting, and the fourth is boring again... I can't read a roller-coaster! I'm sorry Mr. King! I love your books, but the books in this series are not included in that! =( "
— Tara, 1/25/2014 -
" Finally...the series goes in a direction that I enjoy. This was a great back story...way more interested now in how the final 3 books will play out! "
— Haden, 1/23/2014 -
" This is the best book in The Dark Tower series! I especially love the flashbacks to young Roland's adventures with his friends and his chance encounter with Susan. The flashbacks alone are worth the price of admission. "
— israelv, 1/20/2014 -
" This one was so good yet bitter sweet! When I read the first book in this series I was really struggling to finish and wondering if it really was my kind of book! By this book I can not put them down and can not wait to see whats next! After I finish each one I have said I liked this one best well here it is I liked this one best so far!!! Can't wait to start book 5 so with a highly recommending of this book I'm off to find Roland and his ka-tets next adventure!! "
— Tracey, 1/15/2014 -
" Totally awesome book! My favorite of the series so far, though I wasn't *too* crazy about the ending and the tie-in with our world (Oz, etc.). "
— Maury, 1/13/2014 -
" Read all seven of the series and enjoyed it. Was not even disappointed by the ending. "
— Georganne, 1/3/2014 -
" I find the Dark Tower series a little strange and eccentric, even hard to get through sometimes but the 'mini-story' inside this book as related by Roland was the greatest part of the series so far. "
— Craig, 1/1/2014 -
" The series goes completely off the rails (pun completely intended). "
— Debby, 12/3/2013 -
" A fun read! there are so many references to other works it is kind of fun to see the links. Yes we did go to Oz to see the wizard who did happen to be the dark man from Vegas. I have to take a break from the series but I can't wait to get back to it. "
— Karen, 11/17/2013 -
" fantastic read yet again. cant wait to continue the saga. "
— Miles, 9/30/2013 -
" Ugh, I'm too cynical for the whole "We can't help falling in love, it's KA's fault" thing now. "
— Victoria, 8/15/2013 -
" I love this volume. my favourite so far. "
— Tanya, 7/9/2013 -
" I loved this book. The back story of young Roland was fascinating and moving. Poor, dear Susan... she loved him so... Can't wait to read book 5! "
— S, 1/26/2013 -
" This is the best in the series of 7 so far! Couldn't put it down. Finally got a lot of missing information and back story. "
— Ronni, 6/24/2012 -
" The series is really warming up at this point and really doesn't let you stop reading. "
— Maya, 12/18/2011 -
" Some interesting information is provided by Roland but the rest of the book is rather dull "
— Jp992751, 10/25/2011 -
" Many reviewers have given the backstory a bad review, but history is important to a character. It demonstrates how Roland had to become a man quickly. Roland has been responsible for the deaths of his loved ones. History is doomed to repeat itself, but there are other worlds than these. "
— Jennifer, 9/22/2011 -
" Set in a post apocalyptic world, it's an excellent read. Drags on a bit but remains good. "
— Lucas, 7/6/2011 -
" My favorite of all the Gunslinger books. Like all Stephen King, it's far from perfect, but I appreciate the passion for storytelling that permeates the Gunslinger series. "
— Dave, 6/30/2011 -
" Oh my God this book was slow. If you can get past the story part then it gets better. "
— Aaron, 5/18/2011 -
" I waited years to get more stories of Roland as a young gunslinger. Based on the snippets in The Dark Tower, this was nowhere near as powerful as I was led to believe. "
— Comedian999, 5/18/2011 -
" I found this book to be the hardest to read in the series so far. It's a lot of back-story of how Roland became the Gunslinger. Which is undoubtedly important, but again, quite in-depth. "
— Jennifer, 5/18/2011 -
" Very well written book. I thought that the other three in the Dark Tower series was great, but this book is pure genius. Stephen King is at his best with this tale of love and betrayal. It also helps fills in the chunks left in the previous three books. Such as Roland's past. "
— Connor, 5/15/2011 -
" Best book in the series and one of my favorite books of all-time, mostly about Roland's childhood and how he essentially became the badass he is. "
— David, 5/14/2011 -
" Even if you don't read the rest of this series. Read this one. It can stand on its own and it is absolutely incredible storytelling.<br/> "
— Suzanne, 5/8/2011 -
" I loved this book in the series for the very reason some people didn't like it. I loved the way it went back into Rolands history in the 'long winded' way that some people don't enjoy. The best part of Stephen King is his character development. "
— Tara, 5/6/2011 -
" I really liked this one, I enjoyed finding out a bit about Roland's past and ultimately what set him on the path of the Dark Tower. The riddle part against Blain in the beginning was also enjoyable, But once again we get into the(I believe) unnecessary and gratuitous language and sex. "
— Jason, 5/3/2011 -
" What can I say? This is the best book by Stephen King, which makes it one of the best books in the world. Aside from elaborating on Roland's path, Stephen crafts one of the most powerful love stories I've ever heard of! You would want to read this again and again! "
— Elina, 4/26/2011 -
" I was actually really bored for this one. "
— Kayla, 4/26/2011 -
" Totally awesome book! My favorite of the series so far, though I wasn't *too* crazy about the ending and the tie-in with our world (Oz, etc.). "
— Maury, 4/22/2011 -
" I was blown away by this book. For one, Book #3 left such an incredible cliff hanger I couldn't think straight until I obtained this book and started it. The backstory on Roland Deschain was absolutely fascinating and engrossing. "
— Anya, 4/22/2011 -
" Really enjoyed this book. The back story about the young Roland is well told and exciting. Can't really figure how this all fits into the overall search for the Dark Tower but it makes me want to read on. "
— Gobasso, 4/12/2011
About Stephen King
Stephen King has written more than sixty books, many hitting the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. He has won the World Fantasy Award, several Bram Stoker Awards, and the O. Henry Award for his story “The Man in the Black Suit.” He is the 2003 recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2007 he received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His epic works The Dark Tower and It are the basis for major motion pictures.
About Frank Muller
Frank Muller (1951–2008) was an Audie Award–winning narrator. A classically trained actor, Frank appeared on both television and the stage. His credits include Hamlet, The Crucible, The Taming of the Shrew, The Importance of Being Earnest, Law & Order, All My Children, and many, many more. In 1999 Frank was awarded the AudioFile Lifetime Achievement Award, the top honor in the audiobook community. He has also won twenty-three Earphones Awards.