Stephen King’s Song of Susannah is the penultimate novel of the genre-defining series that takes readers on a gripping and unforgettable journey through a mysterious and dangerous world.
Make sure you’ve read the previous instalment, Wolves of the Calla before delving into this epic tale!
First published in 1982, The Dark Tower series has since become a classic of contemporary fantasy literature, inspiring countless imitators and influencing a generation of writers.
King’s novel explores themes of loss, love, and sacrifice, while showcasing his signature blend of suspense, horror, and literary craftsmanship. Come with us as we delve into the wonderful world that only King could write.
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About the Series
The Dark Tower series is a set of eight novels written by legendary American author Stephen King. The series follows the journey of Roland Deschain, a gunslinger from a world that is similar to the Old West, as he travels through a vast and mysterious landscape in search of the Dark Tower.
Stephen King released the series over an epic 30 years. The series was chiefly inspired by the poem “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came” by Robert Browning. This full text was included in the final volume’s appendix. In the preface to the revised 2003 edition of The Gunslinger, King also identifies The Lord of the Rings, Arthurian legend, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly as inspirations.
The 8 novels include:
- The Gunslinger
- The Drawing of the Three
- The Waste Lands
- Wizard and Glass
- The Wind Through the Keyhole
- Wolves of the Calla
- Song of Susannah
- The Dark Tower
The series has been adapted into a film (The Dark Tower 2017) starring huge stars such including Idris Elba & Matthew McConaughey and a television series of the same name.
Official Description
Song of Susannah
The penultimate volume in the Dark Tower series, The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah, a #1 New York Times bestseller, is a pivotal installment in the epic saga.
Full Description
We have defeated the wolves, but our tet faces yet another catastrophe. Susannah Dean’s body has been usurped by a demon named Mia who wants to use Susannah’s mortal form to bear a demon child. Stealing Black Thirteen, Mia has traveled through the Unfound Door to 1999 New York where she plans to give birth to her chap, a child born of two mothers and two fathers who will grow up to be Roland’s nemesis.
With the help of the time-traveling Manni, Roland and Eddie plan to follow Susannah while Father Callahan and Jake will find Calvin Tower. He is the owner of the vacant lot where a magical rose grows. A rose that must be saved at all costs. But despite our ka-tet’s intentions, ka has its own plans. Jake, Callahan, and Jake’s bumbler companion are transported to New York to follow Susannah, while Eddie and Roland are tumbled into East Stoneham, Maine, where they are greeted by Eddie’s old enemy, the gangster Balazar.
But it isn’t just bullets that Roland and Eddie must brave. Soon they will meet their maker, in the form of a young author named Stephen King.
Our Overview
Susannah, one of the members of the ka-tet, has been possessed by the spirit of Mia. Mia is a demon who plans to give birth to a powerful entity known as Mordred. Susannah, in a restaurant in New York City in 1999, where she gives birth to two babies. One is human, but tragically, one is Mordred.
Meanwhile, Roland and Eddie, along with Father Callahan, Jake, and Oy, travel to Maine in 1977 to prevent the creation of a weapon that could destroy the Dark Tower. They encounter various obstacles, including the Low Men, who are servants of the Crimson King, and Stephen King himself, who has a key role in the plot.
As Susannah is dealing with the aftermath of the birth, Roland and his group find themselves at a pivotal moment in the history of the Dark Tower. They must not only prevent the destruction of the Tower but also save Susannah and stop Mordred from reaching adulthood. He is destined to be the end of the line for the gunslinger.
Our Review
“The Song of Susannah” is a thrilling addition to “The Dark Tower” series. It might be unlike anything you’ve read before.
The characters are well-developed, the plot is intricately woven, and the inclusion of real-world elements adds a unique touch to the story. As one Goodreads reviewer said, “This book took the series to new heights. It was incredibly well written, and the story was gripping. The characters are deep and complex, and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end.”
King’s writing style is at its best in this novel, with rich descriptions and vivid imagery that transport readers into the world of the Dark Tower. The inclusion of Stephen King himself as a character is a stroke of genius. As another Goodreads reviewer said, “The Song of Susannah is one of the best books in the series. King manages to balance character development and plot progression perfectly. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension is palpable. The inclusion of King as a character was masterful and added a whole new level to the story.”
We definitely don’t disagree with the hype!
Our rating: ★★★★★
Frequently Asked Questions
Does “The Song of Susannah” end on a cliffhanger?
Absolutely! Thankfully, you don’t have to wait until the finale is published (looking at you, George R.R Martin!)
Is this book suitable for younger readers?
The book contains mature themes and graphic violence, making it unsuitable for younger readers. However, we believe it should be entirely up to the guardians to decide what is suitable.
What is “The Song of Susannah” about?
The Song of Susannah is the sixth book in The Dark Tower series and continues the story of Roland and his ka-tet. The novel follows the group as they navigate through time and space to reach the Dark Tower, while also dealing with the possession of Susannah by a demon and the birth of a powerful entity known as Mordred.
