Stephen King’s The Drawing of the Tree is the second instalment of the genre-defining series that takes readers on a gripping and unforgettable journey through a mysterious and dangerous world.
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 is 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, whose 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 Win 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
The Drawing of the Three
Beginning just less than seven hours after The Gunslinger ends, in the second installment to the thrilling Dark Tower Series, Roland encounters three mysterious doorways on a deserted beach along the Western Sea. Each one enters into a different person’s life in New York—here, he joins forces with the defiant young Eddie Dean, and with the beautiful, brilliant, and brave Odetta Holmes, to save the Dark Tower.
This quest is one of King’s best…it communicates on a genuine, human level…but is rich in symbolism and allegory
Columbus Sunday Dispatch
Our Overview
The Drawing of the Three is the second novel in Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” series.
The novel opens with Roland lying on the beach, having just completed his battle with the Man in Black, the sorcerer who had been his nemesis in the first book. Roland is badly wounded, and his quest seems to be at an end. However, he discovers that he has been transported to a different universe, one that is similar to his own but also different in many ways.
As Roland struggles to recover from his wounds, he encounters a series of strange doors that lead to other universes. Through these doors, he is able to enter the minds of people from different times and places, including Eddie Dean, a drug addict from 1980s New York, Odetta Holmes, a black civil rights activist from the 1960s, and Jack Mort, a ruthless killer.
Roland’s goal is to enlist the aid of these three people, who he believes are essential to his quest. Eddie, for his street smarts and courage, Odetta for her strength and determination, and Jack Mort for his ability to manipulate fate. However, each of these individuals presents unique challenges and dangers to Roland, and he must navigate their worlds and overcome their obstacles to bring them back with him to his own universe.
As the story progresses, Roland faces many challenges and dangers, including battling deadly lobsters on the beach, fighting off drug dealers in New York City, and dealing with the split personality of Odetta/Detta. Throughout it all, he remains determined to complete his mission and reach the Dark Tower.
Our Review
Stephen King’s The Drawing of the Three is a riveting, suspenseful, and imaginative work of fiction. King successfully combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The book takes readers on a thrilling journey through multiple universes as Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, seeks to enlist the help of three unlikely individuals to aid him in his quest to reach the Dark Tower and save his dying world.
King’s writing is as vivid and descriptive as we know and love. King is able to perfectly paint detailed pictures of the many worlds and characters that populate the book. The characters themselves are complex and well-written, each with their own unique personalities, strengths, and flaws. Roland, Eddie, Odetta/Detta, and Jack Mort are all compelling characters in their own right. Moreover, their interactions with each other provide much of the book’s drama and tension.
One of the key notes in the book is its ability to seamlessly blend multiple genres together like never before. The book contains elements of horror, suspense, action, and even romance, but they are all woven together in a way that feels organic and natural. Additionally, King’s use of the doorways between universes as a narrative device is wonderfully creative and effective. This allows the reader to experience different worlds and perspectives through the eyes of the characters.
The Drawing of the Three is a well-written and engaging novel that is sure to please fans of Stephen King’s work and anyone who enjoys a good story. Normally we would suggest books to fans of certain genres – but with these novels it’s near impossible! It is a worthy continuation of the Dark Tower series and sets the stage for the epic adventures that are yet to come.
Our rating: ★★★★★
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Drawing of Three by Stephen King about?
The Drawing of Three introduces us to new characters for Roland’s quest for the Dark Tower, ex-junkie Eddy and schizophrenic and wheelchair bound Odetta/Detta. Roland still has a lot on his own mind, he has lost some parts of his that will make him to rely more heavily on his new companions.
What happened at the end of The Drawing of Three?
Eddie and Roland re-enter the bathroom and, overhearing that Henry has died from an accidental heroin overdose given by Balazar’s men, engage in a lengthy but victorious shootout.
Is Pennywise in Dark Tower?
Although unseen, Pennywise acts as a pivotal background antagonist in The Dark Tower series from Stephen King.