Reading Order
Dark TowerThe Dark Tower Reading Order
Stephen King's The Dark Tower is an eight-novel epic spanning 30 years of writing — part Western, part fantasy, part horror, part science fiction. Roland Deschain's quest for the Dark Tower intersects with over 40 of King's other novels, making it the connective tissue of the King Multiverse. Start from the beginning and follow the Gunslinger.
Where to start
Start with The Gunslinger (Book 1). Note: King revised The Gunslinger in 2003 to better match later books — read the revised edition. The Wind Through the Keyhole fits between Books 4 and 5.
Complete Dark Tower Book List
- 1Buy
The Gunslinger
Stephen King·1982·Book 1 — Roland pursues the Man in Black across the desert; the quest begins - 2Buy
The Drawing of the Three
Stephen King·1987·Book 2 — Roland draws companions from our world; Eddie and Susannah join the ka-tet - 3Buy
The Waste Lands
Stephen King·1991·Book 3 — the ka-tet reaches Lud; the mechanical bear Shardik; Blaine the Mono - 4Buy
Wizard and Glass
Stephen King·1997·Book 4 — Roland's past: Susan Delgado and Mejis; one of the series' most beloved entries - 5Buy
The Wind Through the Keyhole
Stephen King·2012·Book 4.5 — best read between Books 4 and 5; a story within a story within a story - 6Buy
Wolves of the Calla
Stephen King·2003·Book 5 — the ka-tet defends a village; Father Callahan from Salem's Lot appears - 7Buy
Song of Susannah
Stephen King·2004·Book 6 — the ka-tet splits; King inserts himself into his own story - 8Buy
The Dark Tower
Stephen King·2004·Book 7 — the Tower is reached; the series' controversial and cathartic ending - 9Buy
The Dark Tower VIII: The Wind Through the Keyhole
Stephen King·2012·Alt numbering — same as Book 4.5 above
Dark Tower — Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Dark Tower reading order?
Read in order: The Gunslinger → The Drawing of the Three → The Waste Lands → Wizard and Glass → The Wind Through the Keyhole (between Books 4 and 5) → Wolves of the Calla → Song of Susannah → The Dark Tower. King revised The Gunslinger in 2003; read the revised edition.
How many Dark Tower books are there?
There are 8 books in The Dark Tower series, plus The Wind Through the Keyhole is sometimes numbered as Book 4.5. Stephen King has not announced a Book 9, though the universe has been expanded through references in other King novels.
Does The Dark Tower connect to other Stephen King books?
Yes — The Dark Tower is the connective tissue of Stephen King's multiverse. It explicitly references Salem's Lot (Father Callahan appears as a major character), The Stand (Randall Flagg), It, Insomnia, Black House, and dozens of other King novels. The series reveals that many King stories share the same universe.
Is The Dark Tower series finished?
Yes. The main Dark Tower series concluded with Book 7, The Dark Tower (2004). The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012) is an additional story set between Books 4 and 5 but does not extend the ending. As of 2026, Stephen King has not announced a Book 9.
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