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The Dark Tower: Core Series Order

publication Order for The Dark Tower

The recommended core reading order for first-time readers. Follows the publication order of Roland Deschain's quest, placing the mid-series novel The Wind Through the Keyhole as Book 4.5 between Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Calla.

1
Cover of The Gunslinger

The Gunslinger

Recommended Start

Start here. Roland Deschain begins his pursuit of the Man in Black across the desert.

2
Cover of The Drawing of the Three

The Drawing of the Three

Roland draws his ka-tet companions from different eras of New York City.

3
Cover of The Waste Lands

The Waste Lands

The ka-tet follows the Beam and confronts the riddle-loving train Blaine the Mono.

4
Cover of Wizard and Glass

Wizard and Glass

Roland recounts his tragic first love and his early encounter with the Wizard's Glass.

5
Cover of The Wind Through the Keyhole

The Wind Through the Keyhole

Book 4.5 / Companion

A mid-series companion novel set between Books 4 and 5; Roland tells two stories during a stark-blast storm.

6
Cover of Wolves of the Calla

Wolves of the Calla

Final Quest

The gunslingers protect a town from masked riders stealing children; introduces Father Callahan from 'Salem's Lot.

7
Cover of Song of Susannah

Song of Susannah

The ka-tet splits across worlds and time, leading directly to the ultimate destination.

8
Cover of The Dark Tower

The Dark Tower

Series Finale

The epic conclusion of Roland's journey to the top of the Tower.