The Waste Lands by Stephen King Book Review & Reaction | The Best Dark Tower Adventure Yet!

Mike continues along the path of the Beam by talking about the 3rd adventure with the Ka-tet in 1991's Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands.
You can purchase The Waste Lands here: amzn.to/3j8APuM (physical) amzn.to/3sPkLlf (digital) amzn.to/384Cbkc (audio)
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0:00 Intro & Excerpt Reading
1:50 Background Info
3:28 What Is It About?
4:37 What Makes It Good or Bad?
15:08 Why You Should Read It
16:55 Final Thoughts
19:20 Multiverse Connections
#MikesBookReviews #DarkTower #StephenKing

[@josephcarrel7202]

You are the main reason I am reading The Dark Tower. I started about a month-and-a-half ago and tomorrow I will finish Wizard and glass

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome!

[@MiaLeyden]

I've been waiting for this one, The Waste Lands is still my favourite of the series. I've always found Blaine's madness fascinating and Oy is so adorable!

[@alynam82]

I was reading IT last month during vacation, first time since middle school and I didn't remember much from it -- but I remember that first mention of the turtle and I got all excited thinking "is that Maturin? Is that really a Dark Tower reference??"

[@JamesI88]

I thought the idea of a monorail train being a villain was so stupid. Then I read the book and had to admit I was wrong.

[@robinsonsuarez6334]

Almost every Stephen king idea is the same. Sounds ridiculous until you read or watch it 😂😂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fantastic video! Thank you for reminding me of all the things I admire about The Waste Lands. To answer the last part of your video, I think it might be my favorite of the first three books in Dark Tower. But it also builds on the first two to make up the most daring and different series I’ve ever encountered.

[@yorkshirelasstracey5383]

Hello Philip, I agree it is unique in every way, each book is different and fresh. 🤓

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@yorkshirelasstracey5383 So true! The series as a whole is unlike anything else, and each book so far has offered something new.

[@yorkshirelasstracey5383]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Did you read Wizard and glass yet? Another treat for you if not and different again from the previous 3.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@yorkshirelasstracey5383 Not yet! I’m trying to figure out when I’m going to work it in, but I think in October. I’m looking forward to it!

[@kelliereviews5341]

I love your story telling... you created a masterpiece. Just like reading and watching you take your audience on a journey!! 👍

[@LightningRaven42]

I remember that my favorite book was Wizard and Glass. I was fully invested in Roland's flashback. I finished the book really fast and some days I stayed until 2~3am reading. Amazing stuff. The Waste Lands was another one of my favorites as well.

[@gerarddonohoe5806]

Wizard and glass was probably the only king book i can remember crying during reading,Roland's love for susan and how that ended had me crying.like a baby..

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

Definitely agree with you on both books they both are my favorites in the series just started on the final book 😊🙂😃

[@Johanna_reads]

I'm going off the rails on a crazy Blaine! 🎶 That's my bad "dad joke" for the day. This book has been my favorite book in the series so far though I keep hearing amazing things about Wizard and Glass. I can already tell based on the first three books that this is a series I will want to reread someday after completion.

[@AverageJoesLibrary]

Approved 😂

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

This one was I think my third favorite of the series. Finally got the story really moving forward, and I loved finally getting to see more of Roland's world. Yeah, it ended on a cliffhanger, but still, this one was one of the stronger books I thought.

[@marcusmusings]

Drawing and Waste Lands is such a perfect 1-2 punch

[@BoiledJellyfishReads]

Thanks for doing this video. It's absolutely my fav in the Dark tower series. Probably because I'm a sucker for adventure

[@redvitaminblue]

This is the one that got me on the beam for good. I experience a Pavlovian response whenever I hear the opening beat of "Velcro Fly". Next thing I know I'm in Lud with the Pubes and the Grays. Also, some "19" refernces: - I count this as King's 19th novel (I include "Cycle of the Werewolf" when counting) - 1991 is a palindrome of 19 - In this book the main ka-tet is completed: Jake, Eddie, Susannah, Oy. When added up, they total 19 letters.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Mike, I know you don't do audio, but what Frank Muller does with books 2 through 4 is pure magic. What really stands out for me in this book are the character voices he uses for Gasher and the people of River Crossing. It's just fantastic stuff! Sadly Muller passed away after book 4. King had plans for him to narrate the rest of the series. When I think of what could have been . . . Anyway, fantastic review. I love all of your reviews, but it is the Stephen King reviews that are near and dear to me. Long days and pleasant nights Gunslinger.

[@Lasombra08]

Muller (God rest his soul) really was such a masterful reader.

[@atldeadhead]

Thank you for mentioning this. My first "read through" of the dark tower series was via audio books. For me, Frank Mueller IS the voice of Roland, Eddie, Susannah and Jake. You really should check it out. So good. Brings the story to life in a different way. Highly recommended.

[@mandyhuybregts3235]

This was the book that made me start loving The Dark Tower. Book 1 was a struggle. Book 2 was oke-ish. But 3.....i was unstoppable then and read the rest of the books asap haha

[@MC-zr6gc]

non-spoilery, but i loved thetime Eddie referred to Oy as a fu*&ed up weasel" LMAO

[@brandocalrissian3294]

Rereading this series for the 4th time (1st in 8 years). I just finished the wastelands an hour ago and hot damn! Do I love this book. Constant action but never overwhelming and great pacing. Great ending too. Blaine is a pain.

[@loudoesreviews]

The Drawing of the Three remains my favorite - it adds meat to the bones of the multiverse set up in The Gunslinger. It's the book where the characters come to life. The Waste Lands is pretty damn close second favorite for me. Ooooo! You must read McCammon. So many good books!!!!!!!!!!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

This is definitely one of my top King books!!

[@yorkshirelasstracey5383]

I loved this book and all the connections. Great video Mike. I've just read Wizard and glass and will go on to The Wolves of the Calla next month. If pressed I'd say The Gunslinger was my favourite up to now however I've loved them all and I'm excited to continue on the path of the beam. 🤓

[@blakemeads9225]

This is probably my favorite book in the whole series.

[@TheBookCure]

Impossible to ever pick a favourite! Fantastic review, as always. I always love the Into the Multiverse videos, but when they’re Dark Tower it’s just the best. ❤️

[@bobgdn]

Another awesome intro and video! TWL is where I think King started going even more batshit crazy and I loved it!

[@mattbennett3589]

Audio on voiceover intro was on point. Perfect levels or eq or whatever the terminology is. 💯

[@chrisconrod6265]

Argh, okay you have finally sold me one this series and I'm, going to give this a try. I saw the first two at the used book store so I'll grab those and see if I can find this one there too!

[@jazzinrascal]

I remember reading king's horror stuff as a teenager many moons ago. During the lockdown I binged the entire Dark Tower series in chronological order. What an amazing experience! If you enjoy King you're sure to enjoy the DT books - as well as being great reads in their own right they reference and link together loads of concepts from his other novels... it's pretty mind-blowing!

[@JSGH-JOE]

Awesome!

[@epiphoney]

I recently just read the Blaine parts out of curiosity and liked it. The Golem reference didn't occur to me, thanks.

[@iveybullard8988]

Its so hard to find your ITM videos. I was so confused by this because i never saw the first two. It took forever to find them.

[@austindehn5507]

I listened to "Velcro Fly" by ZZ Top nonstop after I read this tome.

[@mikesbookreviews]

A fellow man of culture, I see.

[@getdcream8660]

I come back now and again just to watch this godlike intro.

[@zn12914]

Idk how relevant this is, but the song "Knights of Cydonia" by Muse gives me huge Dark Tower vibes, i'd recommend a listen to any fans of the series

[@Lasombra08]

Now that's funny, I thought I was the only one.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

hell yeah! Missed the Multi Verse reviews

[@johnnybensonitis7853]

Drawing of the Three sucked me into the series as well, although the surreal vibe of the first book was pretty fun as well. It's so hard to pick a favorite! The second was like you said, and there's just so much crazy shit all moving along at a kinetic pace that completely blew my mind. The Waste Lands has that similar feel, too. I mean, Roland getting high on Pepsi, Eddie giving up getting high, and this has that whole merging that is so fucking wild. Before that Roland really seems to be in a bad way and I remember just thinking how King really guides this protag through some of the worst, most difficult trials of any of his others. Great vids, man, glad I came across these babies!

[@BlackSpade2013]

i read the first two books in the series and sat on it for a year or so before I picked this one up. I was really lukewarm about the series after book 2 and wasn't sure if id finish, until I got to the end of Waste Lands and was hooked by Blain. It was insane and I LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT.

[@ShelfCentered]

That's spot on, this is the adventure book and I think it's why it's a lot of people's favorite in the series. W&G just eeks this one out for my top spot

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I loved Blaine the Mono both times I read this. I love his obsession with riddles and how he has a temper tantrum like a child when he doesn't get his way. I forgot a lot of stuff that happened in The Waste Lands including the bear guardian and the stuff with the Tick Tock man. It's my favorite so far in the series.

[@fatir_9923]

Sick intro man!

[@0bscenity]

Dude, did I hear you correctly when you said that you hadn't read McCammon yet? Definitely read Swan Song and Boy's Life. I think the latter in particular will be right up your alley, since you love coming of age stories.

[@Lasombra08]

Boy's Life's been sitting on my shelf for years. I might read it this November.

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I absolutely love the wastelands it's not only my favorite book from king but my favorite in the dark tower series 💖💝😍😘🙂

[@netpunk5890]

I LOVE OY!!!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

He’s the bestest boy.

[@mariposa9506]

Oy!

[@AverageJoesLibrary]

It’s hard to pick which I liked more, this or drawing of three. Wastelands had some of the craziest moments so I lean that way. But I haven’t read past this one yet.

[@knightfall9394]

im on my first trip to the tower and i just finished this book, i took my time with it and at times it did feel like i was forcing myself to finish it. Definitely some cool moments in it like the previous two books, i dont wanna spoil anything but the stuff at dutch hill was cool as was the stuff in Lud. Also the part with Jake in class looking at his essay I thought was really cool, especially with what came of it because i wasnt expecting that

[@andresfelipegomezariza189]

Any chance you could make a Dark Tower (with other books) reading order so one can enjoy all the multiverse references?

[@michaelkramer6814]

I really liked the ending to the Wastelands. I thought the cliffhanger ending was pure genius. I also liked the crazy train idea.

[@kevinerdner7974]

Catching up on my multiverse but was there ever a library police episode? Last I heard was secret window. Liked this review though. I don't remember thinking highly of this one but it has been years and I wish I remember why. It sounds like elements I came to love in series began here. Wonder if that was just too much at the time . Also book 4 Was not out when I read... don't remember a cliff hanger but think that would have annoyed me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Nah, the interest on Four Past Midnight was so trepid I didn't continue with the other 2 stories.

[@dewey5978]

This was a good one. Lud was fun. I've made it through book 6, but I'm holding off on book 7. Gonna try finishing that in the next couple months. I'm not sure what happens but it seems to blow minds...

[@mariposa9506]

This one is my favorite.

[@jeans4108]

This one is my favorite in the series. Oy is the best ❤️

[@Vangone-bu6vu]

Boy’s Life is great. Definitely recommend.

[@coreynagle804]

I bough the blane the mono book that was released a few years ago and still read it to my kids

[@dominicaudy8479]

Oh great, I was looking forward to that entry and finished the book (reread, but from book 4 onward it will be a first read) a few weeks ago. Edit: it’s a great review and a great book. I’m probably masochistic as I decided to take a break after it to do my homework and read or reread a few of the connected books before going on with Wizard and Glass. I put The Stand and Salem’s Lot behind me, currently tackling Desperation for the first time and I’m really digging it, very strong start for a King novel. I watched the (rather forgettable) CBS miniseries of The Stand as I was really curious to see what King’s new epilogue would turn out to be (something entirely bizarre but pretty good, as it turned out). I noticed that with that epilogue he added a reference to the Turtle in the Stand as well, with a link to Mother Abagail. Very subtle and Easter egg-y, but food for thought that perhaps as I progress further in Dark Tower I’ll fully understand.

[@dakotatuma4501]

I just started this one on my extended read of the dark tower. First time through. Tried to read Talisman first. I got 200 pages and it didn't grab me. Im excited to keep going through

[@john94949]

King often struggles to maintain reader interest with well thought-out hooks and a moving plot. Doesn't surprise me. It's just not his specialty

[@dakotatuma4501]

@@john94949 yeah I gave up and kept going waste lands went down easy and I’m on wizard and glass. I’m not exactly vibing with how much detail the flashback is going into but I’m definitely more interested in that then the damn talisman

[@donovanchilton5817]

My favorite in the series.

[@teksnotdead902]

There was always a lot i liked about the Waste Lands...i remember really disliking how they made Roland sickly in the beginning again. He spent much of Drawing suffering the ill effects of the lobstrosities and when they had him all screwed up in Waste Lands due to the double memories I got the same vibe and remember it feeling like treading the same ground. Once Jake enters that all went away for me and i loved it. And the town of Lud and Blaine are some of the most memorable parts of the entire series for me.

[@DaveShaves44]

drawing of the three and the wastelands are both phenomenal. the first 150 pages of drawing of the three is my favorite part of either book. but overall, i did enjoy wastelands just a tad more. cannot wait to continue on the quest to the dark tower, i have wizard and glass in my hands right now and am going to continue right after i post this comment :)

[@supernorry3847]

I love the third book, but the 4th is still my absolute favorite Dark Tower Book i think its like 1: 4th book 2: 3th Book 3: 5th Book 4: the 2nd book 5: the 1st book 6: the 7th book 7: the novella between the 4th and 5th book i believe 8: The 6th book

[@zilord3264]

Same, except i would probably exchange 1 and 2 xD

[@DanielGFreeman]

Blaine is a pain, but I love this book!

[@mariposa9506]

That is the truth.

[@scfiguy6089]

Seeing the hype for Spider-Man No Way Home trailer, I don’t understand why people think that the multiverse concept is such a new idea? These books started in the late 70’s early 80’s with the multiverse. We Stephen king fans have been loving this idea for over 40 years lol

[@anthonylakich1727]

maybe the Neebolt Street house can move throught space it like the blue police box and just be in 10 places at once

[@jimtheperson.4999]

How long will the next dark tower video take?

[@thomasdelrez2545]

The beginning of Wizard in Glass is sooo good! GRRM writes sex scenes rather decently imo.

[@Bhair206]

I think this was the best book of the series

[@Wildcarde1]

Since you didnt really mention the connection did you get the reference to the Guardian named Shardik? If not do a quick bit of research on the author Richard Adams :)

[@brettskinner1416]

I personally love all 3 of the 1st 3 books but I don't know how I would rank them.

[@TheDckfilms]

I don’t think I’m cut out for series books. I seem to never finish them. Series of Unfortunate events? made it to the slippery slope, by then I got to my teens and lost interest. Harry Potter? Ended up just watching the movies and forgetting the books. And now Dark Tower. Perhaps it’s just me seeing how much I have to read second guessing if I can finish. Cause I love what I have read these far, I just end up finishing a singular book first.

[@zion6680]

What I wanna know is, how did Shardik wind up a part of Steven King's universe, because Richard Adams is responsible for Shardik I believe, we're talking about the Watership Down guy. And I have always been curious as to whether or not that's a coincidence or a simple homage.

[@IVIisery]

Waste lands is my favorite so far. The whole book had me laughing to myself with weird and original it was. And that ending? come on.

[@TonyLee-bc3if]

I love this book

[@taylorsindelar4812]

That gun is awesome! Is it a model?

[@Knightshade1965]

Good video, but I have a dare for you...please, read The watcher by Dean Knootz. Just try it if you don't like it, I'll stop bothering you about it. To be honest I may pick up a Stephen King book again. Don't know what I should try. After tommyknockers I wasn't happy with that book. Any ideas?

[@wjamimah7772]

Yea, you definitely need to read Swan Song by McCammon

[@TheDarkchum1]

Best intro yet 😂

[@soadown5]

2:00 it actually came out in 1991

[@RespectTheSourceMaterial]

Have you read the dark tower comic books? Some of the best art i've ever seen.

[@tannersturgeon2448]

The Oy debut novel

[@jessiewood8676]

Where do you get that gun???😮😮😮

[@TheDarkchum1]

Super advanced AI going insane and controlling a train? Sign me up…

[@KalleVilenius]

Did you ever read the book where King got the bear Shardik from? It's bleak. Guess that's kind of what you'd expect from the author of Watership Down and Plague Dogs. At any rate I definitely prefer this to Drawing of the Three. I hate it whenever Dark Tower goes to New York. I don't need contemporary real world cities in my fantasy, as good as the character work was.

[@markb3534]

Spin like a Boss

[@user-vf6zp1ge3k]

yeas, off course. i will not argue)

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

I thought The Waste Lands was the strongest book in the seriest. It was dark and a lot of going on. A lot better than the second book.

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

i dotn even remember the sex scene. the demon threeway ?

[@deelak2329]

Love at first site definitely can happen. hahaha corny but true

[@georgemackenzie3676]

"Blaine is a pain, and that is the truth"

[@mikesbookreviews]

🚂

[@cabrademora1]

:D

[@clintdalsen4529]

Analysis pls

[@davidmullineaux6157]

Published 1991 not 1981

[@csd8204]

I tried and I just can't get into this series or understand its popularity. It's just so underwhelming to me.

[@john94949]

Gave up at the halfway mark, disgusted. Stephen King is too much of a panster and is more concerned with entertaining himself than the reader. Why not? He gets away with it time and again. Falls so in love with irrelevant plot threads and dialogue that he's forced to waste exorbitant amounts of time justifying their existence (backstory and time manipulation abuse). It's like when you catch someone in a lie and their explanations grow more and more outlandish. You start tuning their bs out. I'm especially annoyed with Eddie Dean's incessant pop-culture references when speaking to Susannah and Roland. One's from from the 50's and the other's from a freaking fantasy world. Get it through your thick head that it's all gibberish to them. It's really just a flimsy excuse for King to try his amateur hour comedy relief. Stephen King is exceptional with certain elements of narrative, but has too many glaring weaknesses for my taste. Used to love him as a teenager, but I'm older and know better now

[@zaftra]

nothing is as ridiculous and hedge animals.

[@rofalsaurasrex366]

I've read the wastelands and it's a great book from Stephen King proper adventure on the wizard and glass I know I don't have many books left till I reach the dark tower......