The Gunslinger: SPOILER Review

[@jringo45acp]

The Man in Black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed. My favorite opening line of any book.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

It's so epic isn't it??? Thanks for commenting mate.

[@sidnew2739]

Yeah...opening line... *whistling innocently*

[@JoelSwagmanReviews]

Now this is a series I can really get into. I read The Gunslinger years ago, but I am definitely due for a refresher on it. I also could really use someone to guide me through the rest of the series (which I never finished.)

[@PaperbackJourneys]

I really really appreciate it. Thanks for commenting and most of all thanks for joining me in this. I’ll have a video out on Friday.

[@jringo45acp]

It's my favorite series, I read it over again every other year or so.

[@KittyAndTheBooks]

The Stephen Kingdom xD Ok, didn't see that one coming. I've always thought about reading this series, but oh that's a lot of books. Hope you enjoy them!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Haha thanks! Yeah when I look at the series on my shelf it is kind of intimidating.

[@coachmikesfilmroom3111]

If you're anything like me, you'll come to look at them as good friends, that you'll want to visit from time to time

[@hubhikarilives]

I’m not a huge King fan but so here for this journey! Can’t believe you have so few subs, hopefully this work get you the attention you deserve!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Ha! That's really nice of you to say. I do it mostly for fun, but we'll see where it all leads.

[@stevenmatthews2263]

Keep it up, man. I love this!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Will do! I released a new video today.

[@paulleahy8051]

Great review. I subscribed when you posted your original announcement video, but only got to reading The Gunslinger now. Have some catching up to do. On to The Drawing of the Three. And I would wait about five minutes before saying nineteen.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

19 seems to be popping up a lot. You’re right! Did you enjoy The Gunslinger?

[@paulleahy8051]

I did. It was actually my second time reading it. I tackled the core dark tower series about 10 years ago and gave up mid way through wizard and glass. This will be my second attempt, with the expanded order this time.

[@thomasr7292]

Great summary of one of my favorite books of all time man! Completely agree with you about the dream like feeling of the novel. King does an incredible job taking all these western tropes and morphing them into a way that feels fantastical. Think I'm in the minority, but I actually like his original version of the novel before he revised it in 2003. Think that version works better as a standalone story, myself.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Oh that's interesting. Was the revised version VERY different?

[@thomasr7292]

​@@PaperbackJourneys It's tough to say. I don't think there were many major textual changes, but the revisions did have some impact on the tone of the story. Without spoiling the other books, the biggest difference for me concerned Allie. SPOILERS FOR BOOK I SPOILERS FOR BOOK I In the original version, I believe she actually asks Roland not to kill her, but he shoots her anyways out of instinct. I think the two different accounts of her death paint very different pictures of Roland.

[@williamboyette2374]

keep enjoying King so we can continue to enjoy these reviews ❤

[@PaperbackJourneys]

I will do William. Thank you so much for commenting.

[@TyIngersoll]

Having just finished the series for the first time, it is extremely satisfying to see someone else experience it for the first time. Keep it up mate, I would watch this all the way to the end.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

That's great to hear. Thanks! I'm going to have a few reviews coming out in the next week or two.

[@Busabuck100]

Had just finished the Gunslinger, and your review has made me appreciate it more.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Oh I love to hear that!! I'm so glad. I hope you'll join me on the other videos if you decide to continue with the series.

[@lookslikecrepe]

Nice review, bro. Enjoy your style. Definitely gonna be sticking around for more of your content

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Thanks mate! That means a lot. I’ll be releasing reviews every Friday. I’m a little intimidated by the size of The Stand though I have to admit! 😂

[@lookslikecrepe]

@@PaperbackJourneys lol, yeah I'm still plucking up the courage to delve into that one myself. Good luck!

[@michaelshemesh8153]

thx 4 the video. I've read all the series - defiantly worth it. stephen king is my most beloved author as well - almost finishing all of his books in chronological order. now rereading it in english you are helping with my read along.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

I'm glad you're enjoying the series. Thanks so much for your kind words.

[@keyofb9513]

Javier Bardem ooo that’s good. When I was reading I thought of the man in black as Ian McShane

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Ian McShane is a great one too though!! Love him.

[@williamboyette2374]

Both good choices, especially after watching McShane in the John Wick series. He was always great, but his portrayal of Winston I thought stole the movie in my opinion, of course.

[@treygaston1958]

Great video. I’m glad you enjoy the first book in my favorite series of all time

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Oh wow! That's a big statement and a big endorsement. I'm enjoying is a lot so far.

[@bamrainey]

Wow, dude, I’m so glad to stumble upon this stuff. Such a pleasure to hear a recap in your awesome execution. Now I’m gonna watch the second book and then I’ll be looking forward to the next one. It was great.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words!

[@cfdavisbell]

Wow. Great video. Had a blast listening to your summary

[@PaperbackJourneys]

That’s really nice of you to say. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@sarahlevin6888]

I just found you on here, and I am SHOCKED you don’t have more subs. Excellent analysis, great humor, really good work! Immediately subbed.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Hey Sarah! That's so nice of you to say so. I'm happy to have you on board for some literary journeys 😃

[@filipglyssbo6828]

I also attach actors to characters when I read and for me Roland was portrayed by Greg Sestero and the man in black was Tommy Wiseau... Don’t know why my brain works this way.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Haha! That’s a totally different version but I love it! “The Dark Room Series”

[@filipglyssbo6828]

@@PaperbackJourneys Every time the man in black giggled i just heard tommys laugh, think it screwed up the tone a bit 😄

[@PaperbackJourneys]

@@filipglyssbo6828 “Oh hi Roland… tell me, how is your sex life?”

[@filipglyssbo6828]

@@PaperbackJourneys Roland and Jake catches up with the man in black, Roland shoots and misses, the man in black -kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYnFp6elq555fsk

[@alexgns8827]

Just started my Dark Tower journey. The extended version. Seems fan to watch your reviews after each book.

[@taylors7061]

This is the first time reading the dark tower series after being a King fan for 15 years. I loved the gunslinger so much.

[@Mayeur000Donz]

I'm going through the audiobooks for the Dark Tower, atm. I have TERRIBLE reading comprehension and a shameful attention span, so despite listening to the Gunslinger twice, there're still huge bulks of the text I never processed. Glad I found these recaps 'cause I didn't realize just how much I missed.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Oh yeah I always find that watching recaps and reviews helps. Glad you're enjoying the videos my friend.

[@Danny_Matson]

I just finished this book and you had me in tears almost at your reaction/review of it. You're so funny. I have to say the lack of explanation in the Gunslinger left me pretty frustrated, but I'm going to continue to see if I jive more with the second book.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Haha thanks mate!! I appreciate that. Yeah I get carried away in a lot of the reviews in this series. The first book is weird and kind of dream like. You don't have any reference points of the world so yeah I wasn't sure about it. The second book has a much more traditional narrative. I think you'll enjoy the characters. Plus I want to see if I can make you laugh in the next review lol.

[@Danny_Matson]

@@PaperbackJourneys Already reading it! Was just left so perplexed I had to see how things evolve.

[@sixty9lives]

I loved your review very entertaining. I've done all of these years ago and based on that I am redoing them in this order because I feel it makes the most sense based on where you encounter characters and premises. The Gunslinger The Eyes of the Dragon The Talisman The Drawing of the Three IT The Wastelands The Stand Wizard and Glass Insomnia Little Sisters Of Eluria (short story in Everything's Eventual) The Wind Through the Keyhole Salem's Lot Wolves of the Calla Black House Song of Susannah Low Men in Yellow Coats (Short story in Heart's in Atlantis) Everything's Eventual (short story in Everything's Eventual) The Dark Tower

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Oh wow that's a totally different order. When I finish the series I'll let you know if I prefer your order.

[@getwildmusic]

And you make me want to read this book once more... bravo !

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Haha! I'm sure you didn't need your arm twisted too far to dive back in. It's a fun series so far.

[@AJ_DregzCat]

Great job man! I read this book way back in 1990 as a young teen ... waiting for the release of The Waste Lands in 1991. I've revisited these worlds many times since and have loved it more each time. Enjoy the journey!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Thank you! I can't wait to dive back in. I plan on reaching the tower by the end of this year. I wonder how I'll react lol.

[@AJ_DregzCat]

@@PaperbackJourneys you'll be surprised, sad, and mad at the same time. Can't wait to hear more of your reads.

[@mrRapture9]

I needed a refresher on this book as I’ve just picked up Drawing of the Three. Great work with your review. Loved the passion and descriptions!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

That's awesome mate! I'm glad this gave you a little refresher before you continue your journey. Thanks for the comment. I reviewed every book in the extended series by the way if you wanted companion videos lol.

[@backyardbrewingcookingando3847]

This is a great series. I have read this series a little over a dozen times. I love it when I get the time to smash my brain into any thing by Stephen King.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

I’m so new to Stephen King. I’m going to read through the extended universe of The Dark Tower and release reviews each week. I hope I enjoy it as much as you and other have told me they did.

[@backyardbrewingcookingando3847]

@@PaperbackJourneys I enjoy when people outside of America sharing their thoughts and ideas on American writers. I find it very educational and mind expanding.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

@@backyardbrewingcookingando3847 That’s awesome to hear. America has some of the world greatest writers so I’m always happy to pick up a book by an American writer.

[@daladams]

lol, this is a 5-star review - I would watch it again. *Subscribed*

[@nbria4688]

Such an underrated book tuber. Great commentary brother 👏

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Thank you so much. That's really nice of you to say. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@SmoothAdventure]

You should read the original version of the gunslinger first then the revised edition at the end when you do the reread. I prefer the original version but the revised edition ties the series together a bit more. Anyway good luck on this endeavor.

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Thanks mate I appreciate it. I'm so curious as to why I should read The Gunslinger again but I guess it'll all make sense when I finish the series.

[@SmoothAdventure]

@@PaperbackJourneys Ka is a wheel.

[@TheMatman917]

I’ll need to go back and check but the number 19 wasn’t originally mentioned before King revised The Gunslinger. I just remember them using her as a shield and Roland taking her out first.

[@cleander3645]

just started and red gunslinger now on doors of three and i just realized how confusing this is but im motivated to read everything

[@Filsfilms]

Really enjoyed your video. Keep it up

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Thank you!

[@Book_Grams]

Great summary! You deserve way more subscribers, excellent content!

[@lukehaynes8276]

Fantastic review 👍

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Cheers mate! I appreciate it.

[@TalonCarver]

I may be remembering it wrong, but i took it as not the gunslinger missing the man in black when he shot at him, but it went through him. Like he could become ethereal

[@tcancella7286]

Great video! I am a big King fan but new to Dark Tower - just finished an OG version of Gunslinger (paperback from 1980s) and trying to decide if I re-read the revised 2003 Gunslinger before moving on or not

[@PaperbackJourneys]

I think you're all good to move on to the next book. Some things were retconned into the newer edition I think but nothing major.

[@unnaturalevolution5936]

Honestly, I would probably say nineteen fairly quickly just to get the temptation over with, knowing I would EVENTUALLY give in. Also, just started reading the Dark Tower series and loved the video!!

[@HIgginFlips]

Cort was totally an angry Vesemir in my mind!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

I'm with you mate! There's too many similarities haha.

[@meursault7030]

Oooh Javier Bardem is an unusual pick for the man in black, but I like it. I think I'm gonna watch all of these. I've been missing Midworld, but can't be arsed to read the entire thing again.

[@nunyabusiness5468]

I read this book years and years ago and I don't remember any of the nineteen stuff in Tull. Just wondering if this is King adding to the story after the first print. He has done that kind of thing before.

[@keyofb9513]

“Just looking for attention” This whole vid is great! Well done!

[@RemingtonHinshaw-zi1jx]

One of if not THE best TDT series book

[@lionijacobs2147]

Loved your review, very entertaining

[@PaperbackJourneys]

That's very nice of you to say so. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@mikeholmes4191]

Great comparison with the witcher fucking good shout man!

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Appreciate it mate.

[@wesleydraves1281]

I wasn’t really a fan of it I mean the first short story was fun but the rest was hard to get immersed in with some points where It didn’t really make sense because I accidentally missed a minor plot point

[@meursault7030]

No way, I didn't know it was a fixup. Or what a fixup is. But it makes sense, now that you point it out.

[@unperson5713]

I would have asked instantly. 19 EDIT: Some people call him "Bama", short for Alabama, not Buba. Also, the man in black pushed Jake, he didn't fall into the street. Spoiler: If you are waiting for answers, you will be disappointed.

[@Bxtcxt1865]

In my mind Randall Flagg will always look like Mathew Mcconaughey lol

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Haha I haven’t seen the movie so I wasn’t influenced. Do you see Roland as Idris Elba?

[@zachbrehany2253]

​@@PaperbackJourneys if it's not too late, do us a favor and ignore the film. While watching it did get me to read the novels, it was so bad that some of my friends refuse to read the series. As far as I'm concerned, equal to The Queen of the Damned as one of the worst adaptations I've ever seen.

[@mwont]

I read It twice, and still bearly understand what's happening. It's such a bizarre story.

[@limbobilbo8743]

Finally someone else recognising roland and geralt are similar Roland is just like if you put geralt and arthur morgan from rdr2 in a blender

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Hahaha you're right! That's good!

[@darnes12]

the fetus in the church lady died by no cause of his own. lone wolf and cub is the classic story of a hero taking care of a younger man.

[@kevinnsevinn799]

Subbed 👍🏼

[@KasiaSzatkowska]

Do read Sapkowski. And then do try and find 3 similarities between him and King. I dear you! :D

[@danblack5402]

Javier Bardem is NOT the man in black. No way. No how. Nope, nope, nope! No! Hell no! Nu-uh. Not gonna happen. Nein! N’t! En! Nej! I can say it in Spanish - No!

[@simmonslucas]

Roland aint no Hero :)

[@PaperbackJourneys]

Yeah I’m figuring that out the further I dive into the books lol.

[@jeanfish7]

Walter

[@kevinnsevinn799]

Wait…why am I back here at the beginning again too…rewatching your review of the gunslinger…🫢 I’m on an endless loop adventures with you mate !?!? Did you bring chips? Sodas ? Cookies ? No? Maybe ? 😬