Song of Susannah (The Dark Tower)

[Bill]

This appears to be the best-selling horror book of the moment.

<iframe width="180" height="180" scrolling="no" frameborder=0 src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=bookgrouponli-21&l=st1&search=%20%20Song%20Susannah%20Dark%20Tower%20king&mode=books-uk&p=33&o=2&f=ifr&bg1=C6E7DE&lc1=082984&lt1=_blank"> <table border='0' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='468' height='362'><tr><td><A HREF='http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/redirect-home/bookgrouponli-21' target=_blank ><img src="http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/G/02/associates/recommends/default_180x180.gif" width=180 height=180 border="0" access=regular></a></td></tr></table></iframe>

I used to be a big fan and reader of King's work in the 80s, but then he ended up writing books quicker than I could read them, and I got left behind. Since then, I have admired from afar, for his prolificness (surely not a word?) if nothing else. Is he still any good?

[My Friend Jack]

Bill, see my comments elsewhere re the Dark Tower (of which this is 6 of 7).

As far as I am concerned, yes, he's still good, although I wouldn't class much of his recent output as "horror." How on earth this can be regarded as the best selling horror book is beyond me - the Dark Tower series, which King started in 1976, was never horror. That said, I admit to not having reached volume 6 yet, so maybe there is some genre-swapping to come!

His recent output (say, the last 10 years) has fallen more into either sci-fi or fantasy. His near-fatal accident several years ago has certainly affected his writing, and it seems he felt compelled to finish the Dark Tower series while he still could. He's definitely worth checking out again, but don't expect another flesh-creeper like The Shining or Carrie.

[Purity]

Most of Kings work can now be classed as Thriller rather than Horror IMO but the majority are still well worth taking the time to read. The Dark Tower series never really delves into the Horror genre, but it does reference many of his other books and characters and in some cases ties up a few loose ends.

The Dark Tower books are definately worth reading if you like epic stories or want to get a better feeling of Kings imaginary world. If you liked Lord of The Rings, you'll love it.