Enter the world of The Dark Tower, Stephen King`s bestselling fantasy epic, inspired in party by The Lord of the Rings.Join Roland Deschain, gunslinger from Gilead that was, knight errant of a decayed civilization, as he and his companions journey towards the distant Dark Tower. Leaving behind the Emerald City, they are confronted by a starkblast, an icy, terrifying storm that stops them in their tracks.  Roland begins to spin a story...This is both a stand-alone novel for readers new to the world of the Dark Tower and a gift of deeper insight for existing fans. What does the young Roland discover when he is sent to investigate a slaughter at a ranch? Who is the `skin man`? And what happens in the story Roland`s mother used to read to him as a child, `The Wind trough the Keyhole`?`A frantic-paced puzzle-box adventure that encompasses gunslinger Roland Deschain`s early years, werewolves and powerful storytelling` -Shortlist`King`s ability to entertain and unsettle cannot be denied. The skill with which he delivers a shock or sense of gothic terror is simply unmatched` - Independent On Sunday`Another excellent example of King`s sheer skill as a storyteller` - Sunday Express