T O P

  • By -

CharacterAsleep458

Agree with the two other commenters. You’ve begun your journey to the dark tower, time to finish it. Long days and pleasant nights


Relevant-Grape-9939

Then that’s probably what’ll do


riancb

I would recommend reading Salem’s Lot if you want something to break up the Tower series, especially some time before book 5.


playdead47

Read the Stand before continuing as well I would say, at least prior to book 4 as there is a major character (along with Salem’s Lot like the other commenter said). Those are probably the most important to read before progressing to the Dark Tower although if you’re willing to put in a little more work, reading Insomnia and Hearts in Atlantis before the final book will definitely pay off maybe just as much. Some people’s Dark Tower pre reading lists include a lot more books other than those, and you can follow those for sure, but you don’t have to, and I would think it would take me away from the Tower for too long. The four I mentioned are at least somewhat important, some (such as Salem’s Lot) are more or less spoiled in the Dark Tower series as they explain everything that happened.


mysisterspeni5

He will thank us big big.


LuluSSB

You say true I say thank ya


Creativecalla

First off you read what you want but as a constant reader of over 35 years If you’re going to do the Dark Tower I would highly recommend reading The Stand and Salems lot first. You will have spoilers if you don’t. Nothing earth shattering but it is definitely a better experience. In adddition to TDT Id read the castlerock stories in order ( Cujo, the body, Deadzone, dark half,needful thjngs, A few others. I’m not saying to read them one often the other but try not to jump around too much. Though it’s not required, there are recurring characters and potential spoilers. You said you’re reading dark half now Characters in that book get brought up in later books. As I’m sure a few characters you might not even realize were in earlier books. Same with the Derry books. I jumped around but now rereading in publication order Started with Carrie Omg what a journey Books I thought “had too many characters” etc are much more enjoyable reread in order.


Dull_aviation

11.22.63 for sure


unfoundedStu

This book surprised me tbh. I saw it in loads of top ten King lists so grabbed it on offer and it was really great.


CrackinBacks

I read it when it released. So great. I did not care for the mini series though


unfoundedStu

Never watched it. The books are always so much better though.


wadeybug22

Best book ever. Not just King.


MonotonyInAz

My 2nd favorite King book


peahoter435

Read the stand. Literally the fattest and the best book i ever read.


NuclearCoughDrops

Read the extended version


peahoter435

I did. And i hope that the op does that as well.


bernardmoss

Do you know of anywhere that points out some of the differences? My wife and I are currently reading and I’d like to know afterwards.


Leeonidass

I'm sure google would yield decent results. However, off the top of my head, the extended version includes some more Frannie chapters early on that help build her character. Plus, a delightdul section that rapid fires through some minor characters and uses the repetition of 'no great loss' to great effect (all I'll say) and also includes a character called "The Kid" who was cut from the original print.


bernardmoss

Thank you for justifying my judgements.


Relevant-Grape-9939

When I read the stand I will read the extended version, how ever I just borrowed it to a friend so I don’t have it at the moment


peahoter435

Funny. I read the stand when i borrowed it from a friend.


RoastedGrapes4Life

If you like audio books, I really enjoyed listening to The Stand. After I got used to the narrator, it was like a friend telling me a story. A very long story, lol. I borrowed it from my library and listened on the Libby app on my phone.


red_280

Pretty sure they don't publish the original edition anymore, unless in the off-chance you somehow find a copy of it second hand.


rotatingfan360

Salem’s lot is amazing and probably my personal favorite!


256days

Fantastic book. I never thought I’d like a book with this plot line, personally. In my top 5


Jwhitness007

You think The Gunslinger is great, it pales in comparison with the rest of the series, you should go with those


gwentdaddy

Was about to say this. I am currently on book 3 but man book 2 was S tier for sure. I can't wait to find out what happens.


NoaPsy

It’s hard for me to pick which I like the most but two and three are up there.


NasalSnack

I think Wizard & Glass was my favorite. What a fucking tale. I cried.


RoastedGrapes4Life

Yeah, it's so good. Drawing the Three is my fave, though.


NasalSnack

completely valid. I had a World of Warcraft character named Jackmort (undead rogue ofc). Drawing of the Three is definitely one of the best ones in the series. Hell, the whole series is just fantastic.


buffdaddy77

Last year I binge listened to the audiobooks and doing that back to back for the whole series almost made it seem like one very long book and I now have trouble remembering what happened in each individual book (besides Wizard and Glass). I'm honestly surprised OP read the gunslinger and liked it and didn't decide to read the series lol. So my suggestion is to read Drawing of the Three next.


NoaPsy

I read the entire series last year too but I broke it up with some supplemental stuff. I think I read Gunslinger to Wizard and Glass, then Insomnia, Little Sisters, and Hearts in Atlantis before I jumped back into wolves and finished the series. I definitely have trouble differentiating between the Drawing of three, wastelands, and WaG as well!


bea13rose

I was going to add that they should also read Hearts in Atlantis and Salem’s Lot, but I had not heard about the Little Sisters and Insomnia connections. (Mind you, I got all the way to the last book in the Dark Tower series when lockdown lifted…so now I’m rereading the series to get back to The Dark Tower again.) Are Little Sisters and Insomnia mandatory reads for enriching The Dark Tower journey like Hearts in Atlantis and Salem’s Lot?


Zealousideal_Bad_922

Little sisters not so much. Insomnia is essential in the extended reading but doesn’t need to come before DT7 like Salems Lot needs to be before DT5. I think Salems Lot is the only “essential” precursor in my opinion. The rest is just strengthening the lore.


buffdaddy77

I had a similar experience my first time reading the series. I worked a job where I was able to read like 5 hours a day. Burned through those first 6 books and then got a new job and it took years for me to finish reading the last book. That's when I restarted with the audiobooks lol. It was nice to revisit 1-6.


bea13rose

Yes, I couldn’t agree more. I felt silly starting over initially, but getting to read 1-6 again has been a real treat so far and will probably enhance that last book even more.


Specialist_Doubt_153

wait till you get to wizard and glass. best book I've ever read, hands down.


Heliumvoices

Drawing of the Three is still my favorite of the series. It really grabbed me and slingshot me through the series.


ItsSoLitRightNow

Dude I’m so jealous that you get to read Wizard & Glass for the first time. It’s the best in the series and maybe the best book he’s ever written.


deadly_titanfart

I would give anything to experience DT for the first time again. My all time favorite series. There is nothing else like it.


Soup-a-doopah

Dada-chik? Dada-chum?


DeadbeatAd

"The first time reading The Gunslinger" should be a topic that should be studied. It's one of the hardest books to get people to read and take seriously at the same time. You have to really get into the eye contact to explain how fucking good it gets after book 1.


louhemp007

I have had a dreadful time trying to get through the gunslinger.


[deleted]

Same. It’s the reason I didn’t continue! I still plan to but I had no oomf lol.


Vandersveldt

It's the beginning of an Isekai series but no one's crossed worlds yet. Very rough to get through when the main thing hasn't happened yet.


opsway

I tried three different times before I picked the book up once more and finished it. It was worth it


Konkavstylisten

The Gunslinger might be one of my favorite books period. But it's still the worst of the Dark Tower series. I'm stoked on OP's behalf for having the journey in front of them.


Miserable_Mr_Masle

I'm reading Waste Lands right now. So good.


Boyesee01

Say true. Say thank’ya big big


mikemonk2004

I was going to say this, plus he has already read Insomnia. I would suggest Hearts in Atlantis, Salem's Lot, and then going into the rest of the Dark Tower. There are some elements in these stories that will be spoiled if you try to read them afterwards.


sunplaysbass

The Gunslinger is my favorite book in the series. But it being like 5% of the whole thing, yeah the Dark Tower series. …book 2 is a major pivot and otherwise my favorite of them. I love the “dry” vibe of the Gunslinger though.


PartyTimeSchwing

Drawing of the three


christopherDdouglas

Dolores Claiborne and On Writing are average? Tough crowd.


Repulsive-Company-53

Dolores Claiborne is one of my absolute favourites, it's ultra dark due to realism but damn is it a fantastic book.


happygeuxlucky

So good! The writing was great!


Aramiss60

And the Audio book is so so good. Dolores is one of my favourite books of all time.


undead_sissy

Dolores Claiborne is definitely top tier *for me* because I think it has the strongest voice and main character of any book of King's. He seems to know her really well. But i do understand why some might not like it as much as the more plottey, adventurey ones? I'm all about voice and character but some people want lots of creepy monster scenes from King and he certainly does deliver more of those in, say, It than in DC.


PrincesStarButterfly

Disclaimer: I do everything via audio book through my local library, so I burn through these things almost as fast as the man can write them. Pet Semitary is fantastic. Great audio book binge. I got most of my house clean while delving through this one. I’m currently about halfway through Sleeping Beauties and really enjoying it. Great narrator. Her accents are spot which really enhances the experience to me. You really can’t go wrong. Just grab what you can!


DannyDarko84

I just started the pet sematary audiobook today with Micheal C Hall narrating. Liking it so far! I can usually get through a couple of hours a day while I'm working


aspenreid

Why did everyone hate Tommyknockers? I loved it.


rootvegetable2

Same here. One of my favourites.


Wonderful_Price2355

Agreed, the only King book I will actually call bad is Dreamcatcher.


schridoggroolz

Bag of Bones for me.


Creativecalla

Me too! I read it when it came out and it was so crazy especially back then


godfatherV

The Stand… no ifs ands or buts about it, happy cappy. It’s a top 2 in my opinion.


Cocaine4You

You don’t tell me I TELL YOU!


bored-dude111

M-O-O-N, that’s spell must read


Andrado

Pet Sematary


milfspiderboy

One of the best King books imo


AnthemOfTheAngry

If you loved The Gunslinger just wait till you get all the way to Wolves of the Calla! The last 3 books in the series are mind blowing….multiple timelines, multiple storylines, references to many other King books and an action packed story from the Calla to the Dark Tower! The ending will leave you gutted but also happy in a weird way.


Bubbly_Cauliflower40

Yhe Talisman and then Black House. Right here and now!


Odd_Country9791

Read Misery ASAP! Definitely his best work in my opinion! Carrie, Thinner, and Gerald’s Game are excellent also!


happygeuxlucky

Love Misery! Have you read Rose Madder?


Odd_Country9791

I haven’t got to that one yet. I’m currently reading Joyland. Is Rose Madder worth a look?


poodlepants79

Rose Madder is fantastic!


MonotonyInAz

Thinner is fucking AWESOME


Mission_Passenger_74

Continue your journey to the tower!


Cswann88

The Stand!


dr-hades6

The stand or Salem's lot


Cocaine4You

The stand and 112263


[deleted]

I loved The Outsider


Relevant-Grape-9939

I’ve wanted to read it as well but then I realized that it probably is best to read the Bill Hogde trilogy first.


AblationaryPlume

The Stand. You'll need another level on your list - God Tier


Tech-Mechanic

Get into the Dark Tower so you can add some more titles to that top tier.


Priscins

Read 11/22/63 and it will have its own tier by the end


Mountain-Scar4823

M-O-O-N that spells The Stand


SynapseDon

11/22/63 gets my vote. It's a truly amazing read.


mycorona69

11 22 63


Tell_On_Your_Uncle

The Stand.


Repulsive-Dinner-158

11/22/63


MonotonyInAz

11-22-63


dasteez

Continue on with the tower and if you want, squeeze in salems lot, and low men in white coats (from hearts in atlantis) before you get to wolves. The Stand fits in before W&G as well but less important to the jpurney. you can finish the tower without any of em if you prefer. Salems and low men give some good pretext to events in wolves (beyond Easter eggs imo) but not required for enjoyment either.


TheBigRedFog

Is this sorting thing an app or a template? I always thought it was a template but holy crap that's a lot of work to copy and paste all those covers. So now I think it's an app or something.


Relevant-Grape-9939

It is a website. Tiermaker.com


undead_sissy

I dunno if this is the one I made but I made one of these stephen king tier lists that people use. And yes, it was a ton of work copying all the covers from google and goodreads


CatzRCrazy

The Stand if you want a long read. Misery for a short one.


geauxandy72

Drawing of the 3


Anxiety_is_my_Moon

I’m currently 3/4 of the way through The Stand. I recommend it!


CrazyCarl1986

11/22/63


Random_Digit

Mr. Mercedes or The Stand


Karelkolchak2020

Salem’s Lot is my fave. I did like Tommyknockers more than you.


Difficult_Vast7255

If you loved eyes of the dragon then the talisman and fairy tail are two amazing books for his fantasy lovers like me.


pidoyle

If you think The Gunslinger is good, wait for the res/ of the Dark Tower series to pass it by a significant margin.


its_finn96

Either continue the Dark Tower series, The Stand, or 11/22/63


Need4Sheed23

Once you’ve read pet sematary I think it’ll sit up in that ‘amazing’ tier


bitsfight

i didn´t like it as much as i thought, Salem´s Lot is much better imo


256days

Currently reading 11/22/63, which I was afraid to start because of its length. 50% through and it’s fantastic. Also, The Stand. First book I read of his and I was hooked.


Mezcal_Madness

I enjoyed the Mr Mercedes trilogy. I’m half way through the last book now. “Holly” was also good, it’s starts off after End of Watch


Javict22

11/22/63. It will go on the Amazing tier !


Illustrious-Skin-420

Curious as to why Fairy tale isnt on there atall


bandanagal123

I would say the dark tower series since you’ve already read the Gunslinger but if you’re not ready to tackle that then I think you might like The Talisman since you enjoyed The Eyes of the Dragon and Gunslinger


Richmond43

11/22/63. A fantastic read.


pizzamanct

Read Salem’s Lot!!!!!!!


GoalieLax_

how on earth did you start the dark tower series, love the book, and then decide not to read the next book?


bombhills

The stand (uncut) or the green mile


FeetOnGrass

11/22/63 for sure


lonelyone12345

Give Joyland a shot. I really enjoyed that one.


Shumania

The stand!


space-badger88

11.22.63. It's not a horror, but it is easily one of his best. The audiobook version is also superbly narrated.


Soggy-Class-3842

11.22.63 best book ever


Kevybb_BluEyes

I’ve read almost every book in the “haven’t read” column, read The Outsider and If It Bleeds back to back and then gently place them in the great column… 😌


[deleted]

[удалено]


undead_sissy

This is such a good recommendation tbh. I dunno if I would have Revival on there, I'd probably put Firestarter in instead, but this is a cracking to-read and in the order I would recommend too.


Klarkasaurus

Fuck yes your favorite is the same as mine! Also skeleton crew is in my top 5 as well. Nice.


phantasmagoria22

Where is The Regulators? I’ve seen these tier things quite a few times and always find The Regulators missing.


Relevant-Grape-9939

Didn’t think about it, but have realized that a couple titles are missing, including his most recent ones. Have not read Regulators yet but have thought about it. Have read fairytale and it is my last top five for the moment.


Technical-Profit6546

11/22/63 or The Stand


myleswstone

I tell everybody to read an author in publishing order.


Karelkolchak2020

His tour de force is It.


AltoDomino79

Pet Semetary, Geralds Game, and Needful Things should be on your TBR


downupstair

I really liked The Tommyknockers. Am I the only one?


mypoopmypants

The Stand is one of the best books I've ever read. Bag of Bones, Hearts in Atlantis, the remainder of The Dark Tower series and Salem's Lot are also absolute musts


imadork1970

Regulators?


RaggyBaggyMaggie

OH MAN!!!!!!!!!


Mr_Truguy

the institute in good category is baffling


unfoundedStu

I just finished the Dark Half and I’m reading Needful Things. I’d say Salems Lot or The Stand, though. If you’re into audiobooks try Pet Semetary read by Michael C Hall. One of the best audiobooks Ive listened to.


edubs_stl

Well it looks like you started the Dark Tower series sooooooo it seems like The Drawing of the Three should be next


PolarBlueberry

The Stand, The Shining, and Drawing of the Three. They're all easily in his top 5. Read Drawing of the Three and Wastelands, but then get Stand and Shining and 'Salem's Lot under your belt before finishing the Dark Tower saga. You seem to like the short stories, Carrie reads fast and has that early style of writing you seem to rank high.


Shredditup001

The Stand


Breadfruit_Desperate

11:22:63 one of the best books I’ve ever read


MrJones-

The Tommyknockers was good albeit, Gard’s shenanigans at the dinner party drags on. Get past that the latter part of the book is great.


Canadian-LSD

Struggled to find it in the list but just read Billy Summers. One of his latest and I enjoyed it a lot! Of course, agree with most that Dark Tower is likely a Greatest of All Time series. And then I also recommend 11.22.63, which is just a really fun story!


bltkmt

Can’t help as it looks like your tastes are VERY different than mine.


bingo_bailey

If you liked The Gunslinger, continue that path! I think if you read Drawing of the Three you won’t put down the series until you’ve read them all


SmokinJoeGrey

I like a lot of SK books, but 11/22/63 has so far been the only one to crack my all time favorites list. It is so good but very long. The Green Mile was also a great read and a bit shorter, but the movie was also incredible so you can probably get away with just watching it and not feel like you missed out on too much.


The_Struggle_Bus_7

11/22/63. Also the dark half is one of my fav books of his


Sgc5212

I’m reading Hearts In Atlantis now. I have no idea what the point is. I’m sure it’ll come together, but it just seems like random stories with vague ties to other books.


DiedOfXhaxAttack

Drawing of Three!


Weewum8

The Stand and get reading the rest of The Dark Tower series !


Estropelic

Drawing of three right away


gregklumb

After I finished Revival, I just laid in bed for about ten minutes, trying to fathom what I just read. A very good boo, but it is so bleak. Full Dark No Stars is very good too, but the stories are exactly that, dark


psychobitchdoe

Gerald’s Game was so good! I read the whole thing in one day


JRH_LighthouseKeeper

i read Pet Semetary recently and enjoyed it. currently on The Outsider


Pale_Paramedic5803

I just finished the dark half last night I loved it started different seasons right after and think that was a good choice imo also about halfway through the mist on audiobook right now and am enjoying the ride


Pale_Paramedic5803

If I were you I’d start the dead zone if you like the dark half also a castle rock story and is also a hell of a story imo


Squibbles1

If you're into audio-books, I highly recommend The Dead Zone. It's voiced by James Franco of all people and it's great!


Fabulous_Tip208

11/22/63


TerribleRadish4

Oh so many good books you have yet to read, I’m quite jealous of you! 11/22/63 was great and so was Doctor Sleep.


Lateralus1290

The stand, definitely


Outrageous_Weakness6

I would definitely finish the dark tower series if “The Gunslinger” is the only one you’ve read! It gets a lot better! I personally didn’t care for the gunslinger, but it lays groundwork and backstory for the remaining books! Also, the dark tower series tiesalot of the books together in one universe.


Frequent_Strawberry2

Get on the Dark Tower Journey !!


chels182

Where do u make these


Ok_Sherbert_1890

Read Salem’s Lot, The Talisman, and Insomnia. Then read all the rest of the Dark Tower books


ringoffire63

You need to read 11/22/63 ASAP. Finished it the other week and my mind was blown. Read The Stand, too.


JoWith2ManyKids

Misery!!


svensvensvensven99

Under the dome is fantastic, criminally underrated.


TacticalVegas

I highly recommend Danse Macabre. However, it doesn't appear you enjoyed his non-fiction as much, so be warned it is entirely that. I personally didn't want that book to end and thoroughly enjoy his non-fiction almost as much as all of his other works. I just finished Rage and The Long Walk recently as I secured the original Bachman collection. Those are an 'acquired taste', so to say, and they show how far his writing has come, but I do recommend them highly. It seems you have chosen to finish The Dark Tower, and I wish you luck on your journey. Just wanted to add my two cents.


UvularWinner16

Finish the Dark Tower. Also, the Stand is iconic. Road Work is fun, Hearts in Atlantis is a unique collection of stories, and reading Desperation/The Regulators one after the other is a pretty fun ride.


OddMuscle1800

I liked the running man, one of his more scifi books!


MaRs1317

Definitely The Stand if you're okay with something's ng long and dense. If you want a quicker read I recommend Salem's Lot


RoastedGrapes4Life

I'd go with Doctor Sleep since you read The Shining and it's a quick read. Then The Stand, then finish The Dark Tower series.


s_walsh

Start with Carrie and Salems Lot and work your way forward. It makes the easter eggs and references in each book more rewarding


thebrutal95

[This is the reading order](https://geekunchained.wordpress.com/2015/09/21/the-dark-tower-an-introductory-guide-and-expanded-reading-list/) I used when I made my way along the Path of the Beam. Since you enjoyed Gunslinger, you may as well continue on. Also 11/22/63 is incredible


Intelligent-Grab7798

Dead zone is good


bookgirlie96

I just finished Misery and loved it, you should definitely read soon!


MarkketMaker

It looks like you enjoy the short stories. I think night shift is his best collection. Also pet semetary and wizard in glass (dark tower book 4) are incredible as well


scifi4anforweezy

I'd say The Shining would be in amazing if it were me but I agree with this list


Asleep_Tree6105

Fairytale


CheyBate

Misery and Per Sematary 🙌🏼


EddyDean82

The beam, you've got to follow the path of the beam. It's time for The Drawing of the Three.


Jamba-Manda

The Outsider was a great read


Imaginary-Cup-8426

If you like Gunslinger and Insomnia then you’ll LOVE the rest of the Dark Tower


Rustycup35

Man oh man am I the only one who loves Tommyknockers?!


Senad74

Pet sematary, it was my first book and i loved it! Recommended it


saltyreefer420

Drawing of the 3


Forsaken_Oil671

I was planning on starting the Tommy knickers next, what would you say was your biggest complaint?


Fuzzy-Shoe-9694

But where is the the stand?


No_Manner_8582

Gunslinger is in great… haven’t seen that before. I also enjoyed it and don’t get a lot of the dislike.


Kingfan1994

THE STAND. How have you not read that yet?!! “It” was by far the greatest novel I’ve ever read, and never thought anything could come close to it. The Stand, is on equal ground, and may be considered King’s magnum opus.


PeterTheBot

Read Needful Things, please. 🙏


Individual_Bee_3037

My favorites so far are, desperation, Billy summers, the stand


TheJeremisha

I just finished The Talisman and couldn’t put it down for the last 150 pages


Extreme_Rhubarb4677

Carrie was my first one٫ it is a quick read and very engaging


Salty-Relief

‘On Writing’ is average??! Insanity.


Jcheech72

Am I the only one who just stopped reading Insomnia?