Book Review: The Wind Through The Keyhole

THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE | Stephen King
(The Dark Tower #4.5)
12.06.2016 (first published February 2012) | Scribner
Rating: 4/5 stars

Warning: Potential spoilers ahead

Roland Deschain and his ka-tet Jake, Susannah, Eddie, and Oy have returned to their journey toward the Dark Tower. After crossing the River Whye they realize that they will need to quickly find shelter to wait out a monstrous storm headed their way. While they wait for the intense weather to pass, Roland decides to recount for his friends a story from his days as a young gunslinger.

Written years after King penned his final Dark Tower book, THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE was published. Slotting between books four and five, this book provides an interesting side story into Roland’s past. 

I have openly admitted that I struggled with book four, WIZARD & GLASS, and was very unsure if I would continue to enjoy this series. Thankfully, what I found with THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE was a fun story within a story, within a story, within a story. You heard that right! A friend of mine put it best when she compared this book to a nesting doll. We start with our ka-tet’s current journey and move into a story from Roland’s past, which looks back on a story he was told in his youth. I know it might sound confusing, but it’s actually easily broken down and the stories flow together quite well.

If I had to pick a favorite story it would probably be the one of Roland as a young gunslinger. I found the concept of a skinman or shapeshifter to be fascinating and I was very invested with how it would all play out. 

After enjoying this book, I’m excited to carry on my Dark Tower journey with WOLVES OF THE CALLA in September!

This book is available to buy from: Amazon | Book Depository

Disclosure: What Jess Reads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This in no way influences my opinion of the above book.