I read the first Dark Tower ages ago. I thought it was just okay. I didn't like the style it was written, sometimes very confusing, and overall boring. However, due to my buddy Jimmy, I finally read the second Dark Tower book years later.

And guess what? I liked it!

Roland was the one interesting character in the first book and he remains fun here. He's the straight edge, badass, old Clint Eastwood type hero. You also have Eddie, who's a young druggie who learns the way of life the hard way. You also have Adita, who has split personality and makes her extremely interesting.

A lot of what I loved is spoilers. Certain things that happen would spoil the experience. I will say I love the idea of Roland going through different time periods to recruit people to head to the Dark Tower. So interesting to see different people from different times all interact, it's a huge plus for me.

I also loved the first 2/3rds of the book. I was engaged, never wanting to stop reading. However the last third wasn't as good. Some cool moments, one involving a gun shop, but the rest was just okay. It felt sluggish, added filler.

Still, a much better book than the first. A good narrative, easy to understand, and well formed characters with development.