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- Title: Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass
- Author: Stephen King
- Narrator: Frank Muller
- Length: 1.147222222
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01-Jan
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Apocalyptic & Dystopian
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Some audiobooks don’t just tell a story—they transport you, body and soul, into their world. That’s precisely what Stephen King’s *Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass*, narrated by the incomparable Frank Muller, does. As someone who has spent a lifetime weaving through landscapes, both physical and literary, this audiobook felt like a journey I didn’t just listen to—I lived.
The fourth installment in King’s *Dark Tower* series serves as both a continuation of Roland Deschain’s epic quest and a poignant dive into his past. The story unfolds like an intricate tapestry, with threads of romance, tragedy, and high-stakes adventure all woven together. This dual narrative structure—the present-day journey through a plague-ravaged, alternate Topeka and Roland’s heartbreaking tale of first love in Hambry—gives the book a richness and depth that linger long after the final chapter.
Listening to this audiobook reminded me of a road trip I took through the Atacama Desert years ago. I had just started Gabriel García Márquez’s *One Hundred Years of Solitude* as an audiobook then, and the magical realism of that story mirrored the surreal, otherworldly landscape outside my window. Similarly, *Wizard and Glass* has this uncanny ability to blend the fantastical with the deeply human. The desolation of Mid-World and the haunting beauty of Hambry came alive in my mind, just as the desert came alive in my memory.
### A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Courage
At its heart, *Wizard and Glass* is a love story, but not the kind that leaves you warm and fuzzy. It’s a tale of young, doomed love between Roland and Susan Delgado, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and impending violence. King’s exploration of love’s fragility and the choices that define us felt deeply personal. It reminded me of evenings spent in Oaxaca, sitting by the fire and listening to a grandmother’s stories. Her voice carried the weight of lessons learned too late, much like Roland’s recollections.
King’s masterful character development shines here. Roland’s tet—Eddie, Susannah, and Jake—continue to evolve, their camaraderie and loyalty adding layers of emotional complexity. Meanwhile, the antagonists in Hambry are chillingly vivid, from the scheming Mayor Thorin to the grotesque Big Coffin Hunters. The story’s pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, allowing the emotional beats to land with full force.
### Frank Muller: The Voice of Mid-World
If Stephen King is the architect of Mid-World, Frank Muller is its voice. His narration is nothing short of spellbinding. Muller doesn’t just read the text; he performs it, imbuing each character with distinctive voices and emotional nuance. His portrayal of Roland’s stoic resolve, Susan’s innocence and strength, and the villainous sneers of the Big Coffin Hunters is nothing short of a masterclass in oral storytelling.
Muller’s voice has a gravelly, almost ancient quality that feels perfectly suited to the world of *The Dark Tower*. Listening to him is like sitting at the feet of a master storyteller, the kind who can make you forget the world around you. His pacing is impeccable, his intonations precise, and his ability to convey tension is unparalleled. It took me back to those evenings in Oaxaca, where the power of a well-told story could hold an entire room captive.
### Strengths and Limitations
The strengths of *Wizard and Glass* are many. King’s prose is as evocative as ever, his world-building immersive, and his characters unforgettable. The audiobook format amplifies these qualities, with Muller’s narration adding an extra layer of depth and texture.
However, this book may not be for everyone. The shift from the main quest to Roland’s backstory might feel jarring to some, and the slow unraveling of the Hambry storyline requires patience. But for those willing to invest the time, the emotional payoff is immense.
### Comparisons and Recommendations
Fans of epic, character-driven fantasies like George R.R. Martin’s *A Song of Ice and Fire* or the rich, layered storytelling of Neil Gaiman’s *The Sandman* will find much to love here. If you’re new to *The Dark Tower* series, I’d recommend starting with the first book, *The Gunslinger*, to fully appreciate the nuances of this installment.
### Final Reflections
Listening to *Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass* felt like being on an epic journey, one that challenges, moves, and transforms you. It’s a story about the roads we travel, the choices we make, and the people we love and lose along the way. For me, it was also a reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
As I listened to Frank Muller breathe life into King’s words, I couldn’t help but think of the Atacama Desert, of Oaxaca, of all the places and stories that have shaped me. This audiobook isn’t just an experience—it’s an odyssey.
Until our paths cross again on another literary journey, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera
