BOOK BRIEF

The Waste Lands

Stephen King, Stephen King
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The Waste Lands

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

Book Brief

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Stephen King, Stephen King

The Waste Lands

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

422

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Horror & Suspense

Science Fiction
Setting

Mid-World • Far Future

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

The Waste Lands by Stephen King continues the journey of Roland and his companions as they traverse a decaying world in search of the Dark Tower. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and adversaries that test their resolve and deepen their bonds. This third book in the Dark Tower series explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and interconnectedness.

Reviews & Readership

4.4

249,017 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's The Waste Lands, the third entry in his Dark Tower series, masterfully combines elements of fantasy and horror, creating an intricate and enthralling world. Critics praise its vivid character development and rich, imaginative setting. Some, however, find its complex narrative pacing slow at times. Overall, an engaging read for fans of epic adventures.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Waste Lands?

Fans of dark fantasy, post-apocalyptic settings, and intricate world-building will enjoy Stephen King's The Waste Lands. Readers who appreciate the expansive narratives and complex characters of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series or the gritty realism and epic scope of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire will find this book appealing.

4.4

249,017 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Stephen King was inspired to write The Waste Lands by Robert Browning's poem "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came," and the poem's influence is apparent throughout the series.

The plot of The Waste Lands deliberately mirrors themes found in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series, which King has often cited as a major influence on his own work.

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The Waste Lands was nominated for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1992, highlighting its popularity and critical recognition within the fantasy genre.

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Book Details
Pages

422

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Horror & Suspense

Science Fiction
Setting

Mid-World • Far Future

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

840L

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