Cover of The Drawing of the Three

Horror · Science fiction

The Drawing of the Three

4.2 out of 5, from 1,288 ratings from Hardcover readers

In Stephen King's Dark Tower series, a lone gunslinger pursues a mysterious man across a ruined world. In this second book, he finds doors on a shore that open into our own world, and the people behind them matter to his quest.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1987
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
454
Format
Book 2 of 7 in The Dark Tower

Read this if you like King's weirder side, with western grit, strange doors and characters thrown together.

Skip this if you have not read The Gunslinger, or you dislike graphic violence and drug use.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Addiction
  • Gore

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Racism
  • Sexual violence

Quick answers about The Drawing of the Three

What is The Drawing of the Three about?
In Stephen King's Dark Tower series, a lone gunslinger pursues a mysterious man across a ruined world. In this second book, he finds doors on a shore that open into our own world, and the people behind them matter to his quest.
Who should read The Drawing of the Three?
Read it if you like King's weirder side, with western grit, strange doors and characters thrown together. Skip it if you have not read The Gunslinger, or you dislike graphic violence and drug use.
How long and how fast is The Drawing of the Three?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 454 pages, first published in 1987.
Does The Drawing of the Three have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Addiction, Gore.
Can I borrow The Drawing of the Three for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Drawing of the Three; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Drawing of the Three?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Gunslinger, The Stand, The Last Wish.

Where to get it

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