Fantasy · Horror
The Gunslinger
In a barren, half-ruined world, a lone gunman pursues a mysterious man in black across the desert. Along the way he meets a boy and recalls the life that brought him here.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1982
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 238
- Format
- Book 1 of 7 in The Dark Tower
Read this if you like strange, stripped-back Westerns that blend fantasy, horror and myth.
Skip this if you want a clear, fast story; this opening volume is fragmented and holds back most of its answers.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Gunslinger
- What is The Gunslinger about?
- In a barren, half-ruined world, a lone gunman pursues a mysterious man in black across the desert. Along the way he meets a boy and recalls the life that brought him here.
- Who should read The Gunslinger?
- Read it if you like strange, stripped-back Westerns that blend fantasy, horror and myth. Skip it if you want a clear, fast story; this opening volume is fragmented and holds back most of its answers.
- How long and how fast is The Gunslinger?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 238 pages, first published in 1982.
- Does The Gunslinger have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Sexual content.
- Can I borrow The Gunslinger for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Gunslinger; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Gunslinger?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Road, The Black Company, The Stand.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Gunslinger
-
The Road
Another spare, harsh journey across a ruined landscape that leaves readers with more questions than answers.
-
The Black Company
A gritty fantasy with a rough, weary tone and morally mixed heroes.
-
The Stand The author's own epic of the end of the world, set in a world that overlaps this one's themes.
Fantasy
