Book Review: Wolves of the Calla (The Dark Tower V)

** Warning: This is a review series for The Dark Tower and contains spoilers about the series. Please do not continue if you do not want the plot/surprises undone for you. Can't say I didn't warn you, thanks! **

It's been a little while since I last posted a review, simply because I haven't been able to get my hands on the last two books in The Dark Tower series (Songs of Susannah and The Dark Tower). But I did finish reading the fifth installment, Wolves of the Calla (2003, Western/Fantasy/Science Fiction). I must say that Stephen King has outdone himself with this book. I'll go ahead and tell you that my overall impression of the book was very positive. It may be my favorite one yet. However, for those of you who haven't yet dove into this 714-page monster, I'll place my pros and cons list below. 

Pros: 

• The sheer amount of creativity that went into this book is amazing. King paints a perfect picture of this time, of this place. As Roland and his ka-tet travel along the path to the Dark Tower, they stumble upon people from a different era... I won't go into too much detail, despite my spoiler alert above. I do enjoy letting the reader experience everything. But I will say, you will get lost in the storyline of this book. It sucks you in. 
• Those of you who haven't read Salem's Lot (Stephen King, 1975) or The Stand (1995) will not be able to fully appreciate this pro, but it may inspire you to dig a bit deeper. King brings so many of his other books in on The Dark Tower. Little whispers here and there throughout the series, but Wolves of the Calla was by far the biggest. Actively throughout the book you hear stories from Father Callahan, (the zombie slaying, former priest, former alcoholic) wise man of this particular Calla. He was the center of Salem's Lot. King has a way of weaving each story into another, and creating holes in the universes that makes up his tales to allow other in. It's truly remarkable.
• Honestly this book has some of the most badass fight scenes. Susannah and the women of the Calla happen to hold the record. I won't say much... but the Wolves aren't good, and they get what they deserve. 

Cons: 

• Again, this book was long. The only qualm I have with the length is that it took me forever to finish it. Short con. 
• I was a bit disappointed at how much the group veered off the path of the Beam in this book. The last installment, Wizard and Glass, did this a lot as well. However I can't complain too much, there were very valuable things in the Calla Bryn Sturgis. Father Callahan is now a member of the ka-tet. But for those of you enjoy a clear storyline, a dependable storyline, well... maybe even reading Stephen King isn't right for you. That man makes a living out of taking readers off their guards. 
• This will be the last time I mention this con in my reviews for this series: **This series is not for young adults/teenagers. It contains some graphic detail and can be quite disturbing. Be careful pursuing this series if you have a weak stomach.**

Overall I'm hungry to finish this series. There are, after all, only two books left. Stephen King has been and will always be one of my favorite writers. He just has a magic on the page, a sure way into your hearts and into your heads. If this book doesn't prove that to you, you're out of luck. 

As always, continue reading, 

Katie