Should I read the Talisman / Black House if I haven't read the Dark Tower Books?

[cwalrus]

I'm trying to read SK chronologically but I'm saving the Dark Tower books for last so I can read them all at once. Just finished Pet Semetary and I'm up to the Talisman. Since I see that there are some Dark Tower Connections with this and Black House, I was wondering if I would enjoy reading The Talisman without reading the Dark Tower books first. I think it should be okay since both books are stand alone books but I'm just worried about spoilers. Am I going to read anything that will spoil the Dark Tower books in anyway?

[Snaggletooth]

I don't think any spoilers would be involved here....since there are different characters in the DT books and the Talisman books. The only definite link exists during the 2nd half of BH, and that involves one character that doesn't figure all that strongly until DT7. Confused yet? Well, read on, my friend.

[KyleKarabekian]

There aren't really that many spoilers, and the ones there are aren't really spoilers at all. Like Snaggletooth said, the only real one is half way through Black House.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Yes, go ahead and read The Talisman and Black House, no problems.

Enjoy (you will).

Long days and pleasant nights

[rjt65]

My own thoughts-- read DTR series first.. not have too as the talisman-BH books can and do stand on their own.

It just is that (As SK has stated) the DT theme (not going to spoil what I mean, read the DT series) I know I appreciate all SK books more and undersatnd things better after reading the DT series. themes in teh talisman definitely are understtod better after the DT series IMO.

[Doc Wilson]

I'm with Mr. Dalglish, read them without fear. Talisman especially is one of SK's finest works, I envy you reading it for the first time.

[tracie]

oh the black house i'm looking at the book on my bookshelf and pondering on the idea of reading it all over again thanks to this thread

[Wanderer From Ys]

I'm going to disagree with everyone else. You can read The Talisman without spoilers, but Black House is almost like a Dark Tower Spinoff novel. Sure there is only the one major conversation, that summarizes the events, but throughout there is heavy talk of the Crimson King, The tower, beams, breakers, and Gunslingers. I believe Roland even is mentioned by name. Also Black House spoils the fate of Blaine the mono.

I suggest reading the Dark Tower first, or at least the first few books, because you will have a much better understanding of what will probably sound like randomness.

[GNTLGNT]

Nahhh, go ahead and read em-your brain will say "thankee-sai"...:smile2:

[xkittyx]

Read the Talisman with no fear. I first read it when I was in 6th or 7th grade, started on a 6 hour car ride. I couldn't put it down, loved it! Reread it last year, after having done all the DT series, and loved it even more. But Talisman definitely can stand on it's own.

[aunt sam]

Go ahead and read Talisman 1st, i think it will help with the DTs. Save Black House 'til after, not so much for spoilers but comprehension.

[E.Freemantle]

Read the Talisman and Black House- there are some concordances with the Dark Tower Series/Cycle. Many actually. I say Read The Talisman, then The Dark Tower Series ,then read Black House. Just an opinion in that some things come up in Black House that ,to me chronologically make sense, after Dark Tower VII. Like little tid bits for the Constant Stephen King /Peter Straub readers . Anyway if you read all of them you will know what I mean. Great Rewards await no matter how you do it. Readers Choice The pair, or Talisman DT, then Black House. Either way you will always be changed after these mindscapes. E.Freemantle AKA Beambounder. Have a great time. I sure did.

[tatman]

i have read talisman and blackhouse so is DT series a per cursor to them both?

[Mistie]

No spoilers...they are stand alone books. All are great.

[cat in a bag]

I just reread The Talisman about a month ago, and Black House was next on my list, but got distracted by another couple books. After reading these posts, I think I will reread DT books first, sounds like I missed a lot the first time around!! Summer went by way too quickly, not enough time to get to all the SK books I planned to revisit, but they are waiting for me when I do!

[scarywriter]

while there are som overlaps (aren't there always a few in the SK world?) Talisman and BH are both great books on their own and require no DT knowledge. Also, I highly recommend them.