The Dark Tower V: Wolves of the Calla

I finally finished the fifth book in the Dark Tower series last night, Wolves of the Calla. It was probably the best book out of the series so far. A few thoughts (warning, spoilers ahead):

• I like that Jake is starting to grow up. At the end of the book he had his first cigarette. He also went through the experience of losing a good friend, Benny Slightman. From what little I’ve seen of the developing character, I prefer the “growing up” version of Jake more than the kid version.
• When I started reading the series, I knew that Stephen King was a huge Tolkien fan. As I understand it, The Dark Tower series is kind of his homage to Tolkien. I really enjoy picking up all of the references to Lord of the Rings. In Calla Bryn Sturgis there was a man with the last name of Took; the Eye of the Crimson King has been referred to a few times, clearly pointing a finger to the Eye of Sauron; and, in a way, I’ve often seen Marten (Walter, etc.) as similar to Saruman. Being a huge Tolkien fan myself, it’s been good fun seeing this stuff.
• If the series were to be made into movie set, the makers of it would have to procure the services of Clint Eastwood to play Roland. Roland is Clint Eastwood. Perhaps a younger Eastwood, but Eastwood nonetheless. I’m not sure who would play Eddie.
• The whole subplot about Mia and her chap has made me quite nervous. Such a slimy character…
• Wolves = Dr. Doom copies wielding sneetches from Harry Potter and lightsabers from Star Wars. Certainly an interesting mix…

I’m now reading the first book of the Redwall series, at the recommendation of a family member. I’m only 10 or 15 pages in so far, but I’m enjoying it well enough. It’s like a light Lord of the Rings in.. well, instead of Middle Earth, Mousey Earth.