The Society of Unknowable Objects
Gareth Brown. Morrow, $30 (352p) ISBN 978-0-06-332403-9
This entertaining standalone fantasy from Brown (The Book of Doors) centers on objects of power, or “unknowable objects,” which are secured and guarded by the eponymous top secret group. Magda Sparks, the newest member of the Society, which numbers only four, is a novelist by trade and a lawyer by training. When the Society’s chair, Frank Simpson, is alerted that James Wei, the son of a previous member’s friend whose knowledge of magic represents a security breach, has discovered a new unknowable object in Hong Kong, he tasks Magda with retrieving the item. Magda meets up with James, who takes her to his skyscraper office to hand off a magical chess piece—but, while they are talking, an armed man busts in and shoots James. Magda is only able to escape by using a necklace that allows her to fly. Tracking the mystery assailant forces Magda to confront the true history of the Society and how the unknowable objects come into existence. Seasoned fantasy and mystery readers may guess some of the twists ahead of time, but, after an exposition-heavy start, Brown’s propulsive plot and plucky heroine keep the pages turning. It’s good fun. (Aug.)
Details
Reviewed on: 06/13/2025
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Compact Disc - 979-8-228-47122-1
Hardcover - 978-1-78763-726-9
MP3 CD - 979-8-228-47123-8
Other - 352 pages - 978-0-06-332405-3
Paperback - 978-1-78763-727-6
Paperback - 978-1-80499-240-1