The Society of Unknowable Objects
by Gareth Brown
From the author of the internationally bestselling The Book of Doors, another fantastical, stand-alone novel in which a trio of seemingly everyday people are members of a secret society tasked with finding and protecting hidden magical objects—ordinary items with extraordinary properties.
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful:
The truth.
.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Gareth Brown's The Society of Unknowable Objects is a captivating journey into a world where the mundane and the magical coexist in a delicate balance. This novel, a standalone follow-up to Brown's acclaimed The Book of Doors, delves into the lives of three seemingly ordinary individuals who are part of a clandestine society dedicated to safeguarding magical artifacts. These artifacts, while appearing ordinary, possess extraordinary powers that could alter the fabric of reality if left unchecked.
The narrative begins with an intriguing premise: the world of magical objects has been dormant for years, yet the Society of Unknowable Objects remains vigilant. The society's members, meeting in the shadowy confines of a London bookshop's basement, are tasked with protecting these artifacts from falling into the wrong hands. This setup immediately draws readers into a world that is both familiar and fantastical, where the line between reality and magic is blurred.
At the heart of the story is Magda Sparks, the newest member of the society and a writer by profession. Her character is a refreshing blend of curiosity, intelligence, and vulnerability. Brown crafts Magda with a depth that makes her relatable, yet her involvement in the society adds layers of complexity to her character. Her journey from London to Hong Kong and then across the Atlantic to the United States is not just a physical one but also a journey of self-discovery. As she navigates the dangers posed by a professional killer and uncovers secrets about her own family's legacy, Magda evolves into a formidable protagonist.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of themes of secrecy and truth. The society's mission is shrouded in mystery, and as Magda delves deeper, she realizes that the most dangerous secrets are those kept within the society itself. This theme resonates with the reader, prompting reflection on the nature of truth and the lengths to which individuals and organizations will go to protect it. Brown skillfully weaves this theme into the narrative, creating a tension that propels the story forward.
The novel also touches on the idea of legacy and inheritance. Magda's discovery of her family's connection to the society adds a personal dimension to her quest. This subplot enriches the narrative, providing a backdrop against which Magda's actions and decisions are cast. It raises questions about the responsibilities that come with knowledge and power, and whether one can ever truly escape the shadows of the past.
Brown's writing is both evocative and immersive. His descriptions of the various settings—from the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the mysterious depths of the American South—are vivid and atmospheric. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes that allow for character development and thematic exploration.
In terms of character development, Brown excels in creating a cast of multidimensional characters. Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the society, is portrayed with a sense of gravitas and wisdom, yet he is not without his own secrets and flaws. The dynamics between the society's members are complex, with trust and betrayal playing pivotal roles in the unfolding drama. The antagonist, a professional killer with a personal vendetta, is both menacing and enigmatic, adding an element of suspense and danger to the narrative.
Comparatively, The Society of Unknowable Objects shares thematic similarities with works like Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere and Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, where the ordinary world is interwoven with the magical. However, Brown's novel stands out for its focus on the moral and ethical implications of possessing and protecting magical knowledge. The novel's exploration of truth and secrecy sets it apart, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.
Overall, The Society of Unknowable Objects is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and mystery alike. Gareth Brown has crafted a story that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, with a protagonist who is as compelling as the magical world she inhabits. The novel's exploration of themes such as truth, legacy, and the nature of power ensures that it resonates long after the final page is turned. For readers seeking a blend of magic, mystery, and introspection, this novel is a must-read.
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