1MIN Book Review for Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Book Review for Fairy Tale by Stephen King
3.5 stars
Fairy Tale is a thick book for such a slim story. Which is perplexing considering the epic concept.

I'm sure you know what it's about: Boy befriends an old man and his dog. The old man has a secret and he keeps it where old men keep secrets--in his backyard shed. Adventure ensues.

The first third of the book is build-up. I spent a lot of that time thinking "This is lovely, BUT WHAT'S IN THE SHED?!"

The second third is discovery/immersion/wicked problem. This part is probably the slowest. It lags. Which shocks me because I've read what King can do with such a huge canvas. It's some of the best reading I've ever experienced. But in this book, King settles for a small slice of the kingdom. A suburb's worth. And I never felt grave concern for Charlie. Partly because he narrates the story, so there's an expectation of his survival, but also because King does more telling than showing in this novel.

The final third has all the action and derring-do, as well as a satisfying end.

This was the first new King I've read since Sleeping Beauties. And for this long-time Constant Reader, it was a welcome return to the imagination that shaped my imagination. But it burns dimmer. A lower wattage. It made me long for The Talisman, The Drawing of the Three, The Wind Through the Keyhole, and The Eyes of the Dragon. I'd say to you: read those if you haven't. Read Fairy Tale to catch the echo of magic.

The Drawing of the Three: https://amzn.to/3rzZ0px
The Wind Through the Keyhole: https://amzn.to/3yn7zYt
The Talisman: https://amzn.to/3TkzHnt
The Eyes of the Dragon: https://amzn.to/3CF2VI8

Oh and there's huge plot hole in this book and an unfortunate M. Night Shyamalan connection.

I thank the Uni that Holly Gibney isn't in it. Though I see she lurks still.