Fairy Tale

Fairy Tale

2022 • 608 pages

Ratings314

Average rating4

15

Stephen King's “Fairy Tale” combines his familiar touch for horror with an exploration into the realm of high fantasy. The story centers around Charlie Reade, a boy who has experienced more than his fair share of hardships, and his journey into a parallel world hidden deep within his neighbor's shed.

Despite King's immersive storytelling and unique blend of genres, “Fairy Tale” fails to weave its various plot points into a cohesive whole. The book's structure often feels disjointed, with each event serving only to propel the narrative to the next, and leaving the reader with a sense of untied loose ends.

Though it may not rank among King's most impressive works, “Fairy Tale” is an enjoyable and brisk read. Readers who can look past its structural issues will find an engaging story about a boy who is thrust into a world that is at once magical and terrifying.

April 17, 2023