Fairy Tale

I don't usually read Stephen King books–I get them on audiobook and listen to them while driving, while working out or doing yard work, and while I take the dog on walks. I like listening to them because the narrators are always solid, and King always spins a good yarn. He's not my favorite author by a long shot, but he's a good writer and writes very listenable stories.

In FAIRY TALE, King goes full-on Neil Gaiman and spins a wild fantasy novel that is part adventure, part Wizard of Oz, and part Grimm's Fairy Tales come to life.

You can probably find the premise online. King doesn't really break much new ground, and other authors have told this sort of story better than he has, but in the end, it's still an enjoyable romp and very engrossing.

I'd recommend getting the audiobook from your library. Seth Numrich performs this book in its entirety, save for a cameo from King himself, and he does an amazing job. A narrator can make or break a book. I've had to return audiobooks to the library and pick up the physical book because the narrator just doesn't fit the book, or isn't expressive enough, or doesn't perform it well enough.

Numrich is the real deal. He made this book for me. I probably would not have maintained interest without his narration, like if I tried to read this book myself, I would have bailed after 30 or 50 pages. With Numrich lighting the path, I ground through all 24+ hours of the audiobook and enjoyed it greatly.

All in all, this isn't my favorite Stephen King book, but it's a better-than-average book for King. I'd recommend it if you don't have other books to read at the moment.

(However, if you're actively looking for other books, try my mystery novels, the Abe & Duff series. I'd appreciate it!)