This week, Michael Popple reviews impressive new releases from three of the world’s best authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Hodder & Stoughton, $32.99
After his family recovers from some tough years, high school student Charlie Reade plans to repay a debt he thinks he owes the universe. His quest to do good leads him to helping elderly man Howard Bowditch and his dog Radar. However, Howard is hiding a dark secret, a portal to another universe, and when he dies, Charlie is left alone with the terrible knowledge. The legendary Stephen King presents another classic coming-of-age story, this time set around an epic and captivating tale of good and evil. Loaded with fantastic characters and an outstanding scenario, this is a must-read for all King fans.
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
Viking, $32.99
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are the Thursday Murder Club, four retirees who spend their spare time investigating cold cases. Their latest venture sees them dive into the death of a reporter, whose body was never recovered. Their new case, however, gets more complicated when the killer re-emerges to cover their tracks, and Elizabeth is threatened into returning to her assassin roots. With another incredible blend of extremely likeable characters, a cracking mystery, and some brilliant humour, this is one of the most unique and amusing crime fiction series out there. Relentlessly entertaining, this might be Osman’s best book yet!
The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik
Del Rey, $32.99
After destroying the Scholomance, powerful teenage magic user El is left reeling by the terrible final decision of her boyfriend, Orion Lake. However, she has no time to grieve as she is recruited to save the enclave system she hates. Struggling with her apparently destructive destiny, El must discover the terrible truths behind the magical enclaves, even if the answers will haunt her forever. Novik brings her tragic and powerful Scholomance trilogy to a perfect end, with an exceptional narrative that showcases the author’s amazing ability for long-term storytelling. An excellent and riveting fantasy novel that will leave fans immensely satisfied.
