bookishmoment 's review for:

The Society of Unknowable Objects: A Novel by Gareth Brown

4.75

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Brown's debut, The Book of Doors, was one of my top reads of 2024, so I was both excited and apprehensive to crack the cover on his sophomore novel. Could lightning strike twice? Would there be a sophomore slump? How could he POSSIBLY top that memorable villain from The Book of Doors?!?

I'm thrilled to report that I was just as captivated by The Society of Unknowable Objects! It's clear that Brown has a tremendous talent for writing genuinely terrifying, memorable villains. Brown has once again created a unique magical structure based in our real world, and many plot points really had me thinking about just what I would do if I was in the character's shoes. So much power! So much danger! So many... flowers?!? 

This is unquestionably a standalone novel, but I must admit that my favorite few pages were a quick and delightful nod to The Book of Doors. I am truly looking forward to going along for whatever adventure Brown dreams up next! 

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me to escape into the Society in exchange for this honest review.