Reviews with content warning for War - Fairy Tale

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Fairy Tale by Stephen King

21 reviews

nikimorr's review

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

There are few books which I purposely read slowly because I do not want it to end. This was one. In fact, it may be Stephen King’s best novel to date (although IT is still a strong contender for #1).

This book is easily 4 full stories in 1. First, the story of Howard Bowditch. Second, the journey with and for Radar. Third, Deep Maleen. And fourth, saving Empis. Essentially, you get a full series in a single book.

Every part of this book was special. Even in the very beginning, when there is no fantasy, I was entranced. Charlie is such an endearing character from the beginning. In essence, Charlie loses his mother in a terrible accident. Charlie’s father becomes an alcoholic thereafter. Charlie prays one night as a child for God to make his dad sober, and, in turn, he would return the favor. Charlie’s father becomes sober, and Charlie begins his journey of trying to repay the promise. This is a theme through the entire book.

This leads to Charlie helping Mr. Bowditch, a man down the street who takes a fall and needs help, in an effort to repay the promise. And of course, Charlie falls in love with Mr. Bowditch’s dog, Radar. Just this part of the story - the friendship, the love of the dog, Charlie dedicating his life to repaying this promise - could have been a book in and of itself.

But this is just the beginning. Charlie will eventually come to learn that Mr. Bowditch has an access to another world in his backyard. And this world may just be able to save the dog, Radar, from old age.

From here is adventure that you have to read to appreciate. This adventure would not happen if not for the Charlie’s desire and goal of saving Radar. As a dog lover, this is the best. I would do so much for my dog - and Charlie faces grave danger for a chance at more time with his dog.

At first, I thought Charlie’s travels to the sundial to reverse time and make his dog younger went too smoothly. Come to find out, we were sailing along just to end up in Deep Maleen, prison for those captured in the city after dark. This was one of the most page turning parts of the story. Then for it to build to prisoners being forced to fight in the Fair One - battles to the death for the entertainment of others - was reminiscent for me of the Hunger Games.
So much wonder and adventure happens that it’s difficult to appreciate it all in one review like it deserves.
Although the ending was still wonderful, it was way more about the journey for me. The only thing I wish was that I was more read up on my fairy tales to appreciate all the references.

Content Warnings