A review by lissaslibraryxo
Fairy Tale by Stephen King

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Fairy Tale is a characterful, deeply cool romp through a cruel but enchanting fantasy land called Empis. The book is skilfully plotted in what I would define as quarters - the first is hero Charlie's Illinois reality, the second is his first taste of Empis, the third is his magical, suffering-filled coming-of-age, and the fourth is battle and resolution. Fairy Tale isn't frightening - it is tense and delightfully grim/gross at some points - and is original despite drawing inspiration from well-established fairy tale tropes. Charlie is an endearing, funny and believable protagonist. Empis is highly imaginative, as are lots of idiosyncratic phrases used. Loses a bit of steam in the last quarter and flails slightly, but is bastioned by loveable characters, vivid setting and a great ending. 
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