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The Society of Unknowable Objects
From the author of the internationally bestselling The Book of Doors, another fantastical, stand-alone novel in which a trio of seemingly everyday people are members of a secret society tasked with finding and protecting hidden magical objects—ordinary items with extraordinary properties.
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more
The truth.
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more
The truth.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2025
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49135 people want to read
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November 26, 2024JUST FOUND OUT THIS AUTHOR HAS A NEW BOOK COMING OUT CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING WITH JOY FROM THE ROOFTOPS ??!!??!!)$&@$?!!
August 12, 2025
･ﾟ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 ·˚˖‧
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪!
·˚˖Book aesthetic on Instagram·˚˖
❝ All unknowable objects did something: ordinary, everyday items that would enable those who possessed them to do unusual and extraordinary things. ❞
╰𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚛𝚎𝚎╮
✦ Name: The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown
✦ Pub Date: August 12, 2025
✦ Rating: 4/5
✦ Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
✦ POV: Third person multiple
✦ Spice: 0/5
✦ Age: 15+
✦ CW: De*th of parent, Gr*ef, Vi*lence, G*n vi*lence, M*rder
࣪ ִֶָ 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘 ·˚˖
The Society of Unknowable Objects is a secret group hiding beneath a London bookstore, guarding ordinary but magical items. When a dangerous artifact shows up in Hong Kong, new member Magda Sparks sets off to investigate. What starts as a simple search turns into a dangerous race filled with enemies and secrets that change everything.
·˚˖ 𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 ˖˚·
Earlier this year, I read The Book of Doors and really liked it! When I found out the author was releasing another book, I didn’t hesitate to want it. I enjoyed it a lot, though sometimes it felt a bit slow, but the ending had so much action and info, and the epilogue, wow! The book reads easily and grips you from the first page. It’s got a lot, adventure, secrets, power, and legacy, all mixed with interesting mythology and a complex plot.
Even though this book stands on its own and doesn’t require reading the author’s debut, it’s set in the same universe as The Book of Doors, which hooked me even more and made me happy. It also features magical items and a secret society that protects them.
Honestly, I wish I had a pair of speed boots, at moments like that, you think nothing bad could happen, but if they fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be real.
·˚˖ 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 ˖˚·
The characters didn’t grab me as much, but that’s okay, they’re all different, and I liked the light romance that adds some flavor.
This book also reminded me of the TV show The Librarians, which I love.
࣪ ִֶָ ⊹ 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 ·˚˖
↠ The Librarians (TV show)
↠ Urban fantasy with secret societies
↠ Stories about magical artifacts
↠ Mysteries with a mix of humor and suspense
↠ Books with rich mythology
↠ Adventure stories with strong female leads
𓂃 Is this one on your TBR, or have you already read it? Is magic good or evil? Do we have the right to possess it?𓂃
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪!
·˚˖Book aesthetic on Instagram·˚˖
❝ All unknowable objects did something: ordinary, everyday items that would enable those who possessed them to do unusual and extraordinary things. ❞
╰𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚛𝚎𝚎╮
✦ Name: The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown
✦ Pub Date: August 12, 2025
✦ Rating: 4/5
✦ Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
✦ POV: Third person multiple
✦ Spice: 0/5
✦ Age: 15+
✦ CW: De*th of parent, Gr*ef, Vi*lence, G*n vi*lence, M*rder
࣪ ִֶָ 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘 ·˚˖
The Society of Unknowable Objects is a secret group hiding beneath a London bookstore, guarding ordinary but magical items. When a dangerous artifact shows up in Hong Kong, new member Magda Sparks sets off to investigate. What starts as a simple search turns into a dangerous race filled with enemies and secrets that change everything.
·˚˖ 𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 ˖˚·
Earlier this year, I read The Book of Doors and really liked it! When I found out the author was releasing another book, I didn’t hesitate to want it. I enjoyed it a lot, though sometimes it felt a bit slow, but the ending had so much action and info, and the epilogue, wow! The book reads easily and grips you from the first page. It’s got a lot, adventure, secrets, power, and legacy, all mixed with interesting mythology and a complex plot.
Even though this book stands on its own and doesn’t require reading the author’s debut, it’s set in the same universe as The Book of Doors, which hooked me even more and made me happy. It also features magical items and a secret society that protects them.
Honestly, I wish I had a pair of speed boots, at moments like that, you think nothing bad could happen, but if they fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be real.
·˚˖ 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 ˖˚·
The characters didn’t grab me as much, but that’s okay, they’re all different, and I liked the light romance that adds some flavor.
This book also reminded me of the TV show The Librarians, which I love.
࣪ ִֶָ ⊹ 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 ·˚˖
↠ The Librarians (TV show)
↠ Urban fantasy with secret societies
↠ Stories about magical artifacts
↠ Mysteries with a mix of humor and suspense
↠ Books with rich mythology
↠ Adventure stories with strong female leads
𓂃 Is this one on your TBR, or have you already read it? Is magic good or evil? Do we have the right to possess it?𓂃
September 4, 2025
Immersive, spellbinding, and undeniably special, The Society of Unknowable Objects pulled me happily back into the world of The Book of Doors. From the evocative prose to the found family dynamic, there wasn’t a thing not to love about this genre-bending tale. Conjuring up the perfect mix of magical realism, mystery, adventure, fantasy, and just a dash of romance, there was a bit of everything in there to love. You see, with a heroes-versus-villains premisefast-paced as it was packed full of thrills, the rich characterizations and equally vivid world-building spun a story that felt as real as could be. This was so true, in fact, that it seemed as if I was either a fly on the wall or watching the events take place on a screen.
Speaking of the characters, I couldn’t get over how well-developed and moving they all were. From the root-for-able Magda, who was compelling and strong-willed, to the nefarious Owen, who was the absolutely perfect black-hat antagonist, they both came alive on the page. As for the rest of the Society’s motley crew, they were just as well-rounded and deep. Coming together slowly over the length of the novel, they left me with a big, huge grin on my face by the end. After all, the arc of their personas was simply divine. Alongside a plot that delivered a pulse-pounding game of cat-and-mouse complete with a series of truly unguessable twists, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love about this dynamite read. Bravo, Mr. Brown!
All said and done, I was beyond blown away by this stand-alone novel. Taking me all over the world in a realistic yet fantastical flight of good vs. evil, there was heart, suspense, and even a bit of humor in these utterly thought-provoking scenes. You see, layered amongst the adrenaline-fueled action were plenty of moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries, which all added depth to the plot. Even if you don’t want to think while reading this book, however, the hypnotic storyline offered up a somewhat straightforward adventure that was addictive in the extreme. Sure to tie into The Book of Doors even more given how this story concluded, I’m now on pins and needles waiting for whatever is going to come next in this mesmerizing saga. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful:
Thank you to Gareth Brown and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 12, 2025
Content warning: gun and knife violence, murder, violence, death of a loved one
Speaking of the characters, I couldn’t get over how well-developed and moving they all were. From the root-for-able Magda, who was compelling and strong-willed, to the nefarious Owen, who was the absolutely perfect black-hat antagonist, they both came alive on the page. As for the rest of the Society’s motley crew, they were just as well-rounded and deep. Coming together slowly over the length of the novel, they left me with a big, huge grin on my face by the end. After all, the arc of their personas was simply divine. Alongside a plot that delivered a pulse-pounding game of cat-and-mouse complete with a series of truly unguessable twists, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love about this dynamite read. Bravo, Mr. Brown!
All said and done, I was beyond blown away by this stand-alone novel. Taking me all over the world in a realistic yet fantastical flight of good vs. evil, there was heart, suspense, and even a bit of humor in these utterly thought-provoking scenes. You see, layered amongst the adrenaline-fueled action were plenty of moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries, which all added depth to the plot. Even if you don’t want to think while reading this book, however, the hypnotic storyline offered up a somewhat straightforward adventure that was addictive in the extreme. Sure to tie into The Book of Doors even more given how this story concluded, I’m now on pins and needles waiting for whatever is going to come next in this mesmerizing saga. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful:
Thank you to Gareth Brown and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 12, 2025
Content warning: gun and knife violence, murder, violence, death of a loved one
July 30, 2025
'All unknowable objects did something: ordinary, everyday items that would enable those who possessed them to do unusual and extraordinary things.'
The Society of Unknowable Objects has been meeting for decades. Charged with the protection of magical items coming into the possession of an ill doer, membership to the society has been passed down exclusively to the next generation. Although, to be honest, no new discoveries or disorder has happened in at least 20 years so when word comes in of a new find, Magda Sparks, the newest and most eager member, jumps at the chance to go claim it. But where magic exists, nothing is straightforward, and it seems like the Society would have been better named, The Society of Secrets.
What a wonderful story. Like the alchemy of a magic potion, mixing adventure, mystery, and magic, added with a dash of romance and a couple of twists, a delightful story is conjured. The main story is woven with some alternate POVs and timelines, backfilling some of the characters' history, adding a richness to the mystery of it all. As the story builds, the action and thrills do to.
I don't read fantasy that often, and I missed the acclaimed, The Book of Doors, so I was sure to grab this one, and I’m so glad I did.
'...this was a place where an incredible secret was kept within its walls, a place of mysteries and magic...'
The Society of Unknowable Objects has been meeting for decades. Charged with the protection of magical items coming into the possession of an ill doer, membership to the society has been passed down exclusively to the next generation. Although, to be honest, no new discoveries or disorder has happened in at least 20 years so when word comes in of a new find, Magda Sparks, the newest and most eager member, jumps at the chance to go claim it. But where magic exists, nothing is straightforward, and it seems like the Society would have been better named, The Society of Secrets.
What a wonderful story. Like the alchemy of a magic potion, mixing adventure, mystery, and magic, added with a dash of romance and a couple of twists, a delightful story is conjured. The main story is woven with some alternate POVs and timelines, backfilling some of the characters' history, adding a richness to the mystery of it all. As the story builds, the action and thrills do to.
I don't read fantasy that often, and I missed the acclaimed, The Book of Doors, so I was sure to grab this one, and I’m so glad I did.
'...this was a place where an incredible secret was kept within its walls, a place of mysteries and magic...'
August 13, 2025
teetering between 3.5/4 stars so rounding up! THE BOOK OF DOORS author is back with a new novel set in the same universe. it was definitely a good read, but hard to live up to the caliber of his debut.
one question to answer right away: while this isn’t a sequel to THE BOOK OF DOORS, it is interconnected so i highly recommend reading that one first!!
like so many, THE BOOK OF DOORS was a favorite read for 2024 for me. when you have that successful of a debut novel, it’s certainly extremely challenging for the author to follow up with a sophomore novel (which he also says in his acknowledgments so i feel for him there). think: Carley Fortune with MEET ME AT THE LAKE after EVERY SUMMER AFTER (iykyk lol). this book drew me in immediately, but like others are saying i completely agree that it didn’t quite live up to the caliber of his debut novel—especially from the standpoint of the character development. to me, Magda and Frank were the only ones really flushed out and i would have liked to know the other characters a bit more as i was obsessed with the characters in BOOK OF DOORS and felt so emotionally connected to the story bc of it.
all that said, this book has really similar elements—it’s such a good blend of magical realism and mystery, but also has suspense, coming-of-age and a little bit of romance sprinkled in. i very much enjoyed the journey that the characters went on and found it to be really interesting when you got to a twist about halfway through.
the concept of this book was awesome: there are magical objects out in the world that when gotten ahold of, can be used to do some pretty powerful stuff (mind control, help you fly, make you intangible/ghostlike, make you see things, etc.). and what happens if some objects get in the hands of the wrong people?? that is what the society is for!
i’m not gonna spoil too much, but let me just say that the last chapter was certainly my favorite and gives me a lot of excitement moving forward when thinking about what the author will do with this little universe he has created 🥹👏🏼📚✨
TLDR; i enjoy his writing so much and do recommend this book, but it’s going to be nearly impossible to beat THE BOOK OF DOORS in my eyes—which honestly is a good thing because it’s such a great book!
one question to answer right away: while this isn’t a sequel to THE BOOK OF DOORS, it is interconnected so i highly recommend reading that one first!!
like so many, THE BOOK OF DOORS was a favorite read for 2024 for me. when you have that successful of a debut novel, it’s certainly extremely challenging for the author to follow up with a sophomore novel (which he also says in his acknowledgments so i feel for him there). think: Carley Fortune with MEET ME AT THE LAKE after EVERY SUMMER AFTER (iykyk lol). this book drew me in immediately, but like others are saying i completely agree that it didn’t quite live up to the caliber of his debut novel—especially from the standpoint of the character development. to me, Magda and Frank were the only ones really flushed out and i would have liked to know the other characters a bit more as i was obsessed with the characters in BOOK OF DOORS and felt so emotionally connected to the story bc of it.
all that said, this book has really similar elements—it’s such a good blend of magical realism and mystery, but also has suspense, coming-of-age and a little bit of romance sprinkled in. i very much enjoyed the journey that the characters went on and found it to be really interesting when you got to a twist about halfway through.
the concept of this book was awesome: there are magical objects out in the world that when gotten ahold of, can be used to do some pretty powerful stuff (mind control, help you fly, make you intangible/ghostlike, make you see things, etc.). and what happens if some objects get in the hands of the wrong people?? that is what the society is for!
i’m not gonna spoil too much, but let me just say that the last chapter was certainly my favorite and gives me a lot of excitement moving forward when thinking about what the author will do with this little universe he has created 🥹👏🏼📚✨
TLDR; i enjoy his writing so much and do recommend this book, but it’s going to be nearly impossible to beat THE BOOK OF DOORS in my eyes—which honestly is a good thing because it’s such a great book!
August 26, 2025
Magda Sparks is a very popular and accomplished writer, although she uses a pseudonym in her books. In addition to being a writer, she's also a member of the Society of Unknowable Objects (SOUO) which convenes twice a year to talk about "unknowable objects", but what are they? They are every-day objects that possess magic within.
What makes these objects magical? Who created them and why must the Society keep them safe from being exposed to the world? The only person who seems to know everything about it is Frank Simpson.
Nothing usually exciting seems to ever happen in such meetings, but Frank has convened an extraordinary one to which all members are invited to attend. Frank, Will Pinn, Magda, and Henry Wiseman (only she hasn't attended any meeting in the past few years). Magda's anticipation and curiosity pay off as Frank tells them one of the Society rules which is to keep any knowledge of the artefacts to themselves has been breached, but such breach is leading them to an artefact the SOUO had no knowledge of. The only problem is one of them is to travel to Honk Kong to retrieve it.
After some discussion, Magda takes a trip to Honk Kong, but while attempting to take the object back with her, she realizes there are dangerous people trying to take hold of any scattered objects around the world. Magda soon realizes that the SOUO's mission is even more important than she thought.
Will SOUO succeed in keeping the world safe from these people and from these magical artefacts being misused to cause any harm?
Gareth Brown takes us back to an enjoyable and magical journey where some dangers are to be faced.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
What makes these objects magical? Who created them and why must the Society keep them safe from being exposed to the world? The only person who seems to know everything about it is Frank Simpson.
Nothing usually exciting seems to ever happen in such meetings, but Frank has convened an extraordinary one to which all members are invited to attend. Frank, Will Pinn, Magda, and Henry Wiseman (only she hasn't attended any meeting in the past few years). Magda's anticipation and curiosity pay off as Frank tells them one of the Society rules which is to keep any knowledge of the artefacts to themselves has been breached, but such breach is leading them to an artefact the SOUO had no knowledge of. The only problem is one of them is to travel to Honk Kong to retrieve it.
After some discussion, Magda takes a trip to Honk Kong, but while attempting to take the object back with her, she realizes there are dangerous people trying to take hold of any scattered objects around the world. Magda soon realizes that the SOUO's mission is even more important than she thought.
Will SOUO succeed in keeping the world safe from these people and from these magical artefacts being misused to cause any harm?
Gareth Brown takes us back to an enjoyable and magical journey where some dangers are to be faced.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
July 7, 2025
I fell in love with Gareth Brown's debut fantasy novel, BOOK OF DOORS, so when I heard that his next novel, THE SOCIETY OF UNKNOWABLE OBJECTS, was in the same universe, I knew that I needed to jump in as soon as possible. Sadly, this one didn't really work out as well for me, but I am very happy that it seems like this Brown's journey in this world is continuing.
For decades, a secret society (The Society of Unknowable Objects) in London has quietly protected magical objects hidden from the world. When news of a powerful new artifact surfaces in Hong Kong, Magda Sparks is sent to investigate. Her search sets off a deadly chase, uncovering dangerous secrets and a legacy that leads her across the globe.
This society felt like they were working for the same result that our faves from Doors was doing, but within a passed down family secret society. I loved the aspect about this book, but it missed the magic and charm from the first one. We are given a lot of characters who don't really feel any different from each other and were a bit one dimensional. Magda was definitely the only strong character in this book. The journey this group goes on felt a bit watered down from DOORS, but I was still fully invested. This book ends on such a great note that reassured me that the groups from DOORS and OBJECTS will most likely cross paths on their mission in another installment, but I think that I had my hopes too high on this being a BOOK OF DOORS 2.0. I will be waiting for Gareth Brown's next novel in hopes we get that.
For decades, a secret society (The Society of Unknowable Objects) in London has quietly protected magical objects hidden from the world. When news of a powerful new artifact surfaces in Hong Kong, Magda Sparks is sent to investigate. Her search sets off a deadly chase, uncovering dangerous secrets and a legacy that leads her across the globe.
This society felt like they were working for the same result that our faves from Doors was doing, but within a passed down family secret society. I loved the aspect about this book, but it missed the magic and charm from the first one. We are given a lot of characters who don't really feel any different from each other and were a bit one dimensional. Magda was definitely the only strong character in this book. The journey this group goes on felt a bit watered down from DOORS, but I was still fully invested. This book ends on such a great note that reassured me that the groups from DOORS and OBJECTS will most likely cross paths on their mission in another installment, but I think that I had my hopes too high on this being a BOOK OF DOORS 2.0. I will be waiting for Gareth Brown's next novel in hopes we get that.
August 12, 2025
Update 8/12/25: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me an ARC of The Society of Unknowable Objects in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of this book tells you every you need to know about the plot, so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts.
The Society of Unknowable Objects can be read as a standalone novel, though it is loosely connected to Mr. Browns debut novel, The Book of Doors. There’s a cameo by Cassie, and the ending definitely implies a third book featuring characters from both books.
The Society of Unknowable Objects is a good story, though I have to admit I didn’t love it the way I loved The Book of Doors. Maybe it hit a few too many similar beats, or maybe I just didn’t like the villains as much, but the book didn’t grab me as much as the first one did. And I wonder if the ending will come back to haunt Magda and the rest of the Society. Still, I certainly recommend The Society of Unknowable Objects, and I’m looking forward to the next book by Gareth Brown.
All unknowable objects did something; these ordinary, everyday items could enable those who possessed them to do unusual and extraordinary things. Several such items had been discovered throughout the history of the Society, some identified through concerted effort, others stumbled upon in the most unusual of places or unexpected of circumstances. And now that collection, the Society archive, was hidden away in the basement beneath Bell Street Books, kept safe from the world.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me an ARC of The Society of Unknowable Objects in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of this book tells you every you need to know about the plot, so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts.
The Society of Unknowable Objects can be read as a standalone novel, though it is loosely connected to Mr. Browns debut novel, The Book of Doors. There’s a cameo by Cassie, and the ending definitely implies a third book featuring characters from both books.
The Society of Unknowable Objects is a good story, though I have to admit I didn’t love it the way I loved The Book of Doors. Maybe it hit a few too many similar beats, or maybe I just didn’t like the villains as much, but the book didn’t grab me as much as the first one did. And I wonder if the ending will come back to haunt Magda and the rest of the Society. Still, I certainly recommend The Society of Unknowable Objects, and I’m looking forward to the next book by Gareth Brown.
April 8, 2025
Magda had been a member of the Society of Unknowable Objects since her mother’s death.
They were created to collect and protect and keep secret the magical items of the world. For the first time in 40 years, a new item has come to light and Magda travels to Hong Kong to secure it.
Brown has such a way at describing vivid images. Whether that be a character and their personality through their quirks or the setting of a bustling city with restaurants tucked in side streets that are worth the heat.
‘I’ve been holding secrets for so long it’s like my fist has turned to stone. It’ll take a while to uncurl the fingers.’
Like his previous book, there is a light romance - brought together by situation and trauma and complementing each other in interests and values (mainly food).
Personally, I found there was too many unneeded perspective changes and it might have been better keeping it more intimate. It caused repetition and sometimes ruined the pacing or added unnecessary backstory or tangents.
Then again, this is a unique style of Brown’s that gives you a wider picture and gives you more depth to the cast.
‘Why do men like you always blame other people for your own choices?’
I would recommend reading the Book of Doors first as there are allusions and Easter Eggs to catch with an epilogue that hints at an interconnected world we will explore.
Arc gifted by Transworld Publishing.
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They were created to collect and protect and keep secret the magical items of the world. For the first time in 40 years, a new item has come to light and Magda travels to Hong Kong to secure it.
Brown has such a way at describing vivid images. Whether that be a character and their personality through their quirks or the setting of a bustling city with restaurants tucked in side streets that are worth the heat.
‘I’ve been holding secrets for so long it’s like my fist has turned to stone. It’ll take a while to uncurl the fingers.’
Like his previous book, there is a light romance - brought together by situation and trauma and complementing each other in interests and values (mainly food).
Personally, I found there was too many unneeded perspective changes and it might have been better keeping it more intimate. It caused repetition and sometimes ruined the pacing or added unnecessary backstory or tangents.
Then again, this is a unique style of Brown’s that gives you a wider picture and gives you more depth to the cast.
‘Why do men like you always blame other people for your own choices?’
I would recommend reading the Book of Doors first as there are allusions and Easter Eggs to catch with an epilogue that hints at an interconnected world we will explore.
Arc gifted by Transworld Publishing.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
August 12, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the pre-release copy of The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown. Below is my honest review.
If you haven't read The Book of Doors, then you haven't seen just how much fun Gareth Brown's stories are. If you have, then you know going into this one to expect lots of mayhem and kookiness.
This one revolves around a small group of people who have inherited spots in The Society of Unknowable Objects, a team that is aware of seemingly everyday items that hold great powers and is determined to prevent them from being abused by bad folks. They seek them out and bring them home, locking them up to make sure they don't fall into the hands of those who would use them for evil or greed or selfishness.
But there's a small problem with that... someone else is aware of these items, and has made it his goal to stockpile power, and he'll stop at nothing to do it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one. Great characters, really fun superpowered items, and a special little bit at the end that made me smile.
I look forward to the next book Gareth Brown puts out. After the end of this one, I'm 100% certain he's got more coming.
Definitely recommend, and highly suggest you read The Book of Doors as well. Four stars.
If you haven't read The Book of Doors, then you haven't seen just how much fun Gareth Brown's stories are. If you have, then you know going into this one to expect lots of mayhem and kookiness.
This one revolves around a small group of people who have inherited spots in The Society of Unknowable Objects, a team that is aware of seemingly everyday items that hold great powers and is determined to prevent them from being abused by bad folks. They seek them out and bring them home, locking them up to make sure they don't fall into the hands of those who would use them for evil or greed or selfishness.
But there's a small problem with that... someone else is aware of these items, and has made it his goal to stockpile power, and he'll stop at nothing to do it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one. Great characters, really fun superpowered items, and a special little bit at the end that made me smile.
I look forward to the next book Gareth Brown puts out. After the end of this one, I'm 100% certain he's got more coming.
Definitely recommend, and highly suggest you read The Book of Doors as well. Four stars.
January 17, 2025
Gareth Brown's Book of Doors was one of my top reads for 2024. I jumped on this title when I saw it listed in NetGalley.
The Society of Unknowable Objects has a similar feel to Book of Doors, except we immediately know we're dealing with magical objects. What those objects do... are not always apparent. Magda joins the Society after the death of her mother. The Society has been quietly meeting for years in a mostly uneventful manner. But when a potentially new object is available, Magda discovers that the Society are not the only ones seeking the magic objects.
I enjoyed the Society of Unknowable Objects and would definitely recommend it to those who read the Book of Doors and enjoy a little magic in their life. To me, it felt like there was a lot of 'explanations' during the first half of the book, but when adventures and magic happened, it was perfection. Lots of twists and excitement to stay engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Society of Unknowable Objects has a similar feel to Book of Doors, except we immediately know we're dealing with magical objects. What those objects do... are not always apparent. Magda joins the Society after the death of her mother. The Society has been quietly meeting for years in a mostly uneventful manner. But when a potentially new object is available, Magda discovers that the Society are not the only ones seeking the magic objects.
I enjoyed the Society of Unknowable Objects and would definitely recommend it to those who read the Book of Doors and enjoy a little magic in their life. To me, it felt like there was a lot of 'explanations' during the first half of the book, but when adventures and magic happened, it was perfection. Lots of twists and excitement to stay engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2025
If you’ve read Garett Brown’s debut novel, “The Book of Doors”, then you know he can write an excellent story. This novel is set in the same world, but the Society of Unknowable Objects is based in London, in a cute little bookshop. The prologue immediately grabs your attention, with a character on the hunt for magical items in the US’s Southwest. From there, we go to Magda, a bestselling author who basically grew up in Bell Street Books and is very good friends with Frank, the older gentleman who owns the store.
Throughout the course of the book, we see how magical items can be used for good…and for evil. And there’s evil in these pages. Evil that is *very* interested in extraordinary objects.
On to my opinion of the overall story—it’s good. However, it is not the masterpiece that Brown’s debut novel is. I think it boils down to character development and making the reader really care about each person. I just didn’t connect with Magda like I did with Cassie in the previous book. Magda makes some stupid decisions that made me question her thought processes. Frank is absolutely maddening. I understand where Will is coming from, but he comes off as frustrating. There’s insta-love and events that felt more like “because the plot said so” rather than natural progressions. In “The Book of Doors”, each little thing came back around to tie in perfectly with everything else at the end. I never got that here—instead, the jumping back and forth between timelines felt somewhat jarring, especially if they were about unlikable people, which was often.
Ultimately, I think I’ll settle on giving it a 3.75, rounded up. There’s a good story in here; I just wish the characters could have been my cherished friends instead of thinking, “See ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya!” upon finishing. Brown is still an auto-buy author for me, though, and I anxiously await another book, hopefully featuring Cassie!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance ecopy! All opinions are mine alone.
Throughout the course of the book, we see how magical items can be used for good…and for evil. And there’s evil in these pages. Evil that is *very* interested in extraordinary objects.
On to my opinion of the overall story—it’s good. However, it is not the masterpiece that Brown’s debut novel is. I think it boils down to character development and making the reader really care about each person. I just didn’t connect with Magda like I did with Cassie in the previous book. Magda makes some stupid decisions that made me question her thought processes. Frank is absolutely maddening. I understand where Will is coming from, but he comes off as frustrating. There’s insta-love and events that felt more like “because the plot said so” rather than natural progressions. In “The Book of Doors”, each little thing came back around to tie in perfectly with everything else at the end. I never got that here—instead, the jumping back and forth between timelines felt somewhat jarring, especially if they were about unlikable people, which was often.
Ultimately, I think I’ll settle on giving it a 3.75, rounded up. There’s a good story in here; I just wish the characters could have been my cherished friends instead of thinking, “See ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya!” upon finishing. Brown is still an auto-buy author for me, though, and I anxiously await another book, hopefully featuring Cassie!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance ecopy! All opinions are mine alone.
July 25, 2025
Gareth Brown casts another winning spell.
4.5 stars rounded up.
"The Society of Unknowable Objects" centers on a secret society hidden beneath a London bookshop, where four unlikely guardians protect “unknowable objects” - seemingly ordinary items with extraordinary powers. When a dangerous artifact resurfaces in Hong Kong, newest member Magda Sparks, an author with secrets of her own, is sent to investigate. What begins as a retrieval mission quickly spirals into a dangerous international chase, involving shadowy enemies, long-buried truths, and revelations that challenge the very foundation of the Society’s mission.
The novel cements author Gareth Brown’s place as a master of modern fantasy fiction. Following his internationally bestselling debut "The Book of Doors", which I absolutely ado(o)red, Brown delivers another imaginative, immersive, and elegantly crafted story - one that stands on its own while quietly expanding the magical world fans of his writing have come to adore.
As with "The Book of Doors", Brown excels at intricate worldbuilding and populates his novel with vivid, emotionally resonant characters. Magda is compelling and tenacious, and her fellow society members - present and future - are drawn with equal depth and warmth. Likewise, Owen is a compelling antagonist: there was no ambiguity in his menace, and that made him truly chilling. Finally, though I found Luke’s storyline to be slightly predictable and not as convincing, it adds a compelling layer of moral complexity to the plot.
The book's prose is sharp and engaging, balancing suspense, heart, and quiet humor with ease. Full of rich mythology and a deeply satisfying arc, "The Society of Unknowable Objects" is both a thrilling adventure and a thoughtful meditation on power, secrecy, and legacy.
While "The Society of Unknowable Objects" is a standalone novel, it shares the same world and expands on the themes of magical objects and a secret society dedicated to protecting them as "The Book of Doors". While not a direct sequel, and offering a complete narrative even without prior knowledge of "The Book of Doors", it also features a delightful cameo from a character in "The Book of Doors", and the ending of the book strongly hints at at least one other work to further tie these two stories together. I for one cannot wait.
Many thanks to the publisher, William Morrow, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"The Society of Unknowable Objects" is slated to be released on August 12, 2025.
4.5 stars rounded up.
“All unknowable objects did something; these ordinary, everyday items could enable those who possessed them to do unusual and extraordinary things.”
"The Society of Unknowable Objects" centers on a secret society hidden beneath a London bookshop, where four unlikely guardians protect “unknowable objects” - seemingly ordinary items with extraordinary powers. When a dangerous artifact resurfaces in Hong Kong, newest member Magda Sparks, an author with secrets of her own, is sent to investigate. What begins as a retrieval mission quickly spirals into a dangerous international chase, involving shadowy enemies, long-buried truths, and revelations that challenge the very foundation of the Society’s mission.
The novel cements author Gareth Brown’s place as a master of modern fantasy fiction. Following his internationally bestselling debut "The Book of Doors", which I absolutely ado(o)red, Brown delivers another imaginative, immersive, and elegantly crafted story - one that stands on its own while quietly expanding the magical world fans of his writing have come to adore.
As with "The Book of Doors", Brown excels at intricate worldbuilding and populates his novel with vivid, emotionally resonant characters. Magda is compelling and tenacious, and her fellow society members - present and future - are drawn with equal depth and warmth. Likewise, Owen is a compelling antagonist: there was no ambiguity in his menace, and that made him truly chilling. Finally, though I found Luke’s storyline to be slightly predictable and not as convincing, it adds a compelling layer of moral complexity to the plot.
The book's prose is sharp and engaging, balancing suspense, heart, and quiet humor with ease. Full of rich mythology and a deeply satisfying arc, "The Society of Unknowable Objects" is both a thrilling adventure and a thoughtful meditation on power, secrecy, and legacy.
While "The Society of Unknowable Objects" is a standalone novel, it shares the same world and expands on the themes of magical objects and a secret society dedicated to protecting them as "The Book of Doors". While not a direct sequel, and offering a complete narrative even without prior knowledge of "The Book of Doors", it also features a delightful cameo from a character in "The Book of Doors", and the ending of the book strongly hints at at least one other work to further tie these two stories together. I for one cannot wait.
Many thanks to the publisher, William Morrow, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"The Society of Unknowable Objects" is slated to be released on August 12, 2025.
August 12, 2025
As many of you know, I’m a big fan of The Book of Doors, so I went into The Society of Unknowable Objects as blind as possible. I knew it was loosely linked to Door of Doors but not a direct sequel. This didn’t disappoint. It was a magical trip of a book. It reminded me of a John Marrs novel in its fast-paced and surprising turns, though this time the twists came from magical realism rather than a tech thriller.
I loved the characters, especially the ultimate villain. He was such an enigma and very different from what I expected. The book is packed with magical surprises and a secret society whose mission is to protect us, yet it is so much more than that. It’s fast-paced, more straightforward than the first book, but also more fantastical and out there. I especially loved all the rules and the endless possible combinations that could arise from future novels in this universe. Gareth Brown has built a world that feels limitless in potential, and I’m ready for the next adventure.
I loved the characters, especially the ultimate villain. He was such an enigma and very different from what I expected. The book is packed with magical surprises and a secret society whose mission is to protect us, yet it is so much more than that. It’s fast-paced, more straightforward than the first book, but also more fantastical and out there. I especially loved all the rules and the endless possible combinations that could arise from future novels in this universe. Gareth Brown has built a world that feels limitless in potential, and I’m ready for the next adventure.
August 31, 2025
I absolutely loved The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown so there was no way I was passing this book up. That book was so inventive and filled with wonder that I couldn't wait to dive into this one.
Description:
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more
The truth.
My Thoughs:
My goodness this book was every bit as good as The Book of Doors. I am so impressed! This was a deep dive into magic and fun drama. A socoety set up protect people from magical objects that could cause all kinds of problems in the world. A society of only a few people - kind of amazing to think these few coud control all the magic in the world all by themselves, and yet they were doing it. Magda's secret ability was astonishing and amazing. I was totally taken by surprise. The book moved at a good pace and was full of twists, surprises and magical items. I don't want to give anything away so I will only say that I loved it and you will too. I highly recommend to anyone who likes to read about magic.
Thanks so William Morrow through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.
Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.
Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.
Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more
The truth.
My Thoughs:
My goodness this book was every bit as good as The Book of Doors. I am so impressed! This was a deep dive into magic and fun drama. A socoety set up protect people from magical objects that could cause all kinds of problems in the world. A society of only a few people - kind of amazing to think these few coud control all the magic in the world all by themselves, and yet they were doing it. Magda's secret ability was astonishing and amazing. I was totally taken by surprise. The book moved at a good pace and was full of twists, surprises and magical items. I don't want to give anything away so I will only say that I loved it and you will too. I highly recommend to anyone who likes to read about magic.
Thanks so William Morrow through Netgalley for an advance copy.
August 20, 2025
Gareth Brown heeft wederom een geweldig verhaal neergezet!
Ik heb weer enorm genoten van de verhaallijn. Het genootschap heeft gehoord dat er een onkenbaar object in Hong Kong is. Dit heeft grote gevolgen en zorgt voor een kat en muis spel.
Het verhaal speelt zich dus in onze wereld af en het enige magische zijn de objecten. Ieder object heeft zijn eigen kracht en kan de wereld in groot gevaar brengen als deze objecten worden misbruikt.
De proloog begint meteen sterk en zuigt je in het boek. De gebeurtenis geeft een beetje spanning en prikkelt de nieuwsgierigheid.
Wat ik al een beetje verwachtte maar wel mega tof vind is dat dit boek zich in dezelfde wereld afspeelt als het boek der deuren. Wel vond ik dit deel een stuk minder spannend en er zat geen gore in zoals in zijn eerste boek.
De meeste karakters in het boek zijn meestal loveable en goed uitgewerkt. Ze zijn veelzijdig en laten zowel hun goede als minder goede kanten zien. Je volgt grotendeels Magda in het verhaal, maar je krijgt van meerdere personages stukken verhaal mee. Zo leer je de huurmoordenaar bijvoorbeeld vrij goed kennen.
Er zitten verrassende plottwisten in en het boek is genre overstijgend wat ik heerlijk vind. Een roman met een flinke thriller- en magische invloeden.
Ik kan alleen maar hopen dat er snel een derde boek komt, want ik vind de boeken van Gareth Brown top! Van mij had de spanning en gore zoals die in zijn debuut was ook in dit boek mogen zitten, maar nog steeds een fantastisch verhaal!
Bedankt LS Amsterdam voor het recensie-exemplaar.
Ik heb weer enorm genoten van de verhaallijn. Het genootschap heeft gehoord dat er een onkenbaar object in Hong Kong is. Dit heeft grote gevolgen en zorgt voor een kat en muis spel.
Het verhaal speelt zich dus in onze wereld af en het enige magische zijn de objecten. Ieder object heeft zijn eigen kracht en kan de wereld in groot gevaar brengen als deze objecten worden misbruikt.
De proloog begint meteen sterk en zuigt je in het boek. De gebeurtenis geeft een beetje spanning en prikkelt de nieuwsgierigheid.
Wat ik al een beetje verwachtte maar wel mega tof vind is dat dit boek zich in dezelfde wereld afspeelt als het boek der deuren. Wel vond ik dit deel een stuk minder spannend en er zat geen gore in zoals in zijn eerste boek.
De meeste karakters in het boek zijn meestal loveable en goed uitgewerkt. Ze zijn veelzijdig en laten zowel hun goede als minder goede kanten zien. Je volgt grotendeels Magda in het verhaal, maar je krijgt van meerdere personages stukken verhaal mee. Zo leer je de huurmoordenaar bijvoorbeeld vrij goed kennen.
Er zitten verrassende plottwisten in en het boek is genre overstijgend wat ik heerlijk vind. Een roman met een flinke thriller- en magische invloeden.
Ik kan alleen maar hopen dat er snel een derde boek komt, want ik vind de boeken van Gareth Brown top! Van mij had de spanning en gore zoals die in zijn debuut was ook in dit boek mogen zitten, maar nog steeds een fantastisch verhaal!
Bedankt LS Amsterdam voor het recensie-exemplaar.
August 13, 2025
I loved The Book of Doors last year, so picking up Gareth Brown’s new one felt like catching up with an old friend—you know you’re in for a good story, you just don’t know where it’ll take you. The Society of Unknowable Objects lives in the same universe, but it’s a completely new adventure, so you can start here without missing a beat.
This time the spotlight’s on Magda Sparks, the newest member of a tiny, secret society in London that safeguards magical artifacts—ordinary objects hiding extraordinary power. When word comes of a new item in Hong Kong, Magda is sent to track it down. Within hours, she’s in over her head, caught in a dangerous chase that will take her across continents and force her to confront secrets about her fellow members, her Society, and her own past.
The pacing works beautifully—slow enough at first to let you explore this world, then tightening the screws as the action ramps up. Magda is a fantastic lead: capable and clever, but also very human. The rest of the cast has their own motives and blind spots, which keeps you guessing. And the worldbuilding is subtle but so vivid, blending real locations with a whisper of magic that makes you start eyeing the everyday things around you just a little differently.
If you read The Book of Doors, you’ll spot some clever nods, but they never overshadow the story. Brown pulls off that tricky balance between wonder and danger, making you want to linger in the magic even as the stakes keep climbing.
Inventive, fast-paced, and filled with characters you want to spend more time with, The Society of Unknowable Objects has me ready to follow Gareth Brown wherever he decides to go next.
This time the spotlight’s on Magda Sparks, the newest member of a tiny, secret society in London that safeguards magical artifacts—ordinary objects hiding extraordinary power. When word comes of a new item in Hong Kong, Magda is sent to track it down. Within hours, she’s in over her head, caught in a dangerous chase that will take her across continents and force her to confront secrets about her fellow members, her Society, and her own past.
The pacing works beautifully—slow enough at first to let you explore this world, then tightening the screws as the action ramps up. Magda is a fantastic lead: capable and clever, but also very human. The rest of the cast has their own motives and blind spots, which keeps you guessing. And the worldbuilding is subtle but so vivid, blending real locations with a whisper of magic that makes you start eyeing the everyday things around you just a little differently.
If you read The Book of Doors, you’ll spot some clever nods, but they never overshadow the story. Brown pulls off that tricky balance between wonder and danger, making you want to linger in the magic even as the stakes keep climbing.
Inventive, fast-paced, and filled with characters you want to spend more time with, The Society of Unknowable Objects has me ready to follow Gareth Brown wherever he decides to go next.
July 2, 2025
Another magical book!! I love the concept and how theagic in the story was spun. Quite well developed and very creative. And, mostly likeable characters. I did find myself getting annoyed at the end, as it felt like the characters were just spinning their fingers in panic, a little is fine, but it went on quite a bit too long. But there's a great surprise at the end of the book.
Thank you to Net Galley and William Morrow for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and William Morrow for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2025
Gareth Brown is back and has officially beaten the curse of the bad second book!
When you come out with a debut that is beloved and five stars all around, coming in with a second that is just as good is a feat. Even reading his authour notes and how he struggled writing this, you can tell he felt the pressure and I’m so relieved he was able to avoid a bad second book. And not only that, give us something truly amazing that I cannot choose which of his books are my favourite.
There is something about Brown’s writing that is incredibly nostalgic while being completely new. When you love a little bit of whimsy, grounded magic but without it being romance heavy, it’s hard to find. But reading Brown makes me feel like I’m 11 years old reading Harry Potter for the first time. And that’s not to say that the themes aren’t adult because they very much are, but he gives me that indescribable feeling.
Taking us on a journey in a world where magic exists but is a danger, where do we draw the line? Can it bring us joy, save lives, or be the reckoning we never saw coming?
When you come out with a debut that is beloved and five stars all around, coming in with a second that is just as good is a feat. Even reading his authour notes and how he struggled writing this, you can tell he felt the pressure and I’m so relieved he was able to avoid a bad second book. And not only that, give us something truly amazing that I cannot choose which of his books are my favourite.
There is something about Brown’s writing that is incredibly nostalgic while being completely new. When you love a little bit of whimsy, grounded magic but without it being romance heavy, it’s hard to find. But reading Brown makes me feel like I’m 11 years old reading Harry Potter for the first time. And that’s not to say that the themes aren’t adult because they very much are, but he gives me that indescribable feeling.
Taking us on a journey in a world where magic exists but is a danger, where do we draw the line? Can it bring us joy, save lives, or be the reckoning we never saw coming?
August 29, 2025
Really interesting concept. Frustrating pacing & main character & relationships. Enjoyed but also was enraged at time lol.
August 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Secret societies and mysterious artifacts are usually a winning combination with me. Unfortunately, this book falls apart at the line level, particularly pacing and perspective (and grammar, but I read an unedited proof, so I expect this will be cleaned up by the time the book is published). I knew within the first few pages that this wasn't a writing style I would enjoy. The prologue is intended to establish an atmosphere of intrigue and imminent danger, but it lacks the tight pacing required to legitimize a threat and is narrated with a scattered lens, like a kaleidoscopic scene shot through too many cameras from too many angles. Rather than enhance the story's realism, this made the threat patently unthreatening and the setting dizzying. I was ready for the prologue's narrator to die pages before she finally did.
But prologues can be a hard sell, so I went into the first few chapters with only somewhat dimmed enthusiasm. In my view, the writing did not improve. The pacing remained unsteady, the narratorial voice (such as it was) felt robotic, and the author demonstrated no faith in his readers' comprehension of the text, cluttering the story with unnecessary explanations that further stalled the pace.
To give an example from the second chapter, "Behind him, on the shelf where he kept first editions and other valuable books, there was also a collection of Magda's six published novels, one of each turned out to face the shop. This display always warmed Magda's heart, a tangible demonstration of Frank's pride in her writing success." Everything after "six published novels" could have been deleted without losing the text's meaning, and because every description reads like this, the author ends up telling you the same information in triplicate before moving on. In the space of this page and the next, Frank is physically described twice, once from outside the shop and once after Magda steps inside. His every gesture is announced and then choreographed, like, "Frank looked up as she approached and beckoned her in with a wave of his hand," closely followed by, "Frank flapped a hand at her, dismissing the question as he squeezed back behind the desk." The first dialogue appears here as well, after which Magda finds herself "frustrated at the lack of answers and impatient to get on with it." (No way! Me, too.) All I will say of the dialogue itself is that it is stilted and circuitous and somehow does less for pacing than the redundant descriptions. Case in point: "Downstairs with you, and I'll be right with you."
I generally don't DNF books that I receive as ARCs, out of respect for the publisher, but I am much more tolerant of unsatisfying plots that are well written than I am of decent premises that are poorly written. If I had picked this up in a bookstore, I would have read the dust jacket, flipped to the first page, and promptly re-shelved it.
Secret societies and mysterious artifacts are usually a winning combination with me. Unfortunately, this book falls apart at the line level, particularly pacing and perspective (and grammar, but I read an unedited proof, so I expect this will be cleaned up by the time the book is published). I knew within the first few pages that this wasn't a writing style I would enjoy. The prologue is intended to establish an atmosphere of intrigue and imminent danger, but it lacks the tight pacing required to legitimize a threat and is narrated with a scattered lens, like a kaleidoscopic scene shot through too many cameras from too many angles. Rather than enhance the story's realism, this made the threat patently unthreatening and the setting dizzying. I was ready for the prologue's narrator to die pages before she finally did.
But prologues can be a hard sell, so I went into the first few chapters with only somewhat dimmed enthusiasm. In my view, the writing did not improve. The pacing remained unsteady, the narratorial voice (such as it was) felt robotic, and the author demonstrated no faith in his readers' comprehension of the text, cluttering the story with unnecessary explanations that further stalled the pace.
To give an example from the second chapter, "Behind him, on the shelf where he kept first editions and other valuable books, there was also a collection of Magda's six published novels, one of each turned out to face the shop. This display always warmed Magda's heart, a tangible demonstration of Frank's pride in her writing success." Everything after "six published novels" could have been deleted without losing the text's meaning, and because every description reads like this, the author ends up telling you the same information in triplicate before moving on. In the space of this page and the next, Frank is physically described twice, once from outside the shop and once after Magda steps inside. His every gesture is announced and then choreographed, like, "Frank looked up as she approached and beckoned her in with a wave of his hand," closely followed by, "Frank flapped a hand at her, dismissing the question as he squeezed back behind the desk." The first dialogue appears here as well, after which Magda finds herself "frustrated at the lack of answers and impatient to get on with it." (No way! Me, too.) All I will say of the dialogue itself is that it is stilted and circuitous and somehow does less for pacing than the redundant descriptions. Case in point: "Downstairs with you, and I'll be right with you."
I generally don't DNF books that I receive as ARCs, out of respect for the publisher, but I am much more tolerant of unsatisfying plots that are well written than I am of decent premises that are poorly written. If I had picked this up in a bookstore, I would have read the dust jacket, flipped to the first page, and promptly re-shelved it.
August 20, 2025
This was good. Full RTC
July 14, 2025
I was obsessed with The Book of Doors last year, so I was very excited for this new book from Gareth Brown! I really love this author’s writing style - it feels very unique, and is all at once suspenseful and exciting and entertaining. I really liked the plot of this one, with various artefacts awarding different skills, and starting off with a bang in the very first chapter. However I didn’t connect with the characters in the same way that I did in The Book of Doors; they didn’t have the same charm for me. I did love the ending, and I hope there is a third book set in this world!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 29, 2025
Being a super huge fan of The Book of Doors (one of my top 3 of last year), I was beyond thrilled to get an ARC of The Society of Unknowable Objects. Both books started out the same for me, where I questioned whether or not the book was up my high fantasy standards. But all of a sudden, the story really gets going, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
At the opening of this book, we meet two main characters, mother and daughter, Imelda and Magda, who are both in the magic object finding business, to keep the bad guys of the world from using the objects for evil deeds. Both books have intense bad guys, and it seems as though the good guys truly have their work cut out for them, and I’m scratching my head about how they will manage it.
This book was set up in a very similar way to the previous one, and follows a similar storyline which wrapped up really nicely in the end. There are themes of friendship, family, and loss in both, and the main characters are relatable. I definitely think this one is not nearly as good as the first one, but I still feel like it’s a five star book and I will anxiously wait for the next installment. There was one big scene in this book that was like wow!! The visual imagery was so different and easy to form in my head, and like I said this book falls in line with the first one, but it is unlike any other fantasy book I’ve read. What I also loved about both books is that there’s no R rated / inappropriate scenes. I definitely think this book is fine for older teenagers but equally fine for adults and I find that’s a very hard balance that this book achieves easily.
I highly recommend this one! And like I said, as soon as the next one comes (which I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that it does) I will be first in line to get it! Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book before publication.
At the opening of this book, we meet two main characters, mother and daughter, Imelda and Magda, who are both in the magic object finding business, to keep the bad guys of the world from using the objects for evil deeds. Both books have intense bad guys, and it seems as though the good guys truly have their work cut out for them, and I’m scratching my head about how they will manage it.
This book was set up in a very similar way to the previous one, and follows a similar storyline which wrapped up really nicely in the end. There are themes of friendship, family, and loss in both, and the main characters are relatable. I definitely think this one is not nearly as good as the first one, but I still feel like it’s a five star book and I will anxiously wait for the next installment. There was one big scene in this book that was like wow!! The visual imagery was so different and easy to form in my head, and like I said this book falls in line with the first one, but it is unlike any other fantasy book I’ve read. What I also loved about both books is that there’s no R rated / inappropriate scenes. I definitely think this book is fine for older teenagers but equally fine for adults and I find that’s a very hard balance that this book achieves easily.
I highly recommend this one! And like I said, as soon as the next one comes (which I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that it does) I will be first in line to get it! Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book before publication.
May 31, 2025
I received this DRC from NetGalley.
I enjoyed The Book of Doors, and so I was excited to read this one. I liked the premise, and the book started off being interesting, but as the story progressed, it just didn't work. The villain through the first half was just a generic, non-nuanced bad guy, so reading his part was a bit rough. And then the characters just kept making infuriatingly dumb decisions only to prolong the story. There were a few points where the book could have been way shorter had the characters done the thing that was obviously the thing they should have done, making the writing just feel lazy. Ironically, at the end, one character lightly calls out another character by asking if there could have been a more creative solution that would have fixed everything with a better outcome. But of course, this is just brushed off as nothing, even though, yes, more creativity would have fixed a lot. Instead, we just have this girl who can't control her emotions or think logically, and we're expected to believe she's a good candidate to have control over magical items that could cause catastrophic harm? Literally, her only qualification is nepotism.
There were a few positives. I did like that it was set in the same world as Book of Doors. I prefer more subtlety, so I didn't really need the epilogue, but at least it was short. There were other reveals that I thought were pretty good, too, but they just didn't make up for the other stuff that I found lacking.
I really wanted this book to be better than it was.
I enjoyed The Book of Doors, and so I was excited to read this one. I liked the premise, and the book started off being interesting, but as the story progressed, it just didn't work. The villain through the first half was just a generic, non-nuanced bad guy, so reading his part was a bit rough. And then the characters just kept making infuriatingly dumb decisions only to prolong the story. There were a few points where the book could have been way shorter had the characters done the thing that was obviously the thing they should have done, making the writing just feel lazy. Ironically, at the end, one character lightly calls out another character by asking if there could have been a more creative solution that would have fixed everything with a better outcome. But of course, this is just brushed off as nothing, even though, yes, more creativity would have fixed a lot. Instead, we just have this girl who can't control her emotions or think logically, and we're expected to believe she's a good candidate to have control over magical items that could cause catastrophic harm? Literally, her only qualification is nepotism.
There were a few positives. I did like that it was set in the same world as Book of Doors. I prefer more subtlety, so I didn't really need the epilogue, but at least it was short. There were other reveals that I thought were pretty good, too, but they just didn't make up for the other stuff that I found lacking.
I really wanted this book to be better than it was.
August 2, 2025
Gareth Brown is a masterclass in magical realism. I loved The Book of Doors last year and I absolutely loved this one as well. The plot of this book is complex but Brown lays everything out so well that it’s an amazing rollercoaster ride. His characters are all so unique - Magda is the perfect main character to follow because she is still able to maintain some optimism, some belief that magic is awe-inspiring, and it makes her journey that much more entertaining.
This was a book I had to actively put down to sleep or work - I could’ve devoured it in one sitting. I loved every single facet of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gareth Brown, and William Morrow for an advanced review copy.
This was a book I had to actively put down to sleep or work - I could’ve devoured it in one sitting. I loved every single facet of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gareth Brown, and William Morrow for an advanced review copy.
September 4, 2025
Nothing is wrong with this book. It just felt very copy/paste of The Book of Doors and I think that story was better. But then the freaking ending! I’m definitely curious about what this author comes out with next!
July 30, 2025
Good book if you enjoy magical mystery. See my full review @robertsonsreadingrecs on instagram.
May 3, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway!
The Society of Unknowable Objects was an excellent read, slightly mysterious and a little heavy. Without getting too much into the details, the SoUO follows Magda, a member of the titular SoUO, whose purpose is to find, recover, and protect magical objects in the modern world. These magic objects are seemingly ordinary, their only proof that they are magical being that they are slightly heavier than a normal object and when you look at them, there is a sense of something strange. It has been decades since a new object has been added to the collection, but a message from a former member’s contact sends Magda out to recover a new object! A magical story spins from here, and only discovering the origin, purpose, and future potential for these unknowable objects can protect Magda and the rest of the SoUO from those who would stop them.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s my first read by Gareth Brown (but Book of Doors is certainly coming up next!) and I hope for more. The world building was excellent, with the characters well written and transforming as the story drove forward. This was an ARC, so there are some minor grammatical and editorial errors, but nothing that detracted from the ability to read the story! I highly recommend this to everyone!
The Society of Unknowable Objects was an excellent read, slightly mysterious and a little heavy. Without getting too much into the details, the SoUO follows Magda, a member of the titular SoUO, whose purpose is to find, recover, and protect magical objects in the modern world. These magic objects are seemingly ordinary, their only proof that they are magical being that they are slightly heavier than a normal object and when you look at them, there is a sense of something strange. It has been decades since a new object has been added to the collection, but a message from a former member’s contact sends Magda out to recover a new object! A magical story spins from here, and only discovering the origin, purpose, and future potential for these unknowable objects can protect Magda and the rest of the SoUO from those who would stop them.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s my first read by Gareth Brown (but Book of Doors is certainly coming up next!) and I hope for more. The world building was excellent, with the characters well written and transforming as the story drove forward. This was an ARC, so there are some minor grammatical and editorial errors, but nothing that detracted from the ability to read the story! I highly recommend this to everyone!
January 21, 2025
I absolutely loved “The Book of Doors” and was hoping for a sequel — this book is, in a way, an extension of that universe and the fantasy realms of Gareth Brown’s talents. “The Society of Unknowable Objects” gives us another class of magical items (just as the “Books” would be) to be amazed by.
The “Society” was supposedly a secret created by Frank Simpson’s grandfather, and three of his friends in the 1940s, a secret that had passed down through the same four families ever since, with Frank (bookstore owner), Will Palin (watchmaker), Henrietta “Henry” Wiseman (legitimate occupation unknown), and Magda Sparks (author) as the current members.The organization has existed with a sole purpose: to collect and protect and keep secret the magical items of the world, away from owners with disreputable uses of the items which are kept in the hidden Clockwork Cabinet in Bell Street Books.
Meeting in the basement of the Marylebone bookshop, Frank, Will and Magda are told that the first new artifact in 40 years has possibly been located (although, from the prologue, we know that Imelda, Magda’s mum, had found more items just as she died using the “Atlas of the Lost Things” ten years ago). The son of an acquaintance of Will’s late father, James Wei, has found something among objects that were willed to his Chinese bank and employer. Magda volunteers to travel to Hong Kong and is charmed by James. Unfortunately, just as he reveals the object to her, one of two terrifically contemptible mystery men who know about the magical objects, shoots James and takes the item. Magda returns to London and the group, minus a diffident Will, vow to find the assassin and retake his unknowable object. Which they do with an assist of other unknowable objects…
As the Society members (who all have secrets of their own) travel to the United States, the two despicable villains are also clashing with each other. The ugly interactions between these two, although occurring in some of the most imaginative scenery, complicates a straightforward story of a justified quest. When the Society members find these two, there already has been a lot of reflection about the evil that magic can do and why that power should be harnessed. That’s a theme that was present in the “Book of Doors” — unregulated ownership of magic corrupts (which was why the Fox Library of the previous book existed).
The action builds and the epilogue is perfect. It’s immensely enjoyable to enjoy another strong female central character created by author Brown — Magda and Cassie from “Book of Doors” would make a magnificent team. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Only blue ones. Will’s blue ones and the gaunt man.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): The nightmare garden is everything that shouldn’t be natural.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
The “Society” was supposedly a secret created by Frank Simpson’s grandfather, and three of his friends in the 1940s, a secret that had passed down through the same four families ever since, with Frank (bookstore owner), Will Palin (watchmaker), Henrietta “Henry” Wiseman (legitimate occupation unknown), and Magda Sparks (author) as the current members.The organization has existed with a sole purpose: to collect and protect and keep secret the magical items of the world, away from owners with disreputable uses of the items which are kept in the hidden Clockwork Cabinet in Bell Street Books.
Meeting in the basement of the Marylebone bookshop, Frank, Will and Magda are told that the first new artifact in 40 years has possibly been located (although, from the prologue, we know that Imelda, Magda’s mum, had found more items just as she died using the “Atlas of the Lost Things” ten years ago). The son of an acquaintance of Will’s late father, James Wei, has found something among objects that were willed to his Chinese bank and employer. Magda volunteers to travel to Hong Kong and is charmed by James. Unfortunately, just as he reveals the object to her, one of two terrifically contemptible mystery men who know about the magical objects, shoots James and takes the item. Magda returns to London and the group, minus a diffident Will, vow to find the assassin and retake his unknowable object. Which they do with an assist of other unknowable objects…
As the Society members (who all have secrets of their own) travel to the United States, the two despicable villains are also clashing with each other. The ugly interactions between these two, although occurring in some of the most imaginative scenery, complicates a straightforward story of a justified quest. When the Society members find these two, there already has been a lot of reflection about the evil that magic can do and why that power should be harnessed. That’s a theme that was present in the “Book of Doors” — unregulated ownership of magic corrupts (which was why the Fox Library of the previous book existed).
The action builds and the epilogue is perfect. It’s immensely enjoyable to enjoy another strong female central character created by author Brown — Magda and Cassie from “Book of Doors” would make a magnificent team. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Only blue ones. Will’s blue ones and the gaunt man.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): The nightmare garden is everything that shouldn’t be natural.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
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