This review contains possible spoilers
When Gareth Brown announced a new novel, I didn’t even blink; straight onto my TBR it went. After loving The Book of Doors, I was eager to see what kind of magic he’d spin next. The Society of Unknowable Objects isn’t a sequel, but it’s set in the same universe, and spotting those subtle links was a real treat.
We follow Magda Sparks, a member of a secret society that collects and protects magical items: Unknowable Objects. These aren’t flashy artefacts; they’re everyday things with extraordinary powers. When a new object surfaces in Hong Kong, the first in decades, Magda volunteers to retrieve it. Enter James, the man turning it in, and a mysterious thug tailing h1er. Just as Magda starts to catch feelings, James is shot right in front of her. She escapes with the object, but the trauma and betrayal that follow shake her to the core.
Themes
Brown explores power, secrecy, and the ethics of magic. Who gets to decide what’s hidden? What happens when protection becomes control? There’s a creeping eeriness to some of the magic that makes this perfect for spooky season, just unsettling enough without tipping into horror.
What Worked for Me
What Worked for MeThe pacing is snappy, the writing direct and elegant, and the world-building is light but effective. Brown doesn’t overexplain; he trusts the reader to keep up, and that makes the story feel immersive. Magda is a strong lead: curious, flawed, and deeply human. I only wish Henry had been given more space without being sidelined by labels.
What Fell Short For Me
I saw most of the twists coming, which was a bit of a letdown after the unpredictability of The Book of Doors. The romance subplot was sweet but underdeveloped, and while the magical objects were fascinating, I occasionally wanted more depth in how they worked or why they mattered.
Read This If You Love
• Secret societies and magical realism
• Whimsical fantasy with a touch of darkness
• Chaste romance and emotional stakes
• Stories that ask big questions without heavy-handed answers
Final Thoughts
The Society of Unknowable Objects is a fast-paced, imaginative adventure with heart, mystery, and just enough creepiness to keep you hooked. It’s not quite as twisty as The Book of Doors, but it’s still a magical ride. Gareth Brown has a knack for blending the surreal with the deeply human, and I’ll be first in line for whatever he writes next.
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for the opportunity to read this book!
