Book Review: Gwendy's Final Task by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

When I started the book and got the idea of the premise, I have to admit I balked a little. Space is not my ideal setting for any story. But Gwendy is a great character, the button box is an intriguing and terrifying invention, and it would take wild horses to drag me away from reading anything Dark Tower related (check out that cover!) If you know King's work, I'm sure the initials of the pro/antagonist Richard Farris will have you thinking, and I certainly was too. I have so many questions about his motives here!!! The inclusion of certain yellow-attired villains was another nod to older works that all link to that damn Tower, and honestly, it makes sense, considering how strange and powerful the button box is.

All this King-nerdery aside, the story is perfectly paced, emotive and touching, and clearly well researched. A tear was shed on several occasions as I followed Gwendy through her last great task. It was the first time I've seen the dreaded Covid-19 mentioned in a novel as well, so that gave me a not inconsiderable shiver. The pictured edition has some lovely illustrations too!

It won't take you long to read this one, because you'll simply get lost in it and the chapters will fly by. But you will enjoy it. And if you're a Tower Junkie like I am, you'll probably come away with more questions that I really hope Sai King will answer one day - but don't fret, you can enjoy the story without having ever read a single sentence about the Tower. All things, after all, serve the Beam.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4559066595

(I have finally caught up with the King novels in my to-read pile - so the next one won't be another King one, I promise!)