In The Society of Unknowable Objects, Gareth Brown invites us into a world where magic hides in plain sight. Ordinary objects—chess pieces, maps, books—conceal fantastical powers, and a secret society exists to safeguard them. This standalone novel blends globe-trotting adventure, ethical intrigue, and well-drawn characters, all woven through a brisk, cinematic pace. As you’ll discover, the journey offers more than thrills—it also raises questions about safety, secrecy, and who gets to wield power.
The Premise: Secrets Beneath the Surface
Magda Sparks, a novelist by trade, is pulled into action when Frank Simpson summons her to Hong Kong. She’s the newest member of a covert society based beneath a London bookshop, entrusted with protecting seemingly innocuous items that hide magical power. When a dangerous artifact surfaces in Hong Kong—and encounters a professional killer with personal history—Magda’s assignment quickly spirals into betrayal, family secrets, and a chase that spans continents.
A Story That Goes Places—Literally
From the dusty archives of a London bookshop to the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong, then onward to the deep South of the United States, Brown’s novel moves fast and purposefully. The physical journey mirrors Magda’s emotional quest: she discovers not only that artifacts change hands, but that the Society isn’t as unified as it appears.
Characters That Engage—and Unsettle
Magda stands at the story’s heart, a relatable anchor who navigates danger and deceit in equal measure. Reviewers highlight a cast that truly jumps off the page: Frank, James, Henrietta (Henry), and the enigmatic antagonist Owen, whose personal trauma gives his villainy dimension.
One fan review captures it perfectly:
“Magna [sic] is my favorite character in the book… engaging characters in spades!”
Themes Under the Surface
A central tension arises from questions of control: who should guard powerful magic, and is hiding it always right? Brown leans into these dilemmas by drawing parallels to debates in collecting and museums—where possession can mean power, and secrecy can be as dangerous as exposure .
Owen’s shades of grey complicate the classic “good vs. evil” binary; his backstory forces readers to wonder if protection in secret is enough—or if the Society itself harbors the greatest threat.
The Writing Style: Fast-Paced, Thoughtful, Imaginative
Brown strong-arms the narrative into motion with short chapters, cliffhanger viewpoint shifts, and a visceral sense of urgency. Readers praise the pared-back magic system and believable rules that bring balance to the fantastical elements.
A blogger captures the tone well:
“This story is full of imagination, joy, a true joy for your senses… Magical objects turned out to be completely awesome, too.”
Highlights & Surprises
- Inventive setting: The London bookshop archive, pulsing with hidden artifacts—objects unreadable to most, alive in their own subtle ways.
- Wildly imaginative objects: The premise of everyday items hiding staggering power is as exciting as it sounds.
- Layered villain: Owen isn’t just a faceless threat; he carries motivations brimming with personal pain and twisted logic.
- Moral complexity: Should a secret society keep magic hidden forever? Or might controlled revelation be more ethical?.
- Readability: Reviewers note they read the book late into the night, unable to stop.
Drawbacks—or Things to Watch
Some readers find the ending slightly predictable. While the overall arc is entertaining and well-crafted, a few of the twists can be anticipated by seasoned fantasy readers. Still, even that predictability doesn’t derail the momentum or emotional payoff.
Final Thoughts
The Society of Unknowable Objects is a compelling leap forward for Gareth Brown. It captures the magic of ordinary things, the thrill of discovery, and the shadows of secrecy. With an engaging protagonist, trustworthy pacing, and real moral stakes, it’s a must-read for fans of urban fantasy, espionage-style thrillers, or anyone fascinated by what lies hidden in plain sight.
