@Maria Maschi I just finished The Talisman... 28 hours.... Before that I read Insomnia... 26 hours... Before that I read IT... 45 hours... Before that I read The Stand... 48 hours...
Why? So King can continuously reference other books to describe Empis to you? Maybe King can plagiarize Lewis Carroll or Poe or himself for the sequel.............. OK???? OK OK OK OK OK..........................
I was actually reading Fairy Tale right now when a notification on my phone went off about your video haha. So impressed you read it this fast, then filmed a video and edited it to perfection. You should teach a master class on reading Mike. Hella impressive!
@@mikesbookreviews So I was at Walmart the other day and just read the first page of this book and it got me interested so I purchased it. Just curious though where is a good place to start with King’s books to maximize getting the most out of character crossover and Easter eggs ? Is publication order the best way to read all his books ?
I am also curious where to start reading king. The interconnected world seems a bit daunting to just jump in I eventually want to make my way to the dark tower but I’d like to understand the greater connections.
.........does "well written" = STOLEN VALOR of writing to you????? Let me just quote lines from famous songs and call it "The New Pop Song"........................ OK????? OK............ OK OK OK............... OK????????????? R U O K???????????????
Another Texan here. I was very saddened to hear the news. I’ve been following that family since I was a child. My heart goes out to her family. I know they’ll miss her.
This is the first King book that I’ve read, I thoroughly enjoyed the first 200 pages, then it had a lull for bout 150 pages where I wasn’t so keen, but the final 200 pages I really enjoyed, this may be biased because I was really a big fan of Iota, picturing his growing friendship with Charlie and the build up to the Fair One, and I enjoyed the ending
I just finished it. I usually wait to give a rating on books to let my thoughts catch up... But man... This book is in my top 5 of the year. I love king, I love dark fantasy (lovecraft mythos being my favorite), and I love dogs lol. I think it was a closed off ending but I want more of this world! On your note about the second half being weaker, I actually disagree completely. The second half is the actual fairy tale. The first half has almost zero fantastical elements (they were still incredible) but the book is being marketed as a fantasy, not a slice of life. So its what is expected in my opinion. Also all of the characters of the fantastical aspect were not abandoned completely. They all came together in the end. I will agree this story is a tale of two halves. I just think the second half was better than the first, for what the book is marketed as. As always I appreciate your review. You mentioned basically all of what I said I just wanted to drive home the point of marketing.
Actually, I see it more as a tale in three parts -- the real world, the first stage of the fairy tale with a boy's simple quest to save his dog, and finally everything that follows that first quest. I loved the first two stages because of the close bonds built, especially that between Charlie and Radar. The final stage (following the quest to save Radar) felt like an entirely different story with an almost entirely new cast of characters without the same level of relationship-building. Don't get me wrong -- I loved the whole thing! -- but I can understand why Mike feels like the book took a complete direction turn that sidelined carefully-crafted relationships in favor of all-new ones without the same level of focus or development. This did not happen when the story transitioned from the real world to the fairy tale world -- I could understand that, at least. It happened halfway through the fairy tale and felt like an entirely different story in tone, pacing, and development. So yeah, I get where Mike is coming from. With that said, I still think it was an amazing story and I loved every bit of it! I just felt some of what Mike described while reading the second half, not because things changed when they transitioned to a new world but because halfway through that part of the story the cast changed and all previous relationships just got tossed to the side (albeit not permanently!) after so much build up. The story itself also seemed to take on an entirely new character as well, which is not necessarily a bad thing but in this case it did feel a little "off" to me, if that makes sense. To put it another way, it went from feeling like the titular fairy tale to feeling more like a more traditional dark fantasy with Lovecraftian undertones, and that, I think, is why it felt awkward to me.
@@cervanntes I can agree that when they introduced that whole new cast that it felt like a complete change and I actually do think that it mightve lasted a bit too long. However, I feel like King brought it back once the escape happened. He brought the old cast back and really nailed it with the last adventure and ending. While I understand how the detour can really ruin the flow for some, it wasn't exactly enough to say the entire second half was slower. Also I think you hit the nail on the head better than I did with how the book is segmented. It's more like a tale of thirds and not halfs.
@@cervanntes "This did not happen when the story transitioned from the real world to the fairy tale world" How so? You similarly had an entirely new cast of characters, and the relationship building was the same, albeit under drastically different circumstances, hence different relationships and how they're built.
.......the entire book??????? You mean the first 300 pages where nothing happens????????? Or do you mean the last 200 pages where there's NO FANTASY IN THE FANTASY WORLD???????????
Definitely my favorite part of the book was the relationship between Mr Bowditch and Charlie. You're right, the relationships between the characters, especially at the beginning, is great. And yes, utilizing a dog in your story is a cheat code 😂
I just finished the book. I completely agree with your review. I could not put it down during the first half of the novel. I loved the relationship and "slice of life" as you mentioned with Mr. Bowditch, Charlie, and Radar and I was hungry for more. Where it started losing my interest was in Maleen. I felt like it dragged, and I couldn't get behind the characters in the prison. It was solid and I was expecting more based on what I read in the beginning.
Agree with you 100% - My favorite part of the book was the beginning with Charlie, Radar, and Mr Bowditch. It got confusing towards the end with all the different characters.
My first king book! I’m shocked I’ve read so much and haven’t even gotten to the books premise yet lol. But strangely enough I’m loving it. I’m feeling a ton of nostalgia for my high school years through Charley!
(I listened to the audiobook) The first 5 hours were great! The next 5 hours were fun and interesting...then the jail chapters made the book hit a damn wall! It killed all the momentum! As it climbed back to the rest of the world I was already getting ready to clock out... I really feel like it had wasted potential...this is KING! why wasn't it more of a meta love letter to fairy tales instead of a name dropping list...if felt lazy. The Boss fight was dope. After this book I started revisiting some Neil Gaiman short stories...and especially his earlier work...that felt more like what I thought I'd be getting from this novel...something that WAS a fairy tale while dissecting and meditating on fairy tales and their art of cautionary stories... Started strong, ended up mid mid-tier
First time i read the dogs name , I automatically thought of Nettie Cobb’s dog in Needful Things , and then I remembered it was called Raider not Radar!
I actually got my review up before Brain Lee Durfee! Only by an hour or so, and it took me waking up at 3am on Tuesday and binge reading for it to happen haha
Just finished this book. Loved the relationship between Charlie and Radar. Having a German shepherd that went threw what Radar went threw it really did pull on those heart strings.
I recently finished Fairy Tale and agree the first half of the book was excellent and the ending was solid but the second half dipped. I think it’s because the characters didn’t feel as real and the plot choices were a bit iffy. But I agree overall still definitely worth a read and it was fun to explore King’s version of a fairy tale world.
I read it quickly too. I wait for all Kings books. My all time favorite author. This book just shows the dark side of fairy tales you heard as a child. I never liked them as a kid, and this book just illustrates why. And BTW, the actual issustrations are the best I've ever seen.
I'm not finished yet Mike but I completely agree with what you're saying, it's slowing down a bit at the 60% mark and I think King did the first half of the book brilliantly and then where I'm up to is failing in comparison, hopefully I'll finish by tonight 😊
I’m absolutely loving the shift that happens when the new characters are introduced. It deepens the history of the world and really puts the stakes much higher for Charlie . I’m still only on chapter 22 but absolutely LOVING it. Thanks for the review
Mike, can we get more King reviews? Those are my favorite and I feel you’re not doing enough King to satisfy your hungry fans….. ALSO BEARDED FOX, LETS DO THIS!!!!
I listened to the audio book through audible. I loved it. I wish it was more DT or Talisman related. King himself reads the cassette tape part. It was a great audio book. It somewhat felt like an expanded version of Mr. Harigan’s Phone.
I really enjoyed this book as well. For me personally all my favorite moments where with radar and charlie. The first half really hit close to home for me.
I finished Fairytale over the weekend. I have to say, not only did we give it he same "ranking" but you hit the nail on the head. I breezed through the first half of the book and right about chapter 19 (haha your comment made me literally "lol")....yeah it did take a turn. I agree 100%. I even said out loud to my husband "okay, yeah don't know if I like where this is going anymore." Basically, you hit the nail on the head with this review. But now its off to the "Blood and Bone" series by John Gwynne! :)
Really looking forward to Fairy Tale after this and Brian LeeDufree's review. This will probably be a Christmas gift for me. I just found out Peter Straub passed away on the weekend so its an overall sad day.
Our opinions mirror each other almost exactly. What worked and didn’t work for me, you expressed eloquently. I’m impressed by how quickly you were able to read and record this in depth review. I’m glad I read it! It wasn’t perfect, but it was fantastic to have a new King story to devour. I’m still processing my thoughts, but I think I would have liked King to lean more into horror with his fantasy realm or introduce less new characters and develop them as well as he did Charlie, Radar, and Mr. Bowditch. Still an enjoyable read that I gave 4 stars to. Thanks, Mike! 😊
Im just finishing reading this book and I do actually agree with what youre saying, Im usually not much of a characters reader, I do usually appreciate the plot more, I did enjoy the whole book a whole lot, but I do agree the first half was the better half. I think its a fantastic book personally and I am a fan of all the references to dark Grimm's fairy tales.
💯 on the pacing. The first half was so good. Then 60 percent in it was a little bit not my jam, and then the ending made up for it. I just wanted him back with his dad. I didn’t care about the princess stuff personally
I am not done with it but I love it and can’t put it down. I kept thinking you were going to enjoy it too, right up your alley! I think the US cover is stunning.
I actually really liked The Institute, and Billy Summers. I can see why they weren't a hit with constant readers, but I'm a pretty light critic. From how you described this, I imagine Fairytale will be a solid 4 or 5 ☆ read for me.
You have to look at where longterm fans are coming from. Stephen King was incredible for those first 15 to years. I personally haven't loved anything he's written since Insomnia in 1994. Stuff after that is still good but nothing great. I've read just about everything he's ever written
@@damonke79 I think it's more a matter of perspective. He definitely evolved over the decades, and as time went on, his horror element weakened. That, and just getting sober and tightening up his writing. Yea, his Rockstar status faded. But I still have a few solid gems in mind written after Insomnia. At the same time, he's cranked out some absolute duds too.
@@damonke79 Wizard and Glass, my favorite in DT series. (Though, that doesn't take away from how awesome 2-3 were) and 11/22/63 is another one that I thought was fantastic. Outside of those, I enjoyed Mr. Mercedes/ Finders Keepers, and Outsider. Not classic-King standards, but I 5☆ those hands down.
I just finished it just now.... I absolutely loved it. I did not mind that shift at all, it was very smooth and nice, and Stephen King just makes you love his characters wherever they make their appearances. I have seen you also didn't like that about Alice in Billy Summers (which was not bad, but not nearly as enjoyable as this one) made her appearance also much later in the story. SPOILER: I just would have hoped that Charlie would have stayed in Empis. And maybe I would have wanted to see a story in which Gogmagog would have been banging on the portal to get into this world. Maybe it will still one day come. I mean all refugees from Empis streaming into this world from the portal in Mr Bowditch's shed. And Gogmagog trying to follow them... Well, maybe that is just too fantastical.
The beginning had me so hooked ! Loved the part with him and the old man and his past and his secrets the gold and I love radar and then it just went down hill like the first part of the book didn’t matter
I'm with you with the 2nd half of the book. When he's introduced to the other characters I honestly thought it slowed down. When Radard and Charlie were split up that's when it took a dip. When it wrapped up it got good again. The first half of the book was fantastic 👌
Mike, your out of your mind on this. Of course I love the slice of life for half of the book. But, cmon… dear god … the second half of the book is pure gold… it was so good … it’s everything I love about his fantasy writing… your nuts dude… the story about his adventures in this other world knocked my socks off.. it was absolutely amazing… your nuts dude.. it was thrilling, moving and above all… absolutely stunning… what in gods name were you reading lol?!….
I was afraid I was the only one who felt disappointed when King shifted from the slice-of-life side of the book. I was attached to Charlie, Adrian and the dog, and just loved how dark and haunted the ‘real life’ was with all the influence and references to the Grimm fairytales. I feel like it was such a unique twist and it reminded me of some elements from King’s previous books. The eerieness was captured magnificently, and te fairytale dimension felt cliche at times.
You perfectly described how I feel about the book. The first half was pushing the book into top ten King for me, and the second half brought it around the half way mark in his books.
I think it's called Low Men in Yellow Coats. The relationship between Ted and Bobby is so endearing. There's also a film version called Hearts In Atlantis that's very sad and made me cry.
Has Fairy Tale inspired anyone to read or reread The Dark Tower? I just finished Fairy Tale and have a burning desire to thus again reread The Dark Tower Series even though it’s only been 4 years
SPOILERS!!! I agree with you on where the booking starting to go down hill. When Charlie was held prisoner and king introduced what felt like 100 new characters full of prisoner and guards it did get very overwhelming and kinda boring. But when they prisoners were forced to kill each other (especially when Charlie fought Cla) that’s when the book starting picking up again. I just finished the chapter where Iota dies from the poison blade, got about 50 pages left. Wish me luck.
Wow, my thoughts EXACTLY. Better than Institute and Billy Summers (as far as his recent stuff goes) but not quite as good as Revival, Outsider, and OMG LATER one of my absolute favorites by him recently. (Fun fact I actually love all 3 of his hard case crime novels very unpopular opinion Colorado Kid gets SO MUCH hate) First half of this book was SO GOOD! The atmosphere, the neighborhood/town building, Charlie and the dynamics with his school friends and Mr Bowditch, and slowly learning that something isn't quite right. It was all so damn good. Then about little over halfway through I feel like that book ended and a new one began. I wished it would've gone in a different direction, but I did still enjoy it EXCEPT for the 200 page portion of 32 random characters and Hunger Games meh. Ending was EPIC. Overall, I gave it a 4/5. Enjoyed it a ton. Definitely thought it was going to be one of his best works halfway through but for me personally, fell of the rails just a bit in the middle with the monotony and Hunger Games and 32 characters parts. Great review :) EDIT: Also, forgot to mention that the audiobook is one of the best I've ever listened to! Listened in the car a few times and wow the narrator does different voices for every character, so impressive. Does the villain voices particularly good. Another fun fact towards the beginning of the book there's a tape recording Charlie plays it's maybe a few minutes. In the audiobook they make it sound like an actual tape recording. It sounds all fuzzy and little muffled not super crisp--which is exactly how tape recordings sounded. That portion is voiced by Stephen King himself. For both of those reasons, I just thought it was the coolest thing ever!
I am a big SK fan for over 35 years and this book was something completely different. I loved the slow telling in the first part of the book. The second part was sometimes a bit weird and I didn't always like the fantasy parts, I could'nt always imagine what he was telling. The love between Charlie and Radar was beautiful. The end made me feel very sad. I was glad that the secret world was closed for humans but I felt sad that Charlie could never return there.
Thank you so much for reviewing this book I am so excited to review it on my YT channel! Stephen King is definitely one of my favs and one of the few writers who can masterfully cross genres.
I agree with what you say about the Deep Marleen section of the book. It was much longer than the Sunlight Home part of The Talisman, but stressed me out far less. I appreciate the length of it for the character building of the fellow prisoners, and it well established his princely essence.
@@kaiju_k5042 it's amazing to me how King can take a simple concept like "100 boys have to keep walking, and if they stop they die. Let's see who lasts the longest." And makes it actually interesting to read
@@emosongsandreadalongs Yes, a concept so simple yet brilliant and horrific at the same time. It's one of those stories that stays with you for a very long time.
I just finished the book and enjoyed it. I agree maybe the slice-of- life stuff took up too much of the first section of the book. King also loves the road trip writing (The Stand, The Talisman), so there is some of that as well. I was not expecting the main quest (Radar) to be completed earlyish, so the remainder of the book is basically a new quest.
You described very well how I felt about the whole new world and many new characters introduced well into the halfway point of the story, and how those new characters didn’t quite ‘click’ for me. I guess the biggest reason why is because they’re not like usual King’s characters. Still, I admire Mr. King’s ability to pull off such complex storyline with elements of various fairy tales and still end the story strong.
This was my first King book and it might just be my new favorite book in general too. I finished the audiobook tonight and I have the hardcover print copy ordered and on the way. I need to go back into this world 😭
I just finished the book. I loved the intricacies and the literary allusions. Lots of fun picking them out and anticipating them. I certainly do agree with your comment about the middle part of the book being too long and ponderous. I agree that the ending was satisfying. I do wish King would tighten his narratives. He just writes so much. In contrast, the ending chapters were much more tight and so more enjoyable.
I just finished Fairy Tale this morning. Really enjoyed it but I had a problem with the way it's told. The whole book is told in the past tense, from Charlie, which means that Charlie is going to be fine. I prefer it when the story is told as it's happening if that makes sense. Nit pick, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I think its part of the dark tower universe. I think that several characters possess the shine. There are a lot of reasons actually that i think its part of the universe. The living architecture, obviously the portal and the worlds on top of and under worlds. And the Rumpelstiltskin characters kind of reminded me; of insomnia but i would have to reread it to see if i was just reminded or if king was linking them, i m;iaht be wrong. About everything. I fully respect your take on the new characters in the second half and can see where you’re coming from for sure. And in terms of writing, i think youre right. But i liked them more than you did. In fact, when several of them get send away (to eat a dirt sandwich as Dink would say) i got surprisingly emotional! Also i liked that there were a number of relationships for Charlie to navigate with his evolving station in life. So even if they resend somewhat topical, they made us have to see Charlie differently as the book went on.
I waited to finish the book before listening to this review and agree 100%. The beginning was strong and the development of Charley, Mister, and Raydar and his father were very well developed. I was disappointed at the long delay for the fantasy elements but I was having a great time. Then once we began exploring the new world and all those new characters emerged, it was like reading a different book and I just didn't care too much. It did end well so I gave it 3 and a half stars.
I loved this book. I had a great time with it the whole way through and didn’t want it to end. I loved both halves of the book, but I can see where you’re coming from with being a bit thrown off by the second quest. I still enjoyed that part just as much as the rest of the book. I loved the world and characters King created here, and the odes to classic fairytales and myths. I thought it was a masterpiece. It’s made me want to higher prioritize reading all of his books (I’m about 1/4 of the way there.)
I enjoyed Fairytale, but I think I’m in the camp of enjoying the first half more than the second. A lot of Charlie exploring Empis is him walking and describing what he’s seeing. That’s not bad in small doses but when you have a barren land in gray with not a lot of people around, you reach a point where you’re like: “okay, we GET it!” The stuff in deep Maleen took a while, too. It’s only when Charlie goes up against Cla that the book picked up again. I’m happy with the ending. If they ever adapt this, it’s gonna be interesting to say the least.
Surprised you felt that way about the "second" group of characters... I enjoyed both the beginning slice of life, and the fantastical part equally as much. Great characters in both worlds. Although, I think I know what specific super long part you are talking about
This was my first King book and I absolutely loved this book so much. I agree that the best part was the begining with Charlie, Radar and Mr. Bowditch, but I enjoyed exploring the World of Empiss too, as well as most of the characters. The prison arch was kind of where the story started to taper off for me. I personally wouldn't neccessarily say it was bad, but I would have rather had Charlie spend more time with Leah, Woody, Claudia and Dora. Overrall though, this is definately a "Sticks with you after its done" story for me and I'm very glad I read it. Definately will give it a re-read in the future and I'm going to check out the rest of King's work as well.
Ahh excellent, have a major SK backlog, but a new book is so welcome & exciting! I wish Mr King would write a book about a near death experience & the afterlife.
Man this was a treat. I just finished the audiobook and hate to leave that world. I hope King visits Empis again.
24 hour long audiobook is insane!! But, it's Stephen King so well worth it.
@Maria Maschi I just finished The Talisman... 28 hours....
Before that I read Insomnia... 26 hours...
Before that I read IT... 45 hours...
Before that I read The Stand... 48 hours...
Why? So King can continuously reference other books to describe Empis to you? Maybe King can plagiarize Lewis Carroll or Poe or himself for the sequel.............. OK???? OK OK OK OK OK..........................
I was actually reading Fairy Tale right now when a notification on my phone went off about your video haha. So impressed you read it this fast, then filmed a video and edited it to perfection. You should teach a master class on reading Mike. Hella impressive!
Ha ha, the perks of being on vacation this week.
@@mikesbookreviews So I was at Walmart the other day and just read the first page of this book and it got me interested so I purchased it. Just curious though where is a good place to start with King’s books to maximize getting the most out of character crossover and Easter eggs ? Is publication order the best way to read all his books ?
@@chi-townvapes9041Old comment, but Dreamcatcher has a great reference to It.
I am also curious where to start reading king. The interconnected world seems a bit daunting to just jump in I eventually want to make my way to the dark tower but I’d like to understand the greater connections.
@@demitriruttle2184 Misery is always a good starting point!
I'm a middle-aged fat man and still won the race!!
You are unbeatable, my friend.
Your speed read game is crazy good.
That's so funny. I just finished watching your review.
I want to read Fairy Tale just based on the cover. That cover is really vivid and alluring. It's a real work of art. 🤩
Finishing this book is like saying goodbye to your friends. very well written. I love this book!
nahhh nahhh
@@DrunkoJesus you’re real proud of yourself, aren’t you?
@@GreatOldOne9866 I was quoting from the book, but yes. I am
.........does "well written" = STOLEN VALOR of writing to you????? Let me just quote lines from famous songs and call it "The New Pop Song"........................ OK????? OK............ OK OK OK............... OK????????????? R U O K???????????????
@@theadmiral4625my dude, we enjoyed the book.
If you didn’t then okay. See yourself out.
Well, it's a cold wet night here in the UK that's full of heavy hearts. A review of this novel by my fav TH-cam is the perfect escape.
My deepest condolences. We’re grieving her here in Texas as well.
I am Canadian but my Mom was born in London. Heavy hearts in the house tonight.
@@stacielara9856 haha, Nobody is grieving royalty In America, not anybody with self awareness at least.....
@@imaproblem4youtubecom674 ok
Another Texan here. I was very saddened to hear the news. I’ve been following that family since I was a child. My heart goes out to her family. I know they’ll miss her.
This is the first King book that I’ve read, I thoroughly enjoyed the first 200 pages, then it had a lull for bout 150 pages where I wasn’t so keen, but the final 200 pages I really enjoyed, this may be biased because I was really a big fan of Iota, picturing his growing friendship with Charlie and the build up to the Fair One, and I enjoyed the ending
My first King book too and I felt exactly the same as you, I feel as if it could've been at least 100 pages shorter
I was sooooo sad when Iota died!!! He held such a special place in my heart and I loved his character so much
I just finished it. I usually wait to give a rating on books to let my thoughts catch up... But man... This book is in my top 5 of the year. I love king, I love dark fantasy (lovecraft mythos being my favorite), and I love dogs lol. I think it was a closed off ending but I want more of this world!
On your note about the second half being weaker, I actually disagree completely. The second half is the actual fairy tale. The first half has almost zero fantastical elements (they were still incredible) but the book is being marketed as a fantasy, not a slice of life. So its what is expected in my opinion. Also all of the characters of the fantastical aspect were not abandoned completely. They all came together in the end.
I will agree this story is a tale of two halves. I just think the second half was better than the first, for what the book is marketed as.
As always I appreciate your review. You mentioned basically all of what I said I just wanted to drive home the point of marketing.
Actually, I see it more as a tale in three parts -- the real world, the first stage of the fairy tale with a boy's simple quest to save his dog, and finally everything that follows that first quest. I loved the first two stages because of the close bonds built, especially that between Charlie and Radar. The final stage (following the quest to save Radar) felt like an entirely different story with an almost entirely new cast of characters without the same level of relationship-building. Don't get me wrong -- I loved the whole thing! -- but I can understand why Mike feels like the book took a complete direction turn that sidelined carefully-crafted relationships in favor of all-new ones without the same level of focus or development. This did not happen when the story transitioned from the real world to the fairy tale world -- I could understand that, at least. It happened halfway through the fairy tale and felt like an entirely different story in tone, pacing, and development. So yeah, I get where Mike is coming from. With that said, I still think it was an amazing story and I loved every bit of it! I just felt some of what Mike described while reading the second half, not because things changed when they transitioned to a new world but because halfway through that part of the story the cast changed and all previous relationships just got tossed to the side (albeit not permanently!) after so much build up. The story itself also seemed to take on an entirely new character as well, which is not necessarily a bad thing but in this case it did feel a little "off" to me, if that makes sense. To put it another way, it went from feeling like the titular fairy tale to feeling more like a more traditional dark fantasy with Lovecraftian undertones, and that, I think, is why it felt awkward to me.
@@cervanntes I can agree that when they introduced that whole new cast that it felt like a complete change and I actually do think that it mightve lasted a bit too long. However, I feel like King brought it back once the escape happened. He brought the old cast back and really nailed it with the last adventure and ending. While I understand how the detour can really ruin the flow for some, it wasn't exactly enough to say the entire second half was slower.
Also I think you hit the nail on the head better than I did with how the book is segmented. It's more like a tale of thirds and not halfs.
I agree. It’s a fantasy book and I think he forgot that in this review.
@@cervanntes "This did not happen when the story transitioned from the real world to the fairy tale world"
How so? You similarly had an entirely new cast of characters, and the relationship building was the same, albeit under drastically different circumstances, hence different relationships and how they're built.
Absolutely a fan of King (for about 45 years) and also of this entire book! This one made me happier than any of his have done for a very long time.
You appreciated the part where he says the only good thing about white people is how fuckable blonde girls are?
.......the entire book??????? You mean the first 300 pages where nothing happens????????? Or do you mean the last 200 pages where there's NO FANTASY IN THE FANTASY WORLD???????????
I absolutely loved this book! Definitely one of my favorite King books!
Definitely my favorite part of the book was the relationship between Mr Bowditch and Charlie. You're right, the relationships between the characters, especially at the beginning, is great. And yes, utilizing a dog in your story is a cheat code 😂
Hey Jake! Just came here after finishing your vid 😂
@@charliec6659 nice! Thank you!
Reading my first King novel now, Pet Sematary and am thoroughly enjoying it.
One of my favorite of his. So emotional.
Starting with the best hell yeah
That's my favorite King book!
That’s one I still haven’t read. I’ve read quite a few king books at this point but my first was Thinner
READ THE LONG WALK
I just finished the book. I completely agree with your review. I could not put it down during the first half of the novel. I loved the relationship and "slice of life" as you mentioned with Mr. Bowditch, Charlie, and Radar and I was hungry for more. Where it started losing my interest was in Maleen. I felt like it dragged, and I couldn't get behind the characters in the prison. It was solid and I was expecting more based on what I read in the beginning.
Agree with you 100% - My favorite part of the book was the beginning with Charlie, Radar, and Mr Bowditch. It got confusing towards the end with all the different characters.
My first king book! I’m shocked I’ve read so much and haven’t even gotten to the books premise yet lol. But strangely enough I’m loving it. I’m feeling a ton of nostalgia for my high school years through Charley!
(I listened to the audiobook)
The first 5 hours were great! The next 5 hours were fun and interesting...then the jail chapters made the book hit a damn wall! It killed all the momentum! As it climbed back to the rest of the world I was already getting ready to clock out... I really feel like it had wasted potential...this is KING! why wasn't it more of a meta love letter to fairy tales instead of a name dropping list...if felt lazy.
The Boss fight was dope.
After this book I started revisiting some Neil Gaiman short stories...and especially his earlier work...that felt more like what I thought I'd be getting from this novel...something that WAS a fairy tale while dissecting and meditating on fairy tales and their art of cautionary stories...
Started strong, ended up mid mid-tier
I usually come to you first before starting a new book. Thank you.
First time i read the dogs name , I automatically thought of Nettie Cobb’s dog in Needful Things , and then I remembered it was called Raider not Radar!
"You killed my doggie you bitch!"
"You broke my microwave you crazy fuck!"
😂😂😂
I actually got my review up before Brain Lee Durfee! Only by an hour or so, and it took me waking up at 3am on Tuesday and binge reading for it to happen haha
Do you actually remember anything from that book sir? 😅
@@Morfeusm 🤣🤣🤣 Yes, but I’ve lost my sanity in the process lol
The ending left me a bit nostalgic and wanting for more. I hope he writes a sequel
Just finished this book. Loved the relationship between Charlie and Radar. Having a German shepherd that went threw what Radar went threw it really did pull on those heart strings.
Was I the only one that thought Mr. Bowditch's Colt .45 being omnipresent in the book was a nod to the Gunslinger?
Yeah! Good point. I think there were things in this book that were more than nods - i think its part of the gunslinger’s universe.
I recently finished Fairy Tale and agree the first half of the book was excellent and the ending was solid but the second half dipped. I think it’s because the characters didn’t feel as real and the plot choices were a bit iffy. But I agree overall still definitely worth a read and it was fun to explore King’s version of a fairy tale world.
I read it quickly too. I wait for all Kings books. My all time favorite author. This book just shows the dark side of fairy tales you heard as a child. I never liked them as a kid, and this book just illustrates why. And BTW, the actual issustrations are the best I've ever seen.
Yes yes yes ! I completely agree with you. Just finished this morning and it’s about 3.5 for me.
I'm not finished yet Mike but I completely agree with what you're saying, it's slowing down a bit at the 60% mark and I think King did the first half of the book brilliantly and then where I'm up to is failing in comparison, hopefully I'll finish by tonight 😊
Great review. More King content! Love them. My copy is being delivered today so will be spending the weekend with Mr. King.
Half way through this book. I'm really enjoying it so far. Claudia was cracking me up!
WHAT ABOUT HER IS CRACKING YOU UP?
@@nickfoster9350 right lol
I’m really pleased you got this book Mike, and it’s good.
I might well make it the first King book I read!
🤣I saw Mr Durfee's review too.
Great review.
Love an animal companion and dogs are in the topmost tier.
Still working my way to that chapter 20. I should reach it, today. Thanks for the video as always and folks are enjoying their time with it. 🐶
thats where the "bad stuff" starts
I’m absolutely loving the shift that happens when the new characters are introduced. It deepens the history of the world and really puts the stakes much higher for Charlie . I’m still only on chapter 22 but absolutely LOVING it. Thanks for the review
Is it like The Talisman? I've heard it's very similar. Is Charlie Reade like Jack Sawyer? Have you read The Talisman?
Mike, can we get more King reviews? Those are my favorite and I feel you’re not doing enough King to satisfy your hungry fans….. ALSO BEARDED FOX, LETS DO THIS!!!!
I listened to the audio book through audible. I loved it. I wish it was more DT or Talisman related. King himself reads the cassette tape part. It was a great audio book. It somewhat felt like an expanded version of Mr. Harigan’s Phone.
I really enjoyed this book as well. For me personally all my favorite moments where with radar and charlie. The first half really hit close to home for me.
I finished Fairytale over the weekend. I have to say, not only did we give it he same "ranking" but you hit the nail on the head. I breezed through the first half of the book and right about chapter 19 (haha your comment made me literally "lol")....yeah it did take a turn. I agree 100%. I even said out loud to my husband "okay, yeah don't know if I like where this is going anymore."
Basically, you hit the nail on the head with this review.
But now its off to the "Blood and Bone" series by John Gwynne! :)
Really looking forward to Fairy Tale after this and Brian LeeDufree's review. This will probably be a Christmas gift for me.
I just found out Peter Straub passed away on the weekend so its an overall sad day.
200 pages in and loving this book.
Our opinions mirror each other almost exactly. What worked and didn’t work for me, you expressed eloquently. I’m impressed by how quickly you were able to read and record this in depth review. I’m glad I read it! It wasn’t perfect, but it was fantastic to have a new King story to devour. I’m still processing my thoughts, but I think I would have liked King to lean more into horror with his fantasy realm or introduce less new characters and develop them as well as he did Charlie, Radar, and Mr. Bowditch. Still an enjoyable read that I gave 4 stars to. Thanks, Mike! 😊
There’s no one I’d be happier about sharing a brain with. Thanks for watching!
I’m listening to the audiobook now and so far it’s fantastic (I’m at the halfway point). 🎧
Im just finishing reading this book and I do actually agree with what youre saying, Im usually not much of a characters reader, I do usually appreciate the plot more, I did enjoy the whole book a whole lot, but I do agree the first half was the better half. I think its a fantastic book personally and I am a fan of all the references to dark Grimm's fairy tales.
I’m 60% into it, probably close to the change up you mentioned. My fingers are crossed, but so far, I’m enjoying it.
I just finished the audiobook and it was quite good. There were times when it was a little long-winded but all in all good book and good ending
I do miss The Multiverse Connections :P great review i am pretty excited for this book. Mine got delayed :/ i will probably get it somewhere this week
I’m currently just over 100 pages in… it’s Mr Harrigan’s phone all over so far…😎👍🏻
💯 on the pacing. The first half was so good. Then 60 percent in it was a little bit not my jam, and then the ending made up for it. I just wanted him back with his dad. I didn’t care about the princess stuff personally
I am not done with it but I love it and can’t put it down. I kept thinking you were going to enjoy it too, right up your alley! I think the US cover is stunning.
I actually really liked The Institute, and Billy Summers. I can see why they weren't a hit with constant readers, but I'm a pretty light critic. From how you described this, I imagine Fairytale will be a solid 4 or 5 ☆ read for me.
You have to look at where longterm fans are coming from. Stephen King was incredible for those first 15 to years. I personally haven't loved anything he's written since Insomnia in 1994.
Stuff after that is still good but nothing great. I've read just about everything he's ever written
I really enjoyed The Institute also. 👍
@@damonke79 I think it's more a matter of perspective. He definitely evolved over the decades, and as time went on, his horror element weakened. That, and just getting sober and tightening up his writing. Yea, his Rockstar status faded. But I still have a few solid gems in mind written after Insomnia. At the same time, he's cranked out some absolute duds too.
@@alynam82 What have you loved after Insomnia? I'm curious
@@damonke79 Wizard and Glass, my favorite in DT series. (Though, that doesn't take away from how awesome 2-3 were) and 11/22/63 is another one that I thought was fantastic.
Outside of those, I enjoyed Mr. Mercedes/ Finders Keepers, and Outsider. Not classic-King standards, but I 5☆ those hands down.
I just finished it just now.... I absolutely loved it. I did not mind that shift at all, it was very smooth and nice, and Stephen King just makes you love his characters wherever they make their appearances. I have seen you also didn't like that about Alice in Billy Summers (which was not bad, but not nearly as enjoyable as this one) made her appearance also much later in the story.
SPOILER:
I just would have hoped that Charlie would have stayed in Empis. And maybe I would have wanted to see a story in which Gogmagog would have been banging on the portal to get into this world. Maybe it will still one day come.
I mean all refugees from Empis streaming into this world from the portal in Mr Bowditch's shed. And Gogmagog trying to follow them... Well, maybe that is just too fantastical.
The beginning had me so hooked ! Loved the part with him and the old man and his past and his secrets the gold and I love radar and then it just went down hill like the first part of the book didn’t matter
The ending was pretty decent but I wanted more of what first half of the book was .
I'm with you with the 2nd half of the book. When he's introduced to the other characters I honestly thought it slowed down. When Radard and Charlie were split up that's when it took a dip. When it wrapped up it got good again. The first half of the book was fantastic 👌
Mike, your out of your mind on this. Of course I love the slice of life for half of the book. But, cmon… dear god … the second half of the book is pure gold… it was so good … it’s everything I love about his fantasy writing… your nuts dude… the story about his adventures in this other world knocked my socks off.. it was absolutely amazing… your nuts dude.. it was thrilling, moving and above all… absolutely stunning… what in gods name were you reading lol?!….
I already have this book on hold at my local library. This is reassuring to know it's worth check out.
Love your vids...
Best channel...
I was afraid I was the only one who felt disappointed when King shifted from the slice-of-life side of the book. I was attached to Charlie, Adrian and the dog, and just loved how dark and haunted the ‘real life’ was with all the influence and references to the Grimm fairytales. I feel like it was such a unique twist and it reminded me of some elements from King’s previous books. The eerieness was captured magnificently, and te fairytale dimension felt cliche at times.
You perfectly described how I feel about the book. The first half was pushing the book into top ten King for me, and the second half brought it around the half way mark in his books.
One of my favorite friendships in Stephen king books is the relationship in little men and yellow coats! So I'm excited to see how this friendship is.
I think it's called Low Men in Yellow Coats. The relationship between Ted and Bobby is so endearing. There's also a film version called Hearts In Atlantis that's very sad and made me cry.
I enjoyed Billy Summer. I'm looking forward to read Fairy Tale.
Did any other readers pronounce it as "Bow"-ditch (as in bowing to the king and queen)?
Has Fairy Tale inspired anyone to read or reread The Dark Tower? I just finished Fairy Tale and have a burning desire to thus again reread The Dark Tower Series even though it’s only been 4 years
SPOILERS!!!
I agree with you on where the booking starting to go down hill. When Charlie was held prisoner and king introduced what felt like 100 new characters full of prisoner and guards it did get very overwhelming and kinda boring. But when they prisoners were forced to kill each other (especially when Charlie fought Cla) that’s when the book starting picking up again.
I just finished the chapter where Iota dies from the poison blade, got about 50 pages left. Wish me luck.
I also heard it on audio book from audible, amazing book, actually heartbreaking at the end though.
Wow, my thoughts EXACTLY. Better than Institute and Billy Summers (as far as his recent stuff goes) but not quite as good as Revival, Outsider, and OMG LATER one of my absolute favorites by him recently. (Fun fact I actually love all 3 of his hard case crime novels very unpopular opinion Colorado Kid gets SO MUCH hate)
First half of this book was SO GOOD! The atmosphere, the neighborhood/town building, Charlie and the dynamics with his school friends and Mr Bowditch, and slowly learning that something isn't quite right. It was all so damn good. Then about little over halfway through I feel like that book ended and a new one began. I wished it would've gone in a different direction, but I did still enjoy it EXCEPT for the 200 page portion of 32 random characters and Hunger Games meh.
Ending was EPIC. Overall, I gave it a 4/5. Enjoyed it a ton. Definitely thought it was going to be one of his best works halfway through but for me personally, fell of the rails just a bit in the middle with the monotony and Hunger Games and 32 characters parts.
Great review :)
EDIT: Also, forgot to mention that the audiobook is one of the best I've ever listened to! Listened in the car a few times and wow the narrator does different voices for every character, so impressive. Does the villain voices particularly good. Another fun fact towards the beginning of the book there's a tape recording Charlie plays it's maybe a few minutes. In the audiobook they make it sound like an actual tape recording. It sounds all fuzzy and little muffled not super crisp--which is exactly how tape recordings sounded. That portion is voiced by Stephen King himself. For both of those reasons, I just thought it was the coolest thing ever!
lol if u thought that was a good
audiobook you've never been spoiled by George guidall or Frank Muller
I am a big SK fan for over 35 years and this book was something completely different. I loved the slow telling in the first part of the book. The second part was sometimes a bit weird and I didn't always like the fantasy parts, I could'nt always imagine what he was telling. The love between Charlie and Radar was beautiful. The end made me feel very sad. I was glad that the secret world was closed for humans but I felt sad that Charlie could never return there.
My first ever Stephan King book. Decided to go with horror without doing my research. Now I’m in a fantasy novel 😂
I just did the exact same thing!! 😂😂😂
First time in a while I'm actually really hyped for a new Stephen King book!
Thank you! I was thinking of DNF the book. I feel validated. I'm going to pause and maybe come back later in fall. Might be in a better space
For me the book went like this :
1st third - excellent. Loved it.
2nd third - something of a slog
3rd third - excellent. Loved it.
Thank you so much for reviewing this book I am so excited to review it on my YT channel! Stephen King is definitely one of my favs and one of the few writers who can masterfully cross genres.
Only 75 pages in so far, but I’m loving this so far. We’ll see at the 60% mark. I haven’t read any King since I was a teen, 40 years ago.
I am beginning my Stephen King reads by Fairy Tale. I am about ten chapters in and this feels so good.
I agree with what you say about the Deep Marleen section of the book. It was much longer than the Sunlight Home part of The Talisman, but stressed me out far less. I appreciate the length of it for the character building of the fellow prisoners, and it well established his princely essence.
You mention Dean Koontz which came to my mind as well because of his use of dog companions so often
Well that was quick. I just started The Long Walk and so far it's pretty good. I'll get to Fairy Tale someday
Loved The Long Walk.. can't wait to re-read it!
@@kaiju_k5042 it's amazing to me how King can take a simple concept like "100 boys have to keep walking, and if they stop they die. Let's see who lasts the longest." And makes it actually interesting to read
@@emosongsandreadalongs Yes, a concept so simple yet brilliant and horrific at the same time. It's one of those stories that stays with you for a very long time.
The long walk is one of my favorite Stephen king books
I just finished the book and enjoyed it. I agree maybe the slice-of- life stuff took up too much of the first section of the book. King also loves the road trip writing (The Stand, The Talisman), so there is some of that as well. I was not expecting the main quest (Radar) to be completed earlyish, so the remainder of the book is basically a new quest.
You described very well how I felt about the whole new world and many new characters introduced well into the halfway point of the story, and how those new characters didn’t quite ‘click’ for me. I guess the biggest reason why is because they’re not like usual King’s characters. Still, I admire Mr. King’s ability to pull off such complex storyline with elements of various fairy tales and still end the story strong.
This was my first King book and it might just be my new favorite book in general too. I finished the audiobook tonight and I have the hardcover print copy ordered and on the way. I need to go back into this world 😭
I will probably be rereading the beginning of this book often in the future, though maybe not the whole thing.
Busy reading fairy tale...loving it.
I just finished the book. I loved the intricacies and the literary allusions. Lots of fun picking them out and anticipating them. I certainly do agree with your comment about the middle part of the book being too long and ponderous. I agree that the ending was satisfying.
I do wish King would tighten his narratives. He just writes so much. In contrast, the ending chapters were much more tight and so more enjoyable.
RIP Queen Elizabeth
Best comment on here 🙏😞✝️
I just finished Fairy Tale this morning. Really enjoyed it but I had a problem with the way it's told. The whole book is told in the past tense, from Charlie, which means that Charlie is going to be fine. I prefer it when the story is told as it's happening if that makes sense. Nit pick, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I absolutely loved it. I definitely agree that once Radar was rejuvenated the story fell off a little
I think its part of the dark tower universe. I think that several characters possess the shine. There are a lot of reasons actually that i think its part of the universe. The living architecture, obviously the portal and the worlds on top of and under worlds. And the Rumpelstiltskin characters kind of reminded me; of insomnia but i would have to reread it to see if i was just reminded or if king was linking them, i m;iaht be wrong. About everything.
I fully respect your take on the new characters in the second half and can see where you’re coming from for sure. And in terms of writing, i think youre right. But i liked them more than you did. In fact, when several of them get send away (to eat a dirt sandwich as Dink would say) i got surprisingly emotional! Also i liked that there were a number of relationships for Charlie to navigate with his evolving station in life. So even if they resend somewhat topical, they made us have to see Charlie differently as the book went on.
I waited to finish the book before listening to this review and agree 100%. The beginning was strong and the development of Charley, Mister, and Raydar and his father were very well developed. I was disappointed at the long delay for the fantasy elements but I was having a great time. Then once we began exploring the new world and all those new characters emerged, it was like reading a different book and I just didn't care too much. It did end well so I gave it 3 and a half stars.
I loved this book. I had a great time with it the whole way through and didn’t want it to end. I loved both halves of the book, but I can see where you’re coming from with being a bit thrown off by the second quest. I still enjoyed that part just as much as the rest of the book.
I loved the world and characters King created here, and the odes to classic fairytales and myths. I thought it was a masterpiece. It’s made me want to higher prioritize reading all of his books (I’m about 1/4 of the way there.)
I enjoyed Fairytale, but I think I’m in the camp of enjoying the first half more than the second. A lot of Charlie exploring Empis is him walking and describing what he’s seeing. That’s not bad in small doses but when you have a barren land in gray with not a lot of people around, you reach a point where you’re like: “okay, we GET it!”
The stuff in deep Maleen took a while, too. It’s only when Charlie goes up against Cla that the book picked up again.
I’m happy with the ending.
If they ever adapt this, it’s gonna be interesting to say the least.
Surprised you felt that way about the "second" group of characters... I enjoyed both the beginning slice of life, and the fantastical part equally as much.
Great characters in both worlds.
Although, I think I know what specific super long part you are talking about
Durfee! 🤘
Thanks for the review Mike, looking forward to reading this one soon.
This was my first King book and I absolutely loved this book so much. I agree that the best part was the begining with Charlie, Radar and Mr. Bowditch, but I enjoyed exploring the World of Empiss too, as well as most of the characters. The prison arch was kind of where the story started to taper off for me. I personally wouldn't neccessarily say it was bad, but I would have rather had Charlie spend more time with Leah, Woody, Claudia and Dora. Overrall though, this is definately a "Sticks with you after its done" story for me and I'm very glad I read it. Definately will give it a re-read in the future and I'm going to check out the rest of King's work as well.
sounds promising and when i saw the cover and concept i think i may love this. might pick it up when i go out of town
I really liked The Eyes of the Dragon when I was 15 back in 87 but not sure how it would stand up today
Ahh excellent, have a major SK backlog, but a new book is so welcome & exciting! I wish Mr King would write a book about a near death experience & the afterlife.
Great review,I love it.Just finished the book and watching it makes me relive the story again,which I also enjoyed a lot.
honestly I really enjoyed The Institute. The ending was very weak for me, but the whole story was very thrilling.
I thought I was moving at a pretty good clip being at about 40% after a day and a half or so, but you and Durfee take the cake.
I loved the first half, and even though it was a whiplash, I still really liked the second half.
I really liked the plot shift. It’s there from the beginning of the portal part.
Great video. I just finished Fairy Tale and really liked it! I liked all of it.
Recently I was inspired by Stephan Kings's book for aspiring writers ...interesting