Thank you for the opportunity to preview The society of Unknowable Objects. I loved The Book of Doors by this author. These books are truly different than any other books I have read recently.
This book centers on Magda who is a writer and an author. She is part of a group of people who have an unusual interest in magic. Magda and her group meet two times a year to discuss their ideas and their thoughts on magic.
This group has been around for decades and passed down to their descendants. Magda’s mother was a member but she died years ago.
This group has stored objects that can do special things. These objects are ordinary but they can do unimaginable things. They can make you disappear or maybe fly. . But this group must keep them hidden from the public because the good they do could also be used to create evil.
Magda is called upon to retrieve an object in Hong Kong and this is when Magda sees what evil truly looks like.
This book is fascinating and descriptive. Great characters and very different I was caught up with the story and plot. Possible sequel I hope.
Very good! 4.5 stars

Gareth Brown's debut, The Book of Doors, was one of my favorite fantasy reads of last year, and The Society of Unknowable Objects was just as enjoyable. This was so fun and fast-paced, and the villain just hurt my heart in the best way.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me this book!

Gareth Brown's debut – [book:The Book of Doors|156480764] – was easily one of my top 5 from last year and ranks high on my all time favorites list. I've been counting down since I saw that he was putting his second book out, and immediately dropped everything to start this the second I received my copy.

This is another story with a FMC and ominous magical objects, but don't let that make you think it will be a repeat of The Book of Doors! In this book, the magical responsibility is passed down the family line upon death, and as you can imagine, there are some who are more willing than others to take on the obligation of this secret society. I loved the pacing of this story – I felt grabbed right from the jump and stayed engaged throughout the story as little hints were dropped.

The rest of my review contains SPOILERS, you've been warned.

The entire book I was wondering if we were in the same world as Cassie and The Fox Library and I was absolutely LOSING MY MIND (!!!!!!!!) when the woman enters the bookshop and then reveals herself to Magda as Cassie. LOSING MY MIND! The possibility that these worlds overlapped made total sense to me, but I didn't anticipate that they were going to actually intersect and I was SO THRILLED at the possibility that we may see a story where these two women are interacting with their respective magical objects.

I also really, really loved the darkness surrounding Lukas. All of the descriptions of him were so creepy and just wrong – it really added to the reveal of how he came to be.

Solid, solid 4.5 – I will for sure be purchasing a copy for my shelf!

This storyline had promise, but fell short in my opinion. The story is quite disjointed and distracting. The characters didn’t have enough depth to create buy-in and the random pieces of information thrown out in the middle of an event are distracting.

Thank you too William Morrow and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC. I was enamored with this book from page one. The writing drew me in from the start and I settled in and savored the adventure. The characters were well developed. Even when I hated them, I felt a sense of understanding. The story developed a magic system that was unique and made me grapple with the question of what I would do if faced with these magic items. The end of the epilogue made me wonder if there was another book to come and I'd be open to visiting this world again. Not a cliffhanger but an opening for more. Overall I recommend this book for all who are intrigued by magic realism, adventure, sprinkles of romance, and simply are looking for a good book.

Loved the Book of Doors so was delighted to see a new book by the author and it did not disappoint. Really looking forward to rereading 10 years from now as this book will change for the reader in different times in their life. Well done

Thank you to Netgalley and William and Morrow for the arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Aaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!! I can’t stop!!!! If you loved The Book of Doors read this IMMEDIATELY. Arg I can’t write anything or I’ll spoil it. But I need to discuss this book!!! Like now!!! Read the book and do NOT. SKIP. THE. EPILOGUE.

The premise is solid—secret societies, magical objects, and a chase across the world—but the execution felt uneven. The first half dragged, bogged down by exposition and Magda’s questionable decision-making, but the second half picked up with more action and intrigue. While the magic system and worldbuilding were compelling, some character choices and pacing issues kept this from being as immersive as it could have been.

First off, I loved the Book of Doors. So, the bar was pretty high for this one.

The Society of Unknowable Objects pulls you into a similar world where history and magic intertwine, and no one—not even the protectors of powerful artifacts—can be fully trusted. The story zips from London to Hong Kong to the American South, unraveling long-buried secrets and throwing its characters into danger at every turn. Magda Sparks, though a bit too plucky for her own good (and honestly a little annoying) makes for an interesting guide through this shadowy underworld. It has some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, and some that I was. I'd definitely read more in the world.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Unknowable objects are magical items (really cool items!) that posses power - and that most people know nothing about. Three people are members of a secret society in London, tasked with keeping the general public unaware of the existence of the magical objects, for the objects could also be harmful to people, too. Frank has been a member of the society the longest, when he learns of a new object coming to light in Hong Kong, and decides to send the newest member, Magda, to investigate. Once Magda arrives in Hong Kong, it becomes evident others know about this new object as well - and is intent to kill to keep her away from it. Even more concerning, this person knows all about the other unknowable objects as well, especially one that was stolen from him decades prior. Magda is able to get away, but only by using an object that the other members of the society do not even know about. Once she returns to London, she learns the society is not just about keeping the objects safe, but that there are a lot more secrets being kept.

I loved the concepts tossed about in this book! Who decides if magic is good or evil? Do we even have the "right" to possess the magic? This book also has a ton of excitement, so if you enjoyed this author's book about the magical doors, you will love this book. There are twists and then it is all pulled together, and really is a great read that you will continue to think about (especially because of that epilogue!).

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An absolutely gorgeous tale filled with magic, intrigue, and suspense! A companion novel to The Book of Doors, this title carries all the same wonder and beauty as its predecessor, while also defining its own identity in a way that made it, at least to me, even more enjoyable than the first book! Seeing the mystery of the Society's origins unfold was enthralling, and the true nature of the objects they collect was truly fascinating, all backed up by a cast of rich and nuanced characters! An absolute must-read for any lovers of fantasy! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

☆4.75
What would one do with magic objects designed as everyday things? Good things? Bad things? An indifference or maybe averison to these great items.

The Society of Unknowable Objects only has 3 current members. It's a secret society that collects magic objects around the world and keeps them hidden and safe. When word arrives that a stranger in Hong Kong knows about them and has a magic object, Magda is sent to retrieve it. What should have been an easy trip becomes deathly. The Society seems to be keeping more than just objects secret, and Magda must make things right.

This was such a delightful book. I loved it. I really enjoy Browns writing style. I didn't want to finish it, I wanted to stay within the story, but I needed to know what was going to happen. The characters were relatable and frustrating at the same time. The magic system was simple yet believable and effective. I would love to come back to this world.

Thank you to williammorrowbooks and netgalley for providing me a copy to read and review honestly.

Sophomore slump, who? This book was a pleasant surprise!

(spoilers ahead)

I read The Book of Doors for a recent book club, and while most people enjoyed it there were many aspects of it that most of the attendees were confused by or couldn’t wrap their heads around (I heard one table had to draw a diagram). I enjoyed it enough to still be intrigued when I saw the author had another book coming out soon, and was excited to be chosen for an ARC (thanks William Morrow and NetGalley, by the way, for a copy in exchange for my honest review).

So glad I gave this one a chance! It fixes many of the complaints about BoD with a more streamlined plot that sucks you in immediately. It also benefits from a much tighter cast of characters instead of spending half the book saying “wait, who was that?”. And, yes, while it was not a romance novel I was much happier with the payoff in this book versus the last one which felt like the tension built up to nothing.

As far as critiques, I did find the parts that focused on the “bad guy” a little too lengthy at times; these chapters would be much longer than those that focused on the main action and sometimes felt like they would never end (only for him to be wiped out pretty unceremoniously). Also the fight against the “final boss” seemed to drag on and on.

That being said, overall I enjoyed this book—more than The Book of Doors, honestly. I did appreciate the nods to that book, though, and am really excited by the opportunities possibly opened up by the epilogue! Will definitely pick up the author’s next novel to see where the story goes next.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. If you like magical realism, this book is for you. I enjoyed his first book, but this one I enjoyed more. It was easy to read engaging throughout. I felt like he did a good job closing all the threads and the cliffhanger at the end. Wow!

Well, that was amazing. Gareth Brown has earned himself a spot on my auto-buy authors list. The WRITING. Gahhh so good.

Okay review with actual words now. The Society of Unknowable Objects had me completely captivated and wanting to know more from the start. This story is written so wonderfully that you have no trouble feeling a part of the magical world. It feels so real even with the magical elements. It's a tale full of magic and imagination, but Brown excellently ties in a darker side as well.

If you want a fast paced, immersive, magical read - you most certainly should pick up this book!

First, thank you for the ARC!

Publication date: 31 July 2025

Just last month, I read The Book of Doors, and I liked it so much.

When I saw that there would be another book from the author, I requested it without hesitation.

And here I am, I've finished reading it...

I really enjoyed it, although at times it felt a bit slow, but the ending had so much action and information. And the epilogue, wow!

I love this kind of theme and atmosphere.

💬There's a secret society, people who find and protect magical items, the ability to fly, walk through walls (I'd love a pair of speedy boots, please)

But the main character's mother dies during the search, and this is where the secrets start to unfold, and a guy with a gun shows up.

Is magic evil or good? Do we have the right to possess it?

This book is similar to The Book of Doors, so if you enjoyed that and want something alike, definitely read this one!

It reminded me of the tv show The Librarians, which I love.

There's also a bit of a romantic subplot.

• Magical items
• Secret society
• Murder
• Hunter of magic

📚📦♟️🪄🔫

5/5 Stars

I absolutely loved The Society of Unknowable Objects! It’s the perfect mix of mystery, adventure, and magic, with a fast-paced plot that kept me hooked from page one. The whole concept of "unknowable objects" is so unique, and the secret society protecting them adds an intriguing layer of suspense.

Beyond the adventure, the book also explores some deeper themes about truth, power, and secrecy, which gave it even more depth. But most of all, it’s just a really exciting read. If you love books with secret societies, magical artifacts, and smart, badass protagonists, this one’s for you!

Gareth Brown’s The Society of Unknowable Objects is a compelling and immersive novel that blends mystery, fantasy, and historical intrigue. Set in a world where seemingly ordinary objects possess extraordinary power, the story follows Magda Sparks, a writer who is also the newest member of a secret society dedicated to safeguarding these artifacts. When she is sent to Hong Kong to investigate the emergence of a rare and dangerous object, she quickly finds herself caught in a deadly pursuit—one that forces her to question not only the motives of her own organization but also the true nature of the artifacts themselves.

What sets this novel apart is its richly developed mythology and the intricate ways in which it weaves history and magic together. Brown crafts a world in which knowledge is as perilous as power, and the Society's mission to protect unknowable objects is fraught with secrecy and deception. Magda’s journey takes her from the bookshops of London to the American South, unraveling a hidden history of people who have spent lifetimes trying to control forces beyond their understanding. The novel does not simply present magic as a wonder to be explored but rather as a dangerous and morally complex force—one that, in the wrong hands, can reshape history itself.

Beyond its plot, The Society of Unknowable Objects explores broader themes of knowledge, secrecy, and the ethics of power. Who gets to decide what knowledge is too dangerous to share? What happens when an organization founded on noble principles becomes indistinguishable from the threats it seeks to protect the world from? Brown engages with these questions thoughtfully, creating a novel that is not only an engrossing mystery but also a meditation on history, control, and the weight of hidden truths. Brown has established himself as a master of blending historical fantasy with philosophical depth, and I look forward to seeing where his work takes us next.
#netgalley #williammorrow

Having thoroughly enjoyed The Book of Doors, I was eager to dive into Gareth Brown’s latest novel. However, the first half fell short of my expectations, feeling somewhat less creative and engaging. Fortunately, the second half gained momentum, raising the stakes and resolving several of my early concerns with the plot. While some character decisions felt overly dramatic—occasionally veering into YA territory—I still appreciated Brown’s signature blend of realistic fantasy with mature themes. Despite its uneven pacing, the novel remained an enjoyable read overall.

Thank you to William Morrow for the ARC via NetGalley.

Yes. Immediately yes. I LOVE Gareth Brown’s storytelling abilities. If you’ve read and loved The Book of Doors, add this to your TBR. Even if you haven’t read The Book of Doors yet, add this to your TBR anyway because that’s how good it is.
This book has the perfect mix of magical and realistic elements. The descriptions are written in a way that makes me feel like I am right there with the characters.
Not to mention the nod to The Book of Doors at the end! Gareth Brown is a genius.