Fairy Tale by Stephen King: A Book Recommendation

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

When you hear the name Stephen King, you don’t automatically think of YA books for teens, yet Fairy Tale is just that.

Charlie Reade may seem like your average seventeen-year-old high school student, excelling in sports and trying to keep up with his studies, but behind his mundane routine lies a heavy burden. When Charlie was just ten years old, tragedy struck when his mother fell victim to a devastating hit-and-run accident. Left with a grief-stricken father who turned to alcohol as a means of coping, Charlie was forced to mature quickly, shouldering the responsibilities of both him and his father.

But Charlie’s life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Howard Bowditch, a reclusive old man living in a house perched atop a hill. The house holds a mysterious secret—a locked shed emitting peculiar sounds, hinting at the presence of a creature within. When Mr. Bowditch passes away, Charlie inherits the house along with a substantial amount of gold, a cassette tape recounting an unbelievable story, and a responsibility that far exceeds his tender age.

Inside the shed, Charlie discovers a portal to a parallel universe on the brink of catastrophe. This alternate world is inhabited by monstrous leaders who pose a threat not only to their own realm but to ours as well. It is a place of two racing moons, majestic palaces soaring into the sky, exiled royalty enduring unimaginable punishments, treacherous dungeons, and deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic “Fair One.” And at the heart of it all lies a magical sundial with the power to turn back time.

Fairy Tale unfolds as a timeless narrative, a classic hero’s journey thrust upon an ordinary individual by the whims of fate. In his masterful storytelling, Stephen King weaves a tale that is both suspenseful and deeply satisfying, adding yet another iconic piece to his already impressive body of work.

A brave man helps. A coward just gives presents. There’s a dark well in everyone, I think, and it never goes dry. But you drink from it at your peril.

If you’re giving Fairy Tale as a gift, here are a few things to consider:

The vibes in Fairy Tale are adventurous, dark, mysterious, and emotional with a medium pace. Some parts are slower than others but the great thing about this book’s pacing is that it allows the reader to sit in the pocket of these slightly uncomfortable vibes and really feel our young hero’s struggle.

It’s the perfect book for anyone who loves stories about good vs evil, strong bonds with animals, and human kindness. Fairy Tale deals with the concept of families falling apart and coming back together.

Permission to judge a book by its cover!

The first edition hardcover of Fairy Tale is a gorgeous blue that depicts the portal beneath the shed. There are also two paperback versions in both blue and red that are whimsical and perfect for your next shelfie!