The society of unknowable objects A novel

Brown's sophomore novel does for everyday objects what his debut, The Book of Doors (2024), did for books. During the 1940s, a quartet of men formed a secret society in London for the singular purpose of collecting, protecting, and storing the magical items of the world, with membership passing to one child of the next generation. In 2025, the longest-serving member and current chair calls an extraordinary meeting because, after more than 40 years, an unknowable object may have been discovered in Hong Kong. This news comes with the revelation that someone has divulged the society's existence and purpose to an outsider, requiring Magda, the society's youngest member, to investigate and acquire the new item--if it truly exists. Unfortunately, Magda discovers not only an object with an unknown power and an outsider with forbidden knowledge but also a dangerous man determined to seize the object for himself at any cost. In order to escape with her life, she must reveal a secret that violates one of the society's most stringent rules. Vividly descriptive language, depictions of world travel, and fast-paced, suspenseful action involving powerful magic items, with a nod to book collectors, will entice fans of intricately plotted romantic fantasy.

This entertaining standalone fantasy from Brown (The Book of Doors) centers on objects of power, or "unknowable objects," which are secured and guarded by the eponymous top secret group. Magda Sparks, the newest member of the Society, which numbers only four, is a novelist by trade and a lawyer by training. When the Society's chair, Frank Simpson, is alerted that James Wei, the son of a previous member's friend whose knowledge of magic represents a security breach, has discovered a new unknowable object in Hong Kong, he tasks Magda with retrieving the item. Magda meets up with James, who takes her to his skyscraper office to hand off a magical chess piece--but, while they are talking, an armed man busts in and shoots James. Magda is only able to escape by using a necklace that allows her to fly. Tracking the mystery assailant forces Magda to confront the true history of the Society and how the unknowable objects come into existence. Seasoned fantasy and mystery readers may guess some of the twists ahead of time, but, after an exposition-heavy start, Brown's propulsive plot and plucky heroine keep the pages turning. It's good fun. (Aug.)