Fairy Tale

July 25, 2022
Bestseller King (Billy Summers) underwhelms in an overlong fantasy most likely to appeal to his YA fans. In 2003, seven-year-old Charlie Reade’s mother dies in an accident, sending his father into an alcoholic tailspin. Ten years later, a chance event changes Charlie’s life dramatically; while passing by a neighbor’s home, he hears frantic barking, and a feeble cry for help. He discovers elderly Howard Bowditch badly injured from a fall and calls 911, earning him Bowditch’s gratitude and a reputation as a hero. Charlie becomes the caretaker for both the dog, Radar, whom he grows to love, and Bowditch, who gradually reveals his secrets, including the source of the gold pellets he keeps in his safe: the mysterious shed on his property contains a portal to another world, one teeming with evil that wants to escape. Once the action shifts there, the plot becomes derivative, retreading standard portal fantasy tropes and the familiar struggle between good and evil. Illustrations at the start of each chapter, headed with descriptions of what they include, further convey a juvenile feel. This attempt at creating a sense of wonder and magic falls short.

December 1, 2022

King's (Billy Summers) latest overlong offering is really two books in one. The first part concerns 17-year-old Charlie Reade, who is traumatized by his mother's early death and his father's subsequent alcoholism. One day Charlie hears a dog barking frantically while walking past the nearby "Psycho House." There he finds injured, crabby old Mr. Bowditch. Charlie decides to help Mr. Bowditch by cleaning his house, caring for his aged dog, Radar, and providing outpatient care. Turns out that Mr. Bowditch has an inexplicable amount of gold, and there's some weird stuff going on out in the locked shed. Eventually Charlie discovers a portal to Empis, an enchanting realm that holds many dangers. Charlie's journey though Empis abounds in expected fairy-tale tropes and references. Narrator Seth Numerick does a super job giving voice to the many characters. Bowditch sure sounds cranky; Charlie sounds wise beyond his years; and the evil king is horrifying. As always, the book could have benefited from editing, as the story sometimes drags. Even so, Numerick maintains interest through excellent pacing, well-placed humor, and a convincing portrayal of fear and shame. VERDICT Patrons will be clamoring for this one. Public libraries should purchase multiple copies.--B. Allison Gray

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