Welcome to Litsy!

Bit of a Faustian deal, bit Lord of the Rings (my precious), the idea of gaining power/rewards but at a cost, the idea of an item prized but also a burden that could cause evil. And a handy stand in for concerns about weapons of mass destruction/powerful nations' decision to war. I appreciate the novella treatment, it didn't feel too repetitive in teaching the protagonist and the reader what the box could offer, versus the threat it represents.1/

My bookmark is on point! Quick read through before I get to the #losersclub book for June!

This is an absolutely delightful return to Gwendy and her story, and the narrative threads that present themselves in the second go-around are tied up quite neatly by the end. Chizmar does a fantastic job maintaining the tone he and King set together in the first entry, and the result is as enjoyable to read as its predecessor. I can't wait to reach the final chapter in Gwendy's tale. 5/5

I had no expectations going into this, and accordingly, I was pleasantly surprised. In addition to a not insubstantial appearance from a well-known villain in King's canon, the story of young Gwendy being saddled with the weight of a nearly unimaginable responsibility was a massively entertaining one. This was helped along in no small part by what an enjoyable companion Gwendy turned out to be. I look forward to seeing what's next for her. 5/5

Richard Chizmar is becoming Stephen King 2.0. Every book I‘ve read by Chizmar is artfully written, suspenseful and, sometimes, with a touch of reality. This book was well written and had plenty of suspense to keep me going. The only downside was that I figured out who the kidnapper was halfway through. I still recommend it. #SeriesLove2024 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

“With breathtaking and lyrical prose, Gwendy‘s Magic Feather explores whether our lives are controlled by fate or the choices we make and what price we sometimes have to pay. Prepare to return again to Stephen King‘s Castle Rock, the sleepy little town built on a bedrock of deep, dark secrets, just as it‘s about to awaken from its quiet slumber once more.”

I like Chizmar‘s prose and voice, but I this often felt like a story that didn‘t quite know what it wanted to be about. There‘s a serial killer subplot that seems tacked on, familial drama that is poignant but falls flat, and the mysterious button box that ultimately felt inconsequential within the narrative. I still love Gwendy as a character, but this missed the mark for me.

We are introduced to Gwendy Peterson, a 12 year old girl, and Richard Ferris, (if you‘re a King fan, you‘ll recognize the initials). Mr. Ferris gives Gwendy a mahogany box with different colored buttons, one that dispenses little chocolates and one that dispenses rare coins. The other buttons can be used for nefarious purposes. Things change drastically for Gwendy until she gives the box back. #SeriesLove2024 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

Every day in the summer of 1974, 12 year old Gwendy Peterson has taken the Suicide Stairs, which are held by strong—if time-rusted—iron bolts and zig-zag up the precarious cliffside. One day when Gwendy gets to the top of Castle View, a stranger calls to her. There on a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black coat, and a white shirt. On his head is a small, neat black hat. The time will come when Gwendy has nightmares about that hat.