The Society of Unknowable Objects

A Novel

De: Gareth Brown

Narrado por: Olivia Vinall

From the author of the internationally bestselling The Book of Doors, another fantastical, stand-alone novel in which a trio of seemingly everyday people are members of a secret society tasked with finding and protecting hidden magical objects—ordinary items with extraordinary properties.

The world of unknowable objects—magical items that most people have no idea possess powers—has been quiet for decades, but the three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world—and the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artifact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends Magda Sparks—author by day and newest member—to investigate.

Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artifact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.

Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Society’s mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States, now in pursuit of not an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the professional killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own family’s legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.

Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful:

The truth.

©2025 Gareth Brown (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting story from the beginning

An interesting tale of a group of unlikely people, with twists and secrets, a little dark and a dash of a love story - just a touch. I found it a very good book!

Stand Alone, or Sequel?

The Society of Unknowable Objects is listed a a stand alone novel by Gareth Brown, but is it? The similarities with The Book Of Doors are unquestionable. In fact if you swap books for objects, this is close to a rewrite. Also, storylines throughout the book hint at ties between the two stories, and the ending hints a ties to come in a future book.

I enjoyed The Society of Unknowable Objects as the stand alone story it is advertised to be, but it didn't have that source of wonder and magic that made The Book Of Doors so wonderful. The similarity of the two books kind of robs The Society of Unknowable Objects of that initial magic of discovery. This book gives the feeling a bit that I've read this before. You have to wonder if some intertwining of characters and storyline from The Book Of Doors to make this a 2nd book in a series would have removed some of the sameness.

That said, The Society of Unknowable Objects is still a well written and enjoyable book. The Narration from Olivia Vinall is great. I will be interested to see what's next from Gareth Brown. I somehow think it will be related to his first two books, and possibly tie them all together. Or maybe I'm wrong.

Magic in the Ordinary World!

Enchanting writing just as in The Book of Doors. Don’t worry about Magda, she has tricks up her sleeves!

The society of unknownable objects

I liked this novel. And very much enjoyed the relationship shared by the society. Their purpose to protect people from mistreatment of magical objects.

Lost in a book :)

I absolutely love both of these books. I read the book of doors and fell in love with his style of writing and storytelling. I couldn’t wait for this one to come out. The only thing I’m upset about is that I listened to it pretty much nonstop and now I need another one! This was such a fantastic story with great characters. It really leaves you with something to think about. I can’t wait to see if he comes out with a third book!

So much Fun!!

I read The Book of Doors a few months ago and loved it. Then I saw the author had a new book out and didn’t hesitate to purchase it. The Society of Unknowable Objects is just as fabulous! And that ending?! *chef’s kiss* I cannot wait for his next book!

another winner

I'll admit it. I was scared that Book of Doors was going to be a one hit wonder for me. It had hit my sweet spot... all my sweet spots. Adventure, mystery, magic, time travel... loved, loved, loved.
So to say I was a little worried that this book might not live up to BoD.... well, we'll just say I had passing thoughts.
There was no need. I pre-ordered this book and waited with baited breath. I set aside this day for a full listen, locking myself in my sewing room and dedicating myself to the full listen.
I was riveted from the first sentence. Gareth Brown has a flow to his writing that pulls you in, and makes you feel like like these are knowable people. They feel real, faceted, diverse. I love that the characters are not stereotypical. I love that the voice actor is strong and has a good range.
I love that the story has a feel like you might know what is going to happen.... but it's also so magic.... so you have no idea what's going to happen.
Low Fantasy is my absolute favorite genre, and right now the scale is tipping strongly toward Mr. Brown being my favorite author.

Fantastic

The author is quickly becoming one of my favorites!! This book was a wonderful and wild ride filled with magic and friendship. I found the ending quite nice. Be sure to read the Epilogue!!

Please let there be a sequel!

It was cozy, with a little mystery, and a little magic. This story needs to continue!

Outstanding!

I didn't know if this could possibly be as good as The Book of Doors, which I've relistened to a few times, but it definitely was!
I absolutely loved it. I was glued to every word. The story really winds the listener up! And the narration is top notch.
Thank you for another great Book experience.