The Society of Unknowable Objects

Paperback Published on: 09/04/2026
Price: £9.99
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Bookseller Reviews

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The Society of Unknowable Objects
A ten star book
This book is an enthralling exploration of magic, secrecy, and the hidden connections that shape our world. Brown introduces readers to Magda Sparks, a wri... READ MORE
James, Canterbury.
The Society of Unknowable Objects
You absolutely must read this book, after you’ve read The Book of Doors!
Firstly - thank you Gareth for the early review copy! Secondly - I loved this book! If you’ve read The Book of Doors, you’ll know Gareth is an incr... READ MORE
Laura at Braehead
The Society of Unknowable Objects
A cozy read.
Gareth Brown instantly became on of my favourite authors after I finished reading his debut novel The Book of Doors. I was lucky enough to receive an e... READ MORE
Dominika
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Gareth Brown knocks it out of the park... AGAIN!
Another stellar book from Gareth Brown, I think his first book The Book of Doors will always have a special place in my heart as I fell in love with the st... READ MORE
Sarah

Synopsis

Get ready to be spellbound by the new, fantastical novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy sensation The Book of Doors . . .

'A dazzling, globe-trotting thriller with a spectacular dash of magic. Like Michael Crichton at his finest, but with fantasy. Brilliant stuff!' SUNYI DEAN, bestselling author of The Book Eaters

The world of unknowable objects - magical items that most people have no idea possess powers - has been quiet for decades . . .

But 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 keep the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artefact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends the Society's newest member, author Magda Sparks, 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 artefact 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 - not in pursuit of an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the 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.

Praise for Gareth Brown's The Book of Doors:

'Joyful, exuberant, and crackling with adventure. This book is as magical as those it celebrates.' STUART TURTON, author of The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

'A stunning fever dream of a story that feels completely real – don't miss this fantastic thriller debut.' LEE CHILD

'A real page-turner - incredibly ambitious and inventive, The Book of Doors is a great read.'
ROSIE ANDREWS, author of The Leviathan

Publisher information

  • Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
  • ISBN: 9781804992401
  • Number of pages: 432
  • Dimensions: 198 x 128 x 29 mm
  • Weight: 290g
  • Languages: English

Customer Reviews

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The Society of Unknowable Objects
Another wonderful fantastical yet wholly believable world created by Gareth Brown
I love Gareth Brown's ability to create fantastical worlds. The Book of Doors blew me anyway so I had high hopes for this one, and I was not disappointed. ... READ MORE
Lee Lyons
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Magical horror
Having read Mr Brown’s first book, The Book of Doors, I was interested to read this one. His first book for me was a little slow in the beginning and comin... READ MORE
Karen Farrow
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Great Read!
Thank you to Gareth for the early review copy. I had previously read and loved The Book of Doors also by Gareth so I was very keen to read this one. Love... READ MORE
Fiona Sharp
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Magic book in so many ways
Magic is amoral, it is indifferent to good or evil, it does not recognise motive. It is the motives of the people who use it which determine it’s effect. ... READ MORE
Denis
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Amazing amazing amazing
Oh, those books that give you that warm, giddy, excited feeling? This is one them. I had a big ole soppy grin on my face once I finished. I was instantl... READ MORE
Mrsbookburnee
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Everyday magic
This book was a joy to read- I don't usually go for fantasy writing, but the magic was mixed in with reality and I enjoyed it. The characters were well rou... READ MORE
Jane Cowin
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Thrilling story
Oh my goodness, what a story! I loved the Book of Doors but this has far outstripped that, in fact it exceeded all expectations! An exciting, thrilling rid... READ MORE
Susan Wright
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Loved it
The Book of Doors was my favourite book of 2024, so I was greatly looking forward to reading The Society of Unknowable Objects, although the phrase ‘diffic... READ MORE
The Jane Hall
The Society of Unknowable Objects
An excellent read
“Oh, and finally, finally, lastly, but most importantly, thanks to Dougal and Flora. They still aren’t reading at adult level, which is disappointing. I su... READ MORE
Natisha Jagaroo
The Society of Unknowable Objects
It's full of fantasy and magic but it's rooted so deeply into reality that it almost becomes familiar.
I won't lie, I requested a copy of this book before I'd even read the synopsis. I had no idea what it was about, but I knew that I'd love it because of the... READ MORE
Victoria Bucknell
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Another spectacular story from Gareth Brown!
If you liked The Book of Doors, you're definitely gonna adore this. Gareth Brown has written another beautiful atmospheric story that pulses with magic and... READ MORE
Lu
The Society of Unknowable Objects
fantastic book
I received an ARC from Netgalley. Gareth Brown has now become an auto buy author for me with just two books. I love his concepts and feel that he executes... READ MORE
lesley Aylett
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Brilliantly magical
I am a big fan of Gareth Brown’s last novel; The Book of Doors. This is set in the same universe but tangentially, so no prior reading is needed. The Soci... READ MORE
Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller
The Society of Unknowable Objects
True escapism
I like Gareth Brown books. They are the right side of fantasy and magic for me. Based in everyday normal life, if you let your imagination go, you could be... READ MORE
Mel Pretorius
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Magical
I devoured this author's debut ‘The Book of Doors’ – so when the follow up (not sequel) came knocking, I was quick off the mark. There’s very little I c... READ MORE
Kevin Woolard
The Society of Unknowable Objects
A Magical Quest
Upon the death of her mother, Magda takes her place as one of only four members of the secretive Society of Unknowable Objects. When she is sent to Hong Ko... READ MORE
Helen Foxall
The Society of Unknowable Objects
I loved being transported reading this magical book!
This novel is about mystery, magic, sci-fi elements, suspense and murder. Having read another book by this author, I was looking forward to his new book. ... READ MORE
LadyBird
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Run, don’t walk to get your copy!
Brown's writing style seems to scratch an itch in my brain. He has uncovered the skill of structuring his chapters that prevents me from ever putting his b... READ MORE
Megan Hall
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Loved loved loved
Loved loved loved this, loved the book of doors and this was just as good if not better, not a part I didn’t enjoy sheer genius ❤️ loved Magda and her frie... READ MORE
Donna Joleys
The Society of Unknowable Objects
NetGalley eARC
Rayhana Almomen
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Exciting adventure
Magda Sparks has been attending the secret society meetings since her mothers death, the Society of Unknowable Objects sole purpose is to protect the world... READ MORE
Jenny Dunne
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Magic objects and their dangers!
I absolutely loved The Book of Doors and so I was super excited about this book! Set in the same world (with a little connection to the Book of Doors) but ... READ MORE
K. Bickmore
The Society of Unknowable Objects
An Enjoyable Read!
The Society of Unknowable Objects follows the story of Magda, a member of the society since her mother’s death. They collect magical objects to keep the wo... READ MORE
Cathryn
The Society of Unknowable Objects
The 'Difficult Second Book' in the World of the Fox Library
This is the second book set in the world of ‘The Book of Doors’ though it could easily be read as a standalone story. Gareth Brown himself states that he ... READ MORE
Tabu
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Master Storyteller at work again!
Thank you to Random House UK and NetGalley for the ARC! When Magda is thrust into a world of magic and everyday objects imbued with unknown powers, she ... READ MORE
Rachel Elizabeth
The Society of Unknowable Objects
A propulsive read
Gareth Brown's second book 'The Society of Unknowable Objects' belongs to the same magical world as his debut 'The book of Doors.' In this novel, Magda Spa... READ MORE
Clare Read
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Captivating
A captivating, magical and powerful read. The Society of Unknowable Objects has a brilliant cast of characters, fascinating objects, mystery and plenty of ... READ MORE
Emma Renshaw
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Amazing!
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. The Society of Unknowable Objects was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I’m so honored... READ MORE
Rayhana Almomen
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Secret society protecting magical objects
In this book, we follow a small group that is responsible for guarding magical artefacts in the basement of a London bookshop. When rumours of a new magica... READ MORE
Helene Walters-Steinberg
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Thrilling story
Oh my goodness, what a story! I loved the Book of Doors but this has far outstripped that, in fact it exceeded all expectations! An exciting, thrilling rid... READ MORE
Susan Wright
The Society of Unknowable Objects
I loved the excitement and danger
I loved The Book of Doors and so grabbed the chance to read this one with both hands and I wasn’t disappointed. Unknowable objects are everyday items - lik... READ MORE
Liz
The Society of Unknowable Objects
An urban fantasy firmly rooted in what it means to be human
The Society of Unknowable Objects is the new book by Gareth Brown and brings the same magical realism fantasy vibes that came from his previous novel, The ... READ MORE
bookclarked97
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Intruiging
This is a very different genre for me, as fantasy books I've tried before have all descended into silliness. So thank you so much for allowing me to read w... READ MORE
Mags
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Phenomenal Follow Up To The Book of Doors
Gareth Brown was my breakout author of 2024, after I absolutely devoured his debut, The Book of Doors, which ended up being my favourite read of 2024. From... READ MORE
Kayleigh K-Books
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Book with padding
I eagerly sat down to read this book after reading The book of Doors, I found it immersive but not to the extent of Gareth Browns previous book. In plac... READ MORE
Julie Watt
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Intriguing and unputfownable
This book will have captured your imagination before you’ve even finished the prologue. It promises adventure and intrigue and doesn’t disappoint. It’s f... READ MORE
Gillian Frost
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Lovely
Gareth Brown is a wonderful writer. That’s two five star reads in a row I’ve had from him. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the aut... READ MORE
Jennifer Charlton
The Society of Unknowable Objects
A magical trip of a book
I’m a big fan of The Book of Doors, so I went into The Society of Unknowable Objects as blind as possible. I knew it was loosely linked to Door of Doors bu... READ MORE
stephen cadman
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Lots of twist in this tale
Inventive fantasy, with darkness and wit throughout. They say ‘money is the route of all evil’. Having read this fantasy story that should be replaced by ‘... READ MORE
Peter Thorburn
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Perfect
After reading The Book of Doors early this year, this was one of my most anticipated reads, and I thought it was spectacular. The way this book was wov... READ MORE
Laura Hall
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Magical
This is the first book I have read by Gareth Brown, so did not know what to expect. I found the book an enjoyable escape. Magda is a member of the Society... READ MORE
K MacLean
The Society of Unknowable Objects
I loved it. Another Amazing read
The book of Doors was one of my favourite books of 2024 which blew me away. So, I was so excited to receive a copy of Gareth Brown’s latest novel ‘The Soci... READ MORE
Michelle De Alwis
The Society of Unknowable Objects
I loved it!
Gareth Brown is becoming one of my favourite authors. I just love his writing style and I was immediately drawn into this magical story in the first few pa... READ MORE
Becky C
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Exciting, thrilling, magical
I loved The Book of Doors and was super excited to read Gareth Browns next book , The Society of Unknowable Objescts. This did not disappoint! Although a ... READ MORE
Joanne Gibbons
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Weird Magic
Chock full of weird, and often disturbing, magic is Gareth Brown’s follow up to the Book of Doors. The Society of Unknowable Objects is largely set in an o... READ MORE
Alison Davis
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Great idea but not quite what I expected
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. 3.5 up to 4 for its potential. I enjoyed this book but not quite as much as I... READ MORE
am/am/am
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Magical Thriller
From the author of the Book of Doors another tale of good and bad actors in the world of magic. The Society of Unknowable Objects exists to safeguard a co... READ MORE
Aidan Dunn
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Read & Reviewed
A spellbinding blend of mystery, magic, and secret societies, The Society of Unknowable Objects is the kind of novel that pulls you into its hidden world a... READ MORE
Leanne H
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Five stars!
Returning to the world of The Book of Doors is an absolute pleasure, and this story delivers adventure, intrigue and imagination in abundance. A secret... READ MORE
The Secret Book Review
The Society of Unknowable Objects
I loved every minute of it.
After being thoroughly captivated by The Book of Doors, I had high expectations for Gareth Brown’s second novel—and it didn’t disappoint. He returns with t... READ MORE
Madeline Cordell
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Action packed magical story
I really liked The Book of Doors but I liked this even more. The main protagonist is Magda Sparks, a successful author who writes under a pen name. Follo... READ MORE
Lynda’s Book Reviews
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Enjoyable, fantastical and magical
I was sent a copy of The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown to read and review by NetGalley. This is a very enjoyable, fantastical and magica... READ MORE
lesleys
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Brilliant fantasy novel that you won't want to put down!
Another cracking fantasy novel from this author. Set in the same world as his previous 'The Book of Doors' but could easily be read as a standalone. From t... READ MORE
Penelope Bullock
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Society of Unknowable Objects
I loved The Book of Doors, which I actually listened to on Audiobook, so I was mega excited to get my hand on this book. It's similar, but also different, ... READ MORE
Ashrae
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Gritty magical world
I loved The Book of Doors, Gareth Brown’s first book, so eagerly anticipated this one. Again he creates a world of mystery hiding inside our “real” world,... READ MORE
Heather Buggins
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Is magic evil or good? Do we have the right to own and use it?
I received this ARC on NetGalley. Thank you so much Netgalley and the publisher! Immediately, I was hooked by the description. A secret society that c... READ MORE
Padfoot.of.Wonders
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Unoriginal, but good
There exists in London a secret society whose members are sworn to protect the world from magical objects and to prevent them from falling into the hands o... READ MORE
Ella - The Story Collector
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Action packed with a strong female protagonist
The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown is the action packed tale of a society dedicated to protecting magical objects. Frank, the head of the so... READ MORE
Amy Lewis
The Society of Unknowable Objects
A brilliant follow-up to The Book of Doors
A fantastic second novel by Brown featuring a tangential storyline to his previous brilliant offering The Book of Doors. Hard to put down, this emotio... READ MORE
T Edwards
The Society of Unknowable Objects
A perfect magical read
This book had some serious shoes to follow. Gareth Brown's 1st book, The Book of Doors, I can say hand on heart was the best book I have ever read, absolu... READ MORE
Joanna R
The Society of Unknowable Objects
Fantasy adventure novel - engaging and exciting.
Magda is a member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, the mission of which is to safeguard against the use of magical objects. However all is not as it s... READ MORE
Minette