Stephen King

Richard Chizmar

Gwendy's Final Task

Brittany Levely-Connolly

I really enjoyed Stephen King and Richard Chizmar conclusion to the Gwendy series. I found it to be quite a quick and easy read, but I deeply enjoyed the return of Gwendy's character and I dont think that they could have given her a more honourable conclusion to her story. Although dealing with horrible situations and circumstances I always feel that this series has an overall positive and uplifting tone. I also deeply enjoy how interconnected these stories are in general with other books from King's world including The Dark Tower Series: Books 1-7, Stories from Derry and Castle Rock. Although dealing with hard issues like end of life degenerative diseases, death, etc, I felt like this was a feel-good read and a series that I would definitely re-read. As a young-adult series it may not be what serious horror fans are looking for from King but it is an enjoyable read for both YA and adults in general

Kristen Claiborn

I always wonder where authors come up with their ideas, especially Stephen King. Although, many of his stories make sense. Who isn’t a little afraid of clowns? Or big dogs? Ok, so maybe Stephen King’s stuff isn’t all that far out of left field: a creepy stalker fan, ghosts, haunted houses. Those are all pretty common fears that make for great stories. THIS story, however, was genuinely unique from the beginning. Gwendy is given this box that does things, I won’t go any more into the depth of the story than that, I would hate to give it away. Stephen King partnered with Chizmar on the first book, then sat out the second book, but came back to finish the trilogy as a team again. I waited patiently (not really all that patiently) for the finale of Gwendy’s story, like many people, but I got far more…and less…than I was expecting. 
	There were a few things that irked me, of course. I’m still frustrated that we never learn anything about the box’s origins, or the box’s caretaker. Three books and yet we know very little. I’m also frustrated with Gwendy’s full story. I feel like Chizmar and King did her a little dirty. She is a wonderful character and comes across as a genuinely good person, so her ending was a bit heartbreaking, despite her apparently saving the world. It also bothered me that we really never know who the “enemy” truly is. Sure, we’ve got an antagonist, but that guy is just a figurehead, we know nothing about how he ended up there and why. Who (what?) was really behind that guy being on that spaceship? GRRRR. 
	I was glad that Gwendy, despite knowing she was on her way out, was able to go out on her own terms. There has been a huge debate over whether to allow people who have a terminal illness to exit existence on their own terms or not, so Gwendy going out a hero (sorta) was a great way to finish her story. I still feel like giving her a terminal illness in the first damn place was just dirty, but at least it wasn’t what ended up killing her (I apologize if I give anything away here). While I personally would have preferred something different for Gwendy, it was a great wrap-up for her. Chizmar and King had better be considering a follow-up that includes more of the box’s story though, otherwise they’ll be receiving a very sternly written letter.

Jasmine

What a fantastic way to wrap up this series! I’m going to be honest in saying that I was curious about how Final Task would measure up to Button Box, and I’m pleased to say that King and Chizmar saved the best for last. It's beyond comforting how The Dark Tower was tied up nicely within these pages, too. Final Task will be another instant recommendation to our customers at work. 

Thanks so much to Edelweiss, the publisher, and authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gwendy's Final Task

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