Title: Gwendy’s Final Task

Authors: Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

Release date: February 15th, 2022

‘Go then, there are other worlds than these.’

And so we’ve arrived. The third and final entry in the Gwendy Peterson trilogy and her life with the button box. Back in 2017, King and Chizmar launched Gwendy’s story with ‘Gwendy’s Button Box,’ a novella that shared how Gwendy first met Richard Farris when she was twelve and came into possession of the mysterious device.

In 2019, Chizmar returned, with King’s blessing (and a foreword) to show what Gwendy was up to and how the button box still played an active role in her life and its hold it had over her.

Then, in 2022, King returned with Chizmar to tell the ending and boy, let me tell you, this is a definitive ending, but also an emotional rollercoaster.

Before going further – I do need to say thanks to Richard for sending me a physical ARC of this – seriously blown away by that act of kindness.

What I liked: A few decades after the events in ‘Gwendy’s Magic Feather,’ the button box, and Farris return, needing Gwendy’s help one last time. Things have sped up in Farris’ timeline and Gwendy is his only hope.

From there, we follow Gwendy as she heads aboard a spaceship, travelling to the new International Space Station in the grips of early-onset Alzheimer’s and a task to get rid of the button box once and for all.

But, as we’ve always come to expect with dark fiction books, things aren’t what they seem and not everyone is trustworthy.

I know this trilogy has been hit-or-miss for some readers, but I’ve had a blast in this particular world and it was great seeing the Dark Tower come into play, different worlds discussed and shared and ultimately how poignant and soul crushing the ending was. Did I cry? Yes. Not only is the story dripping with emotions but with the state of the world we live in, it was invigorating as well as devastating to see someone go that far above and beyond for the greater good.

The epilogue also got me. The setting, the final note and the last gift. King and Chizmar decided to really make readers blubber and struggle to read through watery eyes.

What I didn’t like: I know a number of King’s readers make a fuss about political stuff being included, so don’t worry, there’s plenty here (Gwendy is a politician after all) as well, there is some Covid-19 inclusion, which may or may not annoy you, depending on where you stand about being vaccinated and wearing a mask.

Lastly, as for the story, I thought the “finale,” or last action sequence was really quick. I would’ve loved to see a bit more of a battle, but what happened still works really well.

Why you should buy this: If you’re a completion-ist, you’ll buy this, simply so you have all of King’s work. If you’ve read book one, and not book two as it wasn’t co-authored by King (insert eye-roll emoji) you’ll want to read that and then snag this.

But, if you’re like me, and have been reading King for 30 years now (and I’m only now 40!) and love the way he tells a story and how his worlds all get intermingled, this will right up your alley. I say this not to disrespect or lesson Chizmar here. In truth, this book most likely wouldn’t exist if Richard hadn’t pushed to continue Gwendy’s story in book two and the two author work and write seamlessly together.

Gwendy is one of those characters that’ll stay with you, no matter where you’ll travel.

Because remember – ‘There are other worlds than these.’

4/5