Member Reviews
I finished this book three days ago, have read one other book and listened to part of an audio book since then, but my mind keeps coming back to this. It is that good. It is short, especially compared to the typical Stephen King bool, and not as involved as King's books are, but it included the well-written and like-able and hate-able, realistic characters that I come to expect from him.
My ipad tells me I read the first two books of the series, but all I really remember is the box dispensing chocolates. So, while it is probably best to have read (and recall reading) the prequels, it is not necessary. I will go back and re-read them (they are also pretty short) and I think that will make me appreciate the Final Task even more.
Great ending to a great trilogy! This trilogy had so many twists and turns and the last book fits in perfectly.
Now that is how you end a trilogy. I was a little hesitant going into this book because I wasn't sure how the author's could top the previous books but I was glad to see I was proven wrong. It does almost feel like King and Chizmar wanted to save the best for last. Much like almost any other Stephen King book there were lots of little nods to his previous works (especially, IT) that an avid King fan could pick up on and enjoy. It never ceases to amaze me how King can weave all of these worlds/works together because I know I would need a notebook to keep everything straight if I were him. I especially loved how he weaved the Dark Tower into this story. I really enjoyed seeing Gwendy in the later stages of her life and learning how her time with the Button Box has changed her so much. She has come a long way from the the little girl with the magic feather. The ending was almost bittersweet but I really don't see any other way this story could've ended.
I am a big Stephen King fan and I have now read some of Richard Chizmar's solo work as well (Chasing the Boogeyman) but when you get these two together magic really does happen. I hope these two continue to work together in the future because with this duo the possibilities are endless.
A big thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for granting me a copy of the eARC.
This is a satisfying ending to the Gwendy trilogy. Twists and turns, danger, bad guys, good guys and a deep dive into space travel. Will have you asking, how will good win out.
Gwendy Peterson is back in the 3rd and final book in the Button Box trilogy. When Gwendy was 12 years old she came into possession of a button box capable of creating chaos in the worlds. She was tasked with keeping the box safe from others wanting it. In this final installment, Mr. Farris has again brought the box to Senator Gwendy Peterson but not to protect, to dispose of where it can't be retrieved by the Can-Toi. Since coming into possession of the box this time, Gwendy has lost her husband and is losing her mind. She knows that the box is the cause of these things. Gwendy must do her duty and take on a secret mission to save the worlds.
I loved this installment. Being taken into the worlds of Roland Deschain of Gilead always makes for a great read. I can't say too much about the story as those who are Dark Tower readers will love to discover why the low men want the box. Remember readers, there are other worlds than these.
I was able to read this third installment of Gwendy’s story before its release day and wanted to get my 3 cents (since it is a trilogy) in. Chizmar did a VG (G being GREAT not just Good) job with Gwendy’s final story.
I was a little hesitant after the second book, but Chizmar brought back the charisma and deep s*** Gwendy always seems to get into from her first introduction in the Button Box.
In the Final Task, Chizmar again makes the reader become one with Gwendy and all of her highs and lows. Throughout the book, I also felt that need to pull that drawer for clarity and grab one of those little pieces of ecstacy (the feeling, not the drug).
I also need to find me a Dr. Ambrose for help...what was I talking about? Oh! and look for Adesh to have a beer with and talk about creatures.
Throughout the book, Chizmar took us into the past and threw us into the future. He is a true artist of his craft.
I know he and Uncle Stevie say you don't need to read the first two books, but I suggest you do, or you will be truly sad the journey is over.
A brilliant and surprisingly moving conclusion to the Gwendy trilogy! This full-length novel has terrific plot twists and action sequences, but the true delight is Gwendy herself and her personal journey.
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 NetGalley , the publisher, and authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion. #NetGalley #GwendysFinalTask
Possessing the button box is a responsibility that few can handle. In fact, it seem only Gwendy, who has been the guardian of the box 2 times in her life, can be trusted with the box a third time. The button box had caused calamity again and there are people bent on power who want it. Gwendy, now a US senator, is tasked with seeing it is forever out of reach.
Stephen King and Richard Chizmar deliver a great final story with an ending that I love to hate. Alas, this is not a choose your own adventure and while I think Gwendy's final choice is absurd, I see why Gwendy would make it. It is such a Gwendy choice. I have never really liked Gwendy as a character. I loved the story but I never rooted for her, which I think I was suppose to be doing. It is no failure on King and Chizmar's part, Gwendy is a perfectly likable person that just rubs me the wrong way.
I have never wanted to sit down with an author to discuss the writing of a book but this book and these authors.... If only I had the chance.
I've been reading Stephen King's books since Cujo was first published and I've enjoyed most of them. Gwendy's Button Box was an enjoyable read. I didn't like Gwendy's Magic Feather quite as much. Gwendy's Final Task is, unfortunately, one of my least favorite Stephen King books. It's much longer than the previous two books. I wouldn't be complaining about that, but it was boring. There are a few intriguing references to Derry and its awful history....and to the Dark Tower....and so many references to the last presidential election that I almost stopped reading a quarter of the way through. Gwendy is a politician and I suppose they're relevant to the book, but it's not something I'm in the mood to read about.
I flew through this one as fast as I did the first one. I was iffy about reading it since I didn't love The magic Feather, but happy to report that this one had all the magic of the first book. Gwendy's Final Task is a perfect ending to the series. Gwendy is every bit the hero she needed to be and more. The book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and didn't let go. The constant pull of the Button Box is strong, and Gwendy uses it to her advantage as she fights against her own fate. I loved how she and RF worked together and also the way King managed to tie this into his other stories-specifically, The Dark Tower series. I don't want to spoil anything for other readers, but as a constant reader I hope my highest recommendation can be trusted. Just forget that Feather book ever existed and dive into this one. Definitely proves how much we need Stephen King in this world.
After thoroughly enjoying the first two installments of the Button Box trilogy, I was uncertain where Mr. Farris would take Gwendy next... needless to say the final task Gwendy faces was unlike anything I could have predicted and a wildly fun ride along the way. A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to a wonderful tale. Thank you NetGalleyand Gallery Books for the eGalley of this book. Thank you Mr. King for a wonderful journey, as ever.
Gwendy's Final Task is a solid story, and a great conclusion to the series. It more than made up for The Magic Feather, and was closer to the quality of Button Box. Gwendy is every bit the hero she needed to be and more. The book starts of strong and keeps on going. The constant pull of the Button Box is strong, and Gwendy uses it to her advantage as she fights against her slipping mind. There are other worlds than theses for sure. The way Gwendy and Mr. Farris deal with the button box was creative as hell. In true Stephen King fashion, we get connections to other books, and places in the SK universe, which I greatly enjoy. The ties to The Dark Tower are fantastic. Any time I can spend a few minutes in that world, I'm happy to do so. This constant reader loved the final book in this series.
"When Gwendy Peterson was twelve, a mysterious stranger named Richard Farris gave her a mysterious box for safekeeping. It offered treats and vintage coins, but it was dangerous. Pushing any of its seven colored buttons promised death and destruction.
Years later, the button box entered Gwendy’s life again. A successful novelist and a rising political star, she was once again forced to deal with the temptation that box represented.
Now, evil forces seek to possess the button box and it is up to Senator Gwendy Peterson to keep it from them. At all costs. But where can you hide something from such powerful entities?
In Gwendy’s Final Task, "horror giants" (Publishers Weekly) Stephen King and Richard Chizmar take us on a journey from Castle Rock to another famous cursed Maine city to the MF\\\-1 space station, where Gwendy must execute a secret mission to save the world. And, maybe, all worlds."
Stephen King's books usually all end up being supernatural based or alien based, here we get both!
255 pages
4 stars
Now a senator, Gwendy Peterson has severe misgivings when the button box is once more returned to her by Mr. Farris. Mr. Farris isn’t looking so good now. He is old and sick - very sick. The box has caused much mayhem in the hands of others and Mr. Farris feels it is the safest in Gwendy’s care.
Gwendy turns to her good friend Charlotte who is head of the CIA. Charlotte has an idea after a small demonstration of the destructiveness of the button box. Gwendy will go into space and rid the earth of the box there.
Enter Gareth Winston, a smug and self-centered billionaire. He is rude and downright creepy. He is a “special guest” on the space mission. But, does he have an alternative motive for his presence? Perhaps he does.
Gwendy is also suffering from early onset Alzheimer's. Her deterioration is progressing rapidly and she is frightened that she will not be able to complete her mission before she is able to rid the world of the box.
What follows is a ride on a space shuttle to a station above the earth. The “newbies” on the mission are all awed by the sights and both excited and a little frightened at their journey. Gwendy is having the time of her life - except when she forgets things.
Gwendy has more than one run in with Gareth. She begins to suspect that he is up to no good. Things go awry when it is proven to be true.
This is a wonderful novel and what a delightful conclusion to the button box dilemma. Of course, with Stephen King and Richard Chizmar’s collaboration, one would expect nothing less. It is a well written and plotted story. I have nothing but praise for these two men’s talents.
I want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great story for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Pretty good ending for this trilogy. I'm one of those readers where I either love a king book or it falls a little short. This was one where it started off so strong in my opinion and then fell a little in the second and fell a little more in the third. I mean over all this was a decent trilogy and I do believe others will love it. Just not the best king book I've read. Maybe it's due to him co writing it, idk. 3.5 rounded to 4⭐
The culmination of a dark and insatiably well-written story that fails to stand on its own well apart from the first two narratives. Worth a look for the familiar reader.
What a finale!!! This series is going to be a re-read and hate that it has to end. Stephen King + Richard Chizmar=Fantastic!
The final chapter of Gwendy's story does not disappoint. Although a slim volume, it is packed with a strong story, fully realized characters, and shrewd takes on getting old and the future we are headed for. The writing is spot on (as always), engaging and immersing the reader in the familiar King/Chizmar universe(s). A small jewel, but a real treat for King/Chizmar fans. And yes, I found myself tearing up at the end. Loved it!