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Cover of Fairy Tale

Fantasy · Thriller · Horror

Fairy Tale

by Stephen King

3.9 out of 5, from 939 ratings from Hardcover readers

Seventeen-year-old Charlie Reade befriends a reclusive old man and his loyal dog, then finds that the locked shed behind the man's house hides a way into another world. What waits there is part fairy story, part war.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2022
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
608
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you like Stephen King in a more adventurous, kid-hero mode, with a portal world and a strong bond between a boy and a dog.

Skip this if you want King at his most frightening, since this leans toward dark fantasy and the first stretch is slow and character-led.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Alcoholism
  • Death of parent
  • Torture
  • Confinement
  • Body horror
  • Alcoholism; Violence
  • Slavery

Quick answers about Fairy Tale

What is Fairy Tale about?
Seventeen-year-old Charlie Reade befriends a reclusive old man and his loyal dog, then finds that the locked shed behind the man's house hides a way into another world. What waits there is part fairy story, part war.
Who should read Fairy Tale?
Read it if you like Stephen King in a more adventurous, kid-hero mode, with a portal world and a strong bond between a boy and a dog. Skip it if you want King at his most frightening, since this leans toward dark fantasy and the first stretch is slow and character-led.
How long and how fast is Fairy Tale?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 608 pages, first published in 2022.
Does Fairy Tale have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death.
Can I borrow Fairy Tale for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Fairy Tale; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Fairy Tale?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Neverending Story, The Institute.

Where to get it

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