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Gwendy's Magic Feather
Stephen King

Gwendy's Magic Feather

Quick Answer

Read "Gwendy's Magic Feather" as the nullth book in the Collections sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

There are multiple ways to approach this series. Our recommended order is optimized for first-time readers.

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: A compelling work from the Stephen King's bibliography. Whether as a standalone or part of a loosely connected universe, it's a staple for fans.

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2020224 pp
<b>A <i>USA TODAY</i> BESTSELLER</b><BR> <BR><b>In this thrilling sequel to the <i>New York Times</i> bestselling novella by Stephen King and<i> </i>award-winning author Richard Chizmar, an adult Gwendy is summoned back to Castle Rock after the mysterious reappearance of the button box. </b><BR><BR>Something evil has swept into the small Maine town of Castle Rock on the heels of the latest winter storm. Sheriff Norris Ridgewick and his team are desperately searching for two missing girls, but time is running out.<BR> <BR>In Washington, DC, thirty-seven-year-old Gwendy Peterson couldn&rsquo;t be more different from the self-conscious teenaged girl who once spent a summer running up Castle Rock&rsquo;s Suicide Stairs. That same summer, she had been entrusted&#8212;or some might say cursed&#8212;with the extraordinary button box by Richard Farris, the mysterious stranger in the black suit. The seductive and powerful box offered Gwendy small gifts in exchange for its care and feeding until Farris eventually returned, promising the young girl she&rsquo;d never see the box again.<BR> <BR>One day, though, the button box suddenly reappears but this time, without Richard Farris to explain why, or what she&rsquo;s supposed to do with it. Between this and the troubling disappearances back in Castle Rock, Gwendy decides to return home. She just might be able to help rescue the missing girls and stop a dangerous madman before he does something ghastly.<BR> <BR>With breathtaking and lyrical prose, <i>Gwendy&rsquo;s Magic Feather </i>explores whether our lives are controlled by fate or the choices we make and what price we sometimes have to pay. Prepare to return again to Stephen King&rsquo;s Castle Rock, the sleepy little town built on a bedrock of deep, dark secrets, just as it&rsquo;s about to awaken from its quiet slumber once more.
Next Recommended Book

The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

Book # of 241 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Collections conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Gwendy's Magic Feather?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Gwendy's Magic Feather before other books in the series?

No. We recommend reading the previous book first. Gwendy's Magic Feather is the nullth book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Gwendy's Magic Feather required reading for the Collections?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Gwendy's Magic Feather in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Gwendy's Magic Feather is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).