My only experience of author Chuck Wendig’s work pre-The Book of Accidents was his work on the new stories for the Star Wars universe.
While you would expect his Star Wars to be expansive, some of it pales in comparison to his ambition and scope for The Book of Accidents.
When a young family returns to their hometown, a plan is put in motion that crosses dimensions and could bring about the end of days.
We follow father Nate, plus his son Oliver, as dual protagonists who are both on differing journey’s that will ultimately converge once the plot is fully realised.
Wendig does take his time putting the pieces together but given the rich character work put in the reader won’t get bored.
Because of the different ages and circumstances he is also able to juggle multiple themes alongside the overarching plot, including teen angst, a son’s yearning for an absent father plus a whole other sub plot around the town’s infamous and now deceased serial killer.
While it was a chunkier read than I’m used to, The Book of Accidents has been one of the most compelling books I’ve read in the genre this year. Ambitious and addictive – seek it out.
The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig is available now in various formats.
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