This book was A LOT darker than I expected. I thought we'd experience more door traveling via book, and maybe get insights into other magical books, but this was intense and everyone was horrible from the get. For that reason alone I did not really enjoy it. It reminded me a bit of how dark "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman was -- disappointingly so. I did finish it, and there was a reckoning, but it was hard to want to read.

A surreal jaunt through different realities, where doors open to new worlds and unexplained experiences. The writing is immersive and the symbolism and invites readers to reflect on some of the choices we make and the paths inevitably we take.
This might be hard to follow for some of my very linear story-obsessed friends, but I found the not-so-linear narrative bold and psychologically rewarding.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown is an engaging and imaginative novel that transports readers into a world brimming with mystery, adventure, and the exploration of human emotions. Brown's storytelling ability is evident as he crafts a complex narrative that intertwines fantasy elements with deep themes of loss, identity, and the quest for belonging.

Central to the story is the idea of doors—both literal and metaphorical—that act as gateways to new experiences and realms. The protagonist embarks on a journey through various doors, each leading to different worlds and encounters. Brown expertly creates these fantastical settings, drawing readers into vivid landscapes and intriguing scenarios that ignite the imagination.

Character development is a key strength of the novel. The protagonist is relatable and well-rounded, dealing with personal struggles and desires that resonate with readers. As they navigate the different doors, the character's growth and transformation become central to the narrative, providing an emotional anchor that enhances the overall experience. Supporting characters are also well-developed, each contributing depth and richness to the story as they interact with the protagonist.

Brown's writing is lyrical and descriptive, painting vivid imagery that brings the world to life. His prose is both engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the doors and the choices we make in life. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with an exciting mix of action, introspection, and moments of quiet reflection that keep readers engaged throughout.

Themes of exploration, self-discovery, and the consequences of our choices resonate throughout "The Book of Doors." Brown encourages readers to consider the paths they take in life and how those choices shape their identities and futures. The novel serves as a reminder of the power of possibility and the importance of embracing new experiences, even in the face of uncertainty.

"The Book of Doors" is a beautifully written and imaginative novel that showcases Gareth Brown’s talent for storytelling. With its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and exploration of meaningful themes, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and those seeking a thought-provoking journey through the realms of possibility. Brown has created a narrative that not only entertains but also inspires readers to reflect on their journeys and the doors they choose to open in their lives. This novel is a delightful escape into a world where adventure awaits at every turn.

The Book of Doors was an engrossing and captivating read from the very first page. I really enjoyed all the characters but would have liked to have better understood Dr. Barbary and Rachel. Although this did not distract from the overall story. The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because some of the peculiarities of magic and time travel were not adequately resolved in my mind. Overall this was a delightful read that I highly recommend.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I liked this book! I thought the premise was unique, the worldbuilding was interesting, and the protagonist was easy to root for. The plot moved quickly and I actually read the whole thing in one sitting. Overall would definitely recommend if you're looking for a magical, one-of-a-kind story!

I tried reading this a year ago, but the plethora of characters and magical books made my mind dizzy and I put it down. 😵‍💫 This time around, I read it in a book club, and while I understood most of the book I still feel slightly confused.

The first half of the book was slow and I kept putting it down and not wanting to pick it up again. It did pick up in the second half, but I found all the characters unlikable which made it hard to finish. I have so many questions that were left unanswered and I’m wondering if I missed something or if it was never revealed. 🤔

I liked the premise of the story and would be interested in reading more from this author.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

4 stars.

*The Book of Doors* is a captivating debut that blends magic, adventure, and a touch of romance into a story that's as enchanting as it is mysterious. If you're a fan of books like *The Midnight Library* or *The Invisible Life of Addie Larue*, this one will definitely draw you in.

The story follows Cassie, a bookshop worker in New York City who leads a pretty ordinary life—until a regular customer dies right in front of her. The only thing left behind is the strange book he was reading: *The Book of Doors*. Turns out, this book is no ordinary object, but a portal to something much bigger, a key to worlds filled with secrets and hidden dangers. Enter Drummond Fox, a mysterious librarian with a Scottish accent and some serious baggage, who knows just how important Cassie’s book is—and how dangerous it could be in the wrong hands.

What I loved most about this book was the world it created. The idea of a secret library filled with powerful books, each one holding its own potential for good or evil, is such a cool concept. It’s like this whole hidden universe within our own, and Cassie’s discovery of it was thrilling to follow. The stakes are high, especially with a dark force chasing after Cassie and Drummond, and it definitely kept me hooked throughout.

Cassie herself is a great protagonist. She's relatable, down-to-earth, and definitely not someone you'd expect to be at the center of such an epic adventure. Watching her grow from a quiet, unassuming bookworm into someone who has to face some pretty huge choices was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. Drummond Fox adds a nice layer of mystery and tension to the story. He’s got that brooding, haunted vibe that makes you want to know more about him, and I couldn’t help but root for him and Cassie to figure things out together.

While the pacing was mostly spot on, there were a few moments in the middle where things slowed down a bit, but it was never enough to pull me completely out of the story. The danger and mystery kept me wanting to know what would happen next, and the final chapters definitely left me excited for what’s to come.

All in all, *The Book of Doors* is a super fun and immersive read. It’s got magic, suspense, and characters you can care about, all wrapped up in a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a fantasy with a little bit of everything—mystery, romance, and some good old-fashioned adventure—this one’s definitely worth checking out!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially by an author I have have yet to experience before now. I would recommend this book to friends.

it wants to be the starless sea or piranesi or an unkindness of magicians. and while it's not quite there, it's pretty good. especially for a debut. i will keep my eye on gareth brown

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a super unique read. It’s got this mix of mystery, magic, and adventure that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story follows a teenager named Atlas who finds this mysterious book that opens doors to different worlds. Each door leads him to a new adventure, but things start getting really complicated as he tries to figure out what’s going on.

What I loved about it was how each world felt so different, like you were in a new universe every time Atlas opened a door. The writing is easy to follow, and even though it deals with some deeper themes, it’s still fun and exciting. The characters are all interesting, especially Atlas—he’s relatable and makes you root for him the whole time.

The plot can get a little confusing at moments, but it’s still an awesome ride.

This book is very well-written. It was entertaining and very fast paced fantasy novel. I thought the main character was wonderful. The book was very unique with lots of action and twist/turns throughout the story.

I am not the right audience for this book. The blurb describes it as being for fans of “The Midnight Library”, “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue”, and “The Night Circus”. I hated the first 2 books, and I knew enough to avoid the third. While I liked the concept of the magical books, I wasn’t crazy about the execution. And I am definitely not a fan of time traveling. I did manage to finish the book, but I’m sure other readers will have a better experience with it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Wow, what a book. I came into this book with very low expectations- I'm not typically a big fantasy reader and I wasn't sure that I would be able to grasp the concepts. I left crying, happy, but also annoyed that it took me so long to get into it! This book is captivating. It is a story that left me better than when I started reading it. While the beginning does have a few pacing issues, once the action starts it is impossible to put down. The writing is so lyrical but concise, and the author did such a good job of setting scenes that I could totally visualize everything that was happening. This is an impressive feat in fantasy books! It is a classic good versus evil story, but it is so much more than that. There was action, time travel, magical books!! What more can you ask for? I had such a good time reading this book, and I highly recommend if you have any interest in magical realism whatsoever. I will certainly be looking into more books by this author if this is what his debut entails. 4.5/5 stars rounded up!

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This was one of my favorite reads of 2024. The premise was different and intriguing. A book that can make any door lead you to anywhere you want? Yes, please! Then mix in a truly terrifying villain and a secret library and you've got everything I love in one story. Highly recommend.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown is an ambitious debut novel that explores the magical and mysterious world of books. While it has its moments of intrigue and excitement, it ultimately falls short of its potential. The story follows Cassie Andrews, a bookseller in New York City, who discovers a mysterious book that grants her the power to travel through doors to different worlds. The premise is intriguing, and the initial exploration of this magical ability is captivating. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly convoluted and difficult to follow. The introduction of multiple magical books and characters feels overwhelming and detracts from the central narrative

Genre: Magical Realism, Fantasy

The Book of Doors was a delightfully unexpected stand out among my 2024 reads. After seeing many positive reviews about this book, I had to join in and see what all the fuss was about and was so happy when I was approved for a galley of the book!

Gareth Brown, a debut author, has a strong grasp on the recipe for a wonderful fantasy novel with ties to the real world and I'm excited to see what more they bring to the literary world in the future. The concept of different books leading to different places or having different powers was one that was executed so well and I appreciated the ease in which the world building was done so that I could follow along as the story unfolded.

I absolutely loved the magic that existed in this world and appreciated the relationships and friendships that were built in juxtaposition to the more nefarious characters that also existed in the book. With some unexpected twists and turns, some suspense, and so much reflection about the impact of power, greed, and control - this is a stand out that I would recommend to anyone wanting to explore more fantasy!

This is the best possible book to start my year with, and I’m so annoyed with myself for waiting so long to read it.

Cassie works in a bookstore in New York. She is working a normal shift one day when a favorite customer that she is good friends with passes away in the store, leaving behind an old and mysterious book. Cassie soon discovers that this book is called The Book of Doors, and it allows her to travel from place to place using only a doorway. From there, Cassie‘s life is thrown in tumult as she discovers more about the underground world of magical books, and that hers is not the only one out there.

The plotting. I cannot say enough, admirable things about how seamlessly the plot in this book comes together. I can’t even imagine being the one who planned it all out and tied all of the pieces together, but it is done so smoothly. I love books that take place essentially in this world, but that have elements of magic or a different world, and this one fits the bill. There are magical books, but the rest of what happens is the normal world as we see it.

I was also not prepared to find the story so suspenseful and thrilling. Even though the tagline warns that the book is worth killing for, I wasn’t quite ready for the level of violence and suspense that kept me turning pages. The villain of the story is truly frightening , and I found myself having a moral dilemma with the characters when trying to decide how best to handle the bad guys in the book.

There is nothing about this book that I could criticize. Now that I’ve completed it and see all the breadcrumbs that were dropped throughout, I am anxious to read it again in marvel at how it all comes together.

If you’re a fan of low fantasy/magical realism with elements of a thriller, this would be a great fit for you!

I loved this book initially; unfortunately, it fell off for me around 60%. The concept, the characters, and the magic were all super fun and engaging. However, in the middle, I started to feel like it was dragging and the plot drifted. I ended up DNFing it and waited several months to see if I could pick it up again and engage with it, but each time I tried, I wasn’t enjoying myself. This will be an enjoyable book for someone and maybe I will try again at a later date, but for now, this wasn’t for me. I'm only putting 1 star because I DNF'ed.

Thank you so much to William Morrow and Netgalley for gifting me a copy in exchange for my review.

The Book of Doors is such a compelling debut novel from Gareth Brown. It's magical and a book made for all lovers of books. The story captivates readers and takes them on a journey of discovery amidst a battle between good and evil.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.