I so wanted to love this one! Starts out very promising- a young woman, Cassie, is gifted a magical book, the Book of Doors, that lets her travel anywhere in the world in an instant. Then, she quickly realizes how dangerous it is to own a book like this, and how many people are trying to get their hands on it. Some of the people have good intentions, but several of them are not. Soon, we follow Cassie through a journey with her book. It got a little messy, and the writing wasn't keeping me hooked anymore. I did finish it, but I was curious, but it won't end up on my favorite lists, sadly.

What would you do if any door was every door? That is a question that Cassie has to answer very early in the book and her first trip is New York where she lives. The Book of Doors was a solid read for me! It did take me awhile to get through it but overall I found that the plot does come together in the end. This book is an interesting blend of genes mixing together mystery, fantasy, and thriller aspects. I liked the time travel aspects, I enjoyed the good verse evil, and thought the idea of a world with multiple magic books was a good premise. At times I felt Cassie acted a bit juvenile and at some points the book read as YA. Overall I did enjoy it and I did purchase it at the book store today! If you liked The Midnight Library or The Ten Thousand Doors of January I think you will really like The Book of Doors!

The story was interesting, and I appreciated how awful the villain was. The writing, however, was not quite up to par.

A wonderful book which reminded me of The Shadow of the Wind. The magical realism infused with the friendships and relationships of everyday people make this a great story. The plot slowly clicks into place as the author deftly constructs the tale and makes it a novel you will not soon forget. In my opinion, already one of the best books of 2024!

4.5 stars.
Such a fun ride! I loved the atmosphere and the loving attention to describing place and setting (how fitting in a story about a magic teleportation book!). I loved how to time travel story unraveled and the hints of darkness and that I immediately felt attached to all the characters.
The one thing that stopped me from giving 5 stars is the fact there were a few awkward clunky moments in the writing that make it feel like an third draft instead of a final draft. But other then a few nitpicks that were just vaguely distracting, I thoroughly enjoyed this world and magic system.

Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.

What you'll get:
Books and Bookstores
Magical Realism - I guess?
Time Travel

Setting: New York, Italy, Japan, Georgia, France, England, Scotland, Oregon, Nevada

This felt like if The Midnight Library and The Ten Thousand Doors of January had a shockingly violent baby. I don't need to understand the mechanics or science between time travel and whether changing things in the past changes things in the present if I'm entertained. I'm here for the vibes.

This was a really solid debut. I just wish I had clicked with it more. I wanted to root for Cassie but she was her own personal saboteur. Every time Drummond asked her for help, she did mostly the opposite of it and things didn't go well. I did really like that things came back full circle with the time travel pieces. Mr. Webber was an angel and I'm so glad there was never a negative subplot with him.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Audio, and William Morrow for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book should be labeled more prominently as "new adult." I did not connect with the main character due to her age but I'm sure this book would be liked by readers looking for more "new adult" style type books.

An exhilarating adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, and moments of pure enchantment...

Book Information

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a 416-page fantasy/fiction novel published on February 13, 2024. Thank you to William Morrow Books for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Summary

In New York City, Cassie Andrews, a bookseller, receives the Book of Doors from a favorite customer. This mysterious book grants unimaginable powers, leading Cassie and her friend Izzy on adventures beyond their wildest dreams. However, they soon realize they're not the only ones with magical books, facing danger from those who seek their newfound abilities.

Seeking help from Drummond Fox, who harbors his own collection of magical tomes, Cassie and Izzy confront a nameless evil that threatens them all. Together, they navigate a perilous journey, bound by their quest for survival in a world where magic and danger collide.

My Thoughts

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown is an exceptional debut that exceeded all my expectations. While some have compared it to "The Midnight Library," a book I also enjoyed, I found it refreshingly unique. Brown weaves a beautifully written tale filled with magic, wonder, and mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish. Despite its 400-page length, the story read quickly and kept me turning pages to see what happened next. "The Book of Doors" is a breathtaking odyssey through realms of wonder.

The novel offers a complex storyline with numerous twists and surprises, taking unexpected directions that add to its allure. Brown's skillful character and world-building create a rich tapestry of fantasy, mystery, adventure, family, friends, suspense, horror, romance, and magic—truly something for everyone. Brown creates a Literary kaleidoscope that fractures reality and invites readers into a world where wonders never cease.

Similar to the TV series/comic book "Locke & Key," the premise involves magical elements tied to objects, in this case, books imbuing their holders with extraordinary powers. There is no limit to the quantity of books that might exist or to the unique powers that they might hold. Each new book introduced has the potential to turn the story in a new direction which Brown uses to keep the reader engaged. Every page holds the promise of adventure, danger, and unexpected enchantment.

There was a moment around three-quarters of the way through where I felt the story veered off course—"jumped the shark” so to say. I was worried as I had really enjoyed the book to that point. It was just one chapter that I thought stretched too far, but Brown managed to steer it back on track and recover, albeit with a slight hiccup.

The novel's conclusion is satisfyingly well-plotted, delivering suspenseful twists and surprises that tie up loose ends but also set the stage for a sequel.

Recommendation

"The Book of Doors" is a fantastic read that not only stimulates the mind but also tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impression. It’s an unforgettable exploration of magic and possibility. Brown blends the elements of fantasy and suspense into a mesmerizing tapestry that will keep you on the edge of your seat—highly recommended.

Rating

5 Magic Book Stars

“Happiness is not something you sit and wait for. You have to choose it and pursue it in spite of everything else.”

Oh I loved this one! I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting with this one but a thrilling fantasy wasn’t it but this one was FANTASTIC! The cover, the characters and the premise was absolutely captivating. This book follows Cassie who is gifted the Book of Doors only to realize that the book isn’t just an ordinary book but instead a book the holds magic. This sought after book soon lands Cassie on the run from some very bad people looking to add this magical book to their collection.
If you liked Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, I definitely recommend this one.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Books for an advance readers copy.

I had high hopes for this book; I loved the premise. However, it seems I am in a reading slump, and I couldn’t make any progress in this book. Also, the writing seemed to be lacking to me. Overall, I would want to give this book another try in the future (just not now).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.

The Book of Doors opens the reader to time travel, epic battles between good and evil and the belief that books hold special powers. The storyline is interesting, but it lacked the culmination to all the build-up. It was just over.

A women loves books, works in a bookshop and finds a book that lets her travel to places through doors. This book leads the heroine into a series of events that endanger her life, and those of her friend as she becomes the hunted for her book. Immaturity got the best of the character often frustrating the me as the reader. This story had a lot highs and a lot of lows but ends up being just good not great.

Thank you, William Morrow.

To say I loved this story is an understatement, it gave me all the feels... I reccomend thowing yourself in semi unaware of the premise but read if you like:
Doors 😏
Bookstores & Libraries
Books about Books
Stories within Stories
Found Family
Magic
Wibbly-wobbly, Timey-wimey stuff
The Starless Sea- Lite
Emotional Rollercoasters

That last paragraph made me happy cry 💙
I feel like a door was left open for a sequel(s). Fingers crossed

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the eARC!

ARC Review ~ The Book of Doors~

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love the concept of this book, books with magic powers, especially to create a doorway to anywhere. It’s a fun idea and the characters are interesting though lost a little dimension. It kept me entertained though I would have liked a little more world building.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC!

I wanted to love this book, unfortunately there were some things that didn’t set well with me. The main would being the comments surrounding eating and food. Why would it be disgusting to eat bacon and pancakes? I found that very off pointing and made me want to dnf

“The best place to enjoy a stormy night is in a warm room with a book in your lap.”

They say reading opens doors, but The Book of Doors took this in the most literal sense, and it was so beautifully executed. It was heartwarming. I found myself growing attached to each cast of characters we met, and lost.

The Book of Doors is an ode to the fragility and beauty of being human. It also shows us the darkness and evil that lie beneath that beauty. It reiterates that books are more than imagination, but that they hold actual power.

This is a book I will purchase to sit on my shelves to leaf through time and time again, if only to hope that some of the magic within exists in real life.

A big thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Time travel? Say less, sign me up!

The Book of Doors by Garreth Brown is a fantasy mystery novel. Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading. But this is no ordinary book… It is the Book of Doors. Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them. Then she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes. The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them. Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books. With only her roommate Izzy to confide in, she has to decide if she will help the mysterious and haunted Drummond protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there. But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.

I am a sucker for any book with the comp title of Addie LaRue (aka my favorite book of all time). So I was happy to see that this book wasn't proven wrong. It's magical. Its whimsical. It's just *chef's kiss*

This book was not what I was expecting! I figuring it was going to be another pithy do something with your life novel, but it was so much more exciting than that! The Book of Doors was an exciting ride, and much darker and more gruesome than I was expecting. It had me on my toes and reveling in the magical realism of magic books, and what it could mean these were real. I really enjoyed this so much more than I thought! Thank you for an early copy.

What a gem of a book! It’s a book about books, and time travel and magic. It was a dizzying journey through time but the relationships and story lines were engaging and twisty. Cassie’s storyline is fantastic and her role in bringing the books out of the shadows was spectacular. Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC.

The Book of Doors was a fun, bookish fantasy. It would make a great Marvel-esque movie. The villains, etc. really reminded me of that throughout. I wish that Cassie would have had more chance to explore the world before it all went south. I loved exploring her relationship with Mr. Webber and her grandfather. It was a great story, full of magic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC! This book's concept was fantastic. Unfortunately, the way it was carried out has left me feeling confused. I didn't enjoy the first 20% of the book. The characters were incredibly bland, and the pace felt too hurried. About halfway through, I finally started to like the main character, and after that, I fell in love with her. That's also roughly when the plot really started to pick up steam and captivate me; at this point, I was unwilling to put the book down. Character conversations frequently seemed forced and unnatural, and the wording frequently sounded "off." Many of the scenes were far more graphic than I had anticipated. This novel, in my opinion, had so much unrealized potential. It may also just not be for me, and that's okay too.