A unique story of magical realism. This is not a genre that I usually read, but I enjoyed the story. I loved Cassie and her adventure was incredible, although sometimes a bit scary. I liked that the story focused on books. Kind of cool.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Cassie and Izzy are roommates in NYC. Izzy works at a bookstore which is frequented by an older patron who passes away unexpectedly. He leaves behind a magical book that is able to transport its possessor to any location simply by envisioning a location and walking through any door. There exists a whole seedy underworld that wants to possess books like these to use for unsavory purposes and Cassie and Izzy quickly find themselves in danger. There also exists another group of people who try to protect the books from the evildoers.


Themes and Triggers:
Good vs. Evil, Friendship, Time Travel, Loss and Grief, Violence, Gore, Misogyny.

What worked:
The plot was very imaginative, and contained lots of twists and turns. The writing style felt very accessible, and not overly complicated and flowery. The book kept me engaged, and moved along quickly. The writer did a good job of creating atmosphere, particularly with the hotel scenes and the library/mansion, although he was not consistent with this in other areas.

What didn’t work:
The characters felt hollow, and oftentimes the dialog felt clunky and juvenile. The characters were very stereotyped, and cartoonish and there were definite areas of the book that felt very uncomfortable, particularly when the author would make dialog comments about the women feeling “fat like cows” for eating something.

The author would sometimes go on tangents, so chunks of the text felt unnecessary and repetitive. The author also has the odd quirk of going off on tangents about food, and what the characters were eating, which did nothing to add to the story.

There were definite misogynistic undertones with one of the main villains in the story, that felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. One example is “I wish it were still the 70’s when women still knew their place.” While I realize that we are not supposed to like the villain, and well…he is a villain and a jerk, it just felt unnecessary, and did nothing to develop the character. If the author had asked himself, "Does this detail/scene/dialog contribute to the plot, character development, tone" it would have been very useful to the reader and to his writing style.

The chapter where the main character goes into “nowhere” to deal with her pain didn’t work for me. It felt like the author was trying to be profound, which would have worked had the rest of the book been written to match the style of this chapter. It felt very thrown in and disjointed. In fact, the overall book felt disjointed with the writing style/s and tones.

This book was in need of a good edit. At times it dragged, and I found myself skipping over all the unnecessary pages of details about things that were extraneous to the plot. At one point there were two full pages of details that just felt like meandering to fill up space and word count.

In general, this book was marketed as an adult mystery/suspense novel and was compared to The Midnight Library, but it read more like a young adult horror/science fiction/superhero book. It could have been cut down to 250 to 300 pages with a good edit. The character dialog could use some work in order to make it feel less cartoony, and juvenile.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. It could have been a five star book had the writing been more skilled, and the tone more even.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my review. I had high hopes for this book, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The premise of the book was enjoyable. However, the pacing seemed a bit off - parts moving too slow or others (like the big face off scene) moving too fast and without much suspense.

The paragraph where Hugo Barbary shows just how sexist and racist he is wasn't needed. We all know he's trash but adding in the abrasive dialogue felt out of place. I did enjoy Cassie and Drummond though.

Overall, I'm giving it a 3/5. I will definitely check out other books he's written/will write.

This book really got me. First of all, I was so sick and at times I could barely keep my eyes open. But I couldn't stay away from the story. So I would bargain with myself that I could read a few pages and then rest again. I can't think of any way to talk about this book without spoiling anything. It's cozy yet adventure-filled. It's deep and fantastical. I like the way the ending set it up that it could be a series or just be a standalone. Though, I really hope it's a series!

Thank you NetGalley! My actual rating is 4.75

What a cool book! Loved how it all pieced together even if sometimes my brain hurt. One I would definitely recommend for someone wanting a fantasy/sci-fi/magic type book. It's definitely a little YA at times and the MC seemed younger than I think she was but I still had a great time reading it. I may round up to 5, tbd.

3 Stars
One Liner: Great premise, uninteresting characters

New York City
Cassie Andrews works in a cozy café-cum-bookstore and has a routine life. One evening, she is gifted a unique book by an old customer. Taking it home, Cassie and her friend Izzy discover that the book is magical and can take them to any place through the door. Cassie is delighted to own the Book of Doors, enjoying the prospect of traveling at a whim.
However, she doesn’t acknowledge the danger the book attracts until faced with violence and danger. There’s a mysterious man who can help her. However, Drummond Fox is battling his demons and hiding from enemies. Out there is someone so evil that nothing will stop them from getting what they want.
The story comes in multiple POVs of Cassie, Drummond, Lund, The Woman, Lottie, and a few others.

My Thoughts:
How can I resist a premise like that? I don’t bother with comparisons (unless they involve a book I hate), but I do have the mentioned titles in my TBR, so it counts (maybe).
The concept of books as magical objects, not just a door to places and different times, but with an ability to do good or evil, is fascinating.
Time as a cyclic (and wheel-like) entity aligns with the Indic theory, so it was easy enough to go with the flow despite the lack of explanation.
Characters are important for any book. What can a reader do if she doesn’t connect with the MC? I wasn’t impressed with Cassie, and my opinion didn’t change even at the end. Izzy was better (if we ignore how physical attributes are important for most women in the book).
Drummond could have been ‘the MMC’, but he was uninspiring. A bookish male lead is a great idea. Having him act as a ‘coward’ instead of a fighter is also a nice touch. He can still be interesting, given the potential in his backstory.
The Woman- I loved her intro. Imagine an antagonist who is evil personified and will destroy the world with nonchalance. My kinda lady! However, she has no character development. That’s all she is, which makes her as solid as a torn page. And the reason for her evilness is… I don’t know. I like the concept but not the execution. It feels so anticlimactic.
The uneven pacing and multiple POVs didn’t help either. Though we get the story from different perspectives, none of them are compelling narrators. The magic system was okay, but nothing wow. I also have some questions.
I appreciate the gory parts being matter-of-fact (or maybe they weren’t, but I couldn’t connect). Either way, nothing moved me- not Cassie's grief or the Woman’s evil.
There’s a hint of what could be called romance, but thankfully, we don’t explore it. The best decision made in the book. I rounded the rating up to 3 stars just for this.

To summarize, The Book of Doors has an intriguing premise but is underwhelming as a whole. Of course, if you connect with the FMC, you will enjoy the book a lot more.
Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Despite the fact that this book did have a few cringy character descriptions I really enjoyed reading it. The plot was unique and the idea that books could give people supernatural powers was a fun concept to me. I found that I connected with the characters and cared what happened to each of them. The pacing was a bit slow in the start but it really picked up and held my attention until the end.

The action in this was too much for my personal taste. I think this would appeal to the right reader, but it just wasn't my jam.

This book was unexpected. I pride myself on know where a story is going, but also love when I can’t quite tell where the story is going next. This story kept me on my toes theorizing on what would happen next. It was gentle and gruesome, horrific and happy, serious yet full of laughter. It was truly a remarkable book.

As a passionate reader immersed in the world of fantasy, Gareth Brown's "The Book of Doors" instantly captured my attention. This enchanting novel offers a delightful mix of fantasy elements, time travel, and the profound significance of books, crafting a mesmerizing narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish.
At its heart, "The Book of Doors" follows the adventures of Cassie Andrews, a character I found instantly relatable due to her love for books. Cassie's discovery of the enigmatic "Book of Doors" opens up a world of possibilities, allowing her to embark on a journey filled with magic and mystery. However, as Cassie delves deeper into the book's secrets, she finds herself confronting unforeseen challenges and dangers.
What truly sets this novel apart is its imaginative exploration of the magic inherent in books. Brown skillfully constructs a richly detailed magical system that adds depth to the story, inviting readers to ponder the power of literature in new and intriguing ways. The concept of different books granting unique abilities to their owners adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, keeping readers eagerly turning pages to uncover its secrets.
One of the highlights of "The Book of Doors" is its well-crafted characters, particularly Cassie, whose journey of self-discovery and bravery resonates with readers of all ages. Brown's writing is both evocative and accessible, drawing readers into Cassie's world and immersing them in a captivating adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.
In conclusion, "The Book of Doors" is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of fantasy looking for an immersive and engaging story. With its blend of magic, adventure, and heartfelt moments, this novel leaves a lasting impression and showcases Gareth Brown's talent as a storyteller. I eagerly anticipate future works from this promising author, as "The Book of Doors" has firmly established him as a rising star in the fantasy genre.

The Book of Doors
By: Gareth Brown
Publish Date: February 13, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and the author Gareth Brown, for the advanced copy of The Book of Doors.

"Any door is every door"

One of my top reads of 2024!!!

It's an understatement for me to say I simply enjoyed this book when I was completely engrossed in it!! I love this concept and the idea. Each character in the book was perfectly written. I felt this not only was exciting and adventurous but also intriguing. From left to right, this debut was amazing! The chapters are the perfect length, giving you enough information but still enticing you to continue, hopefully without ripping the pages!!!

I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something to whisk you away while being at points fun, funny, scary, sad, and happy! What an emotional rollercoaster!!

Time travel, magic books, and plenty of twist and turns throughout… yes please! Thoroughly enjoyable, hooked from the first chapter. Exciting stand-alone that’s the perfect cross between fantasy and academia. The characters were well written and the villains( as there were multiples) were absolutely detestable. I loved how it looped into finality and tied every thing together from present to past to future.

Trigger warning for graphic deaths.

Cassie spends most of her simple life either working at a New York bookstore or hanging out in her tiny apartment she shares with her roommate, Izzy, reading. One day, one of her favorite customers, Mr. Webber - a lonely but charming older gentleman - dies right in front of her. As the EMTs are taking him away, Cassie notices a small book in Mr. Webber’s possession. But it’s not an ordinary book… It's the Book of Doors, which has a message that any door is every door.

Shortly after discovering how to use the book, she is approached by a Scottish stranger in a rumpled black suit who calls himself Drummond Fox - others call him The Librarian, he who keeps watch over a unique set or rare books. Cassie’s book isn’t the only one with great power, but it is the most seeked after by those who collect them. Now, Cassie is being hunted.

Drummond is the only one who knows where the unique library is and Cassie is the only one who can get them there to keep the book’s safe. But there are those who are willing to do anything to get their hands on these books, especially a sadistic woman at the very top of the list.

First off, the amount of time I spent thinking about where I would go if I had the book of doors myself during the time I wasn’t able to read was kind of crazy. I read this as much as I could during my free time over the week it took me to read it. I always felt like I read a ton, even when I hadn’t, mostly because I would be so immersed in it and would disappear in its pages.

I really enjoyed how connected everything was. Some things I called out a bit in advance, but a lot of it I would be surprised at how connected everything was. This was a heart-pounding read that sticks with you. It’s been almost a week since I read it before I’ve had time to write this review and I’m still thinking of crazy stuff that happened with this.

I’ve already been recommending this to quite a few of my colleagues, but I believe any of those who love a good magical realism/fantasy book with a story that will keep you turning pages as quickly as you can will greatly enjoy this book as well.

*Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

YU-GI-OH TOURNAMENT BUT WITH BOOKS.

The Book of Doors follows the journey of a young lady named Cassie who works in a cozy bookstore in New York City. Mr. Webber, a regular customer, has a mysterious death while sitting at his usual table. After the paramedics arrive, Cassie notices Mr. Webber seems to have left behind two books - The Count of Monte Cristo and a more curious book known as the Book of Doors. Oddly, Cassie's name has been written into the front of the Book of Doors. When she returns to her apartment that evening, she and her roommate, Izzy, examine and put this magic book to the test. Izzy begins to feel wary about them having possession of such a book and soon, they both learn they are in danger. After meeting a man named Drummond Fox, they learn that there are many other types of these magic books and they all have different properties and functions. There is also a hidden library that is being hunted by several people, one being an evil being called "The Woman" who inflicts horrific torture acts on anyone who gets in her way. The goal: devise a clever plan to rid The Woman of her books and get all of the books to safety, restoring the library.

Being a Fantasy book lover, I just HAD to read this. The concept really caught my attention. There are some VERY well done things in this book:
✅ The cozy Kellner's Bookstore and set up of the storyline
✅ The settings, the travel, and The Fox Library - I wanted to live there!
✅ The well planned narrative of Cassie and Mr. Webber - Beautiful
✅ Cassie's relationship with her Grandfather - I wanted to cry
✅ The well-developed friendships between Lund, Izzy, Cassie and Drummond
✅ The overall concept - extremely original and creative

Where I struggled:
❌ The Woman - her character and random acts of gore
❌ Inappropriate and strange descriptions of new characters at the auction - Chinese twins who work for the Communist Party, Pentecostal Pastor from SC who calls the bookseller "woman" and the books "the devil" - CRINGE
❌ Many melodramatic eye roll moments throughout
❌ CONFUSING pot twist 75% of the way through that makes little sense
❌ Strange forced conversations with some characters - example - Izzy suddenly having an attitude with the Bookseller who is trying to save her life
❌ Plot holes with the actual use of the Book of Doors (trying not to give spoilers) - all it can do and Cassie's travel
❌ Contradictions in writing with the books being top secret yet there's an NYC mass auction. The Fox Library is supposed to be completely hidden, yet Drummond allows Cassie to see it upon knowing her for a very short time. Lund hands his book nonchalantly to Cassie while he goes to use the bathroom. Strange
❌ Unrealistic deals made with stakes completely too high for one side - ex. Cassie and Bookseller
❌ Introduction of new material or characters that are never developed - Miss Pacheo and Elena?
❌ Creepy relationship (that's all I'll say)

I really wanted to love this book much more than I did. Its such a great concept. I just could not get past the things with which I struggled. I would say that a YA audience might enjoy it, but there might be too much gore.

I am very grateful to William Morrow, Gareth Brown and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a great bookish fantasy/mystery novel! It contains so many of the things I look for in a great read: book-talk, mystery, and time travel. Parts of the book were harrowing and others were confusing, but it all came together in the end and made for a very enjoyable experience. Brown executes the convoluted plot well and I look forward to seeing what he writes next.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in an exchange for an honest review.

Magical books and time travel seemed right up my alley, so I was very excited to read The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown, but ultimately was left feeling a bit let down by both the plot and the main characters.

Reminiscent of Locke and Key, Cassie inherits a magical book that is able to open doors. Any door that she can picture in her mind. As with any magical object, there are others out there seeking what she has acquired and in fact, her Book of Doors is only one of many different magical books that exist in the world, all of which are highly sought after. The doors that Cassie opens in her attempt to understand the book that she holds possession of lead her not only to different countries, but through space and time itself.

This novel had all the potential for a very cool story. Magical books, time travel, and a bunch of truly evil villains on the hunt. However, my enjoyment of the book was hampered by the main character Cassie being incredibly insipid. Her dialogue was not only juvenile, but her actions continually put those that she cared about in harm's way for very very stupid reasons. Her relationship with Drummond felt forced and neither of them were very likeable. As a whole, all of the characters, save one, seemed very cookie cutter for their roles. The only exception to this was the main villain, whom, I have to admit, was purely evil and exceptionally well written and developed. The plot itself was a bit slow and meandering, but the time travel aspect was handled well. The main plot twist was a bit unbelievable, but that was simply because of the way the main character handled certain revelations.

Overall, I feel like the novel could not decide if it wanted to be pure fantasy, horror, or a cozy mystery and wanted to avoid commitment to check off as many genres as possible. I think that the storyline would have worked best as a pure horror novel with magical realism elements. The author clearly knows how to write villains and should stick with what is a clear talent for it in future novels.

Recommended for fans of Locke and Key and cozy(ish) fantasy - there is quite a bit a violence, but zero spice. For most readers, this will be an easy escapism read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gareth Brown, and William Morrow for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Book of Doors is a feel good fantasy that is compared to Addie La Rue and Babel, but I felt like it was more for fans of the Midnight Library. I expected a lot higher stakes and more thrills with the books it was listed alongside, but the pacing and overall plot of the story was a bit of a let down. I enjoyed the introduction of the world but then things felt like they happened too quickly, too easily, and too spelled out for the reader. I know there are readers out there that would enjoy this book, but unfortunately it wasn’t a match for me. Thank you for the opportunity!

I REALLY want a book of doors!

This is a great debut by Gareth Brown. Really cool story that twisted and turned and had me whispering "no way" a few times. It definitely started off slow, giving off cozy fantasy vibes, but really picked up in the last half.

The weakest part of the writing, I feel, is the dialogue. It felt a little cheesy (especially Mr. Baraby) and reminded me that this was Brown's first novel. I also feel that this could have been a longer so that the characters could be fleshed out a little more. I am mostly indifferent about the characters because I don't feel like I got to know them. To me, they were a vehicle for a really cool plot.

Spoiler below:

The way my jaw dropped when Cassie was in the past and "days turned to months and months turned into years" that turned the whole book for me and made me be like "wait I love this".

End Spoiler

I'll be really interested to see if this has a sequel, the door (pun intended) was kept open for the possibility but even if it stays as a stand alone, it was great.

I wasn't sure what to expect getting into The Book of Doors, but it was like opening my own fascinating passageway. This is the sort of book that doesn't come along too often, and I highly recommend picking it up! When Cassie is gifted a mysterious book from a friend/customer of hers as he passes away, she soon discovers it has a magical ability to transport her through any door she wishes to go. Alongside her roomie, Izzy, they embark on an adventure that we soon learn is as dangerous as it is magical. Such a fun read!

I absolutely loved this fantasy novel! Cassie is relatable, there are magical books, and Time Travel. There’s action and chases but there’s also heartfelt family moments both in bio and found families.