This is a fantastic DEBUT story about love, loss, friendship and a world in which there are magical books that can do great and terrible things for the people who possess them (ie some can transport you across time and space while others can cause you pain or wipe your memory).

Action packed and hard to put down, I really loved this one! Highly recommended for fans of The starless sea by Erin Morgenstern and great on audio narrated by Miranda Raison. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

There’s something exciting about the idea of time traveling and magic portals. I’ve been addicted since Narnia :) While I enjoyed the whimsy and wonder this story provided, it wasn’t quite the experience I imagined initially. This was a 3.5 read for me, but I’m rounding up to 4.

I enjoyed the backstory of how the characters came to be in possession of these magical books, but the actual development of these characters fell flat. I felt like I was sitting beside someone who was telling me a story the whole time I was reading rather than feeling like I was actually IN the story. Overall, it was a fun story, but didn't stand out for me as great.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

While I can see why other people liked this, this writing style just wasn't for me. It was a fun story and creative, but I just felt disconnected from the characters and couldn't get into it. Overall, it was fine, but I didn't particularly enjoy it, which is sad because I do generally enjoy magical realism. It might have been a bit too action heavy for my tastes.

The Book of Doors caught my eye because it said it was "for the types of readers who have flocked to the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Night Circus, and Babel". The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is one of my all time favorite books so I was super excited. Let me start off by saying I didn't get the same vibe as Addie LaRue. I believe this book is not meant for me as a reader, so my review may reflect that. I didn't like the flow of this book. It felt rushed and there were some quotes and comments that I felt were unnecessary to the plot of this book (about food and body image). There were also some off-putting quotes regarding gender, and heritage/race. I'm giving 2 stars because it was a unique plot that involved books. Other than that, I was personally disappointed.

I dont think I was the ideal reader for this book. It was blurbed as being for fans of Addie Larue but it’s not even close. There’s an obvious fat phobia throughout as well as some racist remarks from characters. The writing felt juvenile and very YA. At more than one point I was Confused because it seemed to jump around a lot without a lot of seamless transitions.

Wow. I am left speechless with this one. The Book of Doors is a stunning debut with such a unique storyline that I could not put it down!

Cassie is a young woman living a mundane life in New York working at a bookstore. When her favorite customer dies peacefully of old age reading a book at the table, he leaves her with the most odd treasure… The Book of Doors.

Cassie soon uncovers its magic and all the joy it could bring to her life as she can travel anywhere in the world. When she shares this with her best friend and roommate, Izzy is much more cautious and believes this magic could be dangerous.

Izzy was not mislead by her caution. Soon Drummond Fox finds that Cassie possesses this magical book and feels compelled to tell her just what kind of danger she is in.

Soon Drummond tells Cassie about the many magical books in world and just how far people will go to get them; what a person can do with books that give them invisibility, health, safety, or even the ability to control and torture others.

Drummond and Cassie must now join forces to keep these books out of the hands of those who wish to do harm. They must defeat a sinister woman who wants nothing more than to collect all of the books and use them to decimate and bring horror the world. Cassie travels through doors and time with the aid of Drummond to stop her.

This book was everything I hoped for and more. It had interesting characters and side characters. It had magic and illusions. It had time travel. It brought on an epic battle between good and evil leaving bringing me to the edge of my seat. And while this is a fantasy novel, it just felt so fresh and unique.

Well done, Gareth Brown. If this is the debut, I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us!

The book made me THINK (in a good way). It felt like inception. At first the book was a little slow for me but after a few chapters in an multiple character POVs, this book picked up into a whirlwind of craziness. I've never read a fantasy book like this and I'm happy I did. It also dropped so many truth bombs and meaningful lines that really made me pause.

Thanks to NetGaley for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

As a book lover this one captured my imagination right from the start. I also happen to be a sucker for any story even remotely containing magic doors, lol. Cassie Andrews works at a bookstore, loves books and her simple life. But things change when one of the bookstore pratrons dies at the bookshop. No, it wasn’t a robbery gone wrong or anything violent. The kindly old man just passed on, leaving behind a gift for Cassie. A book. But not just any book. A leather bound notebook. A magic book. The book of doors. At first glance appears to be nothing more than the absent minded scribblings of an old man, but Cassie and her roommate Izzy soon learn it is much more than that. It allows them to open doorways and travel anywhere. It’s one of many magic books, and as with anything this special there are others who want it and are willing to do anything to get it. I’ve read other reviews claiming the story has a slow start, but as I said, I was entranced by this one from the start. This is an absolutely stellar debut and I can’t wait to read whatever Gareth comes out with next. I’d like to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Gareth Brown’s The Book of Doors.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RACTNK3UZ18BH/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

The Book of Doors centers around Cassie, who works in a bookstore and is given a gift by an older customer before he passes away. This gift is a book that literally opens doors to anywhere you want to go. As the book moves forward we are introduced to many different characters such as a Librarian and many other magical books, and a tragedy that befell people 10 years before.

The writing style and titles are pretty simple and easy to read. However the violence and other disgusting things in the book really turned me off; these party’s felt really long to get through and that it was grotesque and gratuitous violence. A bit of other odd things happen that didn’t really make sense. Something happens to the main character Cassie and I won’t spoil that but she gets to know another character very well - and still calls him Mr X and not by his first name?? That was very strange.

The loose threads at the end make me think there could be a sequel but I don’t think I’ll read that. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

It's tough to balance "this is a story about the magic of books!" and "this book is especially magical, don't you agree?" without slamming the reader over the head about the importance of literacy like an afternoon special.

The Book of Doors is a magical story that took me into a world of magical books. I love the idea that books hold superpowers, I know that it is true, but in this case the powers are not within the readers imagination. They are superpowers that can cause chaos and harm or be helpful and protective depending on the intentions of the person holding the book.

There is a large cast of characters in this book, but they are easy to keep track of and most of them are important to the story. The good shined through with the friendships and the lengths they went to work together and protect the magical books.

There is time travel, fantasy, and good versus evil. The Book of Doors in a great debut book and I am anxious to read more from Gareth Brown.

The Book of Doors is an admirable debut, with excellent writing and solid pacing. It is engaging, with a good balance of description and action to keep readers glued to the page.

While the plot and ideas were fascinating, weaving between the horrific and the wondrous, I struggled to connect with any of the main characters; they felt less like real people and more like plot devices for large sections of the book.

I will ultimately be happy when Gareth Brown publishes more. There’s a lot of promise in his writing that I look forward to.

Thank you to Netfalley and William Morrow for the ebook ARC. All options are mine alone.

Gareth Brown's debut novel, "The Book of Doors," immediately intrigues with its tantalizing promise of endless exploration encapsulated by its captivating cover art. The anticipation sparked by such a premise was further heightened by the allure of the cover design, igniting an eagerness to delve into its pages. As the narrative unfolds, readers are swiftly drawn into the story by its engaging beginning, finding themselves quickly enamored with the unique and flawed characters that populate its pages.

At the heart of the tale lies Cassie, a quintessential bookworm and introvert whose relatable qualities make her a compelling protagonist. Her journey transcends mere physicality, delving deep into the realms of emotion and psychology, traversing time and space in unimaginable ways. Despite her vulnerabilities, Cassie's resilience shines through as she confronts evils and dangers beyond her wildest imaginings. Throughout her odyssey, a diverse cast of characters emerges, each playing a pivotal role in propelling the plot forward and enriching the narrative tapestry.

One of the most endearing relationships in the novel is the bond between Cassie and Mr. Webber, a fellow book lover whose friendship proves to be a source of strength and solace for Cassie. Their evolving connection over the years is a testament to the transformative power of genuine human connection, serving as a catalyst for Cassie's personal growth and development.

While "The Book of Doors" is replete with moments of wonder and enchantment, it also grapples with darker themes and heart-wrenching events that lend it a poignant depth. The novel deftly blends elements of fantasy, mystery, adventure, horror, and romance, offering something to satisfy a wide range of readers. Despite the inherent complexities of time travel, Brown navigates this narrative device with finesse, weaving a tapestry of interconnected events that leave few questions unanswered.

Though the journey is not without its challenges and hardships, the novel ultimately delivers a satisfying and immersive reading experience. An ARC graciously provided by NetGalley and William Morrow afforded the opportunity to explore this captivating world before its official release, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the possibility of a sequel. "The Book of Doors" is a testament to Brown's skill as a storyteller, offering a richly imagined and deeply affecting tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Gareth Brown’s The Book of Doors is a fantastic combination of fantasy and thriller. It is intelligent and complex. It is a book about books with a classic good vs. evil battle. It is a book about choices.

“Get it done… What else can you do?” he asked. “Because if you stop, you admit the bad stuff has won, don’t you? All you can do is keep going. Refuse to be beaten, even when you are beaten. The bad stuff only wins if you let it. I refuse to be beaten…”

Unlike some time travel stories, the time travel in The Book of Doors isn’t about repeatedly redoing days/scenarios until the character figures out their fatal flaw.

“Once you’ve done a bit of time travel, you begin to see,” Cassie said. “Things always turn out the way they happened.”

The story is told primarily from the point of view of Cassie, who led a quiet life until she is bequeathed a very special book. As any avid reader will tell you, books take you places you’ve never been and let you revisit old friends. This is literally true for Cassie. Unfortunately for Cassie, her book also opens doors to worlds and people she would rather not have been acquainted with.


I enjoyed the action-packed, quick pace of the story. I enjoyed all the characters, and I found them developed enough for their individual roles in the story. I adored the circular logic and strategic use of time travel. The story premise is clever, and the execution is perfect. Mr. Brown’s writing style is exciting and enthralling, and his latest novel, The Book of Doors, has reminded me that with a good book, I can go anywhere.

4.5 stars
When I read the description of The Book of Doors, which said it was similar to Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I knew I was going to be in for a wonderful adventure reading Gareth Brown's debut novel. The synopsis did not lie, and comparisons to two of my absolute favorite novels are appropriate, as I was swept away by the magical world that Mr. Brown has created from the very first chapter.

This is not a quick, light read, and I had to slow down and reread at times, due to the twisty time travel concepts that play a big role in the story. I liked the unique perspective that even if the characters changed events in the past, they did not change the present because the past had already happened. I found myself feeling a bit mind boggled several times, but in a good way...Whoa!

There were a lot of characters to keep track of, and mixed with the time travel, I did get a little confused a few times and had to stop and reread sections. This did not interfere with enjoyment, just slowed me down a bit. I really loved the 'who can you trust?' aspect a great deal.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the digital copy of The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown. The opinions in this review are my own.

I loved the plot and the concept of magical books. This story flowed seamlessly and keeps you engaged.
This books is reminiscent of Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma Torez.

You’ll enjoy The Book of Doors if you like
- Urban Fantasy
- Books about books
- Magic
- Time Travel

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I didn't quite know what to expect with this book and I was so pleasantly surprised. This is a beautifully crafted novel and the story is revealed is such an impactful way. The timeline kind of jumps around in this book and sometimes that kind of narrative structure can be confusing. But here, it was effective in allowing the reader to 1) really enjoy the ride and 2) enjoy the slow reveal of what's actually happen and what the characters are doing. It is the kind of book where once you read a certain part, it puts everything you've just read in a different perspective. I really enjoyed the way the author structured the story and I really grew to love all of the characters.

It reminds me of 11/22/63. The way this book discussed time travel was such a digestible and interesting way. I highly recommend this, even for people who don't usually read fantasy (like me).

US pub date: 2/13/24
Genre: contemporary fantasy/magical realism
Quick summary: Cassie lives a quiet life as a bookstore employee in NYC - until a regular dies and leaves her the magical Book of Doors, a powerful book that will make her the target of many dangerous people.

I started reading this book in the airport, and it had me hooked through my flight. If you're a book or travel lover, I bet you'll feel the same magic I did. I loved getting to know Cassie and seeing her pure joy at discovering the potential of the Book of Doors. The other books were just as compelling, and I was on the edge of my seat seeing all the villains come out of the woodwork. I think if this book had been 50-75 pages shorter it might have been a 5 star for me - unfortunately, it started to get a bit repetitive at the end. But I still recommend it to fans of magical realism - it's a lighter fantasy with broad appeal.

Cassie works in the classic sort of bookstore in New York City that I think all book lovers hope to find. The customers there truly love books and are encouraged to settle in with a cup of coffee and read. On a cold wintery night Cassie is preparing to close when she discovers one of her favorite customers has died at his table leaving only his copy of "The Count of Monte Crisco" and a small very weathered book that Cassie has never seen before. As she gathers his things she realizes, he has left an inscription in the front of the small book- leaving it to her. He has written a rather cryptic message about how "every door is any door" and she soon realizes that the book has the power to do just that. Somehow, she is now able to travel to anyplace . Unfortunately, the gift comes with the curse of evil people that want this "magic" for themselves.
I usually do not list fantasy as a genre that I like, but I may need to rethink that! I tore through the pages of this story pretty quickly - staying up way too late reading.

Thanks to the author William Morrow, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to more from this author.

While fantasy isn't my usual genre, I was so taken with the cover and the premise of this book. There was just something that felt nostalgic about it. It reminded me of daydreams from when I was younger, books about time travel, and magic.

But beyond the story of a magic book, there is also the story of wanting and desire for things. The age old questions: if you could travel back in time, would you want to? If you traveled back in time, would it change the outcome? And if you saw yourself when you traveled, what would happen? I feel like the author took a very clever approach to answering these questions.

The is also the fight between good and evil - the keeper of the books, Cassie and how she will fight to protect her book and her friend, and the people who will do anything to get the books.

This was a great way for me to dip my foot in the water of fantasy and I enjoyed every step!

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