When bookseller Cassie is gifted the very special Book of Doors, she and her best friend and roommate Izzy are at first drawn into amazement and wonder, and then horror, when they realize what the book is capable of, and the terrible and violent people willing to do anything, and kill anyone, who gets in their way of possessing it.
The characters are well drawn, believable and engaging, except for the villains, of course, who are, well, really, really bad. There are other magical books out there that a great number of people are looking for, and some are not so lovely as opening doors - there is a Book of Pain, the Book of Despair and others that an abhorrent few really, really enjoy using. The Books are a wonderful invention, and their presence and workings are what make the story more than just another thriller (thrilling tho it is). The whys of the books and the villains also hold up quite well, always a good thing. Not as amazing as say, the Night Circus, and it's always a pity that so much of these stories concentrate on the darkest aspects. But it does make for an absorbing, recommended read.

This genre is newer to me and I only dip a toe in now and again, so it’s rare I find something that sticks. But when I read the premise of this story—a book that allows you to travel anywhere—I was hooked. Since I don’t read a lot of books like this it’s hard to compare to anything, but I plan on exploring a bit more. This story was very entertaining and at times it felt like I was watching a series rather than reading.

There were a lot of characters to keep up with, but even so, Brown made them unique and easy to follow. Their backgrounds were fascinating, and I particularly liked Drummond and where he resided in the Scottish Highlands. The characters were very black and white, likable protagonists and evil villains. Nothing too complex. My favorite part of the story was learning about the different magical books and their powers. It created an entirely new side to the world with different problems and possibilities.

The story gripped me however there were a few lulls. When Cassie got stuck in the past for a decade, and when Drummond was meeting with his group of book hunter friends in the Fox Library—both of those scenes slowed the pace for me. My favorite scenes were when Cassie used the book of doors to travel back in time to see her Grandfather. The idea of spending time with loved ones who have since passed is always a dream of mine.

Based off The Book of Doors, Gareth Brown will be a writer to watch. The novel opens up readers to a world of Gareth’s imagination, one page at a time. When a customer passes away at Cassie’s bookshop, he leaves behind two books for her: The Count of Monte Cristo and a leatherbound work, filled with sketches and scribbles. This is Cassie’s introduction to The Book of Doors. Its inscription reads, “This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.” This message changes Cassie’s life and leads her on a great adventure unlike any she could have dreamed. The Book of Doors takes the top spot thus far for my favorite book of 2024.

George R.R. Martin once wrote, “‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.’” Books are magical things. They can transport readers to new places, new (or old!) times, or even new worlds. Brown’s The Book of Doors just takes everything one step further. A book’s abilities are no longer figurative but literal, and The Book of Doors is not the only one that holds power. Books of Matter, Light, Despair, Joy, Luck, Shadows. The Special Books have actual power. Power to give and power to take. Even books in real life can pull a reaction from readers. Sadness, anger, relief, happiness. Books have made me feel it all, and yes, I’ve even wanted to throw some across the room. I am not ashamed to admit that I have.

If I had to describe The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown in one word it would be “brilliant.” I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The novel covers a lengthy amount of time, yet nothing feels constrained. It’s filled with natural transitions that just make sense. Which, with a novel like this, should be considered quite the feat. The Book of Doors is full of questions and their answers. “How did this happen?” Well, wait another 50 pages, and you’ll find out. Brown’s novel demonstrates how everything is connected. How patience can pay off. And how you must embrace the moment and let nothing pass you by.

Seriously, The Book of Doors is marvelous. Brown is a wonderful storyteller who provides a good balance between worldbuilding, character development, mystery, and suspense. I wish I could experience this book again for the first time, and I can’t wait to return to its pages. It’s the kind of novel you could read fifty times and each time, discover something new. Bravo, Gareth Brown. I cannot wait to see what you write next.

The Book of Doors is a love letter to readers, travelers and dreamers the world over. The author ingrained a deep sense of wonder into the world, a childlike awe over the power of the "special books" and how one might use them to better the world... or destroy it. I was extremely impressed by how neatly he tied up all the loose ends. I won't describe the exact circumstances for fear of spoilers, but let's just say it was an impressive feat to keep everything logical, flowing, and all-encompassing in a way that ultimately created a very satisfying reading experience. The creativity in how the books were used was alternately heartwarming and deeply unsettling, as we see both very good and very bad people take possession of them. As a standalone fantasy, this is a strong title that had a timeless feel to it and should be enjoyed by readers for many years to come.

I got about 5% into this book and decided it wasn't going to be for me. After reading some other reviews I agree even more it was not for me (apparently it get fat-phobic and racist. So glad I'm missing that experience)

Lets start with the dialogue. People don't talk like this but student writers tend to write people talking like this. The dialogue gave me flashbacks to tutoring English 101. It felt like I was reading something instead of experiencing a story.

Men writing women. iykyk.

There are random offensive statements that don't really have anything to do with the plot. They seem to be there for the sake of being offensive/racist/phobic. That could be the character(s) personality but it make an already difficult reading experience less enjoyable. It comes across as something ridiculous a professed conservative would say as an excuse to call someone "woke".

This book was such a wild ride! The premise was unique and the plot was clever but still easy to follow. I think this book can be enjoyed by those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. I was a little surprised by the amount of violence and some of the descriptions were so detailed it made me a little sick to my stomach but it certainly added a level of danger to the book; this isn't a fairy tale fantasy read; it's darker and grittier. But there are plenty of moments of beauty and happiness.

The ending really blew me away. The author managed to tie things together that I never would've guessed. It left me reeling!

I think the characters overall were the weakest part of this story; it's very much a plot-driven novel. The times spent inside Cassie's head for long periods of time were the only parts I found to be a little plodding. Otherwise, it's fast-paced and action-packed.

I will be thinking of this one for a long time to come.

This debut book got a slow start for me, but once it got going I just couldn't stop. When Cassie is left a book by a regular customer at the bookstore where she works it draws her into a world of magic and danger. There are special books out in the world that contain various powers. In the wrong hands these books can be used for evil purposes. As Cassie and her friends navigate the world looking for books and running from evil they learn about themselves and find new friendships. I devoured this book and highly recommend it to those that like a bit of magic.

The Book of Doors is author Gareth Brown's debut novel. Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop called Kellner Books 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, John Webber, 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. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door. Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, The Book of Doors allows the user to go anywhere on the planet and even to the past which Cassie will discover later in the story. After taking a magical midnight tour of Manhattan, with her roommate Izzy, 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.

Drummond has spent the past 10 years as a wanderer after his best friends were murdered by a woman who seems eager to find Drummond's Fox Library where he keeps his own collection of special books. Drummond has been searching for the Book of Doors for even longer than that. Drummond can disappear into the shadows which allows him to avoid the woman who is picking off people one by one and stealing the books they once possessed like the Book of Pain, Book of Memories, Book of Joy, and Book of Luck.

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. In this world, there are not enough books to go around for those eager to own them. Book Hunters, collectors, terrorists, warlords, and governments want these books. Each book grants whoever possesses them the ability to do extraordinary things. Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books like Dr. Hugo Barbary and a New Orleans bookseller named Lottie Moore who knows she can get millions by auctioning the book to powerful people.

With her roommate Izzy, and the mysterious and haunted Drummond, it will be up to them to protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil like Dr. Hugo Barbary. 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.

Similar books The Midnight Library and Shadow of the Wind. While Cassie is the main character, Drummond Fox, Dr. Hugo Barbary, Izzy, Hjaelmer, Azaki, and the Woman all play important, in what transpires throughout parts of the story itself. Cassie finds herself traveling around the world to places like Venice, Prague, and Paris, while also getting stuck in the past where she ends up being sent by the diabolical Hugo.

Meanwhile, Izzy, after telling Cassie, who discovers things about her she never imagined, to stop messing with the Book, ends up right in the middle when a major point happens in the story during an auction for powerful and dangerous Books. This is a new twist on time travel, and I hope that the author ends up writing a sequel to this story now that he has created a pretty curious team to hunt down the rest of the Books that are out there and not yet found.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read my first 5-star book of the year!

I have no words... WOW! What a ride! What a beautifully written story!

Gareth Brown did a masterpiece with this book!

The characters were compelling, the storyline was extremely entertaining, and I just did not want it to end... ever! I could have kept on reading this book easily if it had another 500 pages!

This was a beautiful puzzle that was put together chapter by chapter! There is nothing... absolutely nothing in this book that happens without an explanation, and I loved, and love that! There are no adjectives I can use here to describe all the feelings I felt while reading this, and not enough words out there to thank the author for persevering and publishing this book.

From the bottom of my heart... just READ THIS! READ THIS BOOK! And be transported, with the Book of Doors' help, to a world with magical books that fill your heart with the most amazing of stories!

"The Book of Doors" is a wonderful adventure about the magic of books --,well, certain special books, anyway. The protagonists -- two young women friends -- are very likable and resourceful as they try to keep the book -- and themselves -- save from forces out to claim every special book. I highly recommend this for anyone who always felt books contain a special magic.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance review copy of this novel.

Better than I was anticipating😊

Full of companionship, time travel and an epic battle to defeat pure, sadistic evil, this book quickly had me living the danger and horror right along with MC Cassie, a young worker in a New York City bookstore, and her roommate/best friend Izzy. Like Frodo and Sam in Lord of the Rings, I loved the idea of a pair of mild-mannered everyday characters living a quite routine life and getting suddenly drawn into a situation so fraught, dangerous and full of dire, wide-reaching consequences.

The plot kept challenging me with its surprises, twists and changes of time and character perspective. The action sequences were total excitement, but some of my favorite scenes included Cassie's quieter connection with her grandfather, roommate Izzy, and Mr. Webber, the elderly gentleman whose death precipitates the adventure.

The Book of Doors was a great mix of action and heart. The violence gets a bit graphic at times, and is not for the faint of heart, but I, personally, loved the book.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I'd, of course, like to thank the publisher for granting me an eARC Netgalley of this amazing book.

When I say that I am obsessed with this book, I do not say that lightly. I finished the book only moments ago, so I still have not fully processed all of my thoughts and feelings surrounding it. If you are looking for something fantastical, mysterious, tense, with magical realism, then this book is 100% for you.

We all know that books are magic and can transport us to different places and times, but Cassie has fallen into possession of a book that can LITERALLY take her anywhere, the Book of Doors. Not only can she go anywhere that she could ever dream of, she can also visit any time as well. Naturally, the Book of Doors is not the only magical text floating around the globe, and there are sinister characters that would do anything to be able to claim these books....enter our wonderful cast of book hunters and protectors.

Any door is every door.
(Let that thought sink in!)

I'd like to also share some trigger warnings: death, murder, gore, death of a loved one, torture, injury detail, fire, cancer

BOOK REVIEW FOR “THE BOOK OF DOORS” BY GARETH BROWN

A FANTASTIC TRAVELOGUE MYSTERY THAT TAKES US FROM LIGHT TO DARKNESS

I WAS ABLE TO READ AN ADVANCE READER’S VERSION OF THIS BOOK THANKS TO NET GALLEY AND WILLIAM MORROW PUBLISHERS.

IT WAS A ‘SUGGESTED’ BOOK BY NET GALLEY, AND WHEN I SAW THAT THE GENRE WAS “MYSTERY” I WAS INTRIGUED BY THE TITLE AND COVER, SO I WAS GLAD TO READ IT. I SHOULD HAVE PAID CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE DESRIPTION OF THE GENRE, BECAUSE AFTERWARDS I SAW THAT THE GENRE WAS CLEARLY LABELED AS: “GENERAL FICTION (ADULT)/ MYSTERY & THRILLERS/ SCI FI & FANTASY”…


AS I STARTED READING, I FOUND THE PLOT TO BE QUITE DIFFERENT THAN THE COZY MYSTERIES THAT I READ ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY. I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED THAT THE PLOT, AND THE BRILLIANT WRITING GRIPPED MY ATTENTION FROM THE START, AND IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE BOOK WAS HEADING…IT WAS A FANTASY/MYSTERY/GORY AND DARK TALE, BUT THE PROTAGONIST WAS EASILY LOVABLE, AND I WAS RIGHT BESIDE HER, TRAVELING TO DIFFERENT DESTINATIONS THAT I KNOW WELL, SINCE I AM IN THE TRAVEL BUSINESS. A CHAPTER WAS EVEN STAGED IN CHILE, MY NATIVE COUNTRY.

THE AUTHOR’S IMAGINATION RUNS VIVIDLY WILD, AND TRANSPORTS US TO WORLDS FULL OF WONDER AT FIRST, AND THEN IT TURNS VERY DARK AND SINISTER. I JUST LOVE HOW MR. BROWN WRITES WITH SUCH EASE AND MAKES FANTASY SEEM REAL.

THIS BOOK HAD TIME TRAVEL SEQUENCES, WHICH WERE WRITTEN EXCEPTIONALLY WELL, AND ONE COULD WELL UNDERSTAND THE MANY INSTANCES WHEN WE WERE TAKEN BACK AND FORTH IN TIME. OFTEN, THIS CAN BECOME CONFUSING, BUT NOT IN THIS BOOK!

I CAN ONLY GIVE THIS BOOK 4 STARS, BECAUSE THERE WERE THINGS THAT I OBJECTED TO, BUT THEY DON’T DETRACT FROM THE ABSOLUTELY MONDERFUL WRITING.

MY PERSONAL OBJECTIONS ARE: 1.-FOUL LANGUAGE WAS NOT NECESSARY, AND IT DID NOT ADD TO THE REALISM OF THE SITUATIONS. 2.- TOO MANY GORY DETAILS WITH FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF TERRIFYING AND BLOODY VIOLENT ACTS, WHICH WERE REPEATED AND KEPT GETTING DARKER. 3.- THE BOOK WAS TOO LONG…I WAS ROOTING FOR THE HEROINE AND HER FRIENDS, BUT THEY KEPT GETTING INTO MORE HORRFYING SITUATIONS, AND I WAS QUITE READY FOR THE BOOK TO COME TO AN END BY ABOUT 3/4’S THROUGH. I WAS VERY SATISFIED WITH THE ENDING.

OVERALL, I LIKED THE BOOK, AND SO DID MY WIFE.

THANK YOU, MR. BROWN FOR WRITING THIS BOOK.

Cassie Andrews is living a pretty uneventful life. She has a great roommate Izzy, a job at a bookstore that she loves, until the day a favorite customer dies just at closing time. Next to the chair where he was sitting, Cassie found a book that he had left for her. This book turned out to be the mysterious Book of Doors. Using a door, Cassie could travel anywhere she could imagine. At first Cassie and Izzy think that the book can simply lead to interesting adventure. Then it seems as if Cassie is allowing the book to overtake her life and Izzy becomes concerned that perhaps this book isn't as amazing as it first seemed to be. Soon Cassie and Izzy learn that there are more mysterious and powerful books out in the world, and people will do anything to get the powers contained in them. When they first meet Drummond Fox, both women are suspicious, but soon they come to see that Drummond, and the Fox Library of other special books, is the only way they can survive. There are several violent scenes, but the novel is well-crafted and enjoyable.

Thank you, Net Galley for the ARC. I love a read about books, do you? Pick a time or a place this book can take you there, the Book of Doors. It can open any door. But what if there are more book's; the Book of Joy or Despair; The Book of Pain or Health, these are just a few. What would you do? Use them for good or evil? I would like to see good triumph, but there are many obstacles. I don't like to give a whole synopsis of the book. I want to give you a little bit to want to read the book! as they say " alittle goes along way"!

This was a really interesting read, especially as a debut novel! I started off unsure about it because there was a lot of characters introduced without enough explanation as to who they were and why they were there. But I pushed through and the characters were better explained when I got past the middle section. The storyline was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed it once I understood who everyone was and what part they played in the story. After finishing the book, I went back and reread it and it was far better the second time through as I was able to pick up on things I missed the first time.

A slow start which turned into a fast-paced thriller kept me holding my breath and staying up too late. With a cast of complex characters, some to fall in love with and some to despise, along with detailed and focused settings in NYC, Paris, Scotland, and elsewhere, complicated by mystical books that can be used for great good and even greater evil, I did not want this book to end except for needing to see if the main character would be safe at last. There were moments of lyrical writing that made me smile; had there been more, I would have bumped this one to 5 starts.

Thank you to William Morrow, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this carefully plotted work.

4.5 starts, really.

Thank you netgalley, publisher, and of course, author, for providing me with this free copy. This review is honest and entirely my own.

What can I say? This book grew on me.
The concept is great - a book that allows you to open any door to anywhere. And a few more books of similar powers that make an appearance.
Cassie receives such a book and of course, dangerous people come after her because it’s a pretty powerful book. The plot is tight, the characters are well defined, everything in this book fits just right.

So why did I knock off half a star? To me this book is the classic LBD or a space-meal. Bear with me here, I’ll explain: a small, simple, black dress. It fits just so. It is free of any embellishment, any frills. It can go anywhere but it could also be that thing in your closet that you overlook. A space meal, as we imagine it in sci-fi, has exactly the right amount of nutrients, it digests in the precise measure of ease, it is precisely portioned, you’re never hungry or overly full after it. Both these items are so “just right” but I mean, would you have a space meal or would you, at times, want to indulge? And isn’t some indulgence the best that life has to offer? That black dress may fit you well every time but the red one with the sequins? Why, it may not go anywhere but wherever it goes, it excites. And that is this book. It is written in such a damn slim way. Not a word out of place, not an extra descriptive or embellishment. It is such a concise, almost frugal use of English and is a great example of how you don’t need too many words to tell a tale just right.

But it doesn’t mean we don’t want those extra words from time to time. I ended up not really caring about the characters for most of the book. Like the concise writing, or the space meal, I wasn’t left hungry or overly full. It satiated hunger but didn’t help my appetite. I was craving more color, more flavor… I don’t know. It’s only towards the very end where the action in itself compensated for all of the above for me, and made me want to reach for the book to see what’s next.

It’s a good book, really. I do recommend you read it. I just wish it had a bit… something more.

A MUST READ!! This book has quickly become a favorite, with a phenomenal cast of characters and a story that is both unbelievable yet utterly amazing. What a gift the Book of Doors is! The possibilities endless, the world at your fingertips and seemingly no limits to when you can travel to. This new to me author has created such a truly magical story that encompasses love, friendship, loss and hope. I am hopeful that there will be a follow up book, since there is a bit of unfinished business that will likely take several years to catch up with Cassie and her fellow Fox Library friends. I would love to return to this story to see what happens next.

I just couldn't put down this debut novel by Gareth Brown. This book is a whirlwind fantastical journey that not only opens doors into other worlds but into the heart of human experience. It is a beautifully written magical realism mystery that captivated me. I mean I was literally at the edge of my seat. The author does SO WELL weaving the plot together while throwing in a few twists and turns that leave you salivating for more. There is also the contemporary part of the novel which deals with everything from love, friendship, grief and just plain life. Also, there is some good Ole magical blood and gore. The macabre that I love. This book will stay with me for awhile.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, William Morrow and the author Gareth Brown for this ARC.

It is released on February 13, 2024 and you don't want to miss it.