I just finished The Book of Doors and can confidently say that it ranks on the list of my top 25 books ever. I got sucked into the book right away and couldn’t put it down. The way it was written was so descriptive and easy to picture that it played out like a movie in my mind, and I can definitely see the book being adapted into a film or show someday.

As I read the book, I contemplated which special book I would pick if I could choose. I definitely think I’d opt for the Book of Doors — having the ability to open any door in time or place sounds amazing.

I really enjoyed the characters. Although there was not a ton of development in any character except Cassie, it was still easy to get a good sense of the characters. This book also has some really amazingly terrible villains.

I highly recommend The Book of Doors and can’t wait to read it again now that I know what’s happening every step of the way! The plot twists were truly amazing and I loved how the author closed all the various loops. I also really appreciated that not everything was explained in one instance; the big question marks of the story were split up in a way that made it much easier to understand.

If you liked The Midnight Library or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, then you will love this magical realism debut novel by Gareth Brown. The Book of Doors follows bookseller Cassie as she is given a gift from a customer just before he passes. The gift is a book, but not just any book, but a magical one that makes “any door every door”.

Cassie quickly discovers the power of the book she now possesses, and she isn’t the only one. There are hunters, librarians, and those with far more detrimental plans who want the book she owns. Soon Cassie and her roommate Izzy are exploring what the book can do and having a blast, not realizing the danger they are putting themselves in. Drummond Fox, the librarian, who has collected several of these magical tomes understands the power of the book of doors and wants Cassie to know what she is up against. There are far more nefarious characters out in the world, ones with zero qualms about hurting anyone who gets in their way of this particular book.

What starts out a bit slow picks up the pace as Cassie learns more about herself and her newfound magical book. As much as I adored Cassie and Drummond, some of the other secondary characters lacked development in my opinion. Brown does do a spectacular job with a very complex plot—many times I had to stop and reread a section to ensure I understood before moving forward. I love a book that makes you stop and think “wait a minute” and reread.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and of course the author Gareth Brown for the advanced copy of the book. The Book of Doors is out on February 13th. All opinions are my own.

I was very drawn to the cover, title and especially the description of this book. This genre is right up my alley. I loved the concept from the plot description and really expected to love this book. I did not enjoy it at all and had a very difficult time getting through it. The writing style is amateur and overly simplistic. It’s like reading my high school students’ work, before they’ve begun creative writing studies.
What’s worse is the book comes across as quite racist and misogynistic. It includes too much body shaming, flat female characters and an absurd female villain. It just does not work at all.

Wow! This was such a rollercoaster of a book! There were so many layers to it that I felt like I was racing to keep up with it at times. The storylines and characters were interwoven to a point that you really had to pay attention and think, but were not overwhelmed by everything happening. Although the characters were intriguing in the beginning, the author puts them through so many trials and tribulations that I feel like the main characters (especially Cassie) were more well-rounded and relatable by the end of the book. There is true depth to who these characters are and their place in the story. The twists and turns were rarely predictable and I was pleasantly surprised with how this book came full circle in the end and left you with an ending that is bittersweet yet satisfying. I will caution you that if you are expecting a book heavy on romance, this is not that book. However, the story is so intricate and fleshed out that I felt that the sweet moments, although understated, were enough to make me smile. Overall, I highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-proof of this book to review.

Thank you netgalley and to the publisher for the arc on this one. I’m trying to read outside my genre this year and read more fantasy and wow I absolutely loved this book so much . I don’t reread books and this will be a reread. Everything about it I loved from the characters to the plot of the book. The title is what interested me at first and the synopsis of the book . This one made me happy and I just didn’t want to put it down I don’t know if this is a first book for this author but I’m definitely intrigued now, and will definitely read the next one

The good parts: The Book of Doors presents a fascinating concept with the existence of books that give the holder special powers. Time travel occurs in ways that acknowledge the butterfly effect, and therefore the characters don’t change history, their adventures explain it.

The not-so-good parts: The characters felt very one-dimensional. The intense friendship between Izzy and Cassie doesn’t seem to have much basis, yet it drives Cassie more than anything else. The statement that Cassie created the books in the past made no sense to me. And the implied attraction between Cassie and Drummond felt like the requisite budding romance that “must” accompany male/female interactions. Cassie being gone for ten years and coming back older than her peers was a bit much. Body-shaming and racist comments seemed unnecessary. Finally, scenes of the evil woman’s enjoyment of violence and the suffering of others felt like the author was trying too hard, and too often, to make his point.

This was one of the more unique books I've read in a long time and is somewhat hard to define. I enjoyed the many characters in this novel and thought the plotline was quite well done for how complex it grew to be! It has the feel of a cozy fantasy in parts, but then at other times is gory and gruesome - at a few points actually a bit too gory for me! Overall, I really loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

This engaging book about books kept me turning pages and simultaneously made me want to slow down so the adventure didn't end. A thoroughly enjoyable read that was full of twists and time travel which I love. I'll be keeping an eye out for future books by Gareth Brown.

First off, I would like to say if you are a reader who enjoys reading books about books this is the book for you!
Storyline:
In the story we follow Cassie who is a bookseller in NYC who has been dealing with the grief of her grandfather but finds comfort in books. She befriends a customer who is an older gentleman by the name of Mr. Webber who has been going for years to that bookstore. One day Mr. Webber visits the book store and dies suddenly with Cassie as a witness. When she discovers he is dead she then sees a book left behind that was for her called the Book of Door. “Any Door is every door”. The book of doors allows anyone in possession of it to travel to any parts of the world they can imagine all in a step of a doorway. Cassie alongside her best friend Izzy discover the magic and the innocence of traveling any part of the world they can desire. What began as innocence quickly turns into danger and turmoil as there are people who hunt such unique books for the wrong reasons that are after them for a book as unique as the Book of Doors.
Thoughts:
To begin, the first 20-30% of the book kind of dragged for me but once it started to take off it really took off! I really loved each of the characters that were introduced and seeing their development as the book progressed. I felt Drummond Fox was a perfect example of someone who tries to run from their past but is forced to confront it not just for himself for those he cares for around him. The magic system of all the different books was extremely unique to me. I loved that every book had different magic that they used. The time travel was by far my favorite portion of the story and the way it was used in the situation and how it played into the character growth was well executed. The villain of the story while seemed super intimidating through out the book felt a bit washed towards the ending. All the build up that occurred and I felt the ultimate battle was short and rushed. Other than that though it really was a beautiful story of overcoming grief, finding friendship, love and elements of a found family. I will be recommending this book to everyone in 2024.
Thank you to The William Morrow Team and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an ARC for early read in exchange for my honest review

My first 5 star read of the year and it will definitely be one of the best books I read in 2024. I am always interested in books-about-books or books about magical libraries, but I am often disappointed. This book, however, absolutely delivers.

The Book of Doors is delightful. The MC, Cassie, is likeable and real. Her friendship with Izzy is heartwarming without being overly saccharine. Drummond Fox is everything you would want for a librarian of a magical librarian. The villains of the story are terrifying.

I truly enjoyed every page of this debut. I know I will be buying a physical copy upon its release because it’s definitely library worthy. I eagerly await more books from Gareth Brown.

I am 11% into this book and it's a DNF for me. The concept is so cool like an adult Monsters Inc. world. Opening doors to your most beloved places and instantly transported to a place but then the nefarious sinister side where people use the door for evil instead of fun travels. I wanted to like the book so bad. But what is with the pour (pun intended) grammar in the 1st chapter? The girls are supposed to be in their thirties but yet refer to a man smelling like he used the toilet in the bus seat; then the next few pages they are dropping F-bombs back and forth. I don't get it. Such disconnect in the character. Also the incessant body shaming, just because it's a male author us Women don't constantly always put our bodies down every single second; calling ourselves mousey and thin and plain! All this and it's only page 43! The writing is poor and very direct almost like BOB books for adults. Mary walked home. It was snowing. (changed name not direct quote) I just can't I will be leaving a 2 star. The concept was great, the book cover shown on Netgalley was beautiful, execution was horrible. Not my cup of tea. I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book immediately enticed me with its interesting and unique plot line. It was easy to follow along with the story and fast-paced, keeping me engaged from start to finish. It follows several characters in different timelines but brings the story together nicely. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Dark Matter, it has a very similar feel while still being a totally unique story. The ending was very satisfying and I truly felt that the book came full circle. Overall I really enjoyed this and will definitely be re-reading it in the future!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read The Book of Doors as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book. Hard to define. Sometimes felt like cozy fantasy and at other points in the book, it was terrifying and gruesome. Friendships and found family were important elements to the story as well as twisty time travel.

This was one book that I will always definitely recommend!
The story was something that was so unique that wasn't so hard to comprehend and was something I hadn't ever seen before. The author took the idea of time travel and made it into something so much more.
There were a few lines written that made me feel...icky. One of the main female characters comments how horrible she's treating her body when shes having pancakes and bacon at midnight, and then mentions her "huge" aunts and how that "runs in her genes". It felt weird and negative in a way I didn't like. Or when one of the main villains called another character "that black bitch". I understand he's a villain, so of course he's going to be a horrible human being, but I feel like there are ways to represent him as such without using that kind of language.
All of that to say, I (as a reader) was able to get past some of that language and enjoy the overall book. I thought the story was executed beautifully and everything was wrapped up with a nice little bow. The writing style wasn't too choppy or wooden, and flowed nicely.

The Book of Doors is a well written fantasy book. The story moves fast and keeps you interested. Fantasy is not my usual go to genre but I did enjoy this one.

Well, this was a fun, adventure filled book!
The story centers around a group of books that give people certain powers. Our main character, Cassie, comes into the possession of the Book of Doors. The book allows to go through doorways to other places. However, possession of the book brings her into harm’s way.
There are many people looking for these rare books. Some want to use them for good and some want to use them for evil.
Danger is coming for Cassie and her friends.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there will be more books set in this world.
Happy reading!

firstly, thank you to Netgalley & William Morrow for the eArc in exchange for a honest review.

The Book of Doors is a magical book involving different books that randomly appeared in the world & have different uses. (Pain, joy, illusions, etc.) Cassie is given the Book of Doors at the beginning of this novel which gives her the ability to walk through a door into any other door in any place in the world. But she doesn’t realize she is in danger and this book is going to set her on a path she never thought she would go on.

I’m giving this one 2 stars. I unfortunately stopped enjoying this book around the 50% mark. I didn’t connect to any of the characters (they were all bland with barely any backstory or development) the dialogue was very very clunky (too many “yep”, “okay”, and people nodding or just staring at each other!) and there was random offensive language that randomly started happening from the bad guys.

There was way too much emphasis on describing characters by their skin tone when it wasn’t even necessary- for example a character would call another character by their skin color to their face and it seemed very weird to emphasize over and over again. If it was for character development I would understand, but repeating it over and over was honestly really weird to me. There was also low-key racist things said by the bad character that I think could’ve been left out & he could’ve been shown as a bad person in a different way.

This book was also extremely gory which I don’t mind when I see it coming. I thought this was going to be a whimsical book about magical books but it turned dark and gory extremely quickly.

what I enjoyed: I think part of the magic system was interesting. Some things were written well and made sense later in the book and had little Easter eggs hidden without that I appreciated. But that’s about it. After the 70% mark I lost all enjoyment for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read The Book of Doors as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was MAGICAL! I could not stop wondering what was to come while reading The Book of Doors, there were always layers that were being exposed all throughout the book up until the very last chapter! Every single character was well thought out and each had so much personality to give. There was never a dull moment when reading. The Book of Doors will be shelved as one of my favorite books I have read to date! Thank you Gareth Brown for creating such a magical and inviting world!

Any door is every door...

Wow. I was so enthralled with this magical world that I just walked into! Let me explain. Don't let the word "magical" deter you dear reader.

Cassie, is just your normal young adult living her best life in New York City. She lives with her best friend, Izzy and works the best job every (IMHO) at a local bookstore. There are a few regulars that visit that she has become close with over the years. One evening, Mr. Webber, her favorite patron arrives. They chat about his favorite book, The Count of Monte Cristo and other normal things. Then something happens. Mr. Webber leaves a special book for Cassie with a note saying it's for her. He gives her The Book of Doors.

It's a strange book. An abnormal book in the sense that when it's opened there are scribbles and odd pictures of doorways inside, It makes no sense. Cassie takes it home. She and Izzy begin trying to decipher what this book is meant to be, and then the magic begins. I will stop here because this is the best part of the book. The discovery.

This reminded me a bit of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, I would guess if you liked that one, this will work well for you. I had a really hard time putting this one down. The plot was very well worked out with few holes. Many of my questions were answered in a way that made a lot of sense. You don't have to be a fan of magic to appreciate this book.

There is one caveat I have to share about this book though. There are multiple times that weight and fat shaming towards women arose, which annoys me especially because it was written by a male. I thought we were past this. Also, a few slight racial slurs were thrown in there. I just had to put this out there. This said, it did not stop my enjoyment. I debated if I should change my rating, but really, I just loved this story so much!

Read this book for a complete escape and thorough enjoyment. This is why I read, to find books like this!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advance e-copy of this book.

Cassie is gifted an unusual book, which takes her on an unexpected journey. What I loved: Magic books of mysterious origins! A hidden library! Time travel! Murders! This book checked so many boxes for me, and I am so happy that it truly lived up to the description. I couldn’t put it down.

In addition to being a book about books, there was more gore than romance (nearly zero of that, thankfully) but also lots of sweet moments (I cried 3 or 4 separate times). Though the key storylines were resolved, there’s definitely room for a sequel and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for that. I would love to know more about the books and where they’ve been (and with who).

If you like any of these things, you might like The Book of Doors: American Gods, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Unmaking of June Farrow, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, the time travel aspect of the German series Dark, or Locke & Key (both on Netflix).

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.