Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Cassie works in a bookstore in NYC and one day one of her favorite customers dies in front of her. He leaves her a magical book - the Book of Doors. Inscribed in the book is the statement “any door is every door” for those can wield its power. Acquiring the book leads Cassie and her roommate Izzy to encounter various people who all desire to possess any and all magical books they can find. They meet various allies and enemies along the way - those who covet the magical books and those who wish to protect them.
It is hard to share too many details without spoiling too much of the story. Gareth Brown does an amazing job of weaving together different perspectives and times. He creates a world most readers dream of - a world in which books can take you anywhere, lend you power and bring you joy.
I highly recommend this book.

This book kept me thinking the whole time. My daughter and I often talk about how great it would be to be able to teleport. This book explores what that could be like. I can see lots of discussions with this book.

Here’s what I liked about “The Book of Doors” by Gareth Brown - a number of things. First this book reminded me a lot of VE Schwab’s “A Darker Shade of Magic” (maybe it’s the magical part? Maybe it’s the overall feeling I got reading these two books?). I can understand why some are relating it to Midnight Library, but while I see the connection, but these are two very different types of books. Second thing I liked about this book was how the timelines crossed and how, in the end, the pieces fit together. While at times I found it a bit maddening trying to keep track of who was where when, in the end, all was made clear. Third thing is that part of it takes place in a bookstore and libraries, all which sounded like lovely places to visit to have some tea (or whiskey!). If Magical Realism if your thing, I’d strongly recommend this book. What I wasn’t quite so keen about was one of the characters - he seems to be bad to, well, just be bad. His language is horribly mean and there doesn’t seem to be a redeeming thing about him; out of all the characters I felt he was the least developed. I also wasn’t too keen on the downer talk that some of the women had regarding carbs [really unnecessary]. Additionally I had difficulties for part of the book keeping two female characters separate and wish that “The Woman” had been either in quotes or noted somehow because it would’ve been a smoother read. In very many ways I enjoyed the book, the friendships made, the timelines, the fact that one cannot change what has happened before - but in other ways I didn’t love the book as much as I wanted (part 5 I’d skip on a re-read for instance).

The idea of magic books that can time travel, protect you, cause harm, etc is fascinating. But the descriptions of people are not done well. Women are constantly described as an ethnicity (the Chinese lady coming to take their order, describing a woman’s skin as African American?), which read as lazy and also kind of racist.
I cringed reading the character refer to “that Jap and his ape.” How was this approved? How did an editor read these descriptions and think it was ok?
Overall, the concept of magic in books is lovely, but it wasn’t a book I’d ever read again, and I’d be hesitant to read anything from this author is the future.
I was allowed to read this books thanks to NetGalley.

When I first started this I thought it was going to be all about a girl who is gifted this magical book that can open doors to anywhere in the world. Thankfully it is more than that since it is over 400 pages. Mystery, murder, magic, friendships and more all bring this book together to make one heck of a page turner.
There are so many magical books in this story, but the scariest one of all is the Book of Despair. What it can do to people will make your stomach clench. Don’t miss out on this one when it comes out. I feel like it’s going to be one of those books people won’t be able to stop talking about!

I don’t often read fantasy but something about the description for this one spoke to me. Plus, I recently read The Unmaking of June Farrow, which also involved a magical door - LOL! Plus, the main character works in a bookstore - count me in! Cassie is a bookseller who one day is gifted a very special gift from a customer. It’s an extraordinary item that can seemingly transport her anywhere just by opening a door. Cassie and her best friend Izzy spend time exploring and traveling wherever they wish before finding out that some doors aren’t meant to be opened.

This book reminded me so much of a fairy tale! How fun it is to be transported into this world where anything seems possible. I can’t believe this was a debut - it was very impressive!

Thank you to Netgalley, Transworld Digital and Gareth Brown for the ARC! “The Book of Doors” publishes February 15, 2024.

This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_botle) shortly.

A very interesting read! Kept me captivated until the very end, I enjoyed how we switched between different narrative voices and stories yet by the end they all intertwined.

The Book of Doors sucked me in from the start. I was intrigued with the idea of the power of books and the magic that these volumes could conjure. The author managed the back and forth of time travel in an interesting way and The Book of Doors reminded me again how much I enjoyed similar books like The Time Travelers Wife and The Night Circus.
I found the book a bit too descriptive midway but it did not keep me from wanting to see where the story led. I would recommend it to others who enjoy fantasy/ magic.

I have no choice but to rave about this book!

It’s of those books where everything just comes together and it is so satisfying! So many moments where I was like “Oh! That makes so much sense! And that’s why the next thing makes sense!”

Seriously such an incredible roller coaster of a story with great characters, a wonderful exploration of magic, unique questions, love, loss, action, and a whole lot more. Highly recommend this read. Not one thing I would change about it.

What a wonderful surprise of a story! I initially signed up to receive this book because of the title. How can I go wrong with a book about books? Well, I’m happy to say that I enjoyed my time reading this delightful debut novel.
A young woman, Cassie, comes to possess a magical book upon the death of a bookstore client in which she works. She discovers that if she imagines a door from a place she visited that the book will reveal this door and she can walk through to that place and time of her past. How is this possible? Could there be others out there like this one and what kind of powers would they have?
As amazing as her experience is, Cassie meets other people interested in this secretive world. Some are good and some not good at all. How will she survive when there are people who want to possess her book and will do anything even kill to get it?
We have an incredible journey with Cassie and others as they discover more books and those people craving for these powerful things. There are fantastical and horror elements woven throughout this story. There are twists I didn’t see coming. This was a magical and mysterious ride through a modern day fantasy tale. Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley for my free copy

Cassie is a kind, lonely sole who works in a New York bookshop. She tends to keep to herself, still grieving the loss of her grandfather. Until one night just before closing up the store, dear Mr Webber passes away while reading his favorite book. He has however, left her a gift, The Book of Doors. Cassie and her roommate Izzy soon discover that this book is not an ordinary book, but a gateway…Any door is every door. Izzy is terrified, begging Cassie not to use it and warning that there is always a cost. Cassie is fascinated at the possibilities and can’t help herself. She refuses to let the book go, even when a man approaches to tell them they are in grave danger. He warns there are others that would do anything for the book. From here the story delves deeper into multiple entertaining characters, schemes and twists.

This was an engaging mystery with thrilling twists that will sweep you off your feet and swirl you into the unknown. One that does follow the rules and ties things back together. I would recommend this book and will be purchasing as a gift on release.

Thank you William Morrow for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

I am starting to venture into the fantasy genre. The Book of Doors is a great book for that if you're just starting out or for those who are more veteran to the genre. It was suspenseful and built a world based on time travel. At times it did get a little complex and I had to reread areas to make sure I was following. This book does require more concentration and focus than the average page turner. I would not consider this a fast read. It took me longer to get through than most books I read.

The beginning started out strong and I really enjoyed it. Things got a little messy and complicated for me the last 3/4 of the book, but it was still a 5 star read for me! I really enjoyed this book and glad I took a chance.

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Maybe I am a little biased towards time travel books, but I absolutely LOVED this book. Cassie receives the amazing Book of Doors from a friend and it sets her off on a journey around the world and into the past; a journey of joy and pain. Cassie is a fierce, loyal friend to Izzy and I really loved the strength of their friendship throughout the book. Everyone needs a friend like that. I really felt like this book centered on friendships, new and old, and on loyalty. With so many twists and turns and so much uncertainty thrown her way, Cassie relies on her relationships with others to pull her through.
After receiving the Book of Doors, Cassie discovers a whole, magical world. It starts out as a fun adventure, but she soon discovers that some horrors exist as well. With a plethora of magical books, some good and some bad, Cassie fights to make things right.
This book will definitely resonate with fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, or at least it did for me and I loved that book as well. I think Cassie was a strong female lead, and I really enjoy books like that. The Book of Doors has adventure, magic, a tiny bit of romance, family, drama, time travel, fantasy and what could be better than a book about books?! Seriously loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author! Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

Mr. Webber, a frequent customer at a bookstore, gifts a book Cassie before he passed away.

Why did Mr. Webber gift it to her and what is so special about it?

Cassie is gifted the time of her life! New experiences, adventure, and a secret behind the book. A life of travel in new countries is every thing she dreamed of.

Cassie’s story of being raised by her grandfather who passed away from cancer was very touching and gave her inspiration to travel through the book. However, her meeting with Drummond proved that there are more books that can be dangerous if not used correctly. Cassie will not only put her life at risk, but also those involved with her as she continues using and keeping the Book of Doors. There is someone who will go to any extent to get the book.

I enjoyed the mystery and thrill of Cassie’s story and thought it was a unique story. I loved all the details like I was watching a movie. Illusions and twists all around! In a way, I was reminded of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown is a captivating journey that marries a fast-paced narrative with deep intellectual themes and a richly imagined world. Brown's adept use of time travel adds both intellectual and emotional depth to the story, while his vibrant characters and witty dialogue create a dynamic reading experience. This novel challenges traditional fantasy norms and offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective. For those seeking an absorbing and enchanting read, "The Book of Doors" is a must-read that leaves a lasting impression in contemporary fantasy literature.

4.5 🌟

What if you could travel anywhere and to anytime with the magic of a book?

The Book of Doors was such a unique book of magic, mystery and time travel. The characters were well developed in this book and I absolutely fell in love with some of the friendships. This book did time travel well, which I think is hard to do.

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

Cassie lives in New York City and works in a bookstore. One of her regular customers passes away in the store and leaves her a small book that changes everything. I loved this book! The story felt fresh and was a great mix of fantasy and contemporary thriller. It includes time travel, teleportation, heartbreak, and the classic good vs. evil battle. There were times when it felt a bit rushed, but that didn't bother me overall I would definitely suggest this book and will be interested to read future books by Gareth Brown.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrrow for the chance to read this advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of this book was intriguing- it spoke to the worlds hidden in the back of wardrobes- one of magic and possibility. Unfortunately the first half of the book was difficult for me to get through, and I felt at times the plot was getting there, but never quite landed for me.

I did appreciate the elements introduced that helped to bring various pieces together and I appreciated the ending, however it did feel somewhat out of place/forced for me.

I can see where this would be appealing to many readers, but for me, it was not a great fit.

Overall, I was disappointed in this book. I recognize that I used the word "unnecessary" probably too many times in this review, but I truly could not think of another word that better describes how I feel after reading this. I will be giving this title a 1-star for Netgalley and Goodreads' sake.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.

I’m not typically a fantasy reader, but every so often, a book in the genre piques my curiosity. In The Book of Doors, main character Cassie acquires a book that can transport her to different places via doors. She enters a world where time travel is possible, books are magic, and danger is real. With an assortment of people she meets along the way, Cassie fights to preserve the safety of the book while also unraveling the mystery of its origin.

Being such an avid lover of books, I appreciated how they were the central focus of this story. I also loved how symbolically they were revered - because, YES, books do possess the most amazing kind of magic. I loved how this ended and some of the revelations revealed later on. For fans of fantasy/magical realism, or those who are open to experimenting with the genre, this is an engaging and enjoyable book that I think you may appreciate.