Thank you to Gareth Brown, William Morrow, and Netgalley for a free advanced reader copy of "The Book of Doors" for an honest review. I was first stolen by this deeply intriguing cover and then sold entirely by its comparison to "The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The [ and ] Night Circus" in its breakdown, all three of them books I'd loved in a genre I could never resist. This book was no slouch, and those comparisons were 100% correct.

I loved falling into this book. I love the mystery and magic surrounding 'The Books' themselves and the fact the book did not toy wrongly with how time travel shenanigans should work. I feel in love, hate, and pity with so many characters. I think that everyone who loves this genre and types of books will fall head over heels in love with our main character, the magical mystery, the slow unfolding history, and the end. I, for one, cannot wait to see what else Gareth Brown writes, and I will be there with bells on it for each brand-new copy.

I typically love this genre, however, I didn’t love this book. The explanations were lacking on a few things and the characters were not all fully developed.

Cassie Andrews works at an independent bookstore in New York City. One evening, her favorite customer, an elderly gentleman, quietly passes away in the bookstore. After he has been taken away, she discovers that he has left her an unusual book. This small, leather-bound book is full of strange notes and writing she can't understand. Puzzled, she takes it home and while she and her roommate, Izzy, are examining it, they discover that it acts as a door, allowing them to travel to other places simply by holding the book and opening a door. Soon, they are having fun traveling to other places in New York, and even to Italy, when they encounter the mysterious Drummond Fox, who tells them that they are in grave danger. There are other "book hunters" who know of the existence of the book and will do anything to get it. Further, there are other books that give their owners seemingly magical powers. Cassie and Izzy are drawn into the battle between good and evil, but they discover that it is the power of books and friendship that can save them. While the story lags at times, this is ultimately an inventive and gripping read; and one that I will think about for a long time.

I loved this book so MUCH!! It had everything I love about magical fiction. It was unique, captivating, and full of amazing characters who I quickly fell in love with. I wish so much success to the write Gareth Brown. It isn't often we get amazing new authors like him.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
Stars: 3.5


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Cassie, a young twenty-something in New York, works at a bookstore. Orphaned at a young age, raised by her grandfather, after his death, she finds herself a little aimless, a little unsure. While working in the bookstore, she meets an older gentleman and they strike up a friendship. One night, he passes away in the store, leaving Cassie with a small, nondescript book. But there is something a little different about it - if Cassie holds it in her hand, stands in front of a door, imagines where she wants to be, the book will take her there. But this is not the only magical book in the world and there are a lot of people that would like to get their hands on it. With the help of Drummond Fox, a Scot who is the Librarian protecting magical books, she sets out to make it, and others like it, don’t fall into the wrong hands.

The premise of the story intrigued me and initially, I loved the idea of being able to travel not just to different places but even through time. Add in the idea of a magical library in Scotland and it seemed like the perfect magical realism novel. But that seemed to become less and less important to the book as it went on. It felt almost like the book didn’t know what it wanted to be: fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, or a meditation on evil. And novels can be all those things, but it is hard to pull off and I am not sure this one fully did. There were some really thought provoking aspects, but the story never let you sit with that. I don’t want to spoil it too much, but the time jumps were especially hard, one would have been good but the second one, it was just too much.

So while it was not my favorite book I’ve read this year, I will say, if there is a sequel, I would read it. Mostly because I think Brown has some really great ideas floating around and seeing the development of these characters could be really interesting.

This book was a trip, and a good one. If you aren't a fan of multiple perspectives or time/dimension travel it might be difficult to get into, but I really enjoyed both the premise and the way it was realised. I would not consider this book to have a happy ending, but it does have a satisfactory ending. The questions that build up throughout the book are answered, though not always in the way you wish.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a captivating journey into the realms of mystery and imagination. The novel weaves together an intricate narrative that explores themes of identity, memory, and the passage between realities. Brown's prose is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between the real and the surreal are often blurred.

The story centers around a mysterious book that holds the power to unlock hidden doors and secrets within the lives of its characters. Brown's ability to craft suspenseful and thought-provoking scenarios keeps readers on edge, while also offering profound reflections on human nature and the search for meaning.

Character development is a strong point in this book. Each character is richly portrayed with depth and complexity, making their journeys and transformations feel both impactful and authentic. The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that are both surprising and satisfying.

Overall, The Book of Doors is a compelling read for those who enjoy literary fiction with a touch of the fantastical. Gareth Brown has created a memorable and immersive experience that lingers long after the last page is turned.

If you could open a door to anywhere, where would you go?

The concept of this book instantly drew me in & kept my attention with its magical realism character driven plot. I’m grateful to have had the chance to read and review this book thanks to Transworld (Penguin Books) Publishing and NetGalley. This is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time!

The Book of Doors is a novel about Cassie Andrews and a special book that comes into her possession. Cassie and the reader both soon realize that this book has the ability to unlock any door in the world, so long as the possessor of the book pictures the door in their mind. Cassie also quickly unlocks a world of characters - dangerous and generous - and history that comes with them and this world of magical book(s).

It’s almost heartbreaking to not be able to discuss the plot any deeper than above, as I don’t want to spoil anything for potential readers. I’ll just share that there are brilliant, cozy characters and an imaginative, emotional storyline are well worth picking this book up!

My last, simple thought is that I wish this could’ve been 2 books - I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but I have a gut feeling that the story could’ve been wonderful as an extended novel or split between two books.

If any door were every door, where would YOU go?

I really enjoyed this one it was a beautifully written time traveling fantasy that I could not put down. The writing was easy to follow and atmospheric . The plot kept me flying through the pages and I loved the magic system as well it was unique but kept me guessing what could happen next! Look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown from NetGalley and William Morrow, and it did not disappoint! I’m saddened it took me so long to read, after moving house I was just able to pick it up again and rejoin the story and I’m so thankful I did.
This novel is a captivating blend of mystery, adventure, and deeply woven character development. Brown’s storytelling is intricate yet easy to follow, pulling readers into a world where every door opens to new surprises—both literal and metaphorical. The pacing kept me engaged, and the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was walking through each of those doors myself. It’s a unique and thought-provoking read that I couldn’t put down. Highly recommend to fans of immersive, fantastical tales!

I tried several times to get into this, but it just wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with the characters and certain things were just too dark and disturbing. There was one scene where a villain did something awful to an innocent little girl that seemed completely random and pointless. It was too upsetting for me.

This book is magical and in fact, is about magical books. It has it all from books with secret powers and time travel to love and murder. I loved everything about this book. The writing is superb and all of the characters are very well developed. The story is beautiful and I teared up several times while reading. If you love books, I don't see how you can not love this story. This is one of my new favorites.

This book took me much too long to read.

I was looking for an escapist read, magical realism, urban fantasy, maybe some thoughtful reflection on society.

I liked Addie Larue, and Thousand Doors of January, and Caraval - each of which did a bit of what I was looking for.

I hoped this book would be the one that combined what I loved into a great adventure.

This? Wasn't that.

It was the author's debut novel, so I will likely give the author a second try. Much of my disappointment is with the writing, so a sophomore effort might bring me on board.

I loved this book! I was intrigued by the premise since I enjoy time travel books. Often times a book will have a great premise, but then the author can't pull it off. Gareth Brown pulls it off and then some. An enjoyable and satisfying read! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A woman is left a mysterious book that allows her to travel through doors around the world. However, this brings her into a dangerous world of book collectors who will do anything to get his valuable book.

I really liked the concept here and even the universe. I think my biggest problem was how many POVs there were. I understand why, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite here.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of The Book of Doors!

Cassie is closing up at the bookstore she works at when one of her regular customers passes away in his chair nearby. As she is cleaning up his books once his body has been removed she discovers he has written a note giving it to her. As it turns out, this is no ordinary book. This magical book can make any door into a door leading anywhere. But Cassie is not the only one who wants to use it. Her life soon becomes more interesting and far more dangerous.

I was glad someone had given me a heads up that this book is GORY! I was not expecting that. Not a lot of instances but the few that are a pretty graphic for my taste. That being said, I really enjoyed the other parts of this book. It is hard to believe it is a debut as everything resolved itself by the end and that is no easy feat with time travel. It is a very unique premise that was well executed. This was a good book!

It was such a pleasure to read of this adventure. The writing style is so on point, a true revelation. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it, a true self discovery

I wanted to love this based on the premise and from the recommendations I got but I just could not get into the book so it wasn't for me. For the right person, I'd still recommend but apparently I was not it.

For lovers of time traveling and all the effects it has on our reality.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Release Date: Feb. 13 2024
Vibes:
🚪 Time Travel
🚪 Dangers of Magic
🚪 Bad People Do Bad Things

Review:

I cannot, in any real capacity, use my words effectively to tell you how dumbfounded I was by The Book of Doors. Even writing this review 6 months after my first read of it, I am in love with how well placed events were for the characters to develop how they did in such a strange magical system.

That said, if time-bending is one of those things that is difficult for you to follow, well... good luck.

Imagine finding yourself the owner of a strange book. It seems like nothing too out of the ordinary, until you turn the doorknob imagining, perhaps, somewhere tropical or luscious, somewhere far from your day to day life. And there it is, right in front of you. And suddenly, overnight, you are now the world's largest target, because you possess a very powerful magical book that can move not just to different places, but differents times too.

Are there parts of this book that were difficult to read? Absolutely. Characters say really hateful things, do horrendous things (torture included). That is part of the point of this story. Bad people will always look for more power so they can come out on top and squish everyone else in the process. But that is a select few characters. There are also characters that are fighting for the side of good even though they are terrified and have lost everything, and everyone before.

Keep in mind, this is written by a man. So some of the conversations between female characters is kind of... meh. But the story itself was so intriguing to me that I was able to pass over any food/body image comments without an issue. If you focus heavily on minor conversations, there will probably be some that you find upsetting.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

Thank you to William Morrow, NetGalley, and Gareth Brown for this amazing book. Who has not ever wanted to escape to another world within a book? This is a book that tells of a book that allows the owner to open the book and step through a door into another world or even another time. Cassie works at a bookstore and one of her favorite customers passes away leaving her this very special book. Unfortunately there are some unsavory people also looking for the book. She does get some assistance from Drummond Fox but even with his help she still cannot avoid the fact that her book can be used for the purpose of evil. There is one enemy-The Bookseller—a woman that wants all the special magical books and she needs to try to keep them away from her.
Excellent writing and all the wide range of emotions for this book. I genuinely love it.