This is a fantastic book of time travel and other sorts of magic. It is a complicated story, but told in a way that is clear and straightforward. I really loved it, and will be hoping for sequels to come! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.


This book....WOW!!! It was amazing!! I'm not even sure where to begin, to be honest. I'll try to keep this mostly spoiler free. The magic system in this story comes from different books. The Book of Doors is given to our FMC, Cassie, at the beginning by an elderly gentlemen upon his passing. At first, Cassie has no idea what it is, or why it's been left to her, but she quickly figures out that this book, makes any door, every door. There are people throughout the world who have different magical books, and while some use them for themselves for good (ex: The Book of Healing), there are others who are willing to do anything to possess all the books, and intend to use them for evil (ex: The Book of Pain). Cassie meets up with several characters along her journey to discover what these books actually are, where they came from, and to stop this person known only as "The Woman" from obtaining more books, and all of their stories eventually intertwine in a way I have never seen so masterfully written. If you enjoy books that are full of twisty intrigue, then 100% grab The Book of Doors when it's released in February.

I received a free e-arc through Netgalley.
Parts of it are quite intriguing and parts are quite violent and gruesome, but overall, it was a fascinating read to think about.

This book is going to be a hit in 2024, I just know it. It's a book that speaks to the joy and magic of books, but also of travelling, scholarship, and friendship. We begin in one of a book lover's favorite places: a bookstore at closing time. One of Cassie's regular customers dies at his seat, leaving behind a mysterious book that takes Cassie on a trip of many lifetimes. I really don't want to say too much about how the plot works, because there are several surprises and I really enjoyed not knowing where we were going.
Cassie is such a good character, I actually wish we got to spend more time with her as her character grows over the course of the book. Cassie's relationships are important, and I loved how important her friendship with Izzy is. As I read, there were a few moments of confusion but I was delighted that every question I had (and a few I didn't know I had) were resolved in the very satisfying concluding part.
Definitely a book for those who believe that books are magic, and fans of Addie LaRue, 10,000 Doors of January, or The Ninth House.

A lovely debut from Gareth Brown. Though I don’t think this story was for me; I do think that a younger audience may devour it! I struggle a bit with the main character’s body dysmorphia. It came off a bit unnatural…

The magical elements of the storyline and the concept of the Book of Doors along with the added time travel was a treat.

The Book of Doors is a mesmerizing debut novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, adventure, and intriguing personalities, creating a contemporary fantasy world reminiscent of literary gems like The Midnight Library and The Night Circus. Cassie Andrews, an unassuming New York City bookseller, is thrust into a captivating journey when a mysterious book, The Book of Doors, falls into her possession.

The narrative unfolds with a soothing rhythm, seamlessly transitioning between characters, a rare quality that caught my attention. The central concept of a magical book that grants the ability to travel through doors is both powerful and intriguing. The ethical dilemma it poses—whether to use it for good or succumb to the temptation of power—adds depth to the plot.

Cassie, a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist, is joined by the charming and haunted Drummond Fox, a librarian guarding a collection of Special Books. The dichotomy between the easily likable good characters and the truly horrifying evil ones is well-executed. The middle-ground characters, like the enigmatic bookseller, add a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The time travel aspect is skillfully handled, providing a realistic touch to the storyline, especially when characters find themselves stuck in the past. The author masterfully creates intriguing situations that keep the reader engrossed.

As the story unfolds, the reader becomes invested in the characters and their quest to protect the magical books. The hope for a series is strong, as each magical book deserves its own story. The conclusion leaves subtle clues throughout the narrative with a different meaning once the last page is turned.

In essence, The Book of Doors is the kind of book that, upon finishing, leaves you eager to start it again. It's a captivating blend of magic and adventure with characters that resonate, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

ARC - Pub Date Feb 13 2024

There is just something so fun about a book about books! I really enjoyed this book - probably one of my favorite ARC reads lately. The characters were fun and interesting and I loved the overall plot. Also as an avid traveler it really spoke to me.

Only negatives would be sometimes the dialogue seemed clunky or unnatural but that’s easily fixed.

4.5/5 stars

Nope, nope, nope. What a disappointment. I feel awful for dnfing an arc but I refuse to slog through this… in the nicest way possible.

The writing is so clunky and wooden. I could feel my eyeballs glazing over like I was reading a book for school or something. It was a lot of telling and not showing. Nothing takes me out of a story more than unrealistic dialogue and that’s prevalent. The characters don’t feel real to me at all. They just exist and speak like robots with no emotion.

I only made it to 15% and by that point nothing had really happened plot wise so I can’t speak to it. I don’t think the characters reactions were appropriate to the things that DID happen. “It’s like… the best thing ever” is not the appropriate reaction to opening a door in your apartment and finding Italy on the other side.

I can see what the author was trying to do, I really can. And I appreciate any attempt to write a book FOR people who love books… but I’ll go re-read The Starless Sea or Addie LaRue. They executed it flawlessly. Those are big shoes to fill if you wanna compare and this fell flat.

On a side note I saw another review talking about some icky things written about women in later chapters and just wanted to add that I didn’t love the talk surrounding food in the bit I did read -

“I am disgusting. It’s midnight and I am doing this to my body.” (She ate pancakes AND bacon *gasp*)

“There’s nothing wrong with your body and you know it.”

“There might be if I keep eating like this. Have you seen my aunts? They’re all huge. That’s in my genes.”

Like??? Incredibly unnecessary for a fantasy about magic, loving books, and traveling etc

I enjoyed this book and would purchase it to add to the library I manage. It was unique and interesting. I think it got confusing at times but not too much so that I regretted reading it. It was intense and darker then I thought but I still enjoyed.

3.75/5 stars rounded up to 4 but it is definitely for a certain person to enjoy

SPECTACULAR!!!! I was drawn In immediately to the story! Every character has a personality you can feel. I thought I knew what was going to happen, but nope. So many twists and turns of creative unique doorknobs. Please please everyone pick this up and read !!! I loved it 🥰 Will there be a sequel?!?!?!

Disclosure to be fair to author and other readers: I only got about a quarter through this, also skimmed to parts in middle and end then decided this is just not the book for me.

I love good, well written fantasy usually, but find I rarely enjoy stories about miserable, unhappy people, or ones that have no good resolution. I also detest blasphemy - taking the name of the Lord - in books. I see no reason to use that ever. Profanity is bad enough, stick to that please, authors.

This story starts on with a death, goes on through the main character Cassie having fun and joyful days exploring places via her magic Book of Doors. Almost immediately we meet other characters, several who are depraved, cruel and greedy, and other books, ones that are anything but joyful - despair, pain, destruction.

Drummond Fox allies with Cassie and her friend Izzy to try and hide the books they own together from the worst of the book seekers. They encounter the woman who enjoys torturing people to death, the man who cheerfully kills. Drummond owns several books that are happy - Luck, Joy - which he treasures and several that he fears and hates - Pain. I don't know why he doesn't burn the Book of Pain, perhaps he cannot.

The tone of the story got darker and darker and the characters did not get more developed., I quit to read something I might like.
I apologize to the editors, publisher and author for not finishing this. I am not publishing this review anywhere since I did not read teh entire book.

The synopsis of this book was very intriguing to me, and even though it's a fantasy/sci-fi genre I figured I'd give it a try. Aside from some of the violence that I did not like, I honestly had a hard time following the plot. Granted, it is a time-travel story with multiple POVs and various interconnected plot lines. But it just got to a point where I was having such a hard time keeping up I wasn't enjoying reading anymore.

***CONTENT WARNING*** - 25% into the book is a chapter with sadistic torture, completely unnecessary for the plot. This book was in the romance and sci-fi fantasy category, leading me to believe it was more in the magical realism genre, but I was assaulted with horror I wasn't expecting and did not like. DNF due to misrepresentation.

Really dull, MC has no personality, the villains are practically caricatures of evil, and there's nothing very special or interesting about the magical books. There's no reason for them to *be* books; Brown could as easily have made the enchanted objects pocket watches or marbles. I'm one of many bookworms who love to read about the (non-literal) magic of books, but Book of Doors doesn't tap into that, isn't actually about that - or if it is, it's failing at it big time.

DNF at 21%. If you're looking for an amazing book about magic books, may I recommend instead Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törsz - THAT is marvellous, and gives me everything Book of Doors didn't.

This is an interesting story of fantasy and suspense that is multigenerational
and brings people with interest in special books together while they are being
torn apart. The story is not so much complicated as it is there are a lot of
characters one must keep track of in both the present and the fantastical
slight past, present and future. The “Books,” and there are many, are the vehicle
that drives the story. These are not ordinary bools, and the lives of the group
of characters are greatly impacted by their possession of said books. Whether
driven by simple greed, or other less than admirable intentions, folks find themselves
in tough situations. Even the attempts to use these books for good can go badly.
This story had the elements to be great but for me, there was just too much of it.
I had to start over twice, and had a hard time with repetitive dialogues through the
middle sections.
I am not a big fantasy reader, but I do enjoy the genre. I would recommend it to
Fantasy Fans.
My thanks to Transworld Digital via NetGalley for the download copy for review purposes.

Book of Doors is an okay debut, as it is for the most part an interesting concept. Unfortunately, the characters are underdeveloped and uninteresting. Cassie's (the main character) obsession with her appearance and weight is tiresome and boring. I'm not sure if Brown knows how to write from a young woman's perspective or just misses in this book.

The authors writing style offers moments of enjoyment, yet I am uncertain about the book's overall direction and who and what I am rooting for. However, the concept of a magical book opening doors to anywhere, and the discovery of other books with diverse abilities, is a delightful aspect of the story. There is a good story in here somewhere - sadly Brown fails to pinpoint it.

Although this book didn't hit the mark for me, I think it could for others, especially younger readers. Because of this I have rounded my 2.5 stars review to a three.

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

This was so interesting; I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this up and I have zero regrets about picking if up now! I recommend going into this one completely, 100% blind if possible.

Where would you like to go? What if you could get there instantaneously? That is just one part of "The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown. If you possess the correct book, all you need is a doorway to walk into the place of your dreams.

Of course, it wouldn't be a proper story without problems. And Cassie, a bookshop employee, and Izzy, her roommate, quickly get into trouble.

Other books exist, and other people-- some of whom are not very nice-- have custody of them. As you can imagine, these not-very-nice people want to take other people's books away from them. They want all the books for the power it will give them.

The magic world is a tough world. I don't know if this book will be part of a series, but I can certainly see it becoming that. "The Book of Doors" is well-written and it hooked me right away. Because it moves so quickly, it's hard to put down.

I recommend "The Book of Doors." It's one of those books I keep thinking about even though I finished it a few days ago. If my description of the book seems rather spare, it's because I don't want to take the chance of ruining one of the many surprises that crop up in the story.

I'm looking forward to Gareth Brown's next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read the advance reader's copy. I am writing an honest review.

Thank you netgalley and William Morrow for early access to this read.

Synopsis: one of Cassie’s long time customers—friend—dies at the bookshop. He leaves her behind a book that starts a whirlwind of adventures. It’s not just any book, it’s the book of doors—it can take you through any door. It’s a coveted item though and dangerous people are after it. One in particular she learns about through her new friend Drummond. The woman is a ruthless human and she will stop at nothing to acquire the books that hold special magic. Cassie and her friends must stop her before she annihilates the world. And we get to go on that journey of magic with her.

Whhhhheeewwie! What a ride.

What worked for me: my gosh, the entirety of the book worked for me. I love the magic, the books(even the bad books), the loops, swoops, and pulls that it took to create this complex and creative novel.

In the beginning of this book I thought I might get tripped up and lost because there are a lot of characters and a lot of layers to this book, but Gareth Brown does a WONDERFUL job at walking through this book.

I had only one question running through me and it’ll be the same one you’re asking up til the very end. I won’t tell you what it was cuz I don’t wanna include spoilers.


This book is incredible. I highly recommend it. I will be after a beautiful edition of this book to add to my shelf. Definitely a top read for me. It’s fantasy done different and I absolutely enjoyed it. Gareth Brown has taken an incredible dream and put it in writing for us to enjoy.

Marvelous! This story was engaging and interesting, the characters were realistic, and it kept my attention throughout and I truly enjoyed it. A must-read!