An absolute masterclass in worldbuilding. This book entranced me from page one. I'm obsessed with the author's style, with the way he invites us to visit this very real world. It's surreal and strange, a world that could be ours (they have phones and planes and even the UN) but retains the mystical. I honestly can't put my thoughts together to form a coherent review, as this really was a unique reading experience unlike anything I've read before.

This is one of those books that you pick up on a whim and it knocks your head clean off. It is unable to guess what is coming, as it really is that strange but also wonderful.

The book centres around a young man, born with the unique gift of "floating" and who has his shadow removed by his Mother. It is set in South Asia (I think - sorry if I am wrong) or at least a version of that region of the world, a world that is quite alternate to our own. He is raised to be a killer, with the ultimate goal of killing his Father who had walked out on them. He ends up in the City of Bright Doors and then... well, all manner of magic happens.

If you want a book that challenges all manner of wisdoms, that explores feelings that you may not want too, then this book is for you. Even if you think this is not your type of thing.

This was not the book I was expecting from the first chapter. Chandrasekera sets up a tale of generational retribution and mesmerizing supernatural intrigue. Fetter has been named and raised by his mother for the sole purpose of killing his all-powerful father, a sainted and unkillable religious icon. However, Fetter's life veers off course when he departs for the cosmopolitan city of Luriat and becomes entranced by the mystery of its brightly painted doors that never open and and cause strange physical reactions. What I was anticipating as a high-action revenge thriller, the story reveals itself as a slow-burn political allegory, no less fascinating but not quite as bombastic. Luriat's eldritch dystopian government and endless cycle of plagues and pogroms is a fascinating case study of a world on the brink of revolution, and Fetter serves as a guide and interpreter for the various corners and hierarchies of the city. As enthralling as the story was, I found myself drawn in by some of the details that were given less attention, such as the frightening demons scouring the streets that only Fetter can see. For example, there is a brief interlude after Fetter is tossed in prison during which he encounters and "exorcises" a demon from a person - this was one of favorite parts, wonderfully spine-chilling, but wasn't paid much attention following the end of the subplot.

This was a wildly inventive new addition to the fantasy genre and I wish I loved it more than I did. This feels more like a case of "it just wasn't for me" than "it was bad" though. There's no denying Chandrasekera can write!

The plot was very intricate and confusing, and it took a long time before I felt like I had an understanding of the world we were thrust into. I feel like this is a book I'll come back to and will get more out of on a re-read.

I’ve never read anything like The Saint of Bright Doors – wildly inventive, totally mesmerizing, and it upended my expectations at every turn. It reads like an established author’s career-defining masterpiece, rather than a debut novel. 

Vajra Chandrasekera paints a vivid picture of a city on the brink – told through the eyes of a man born and raised to be a master assassin, a catalyst of change in the world, bound for one singular purpose – but his skills dull from disuse and he strays from his destined path. The synopsis may not sound unique, but the tale and its telling are wholly original.

I was so impressed with Chandrasekera’s ability to craft a complex, political, and also surreal story in such an intelligible way. I was spellbound the entire time I spent with this book and I can’t wait to read it again, just to recapture some of the awe I felt the first time around.

I wish I liked this book more than I actually did.

The writing wasn’t bad per se but it didn’t feel cohesive at times and it definitely would benefit from more editing.
The plot could have been less confusing and intricate, it made it a little difficult to go through the book for me.

Chandrasekera does know how to write a nuanced character though: Fetter was a very interesting and realistic main character. The worldbuilding too was excellent, it’s obvious the author spent some time crafting it.

The potential is there: The Saint of Bright Doors is only a debut novel and the author has time to improve his work. I will look out for what happens next!

I like the premise of this book but if was a little to scattershot for me to follow. I feel it could have done with a more concise plot and editing. It just was a no go for me .
Thanks for letting me review this book to Netgalley and the publisher

What a gorgeous novel full of loveable characters and a storyline that I couldn't put down. This one is a must read!