Thought provoking and an easy page turner. This book sucked you in to the plot and left you wanting to continue reading. Relatable characters, well written.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is an intriguing and atmospheric novel that blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction. The story follows a man named Ralph, who discovers an ancient, mysterious book that opens the door to a parallel world filled with secrets, danger, and self-discovery. As Ralph embarks on a journey that challenges his perception of reality, the novel explores themes of fate, choice, and the complexity of human nature. Brown’s writing is immersive, with vivid world-building and a plot that keeps readers hooked. Perfect for those who enjoy thought-provoking, genre-bending stories with an element of the surreal.

Rating 3.5
I had to sit with this one for a bit to get my thoughts together about how I felt after finishing. There was much to like about this but just as much to dislike (at least for my reading tastes specifically). I will start will the best bits.
1. I loved the friendship between Cassie and Izzy! Dare I say it? It seems so hard for many authors (especially male) to write good and meaningful female friendships without all the cattiness and jealousy. This was the highlight of the book for me. I loved how much their friendship grows and changes throughout the book. It was honestly beautiful. It felt real and honest.
2. The magical books were obviously intriguing and they took be bby surprise a couple times.
3. The rag tag group we get at the end of this book was great. I wanted more stories about them as a friend circle.
4. I liked the non-linear way this story was told...it was something you really needed to pay attention to but you could tell the author planned everything out from the beginning to make it a cohesive story.
5. The twists and turns of this made me have to see it to the end. I was genuinely surprised more than once. The ending chapters with the plan were so satisfying to read---kind of like when the grand heist is revealed at the end of a movie.


Now the things that irked me or I found a bit lacking
1. Cassie. I honestly did not like her for most of the book...even when she seemed to make some level headed decisions she seemed to revert back in her next action. She was just so frustrating to me. On the other hand I get this was Cassie's story and we needed those bits of her for her character ARC but honestly she seemed so juvenile in her decision making or lack thereof in some of the most pivotal moments. I think I would have rather followed Izzy. But also why Cassie?
2. I will try to refrain from any spoilers but must say I was a bit let down on the back story of the woman. She was such an interesting character and I wanted to know more about the why and how she came to be---but when we did get it it felt so lackluster. The same with our other villain. Also I am usually not bothered by gore and stuff in books but some of the descriptions really got to me and felt a bit too graphic. The visuals are still stuck in my head :(
3. The time travel element. This is totally on me b/c I can't ever seem to wrap my head around how "time travel" works. I thought I understood to an extent in the beginning but then by the end my brain hurt from trying to follow everything and then I started to poke holes in things and it all fell apart for me.
4. I wanted more about the books and the people who had them. I found those aspects of the story really interesting and thought the author could have woven some more info into the story. I liked following all our characters and getting a glimpse into what they did with the books.

Overall, I liked it a lot but didn't end up loving it. But I think this concept would make for a great screen adaptation. I do think if you enjoyed this story check out anything by Claire North (especially The First Fifteen Lives or Harry August or The Sudden Appearance of Hope) They had very similar vibes and I quite enjoyed them.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Cassie Andrews is given a special book by an elderly man she befriends at the bookstore where she works, she is first so excited, as it is The Book of Doors, where she can enter anywhere she wants by having the book in her possession and going through a door. But the she quickly learns it's not as it seems- there is an entire library of these special books, and evil people are out to get them. The Book of Pain, The Book of Matter, The Book of Shadows - all can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Cassie and her roommate band with others to try and keep the books out of the hands of the most dangerous of all the people vying for the books. I listened to the audiobook, and while it was over 13 hours, it was well worth it. The narrator Miranda Faison was excellent as a narrator!

This was very different from any book I've read before which was super exciting. I really enjoyed the magic in this book. Cassie while mourning her grandfather, works in a bookstore. A strange book comes into her life from an odd patron & when Cassie discovers the book has magic powers, the possibilities are endless. Cassie realizes she's in danger when other people start trying to get their hands on the book for themselves. I really enjoyed this one. this would make such a cool movie.

Gareth Brown's debut novel, The Book of Doors, introduces readers to a captivating urban fantasy that intertwines the allure of magical books with the thrill of adventure. Released in February 2024, the story centers on Cassie Andrews, a New York City bookseller whose life takes an extraordinary turn upon receiving a mysterious tome known as the Book of Doors. This enigmatic book grants her the ability to open any door to any location, transcending both space and time. Overall, The Book of Doors is a compelling read that appeals to fans of urban fantasy and magical realism. Brown's storytelling invites readers into a world where the mundane and the magical coexist, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless theme of adventure beyond the ordinary.

I wanted to like this book more than I did in the end. The premise of unlocking different realms through a series of magical doors is both captivating and imaginative, setting the stage for a unique reading experience.

The book's strength lies in its creative world-building and the sense of wonder it instills. Brown does a commendable job of describing the various realms, each with its distinct characteristics and challenges. The visual imagery and attention to detail help to immerse readers in the fantastical settings.

The characters are well-developed, with each protagonist bringing their own skills and perspectives to the story. Their interactions and growth throughout the narrative are engaging, although some character arcs could benefit from further depth and exploration.

While the plot offers moments of excitement and intrigue, there are sections where the pacing feels uneven. Some parts of the story move swiftly, while others linger, making the reading experience somewhat inconsistent. Additionally, certain plot twists can be predictable, which may detract from the overall suspense.

It was an enjoyable read that excels in creativity and world-building but falls short in maintaining a consistently gripping narrative. It has the potential to be a great novel with a bit more refinement and I hope the author gets there in a future book.

This was an action-packed contemporary fantasy that I couldn't put down - this isn't typically a genre that grabs me but I will be highly recommending this to all readers.

I had high hopes for this book and it delivered! This is a wonderful blend of mystery, adventure, and magic, with incredible world building. The story follows Cassie Andrews, a New York bookseller who inherits a mysterious book that allows her to open doors to anywhere. This power quickly entangles her in a dangerous web of secrets and deadly competition from other trying to get their hands on this magical book. The storytelling is immersive, with well developed characters and a fast-paced plot that kept me intrigued.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the magical realism aspect of this book. Cassie is just an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life, when she is gifted an un-ordinary book from a customer. Little does she know, this book is going to change her life. The Book of Doors has the ability to give powers to whoever possesses it. Cassie and her friend Izzy explore the wonders of the book when they run into some trouble. Although this book can do great things, it also makes them realize some doors should never be opened.

I enjoyed the ride Gareth Brown took us on. There was SO MUCH going on though so it's important to pay attention or you'll miss a detail that comes into play later on.

Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Granting the wish we all have held since we were little, The Book of Doors asks where you would go if you could go anywhere when NYC bookstore clerk Cassie is left a magical tome by a mysterious customer that turns any door into a portal. Alongside her roommate Izzy, Cassie tumbles through space and time to meet the dashing Drummond Fox and dodging a ruthless villain named "The Woman." However, this is not the only book like this out there and there are people that would do anything to get their hands on them all for the powers they hold that can influence more than just reality.

This felt not just like Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Midnight Library, but also The Good Place, one of my favorite shows and two of my favorite books. It's a cozy yet thrilling adventure that lets you live that fantasy of reaching into another world.

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When advertised at the HarperCollins Takeover as being for fans of The Midnight Library and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I knew I needed it.

So thank you so much to HarperCollins and William Morrow for the e-ARC!

The Book of Doors was an imaginative and original read that drew me in on page one and still keeps me thinking. I loved how this had a great philosophical aspects that makes me think back to the role and function of memories and how time Inter plays with them. This is a book that I have on my reread shelf because there is so much to this story that I want to return to.

Thank you to William Morrow, Gareth Brown, and NetGalley for the gifted ecopy

This one is a magical fantasy thriller type of story. I thought the cover was so intriguing.

Cassie works in a book shop and one day her favorite little old man customer passes away right in front of her. He is clasping a book not sold in the shop and soon she realizes this is no ordinary tome. The book of doors can make any door a portal to anywhere. But, she soon realizes there is an underground market for powerful books like this, because of course there are other similarly powerful books.

I liked this one even if it wasn’t mind-blowing for me. I’d recommend to anyone that likes magical surrealism.

The Book of Doors is a beautiful read for those who love books like The Starless See, Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. It’s a book full of magic, mystery, friendship and the power of books.

This book was A LOT darker than I expected. I thought we'd experience more door traveling via book, and maybe get insights into other magical books, but this was intense and everyone was horrible from the get. For that reason alone I did not really enjoy it. It reminded me a bit of how dark "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman was -- disappointingly so. I did finish it, and there was a reckoning, but it was hard to want to read.

A surreal jaunt through different realities, where doors open to new worlds and unexplained experiences. The writing is immersive and the symbolism and invites readers to reflect on some of the choices we make and the paths inevitably we take.
This might be hard to follow for some of my very linear story-obsessed friends, but I found the not-so-linear narrative bold and psychologically rewarding.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown is an engaging and imaginative novel that transports readers into a world brimming with mystery, adventure, and the exploration of human emotions. Brown's storytelling ability is evident as he crafts a complex narrative that intertwines fantasy elements with deep themes of loss, identity, and the quest for belonging.

Central to the story is the idea of doors—both literal and metaphorical—that act as gateways to new experiences and realms. The protagonist embarks on a journey through various doors, each leading to different worlds and encounters. Brown expertly creates these fantastical settings, drawing readers into vivid landscapes and intriguing scenarios that ignite the imagination.

Character development is a key strength of the novel. The protagonist is relatable and well-rounded, dealing with personal struggles and desires that resonate with readers. As they navigate the different doors, the character's growth and transformation become central to the narrative, providing an emotional anchor that enhances the overall experience. Supporting characters are also well-developed, each contributing depth and richness to the story as they interact with the protagonist.

Brown's writing is lyrical and descriptive, painting vivid imagery that brings the world to life. His prose is both engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the doors and the choices we make in life. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with an exciting mix of action, introspection, and moments of quiet reflection that keep readers engaged throughout.

Themes of exploration, self-discovery, and the consequences of our choices resonate throughout "The Book of Doors." Brown encourages readers to consider the paths they take in life and how those choices shape their identities and futures. The novel serves as a reminder of the power of possibility and the importance of embracing new experiences, even in the face of uncertainty.

"The Book of Doors" is a beautifully written and imaginative novel that showcases Gareth Brown’s talent for storytelling. With its engaging plot, well-crafted characters, and exploration of meaningful themes, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and those seeking a thought-provoking journey through the realms of possibility. Brown has created a narrative that not only entertains but also inspires readers to reflect on their journeys and the doors they choose to open in their lives. This novel is a delightful escape into a world where adventure awaits at every turn.

The Book of Doors was an engrossing and captivating read from the very first page. I really enjoyed all the characters but would have liked to have better understood Dr. Barbary and Rachel. Although this did not distract from the overall story. The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because some of the peculiarities of magic and time travel were not adequately resolved in my mind. Overall this was a delightful read that I highly recommend.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I liked this book! I thought the premise was unique, the worldbuilding was interesting, and the protagonist was easy to root for. The plot moved quickly and I actually read the whole thing in one sitting. Overall would definitely recommend if you're looking for a magical, one-of-a-kind story!

I tried reading this a year ago, but the plethora of characters and magical books made my mind dizzy and I put it down. 😵‍💫 This time around, I read it in a book club, and while I understood most of the book I still feel slightly confused.

The first half of the book was slow and I kept putting it down and not wanting to pick it up again. It did pick up in the second half, but I found all the characters unlikable which made it hard to finish. I have so many questions that were left unanswered and I’m wondering if I missed something or if it was never revealed. 🤔

I liked the premise of the story and would be interested in reading more from this author.