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

I really liked the premise behind this book, and was looking forward to a thought provoking read, but unfortunately, this was a miss for me.

If you like magical realism and time travel books, this may be the one for you. I felt like I was hanging onto a bell curve while reading this one. It was very slow and then started to get a little exciting, only to become very slow, again. It was tedious, and I never really wanted to pick it up. I probably should have DNF'd it as the pacing was clearly off for me, but I decided to power through with the hopes it would get better.

I've seen reviews that compare this book to The Midnight Library and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, neither of which I loved, so I guess there's no surprise that I also felt the same about this book.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a novel of juxtapositions. I felt all the feels while reading this. It was cozy yet adventurous, Heartwarming and heart wrenching, imaginative but felt so real. Every page of this had me hooked. If you like adventures and books this really is for you. Honestly I recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. This is out February 14th!

More like 3.5 stars. This was a hell of ride! Time traveling and magical books that heal, transport, change your face?!, so many cool ideas. I loved the concept, and I really hope this is made into a movie or series. However, the character development wasn’t good and the dialogue was a bit off. There were some weird racist and sexist comments from the villain, that honestly, were just unnecessary, and left me feeling icky.

Sometimes a book catches you by surprise in the most pleasant way and for me, this was one of those books. The premise of this book was incredibly interesting, and I went into it expecting to like it. I did not expect to like it as much as I did, and it now lived rent free in my brain.

Cassie lives a very typical New York life working at a bookstore when one day one of her regular patrons gifts her a book; The Book of Doors, where any door can be a door. The book lets Cassie travel anywhere she can imagine by transforming any door into a portal to anywhere in the world. The problem is that other people want The Book of Doors and not all of them have good intentions. Cassie has very quickly found herself in a dangerous world she knows nothing about and with no idea who to trust.

This book was magical realism at its finest. The magic was believable and well fleshed out. The tension was palpable in the best possible way. I was deeply invested in the characters and the outcome of this story. Everything was well explained without being overdone. For a debut novel this was spectacular and one of those rare occasions where a debut author became an auto buy author for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book. I leave this review voluntarily.

I will admit, this book took me a while to get invested in, but once I got there, I was all in! I couldn't wait to read more!

This book primarily follows the story of Cassie Andrews and her life in NYC. She works in a book store and a friendly man named Mr. Webber is a frequent visitor. One night, he leaves her a book in the cafe of the bookstore and it completely changes her life! Cassie is thrown into a world full of magic and danger with excitement behind every door ;) hehe

My biggest issue with this book was the immaturity of Cassie at the beginning. It almost did me in. I didn't think I'd be able to finish this one, but I pushed through and it ended up being better than I expected in the end! Cassie grows up A LOT in these pages and it makes ALL the difference.

There is opportunity for sequels and I'm looking forward to reading them if Gareth Brown writes them... just as long as we get mature Cassie and not the one that's annoying lol.

This book felt like a note to the readers and adventurers to go out and chase after the lives they desire. The concept of these magic books, like the Book of Doors, were very cool and interesting. I definitely loved the scene where Class and Izzy traveled with the book for the very first time. It felt whimsical and childlike wonder come to life. I liked Fox Drummond and how he continued to carry on despite all that he lost.

Though the two things I took issue with in this book were the pacing and showing over telling. I feel like these would have made the characters and tension of the plot truly shine. Overall, was a good book with a very interesting concept.

This book kind of confused me. Cassie read like a kid, and the first 25% of the book felt like a YA novel. But then it switches characters and a bunch and there’s a bunch of cursing (which isn’t unheard of in YA) and violence, but it all feels like a book that should have been YA. Even the writing felt YA, but it clearly wasn’t intended as a YA book. I kind of question why - it’s a bit younger than it should be for adult fantasy, and that would be fine, but it feels lost. I don’t know - I just liked it in theory but found myself thinking it felt unclear who the audience was and how the writing fit into place.

A twisty mystery with a touch of magic. A book about books with characters you grow to love and hate. Highly recommend!

When Cassie Andrews has a bookstore patron die during her shift, a book left behind changes her life in mysterious ways.

One part science fiction/fantasy, one part adventure story, and all exciting, this novel takes the reader on a wild ride along with Cassie. As she meets other people with magical books, the mystery of where they come from and the underground community around them pulls her deeper and deeper into dangerous waters. Some scenes are quite gory because the books allow for some wild fight scenes. This book was an exciting page turner that at times twisted my brain in a pretzel, but I felt that the explanations were enough and the outcome satisfying. I would read more by this author (this is a debut!) and/or more in Cassie's world in a heartbeat.

This was such a unique story. It had elements that reminded me of The Midnight Library or The Starless Sea. I also made connections with One Dark Window with the unique magic systems (this one had books instead of cards). I love how the author was able to take basic fantasy elements and make it his own. It is hard to find a unique fantasy book and this book is truly that.

When bookseller Cassie is gifted the very special Book of Doors, she and her best friend and roommate Izzy are at first drawn into amazement and wonder, and then horror, when they realize what the book is capable of, and the terrible and violent people willing to do anything, and kill anyone, who gets in their way of possessing it.
The characters are well drawn, believable and engaging, except for the villains, of course, who are, well, really, really bad. There are other magical books out there that a great number of people are looking for, and some are not so lovely as opening doors - there is a Book of Pain, the Book of Despair and others that an abhorrent few really, really enjoy using. The Books are a wonderful invention, and their presence and workings are what make the story more than just another thriller (thrilling tho it is). The whys of the books and the villains also hold up quite well, always a good thing. Not as amazing as say, the Night Circus, and it's always a pity that so much of these stories concentrate on the darkest aspects. But it does make for an absorbing, recommended read.

This genre is newer to me and I only dip a toe in now and again, so it’s rare I find something that sticks. But when I read the premise of this story—a book that allows you to travel anywhere—I was hooked. Since I don’t read a lot of books like this it’s hard to compare to anything, but I plan on exploring a bit more. This story was very entertaining and at times it felt like I was watching a series rather than reading.

There were a lot of characters to keep up with, but even so, Brown made them unique and easy to follow. Their backgrounds were fascinating, and I particularly liked Drummond and where he resided in the Scottish Highlands. The characters were very black and white, likable protagonists and evil villains. Nothing too complex. My favorite part of the story was learning about the different magical books and their powers. It created an entirely new side to the world with different problems and possibilities.

The story gripped me however there were a few lulls. When Cassie got stuck in the past for a decade, and when Drummond was meeting with his group of book hunter friends in the Fox Library—both of those scenes slowed the pace for me. My favorite scenes were when Cassie used the book of doors to travel back in time to see her Grandfather. The idea of spending time with loved ones who have since passed is always a dream of mine.

Based off The Book of Doors, Gareth Brown will be a writer to watch. The novel opens up readers to a world of Gareth’s imagination, one page at a time. When a customer passes away at Cassie’s bookshop, he leaves behind two books for her: The Count of Monte Cristo and a leatherbound work, filled with sketches and scribbles. This is Cassie’s introduction to The Book of Doors. Its inscription reads, “This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.” This message changes Cassie’s life and leads her on a great adventure unlike any she could have dreamed. The Book of Doors takes the top spot thus far for my favorite book of 2024.

George R.R. Martin once wrote, “‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.’” Books are magical things. They can transport readers to new places, new (or old!) times, or even new worlds. Brown’s The Book of Doors just takes everything one step further. A book’s abilities are no longer figurative but literal, and The Book of Doors is not the only one that holds power. Books of Matter, Light, Despair, Joy, Luck, Shadows. The Special Books have actual power. Power to give and power to take. Even books in real life can pull a reaction from readers. Sadness, anger, relief, happiness. Books have made me feel it all, and yes, I’ve even wanted to throw some across the room. I am not ashamed to admit that I have.

If I had to describe The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown in one word it would be “brilliant.” I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The novel covers a lengthy amount of time, yet nothing feels constrained. It’s filled with natural transitions that just make sense. Which, with a novel like this, should be considered quite the feat. The Book of Doors is full of questions and their answers. “How did this happen?” Well, wait another 50 pages, and you’ll find out. Brown’s novel demonstrates how everything is connected. How patience can pay off. And how you must embrace the moment and let nothing pass you by.

Seriously, The Book of Doors is marvelous. Brown is a wonderful storyteller who provides a good balance between worldbuilding, character development, mystery, and suspense. I wish I could experience this book again for the first time, and I can’t wait to return to its pages. It’s the kind of novel you could read fifty times and each time, discover something new. Bravo, Gareth Brown. I cannot wait to see what you write next.

The Book of Doors is a love letter to readers, travelers and dreamers the world over. The author ingrained a deep sense of wonder into the world, a childlike awe over the power of the "special books" and how one might use them to better the world... or destroy it. I was extremely impressed by how neatly he tied up all the loose ends. I won't describe the exact circumstances for fear of spoilers, but let's just say it was an impressive feat to keep everything logical, flowing, and all-encompassing in a way that ultimately created a very satisfying reading experience. The creativity in how the books were used was alternately heartwarming and deeply unsettling, as we see both very good and very bad people take possession of them. As a standalone fantasy, this is a strong title that had a timeless feel to it and should be enjoyed by readers for many years to come.

I got about 5% into this book and decided it wasn't going to be for me. After reading some other reviews I agree even more it was not for me (apparently it get fat-phobic and racist. So glad I'm missing that experience)

Lets start with the dialogue. People don't talk like this but student writers tend to write people talking like this. The dialogue gave me flashbacks to tutoring English 101. It felt like I was reading something instead of experiencing a story.

Men writing women. iykyk.

There are random offensive statements that don't really have anything to do with the plot. They seem to be there for the sake of being offensive/racist/phobic. That could be the character(s) personality but it make an already difficult reading experience less enjoyable. It comes across as something ridiculous a professed conservative would say as an excuse to call someone "woke".

This book was such a wild ride! The premise was unique and the plot was clever but still easy to follow. I think this book can be enjoyed by those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. I was a little surprised by the amount of violence and some of the descriptions were so detailed it made me a little sick to my stomach but it certainly added a level of danger to the book; this isn't a fairy tale fantasy read; it's darker and grittier. But there are plenty of moments of beauty and happiness.

The ending really blew me away. The author managed to tie things together that I never would've guessed. It left me reeling!

I think the characters overall were the weakest part of this story; it's very much a plot-driven novel. The times spent inside Cassie's head for long periods of time were the only parts I found to be a little plodding. Otherwise, it's fast-paced and action-packed.

I will be thinking of this one for a long time to come.

This debut book got a slow start for me, but once it got going I just couldn't stop. When Cassie is left a book by a regular customer at the bookstore where she works it draws her into a world of magic and danger. There are special books out in the world that contain various powers. In the wrong hands these books can be used for evil purposes. As Cassie and her friends navigate the world looking for books and running from evil they learn about themselves and find new friendships. I devoured this book and highly recommend it to those that like a bit of magic.

The Book of Doors is author Gareth Brown's debut novel. Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop called Kellner Books shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man, John Webber, dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading. But this is no ordinary book.

It is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door. Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, The Book of Doors allows the user to go anywhere on the planet and even to the past which Cassie will discover later in the story. After taking a magical midnight tour of Manhattan, with her roommate Izzy, she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes.

Drummond has spent the past 10 years as a wanderer after his best friends were murdered by a woman who seems eager to find Drummond's Fox Library where he keeps his own collection of special books. Drummond has been searching for the Book of Doors for even longer than that. Drummond can disappear into the shadows which allows him to avoid the woman who is picking off people one by one and stealing the books they once possessed like the Book of Pain, Book of Memories, Book of Joy, and Book of Luck.

The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them. In this world, there are not enough books to go around for those eager to own them. Book Hunters, collectors, terrorists, warlords, and governments want these books. Each book grants whoever possesses them the ability to do extraordinary things. Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books like Dr. Hugo Barbary and a New Orleans bookseller named Lottie Moore who knows she can get millions by auctioning the book to powerful people.

With her roommate Izzy, and the mysterious and haunted Drummond, it will be up to them to protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil like Dr. Hugo Barbary. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there. But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.

Similar books The Midnight Library and Shadow of the Wind. While Cassie is the main character, Drummond Fox, Dr. Hugo Barbary, Izzy, Hjaelmer, Azaki, and the Woman all play important, in what transpires throughout parts of the story itself. Cassie finds herself traveling around the world to places like Venice, Prague, and Paris, while also getting stuck in the past where she ends up being sent by the diabolical Hugo.

Meanwhile, Izzy, after telling Cassie, who discovers things about her she never imagined, to stop messing with the Book, ends up right in the middle when a major point happens in the story during an auction for powerful and dangerous Books. This is a new twist on time travel, and I hope that the author ends up writing a sequel to this story now that he has created a pretty curious team to hunt down the rest of the Books that are out there and not yet found.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read my first 5-star book of the year!

I have no words... WOW! What a ride! What a beautifully written story!

Gareth Brown did a masterpiece with this book!

The characters were compelling, the storyline was extremely entertaining, and I just did not want it to end... ever! I could have kept on reading this book easily if it had another 500 pages!

This was a beautiful puzzle that was put together chapter by chapter! There is nothing... absolutely nothing in this book that happens without an explanation, and I loved, and love that! There are no adjectives I can use here to describe all the feelings I felt while reading this, and not enough words out there to thank the author for persevering and publishing this book.

From the bottom of my heart... just READ THIS! READ THIS BOOK! And be transported, with the Book of Doors' help, to a world with magical books that fill your heart with the most amazing of stories!

"The Book of Doors" is a wonderful adventure about the magic of books --,well, certain special books, anyway. The protagonists -- two young women friends -- are very likable and resourceful as they try to keep the book -- and themselves -- save from forces out to claim every special book. I highly recommend this for anyone who always felt books contain a special magic.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance review copy of this novel.