Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown offers a captivating premise that lingers in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page. As a reader unfamiliar with the author's previous works, I was drawn to the novel's intriguing concept right from the start. The idea of a magical book, the Book of Doors, granting extraordinary powers to its possessor is both imaginative and enticing.

The narrative, however, begins with a slow start, and the shifting timelines initially make it a bit challenging to follow. Despite this, the persistence paid off as the story unfolded, revealing a rich and intricate plot that kept me engrossed. Brown's world-building skills shine through as he introduces the enchanted Book of Doors and a realm of other magical books with wondrous and dreadful abilities.

The characters, especially Cassie and Izzy, are well-developed, making it easy to empathize with their journey into the unknown. Drummond Fox adds a mysterious and intriguing layer to the narrative, offering a sense of depth to the plot. The author successfully weaves a tale of danger, violence, and the pursuit of power, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Brown's writing style is evocative, vividly bringing the magical elements to life. As the story progresses, the complexity of the plot is masterfully handled, creating a satisfying and thrilling read. The climax is both intense and unexpected, leaving room for further exploration in potential sequels.

In conclusion, "The Book of Doors" is a four-star adventure that rewards readers with a unique and magical experience. While the slow start and timeline shifts may pose initial challenges, the overall journey is well worth the effort, making this a recommended read for those who appreciate a blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure.

Overall, I enjoyed the storyline of this book. I mean a book about a set of magical books…what more could I want?? I love any books that are about books, book people, or bookstores. I loved the creativity of this book and I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this book.

My one complaint about this book was some of the language or sayings in this book seemed a little unnecessary. It was hard to get through those parts of the book, and I often found myself thinking about how those parts could have been written without the saying and I feel like the message would have come across the same way..

But overall would recommend this book to others.

The cover of the book is awesome! I was blown away that this was a debut novel as it had horror and the book was brought to life.

It is not my normal genre but the time travel and friendship ties were what kept me reading and on the edge wanting to know what was going to happen. The book was action packed and will keep you thinking about the book after reading it.

Was a great read!

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Gareth Brown for allowing me access to read and review this ARC of The Book of Doors! Brown’s debut novel blew me away and took me through the whimsy, horror, and joy that life brings.

With elements of time-travel, undue violence, and strong friendship ties, this book will have you on the edge of your seat and rooting for the “good guys” all the way through. With unexpected heartfelt quotes thrown in between action packed chapters, this book will captivate your attention whilst eliciting moments of silent ponder in the reader.

It’s a strong 4 ⭐️ for me!

What an exciting adventure of a book! Missy books about time travel confuse me and make things hard to follow, but this one did it in such a clever way that I was able to keep track of who was where when. Of course, there were surprises along the way, and a lot of very cool mental pictures about what was happening. I loved it! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

What a truly fascinating book about magical books and time travel. There is so much to be said about magical books and time travel
First magical books that can do anything and I mean anything like The Book of Safety which keeps you from harm. Second time travel could have been the thing that stopped this book from being interesting but didn't. Finally time travel was a tool well used throughout this whole book. I loved the imagination if this book. The blurb doesn't do full justice to what this book is a lot of fun and excitement. Kudos to the author for a fantastic book to read. Until next time Happy Reading!

I would like to thank HarperCollins Publishers for this ARC via Netgalley for an honest review.

I was surprised by this book. I really didn't know what to expect going into this one, but what we get from Gareth Brown is a story that keeps you turning the pages and wondering what is going to happen next in the story. I though some parts could have gone a little quicker, but overall this is a good read that leaves you very entertained.

Cassie works in a bookstore in New York and lives with her friend Izzy. Cassie being raised by her grandfather has always been a reader because he would put her in the workshop with him and give her a book while he worked. Cassie loves her job working in the bookstore because she loves books. When Cassie gets to know Mr. Webber, an older man that frequents the bookstore often, she has no idea what the book that he leaves to her will get her into. It is just a normal book right?

As Cassie begins to unfold the mysteries of the "Book of Doors," she meets several different people along the way that she would not be able to make it without. Cassie also meets some evil people that she most definitely could do without. Will Cassie be able to balance the good and evil of the book to benefit her and help others out? You will have to read this one to find out,. It is a ride that you won't soon forget. The characters and plot was very well though out and developed. You didn't get lost in any of it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book. I can see this one taking off very well when it comes out!

If you enjoy books about magical realism, time travel, and unusual characters this book is for you. It took awhile to engage in the story, however less than halfway in I was hooked. Cassie is given a special book of doors, with strange writing and illustrations. She and her friend Izzy begin using this magical book to visit beautiful places from Cassie’s past. However, they soon learn that it is not the only special book which can give unusual powers to its owners. Other special books bestow different abilities. Cassie is faced with many dangerous and cruel people who want to collect all the books and will hurt anyone in their way. Drummond Fox, a particularly well developed character, wants to help Cassie as he guards his own secret library in the shadows. The Book Of Doors is expertly designed, connecting all the threads within the time travel. There are many characters and the story has many twists and turns. It’s important to note that there are disturbing scenes when characters use the book of pain. Still, this book keeps its sense of wonder and enchantment, reinforcing the love for and need for books. With thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susanh_bookreviews

Through magical books, the author sets up a classic case of good versus evil.
Cassie inherits The Book of Doors from an elderly patron of the bookshop where she works. At first she’s enchanted with the ability to walk through a door anywhere into another place of her choosing, but, before long, she finds that the book puts her and everyone she cares for in grave danger. There are other “ special books” out there, and they can defy emotions and physics. And not everyone who owns them has good intentions.
Drummond Fox, owner of the Fox Library, where special books are gathered, exposes Cassie to the world of special book collectors and the dangers they present. Does Cassie and Drummond vanquish the evildoers???
The book picked up speed and kept me enthralled till the end?

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a very unique book that I enjoyed quite a bit. The story follows a group of characters, including friends Cassie and Izzy, who possess magical books. The story has a lot of twists and turns that can be a bit hard to follow if you don't attention, but they take you on a great journey.

This was so obviously a set up for a series of books that I did not enjoy reading this book at all. The story is just ok, interesting plot with 'magic' books, but the plot line was just way to obvious in setting the reader up for the future series. Too much was given away in this book just to set up coming books.

I did not know what to expect going into this, and it exceeded my expectations. The story picked up speed as it unfolded and by the 60% mark I could not put it down. Despite the abundance of characters, the depth of each persona prevented confusion and it allows for a deep connection with each of their emotions. I loved the way things that happened in the beginning were an "A-HA!" moment deeper in the book. I love books about time-travel and others' theories on how it would work. I am honestly sad it's over.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC, Thank you Gareth Brown for the awesome story!

Thank you to the publisher for a Netgalley that was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024.

I somehow stumbled upon this book while googling something about books. No one is talking about this February 13 release!

Time travel. Books with magic powers. A thick plot that is superbly written. That is really most of what can be said about this debut novel. Saying too much would ruin the surprises throughout the book and give away spoilers.

Let's just say I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters-- especially Drummond. And I can just picture that cozy Fox library in my head.

The easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given! This book is everything I hoped it would be and more. Absolutely one of my all time favorite reads!

“Any door is every door.”

I watched and waited to see if I would be approved for this arc and the SECOND I saw it on my shelf, I stopped every other book I had going and started this one. I was immediately enveloped in this story, in the characters, in the magic.

Each character is unique and memorable. Cassie, Drummond, Izzy, Lund, dear sweet Mr. Webber…I love each and every one of them. Even the villains, especially “the woman” and Hugo, have been etched into my memory. The emotions this book made me feel is a testament to the thoughtful writing. And the ending, just perfect.

I can’t wait for the book to officially be published so I can have a physical copy in my possession. I know this will be one I re-read multiple times.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

3.5 stars

Wow- what a magical adventure.I was immediately drawn to the story, the atmosphere was cozy and whimsical, a ton of action and twists with multiple POVs throughout.

The Plot- a bookseller named Cassie is given a gift by her favorite customer, an unusual book that gives her the power to travel anywhere in the world that she wants. Yet, possessing this book puts her in danger, as the book of doors isn’t the only magical book in existence and people with nefarious intentions are seeking them all.

Writing & Pace- .POV was third person, and jumped from character to character. I think multiple POV can get confusing, The writing is very dreamlike. The pacing of the story speeds up and slows down seemingly at random. Which really bother me. I hated how inconsistent the pace was.

My Thoughts- A fabulous read for booklovers who enjoy an imaginative fantasy novel with engaging characters. The emotion journey Cassie took through the doors was an interesting ride. I loved the concept of this book. It’s execution, however, has left me conflicted. I struggled to connect with the characters. Some of them were downright irritating. The plot had its fair share of holes, and the ending left me unsatisfied.

I would recommend this book to my friends and family.

I received this an advance readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Cassie Andrews lives a quiet life working at a bookstore and living with her best friend, Izzy in NYC. When an old man gives her a mysterious book, her life changes. The book is magic and can take her to any door anywhere and everyone wants it putting her and her friend in danger.

The premise of this book was promising. The execution was not good and comparing it to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was misleading as this was not that.

1. The character’s decisions didn’t make sense. Everyone was so trusting for a secret society of magic book keepers/lovers.
2. The pace was jerky and so slow. I was 60% into the book before I felt like something of consequence was happening. The back and forth of time lines and locations was very confusing.
3. There were a lot of characters to keep track of.
4. The plot was predictable.

I wanted to like it, unfortunately I didn’t.

I absolutely loved this book! It was fun and interesting and I hated to put it down. This book was a magical with the different things that each book could do.

This is an incredible book for a debut author — it re-created the amazement I felt the first time I read “The Night Circus” or “The Discovery of Witches.” It’s overwhelmingly phenomenal. And it’s a book about time travel — a genre that I usually avoid. Finally, a time travel book that, ahem, makes “sense.” I do expect “The Book of Doors” to be on my favorite books of 2024 list (and it’s only January).

Imagine a library of books capable of creating magic: The Book of Illusion, the Book of Luck, the Book of Shadows, the Book of Destruction, the Book of Light, the Book of Despair, the Book of Joy, the Book of Safety, the Book of Speed, the Book of Pain, the Book of Matter, the Book of Health, the Book of Faces, the Book of Flame, the Book of Mists, the Book of Mirrors, the Book of Consequences, the Book of Answers, the Book of Control, the Book of Doors. Doors? What does that one do? Why do a group of greedy book hunters want that one so badly that they’ll kill for it?

The Book of Doors has fallen into the hands of bookstore clerk Cassie, when sweet old Mr. Webber, a frequent customer who Cassie liked immensely, quietly dies in her shop. He leaves behind a small book, with an inscription meant for her. With her friend Izzy, Cassie discovers the book’s secret: hold onto the book and imagine a world no matter how far away behind a nearby door. Open that door, and you’re in that world — Venice, Paris, Egypt, a rooftop bar. Suddenly Cassie is living her dreams, using the book for travel, wonder and delight, although Izzy has her reservations. Is there a cost to magic?

Of course, using the book means someone might realize the previously rumored Book of Doors is real and out in the open again, so pursuing Cassie and Izzy are Drummond Fox (the Librarian, who warns them about the book); Lottie and her thugs (The Bookseller, a black market middleman); Dr. Hugo Barbary (an awful barbarian living up to his name); and The Woman (once Rachel Belrose, a serial killer even more evil and cruel than Barbary, rejoicing often in the memories of the torture and murder of her parents).

“The Book of Doors” is original, magical, and delightful, but not without tragedy and horror. The villains aren’t cartoonish — they’re ghastly and nightmarish and the action is non-stop. Cassie and Izzy and their newly acquired friends get entangled in a magical battle that enthralled me to the last page. 5 stars! I hope a possible sequel can maintain the amazement.


Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Only Gramps’ blue eyes are mentioned.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But every mention of flowers is a moment of joy among scenes that can often be despairing.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

A dreamy read where the world lies just one door away.

“The Book of Doors” falls into the hands of Cassie and it’s not long before she uncovers that the strange book has the ability to bring here where she wishes at the turn of a handle. It’s not all fun as she finds herself caught between various parties who wish to use the book for harm or to add to their a deadly collection of other magical volumes and if she’s not careful, the door she’s caught behind might leave her trapped for good.

This was an interesting read and reminded me a bit of The Starless Sea in that sort of whimsy of what a collection of books could do especially in the hands of a reader who longs for adventure and fun but on a humble budget.

The characters were nice with Cassie being given the most it seemed to full develop and grow which makes sense given the context but it did feel at times that some of those supporting characters got the short end rather than were equal parts of the team. This story had a lot of moving pieces and a Leverage style plan that needed to work with everyone doing their part and at times I found myself confused as to who was the good and who was the bad which made things complicated but not distracting.

The story is fun and I wish we got a little bit more of the how or at least there was a more satisfying talent that came with the reveal for the books themselves especially since comments were made about the user and how some pair with it easily but others do not. I think the villain here was interesting and worked very well as this stoic and silent consequence of actions taken and this sort of full circle like moment which tied everything together in a well written bow.

A nice read and one that I think benefits from a second go so you can catch tiny details missed and a very satisfying start to a new year of reads.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Ok let’s start here I loved the concept of a book that opens doors but there was a lot to this book that’s made me forget the point of the book. There was a lot of talk about croissants like a lot but it’s ok it was a good book kind of reminded me of the midnight library tbh