The Book of Doors was a super interesting fantasy/sci-fi book. Typically, this isn't my normal genre of books, but I actually enjoyed it very much. A little bit of time travel, magical books, and an evil character made this book a real adventure to read. The only complaint I have is that it was a bit confusing to follow the storyline at parts, but honestly, that might be because I'm not used to reading this genre. Overall, a solid 4-star book!

I don't think this book is for me. The overall feel of the action is off. It doesn't feel "real" in the sense that I don't actually feel immersed in the world and the characters don't rise above being words on the page. It is an interesting concept butt I think there's a problem with the execution.

I read through the premise of this book and just thought it was going to be fantastic and I was not wrong. I was so enthralled in this world from the very beginning and learning about all the different books was so interesting.

The Book of Doors is a unique and fascinating novel about books with a special type of power; each book has the power of its name, and there is only one of each book. People who know about the books want them, for reasons both good and bad. Some people buy them at auctions run by a mysterious woman known as the Bookseller; others steal them when they find them. The Book of Doors opens turns any door into a door to any place or time the bearer can clearly picture, which makes it particularly useful for a variety of purposes.

Cassie Andrews is a young woman who works in a bookstore, and who lives a generally quiet life - right up until a regularly customer, Mr. Webber, gifts her with the Book of Doors shortly before passing away from old age. This begins Cassie's involvement in the world of Books, a world about which she knew nothing until that time. She is caught up between people seeking the Books for their own benefit and those trying to prevent their abuse by those who use them for personal gain. The doors the Book opens for her will shape her life in unusual and unexpected ways. Recommended for teens and adults.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cassie lives in NYC with her roommate (and best friend), Izzy. The two met while working at a bookstore, Keller’s Books. Even though Izzy has moved on to a new job, the two still live together and share time together when they are both not working.

Cassie has worked at the bookstore for quite some time, so she is used to the regular faces. Mr. Webber (an older gentleman) is a regular - often chooses to read classics over a cup of tea. He and Cassie often strike up a conversation about books or funny things that have happened in Mr. Webber’s past. As Cassie is about to close up shop one afternoon, she finds that not only has Mr. Webber passed away peacefully at his table but that he has left behind an odd book (along with a note) for Cassie. Cassie is distraught and after seeing the police out and closing the shop, she heads home to Izzy.

We find out that Cassie has been left “The Book of Doors”. There are odd drawings and markings within the book. She recounts a trip she took to Italy to Izzy (envisioning the bakery across from the hostel she stayed) in and all of the sudden, their bathroom door opens onto the street, the smell of croissants in the air and collections under foot.

Over time, we find out that there is an unknown number of magical books like Cassie’s, each with its own power. No one really knows how many of them exist and what each one does, but within this rare magical book community, there is a lot of worry about the wrong books getting into the wrong hands - and the turmoil that could create in the world.

Cassie meets Drummond, who just so happened to be enjoying a drink at a rooftop bar in NYC the evening that Cassie and Izzy figured out how their book worked. Drummond puts together the book they possess and introduces himself. In doing so, he also saves them from a man who was trailing Drummond for the books in his possession (Hugo Barbary).

How can the friends that Cassie makes along the way keep find and keep these magical books safe so they don’t get into the wrong hands? Can they do so without losing themselves…or each other?

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.