Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I am in love with The Book of Doors! Magic, suspense, time travel, murder and mahem! So much going on in the book in the best way! I was enamored by the very first page and captivated until the end!! I very much loved that the author let his imagination take him where it did and I’m glad I was along for the ride! If you loved Alice In Wonderland as a kid, if Dr. Who was cool, if Back to the Future brought a smile to your face, or if you’d love to go have one last leisurely talk with your grandpa, grab this book!! I can’t wait to get my hands on the hardback when it comes out in February!

Engaging, immersive, and original. A recommended purchase for collections where modern fantasy is popular.

The Book of Door sounded like such an amazing read for any book lover. What book worm doesn’t love books about books? Especially when you incorporate magical books that each contain a different type of power! I really wanted to like this one. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. It felt so drawn out and incredibly repetitive.




Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance E-book copy of The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown in exchange of an honest review.

"In 'The Book of Doors' by Gareth Brown, readers are taken on an enchanting journey that seamlessly combines elements of time travel and magic. From the very first page, Brown's captivating storytelling weaves a rich tapestry of imagery, transporting readers alongside Cassie as she discovers the doors that lead to different times and places. While the concept of traveling through doors is not entirely new, Brown brings a unique freshness to the narrative by blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, making this book a gem in its own right.

The story follows Cassie, a 20-something bookseller in modern-day New York City, who unexpectedly finds herself in possession of the Book of Doors. As Cassie's life is turned upside down, readers are drawn into an incredible journey of loss, love, and re-unification. Throughout the book, we witness profound growth in Cassie's character as she evolves from a curious yet naïve young woman into a powerful and confident force.

One of the remarkable aspects of 'The Book of Doors' is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. From moments of sadness and happiness to anxiety and awe, Brown masterfully takes readers on a roller coaster ride of feelings. The narrative goes beyond its captivating elements, diving deep into themes of destiny, the power of choice, and the awe-inspiring potential of magic. It challenges readers to reimagine their understanding of reality and the boundless capabilities of the human spirit.

'The Book of Doors' is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a mesmerizing adventure. Gareth Brown's writing style, combined with the profound themes explored throughout the book, will leave readers spellbound. Prepare to be immersed in a world where time and magic intertwine, and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary."

What an incredible concept of a book. This was awesome. The time jumping, and the small details in the beginning of the book slowly making sense the more the story went on was great. Starting the book it was really confusing to get used to but once I did I enjoyed it a lot more.

I truly enjoyed the characters and their storylines by obviously, Mr. Webber & Drummond being the absolute best!

I wish the ending wasn’t as abrupt, and I wish we found out what happened to Cassie in “nowhere” and how she created the books. I wanted her memory of the place and why she created the books, how did they end up every where. Also what to know what happens to everyone after all the crazy events happened with putting the woman away. Is she actually gone? Aren’t there other bad people? What happens now to the book of pain the bookseller has. Definitely hope there’s a book two only because I still have so many questions!

I truly did love the concept of this book and I would absolutely love to see this as an HBO show or movie because it would be incredible.
Giving 4.5 stars due to a lot of unanswered questions.

Thank you NetGalley, Gareth Brown, Batham, Harper Collins Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

4 stars. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of this book. I liked the concept. It was a different kind of magic, and it worked really well. Even had some time travel in there as well. It ticked all the boxes for me. Adventure. Magic. Sci-fi/fantasy. Friends. Family. A little bit of gore even. Gareth Brown did really well in developing this modern world with these magical books and even threw in some lovable characters. I definitely recommend it when it's available. I really enjoyed it.

I was a fan of this one! It was a new type of genre for me and I am glad that I gave it a try. I didn’t know if I’d like it but it really did! Will definitely recommend to others!

This was a fantastic read! Magic books, secret society of Librarians, evil villains, grief, time travel, friendship and more. I was pulled into the story from the first chapter. I loved the development of the characters and how the writing made me feel invested in them. I actually cried a couple times. The concept of the books, the magic they wielded and how they came to be, was brilliant. This story had so many good elements that kept me reading. Even the gorier scenes gave the villain an extra level of believability of her evilness, and how she became the villain was clever. It also had me pondering some of the topics even after I finished reading.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"Even when the world is going to shit, people still want to buy special books."

"Happiness is not something you sit and wait for. You have to choose it and pursue it in spite of everything else."

"Don't waste your life hidden away in your own mind. Make the most of the time you have, otherwise before you know it, you'll have no time left."

I cant wait to have a physical copy to admire on my bookshelf!

3.5 stars, rated up

When I first read the synopsis, I was irresistibly reminded of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, a long time favorite of mine. That in mind, I requested to read an advance copy of this.

I fell under the spell of this book immediately and kept wanting to read - even with other important things to do (as of this writing, my teens and I still need to pack for a long weekend trip to see our favorite band - please see below).

This one got better and better and I raced through the story, eager to read more. The story and main characters are engaging and it keeps you turning the pages. But, I found the ending to be painfully anti-climactic, which was a big letdown after the intense build up of the story arc.

However, I did mostly enjoy this one.


*Another thing that irked me in the book was referring to the Strand (book store) as just Strand. Used to go there often when I lived back East and never heard it referred to like that.


**Personally, if I briefly possessed a magical book that could put me not only elsewhere, but other times? I would love to spend time with my grandparents again. And I would definitely want to spend time in Europe to visit museums, old churches, and see The Damned (and Naz Nomad and Dave Vanian and the Phantom Chords) back in the day.




Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the DRC

Absolutely wonderful.

Where do I start? First, absolutely perfect time travel — which is SO hard to do. But not only did the author construct it in a way that made sense, he made it very rich and layered.

Next, the characters. Ahhhhh, these characters! If I have any complaint, it’s that I wanted like five more chapters just to be with them longer.

The writing is beautiful, the magic system engaging and original, and I just love “door” themes.

I think maybe it’s worth warning that the book can be quite graphic, and there are a couple instances of bad things happening to children (as a mother, those were the hardest things for me to read). But I have fairly low tolerance for that kind of stuff and I still LOVED this book.

If you loved “The Unmaking of June Farrow” or “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” (and you should), then I promise you will love this, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars rounded down. This is a difficult book to review. There was a good story in here somewhere - the ideas and plot points are interesting. However, I'm sorry to say that the writing is just not great. It is amateurish and really suffered from "written by a man" syndrome. I appreciate that this man made the best friendship of two women the central relationship of the book, but woof, I think its pretty clear he is writing outside his experience. There were also a few references to body image that really rubbed me the wrong way.

Spoiler Section: <spoiler> The magic and time travel rules are really more convenient than anything. It gives off the energy of the Doctor Who episodes the pandorica opens/the big bang - I'm just not sure everything needed to be wrapped in such a neat bow. </spoiler>

Content warnings: There is a lot of gross body horror via torture, murder, and magic (I did not look too closely but it seemed bad).

Thanks to netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know how to feel about this book in the best way possible. I truly have never read anything like this. This book gives the same vibes as The Cartographers, The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and The Sandman. Just when you think you knew what would come next, BAM! Plot twist. Some were subtle and heartbreaking while others left my jaw on the floor. Very few books keep me guessing, but this one takes the cake. I devoured this novel in a day, and still couldn’t get enough! I immediately ranted to my spouse bout how wonderful Book of Doors is. Trust me, you’ll be missing out if you don’t add this to your TBR! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I’m going start this off with the fact that I dislike most fantasy/magic. The only books I have liked were midnight library and the life of Addie larue. But this book…. Is AMAZING. It was so magical and really descriptive I felt like I was looking through the book of doors while reading. The cover is absolutely beautiful too! I would recommend this to any of my friends who enjoy fantasy. Thank you for the ARC!

Wow. This book was absolutely incredible. To begin, the concept of having magical books in our reality is one that instantly captured my attention (and would intrigue any other who is as in love with books) but there was so much more to the story than that. The adventures the characters had were envy-inducing, the connections they all shared were heartwarming, and the magic that linked them all together was a fantastic example of what imagination can create. I loved the different perspectives being all included, the writing style was easy to follow, and the world description was very well done to help the reader immerse in the story. I would highly recommend this book to all as a wonderful & interesting read.

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an ARC copy of The Book of Doors.

I'm really into magic and fantasy at this moment so I was super excited to get an ARC of this one. It did not disappoint at all and will definitely be purchasing a physical copy for myself and friends!

I really loved the aspect of time travel in this book which I feel like fantasy novels these days are forgetting that trope. It kind of reminded me of "The Midnight Library" in a way and I absolutely loved that book. For anyone who enjoyed that book, I think they would enjoy this book as well!

I definitely expect this book to blow up on booktok!

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an ARC copy of The Book of Doors.

I will admit, I'm a sucker for books about doors, but this one completely exceeded my expectations. Such an exciting, touching, magical story...I never wanted it to end. Easily makes it into my top 3 favorite books of the year!

"The Book of Doors" is a mesmerizing journey into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. The story revolves around Cassie Andrews, a New York City bookseller living an unassuming life, until a mysterious gift from a favorite customer turns her world upside down.

From the very first chapter, the book hints at a promise of adventure and mystery that it more than fulfills. The narrative is clever, absorbing, and original, and it leads to a perfect finale. As the story unfolds, Cassie finds herself in possession of the Book of Doors, a magical tome that can unlock any door to anywhere and anywhen. What follows is a breathtaking adventure filled with loss, love, and self-discovery.

Gareth Brown has crafted a captivating plot that blends time travel and magic, challenging readers to reimagine their understanding of reality and the boundless potential of the human spirit. As Cassie embarks on her journey, her character undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a curious and naive young woman into a powerful and confident force.

The story is an emotional roller coaster, evoking feelings of sadness, happiness, anxiety, and a myriad of other emotions. It delves deep into profound themes of destiny, the power of choice, and the awe-inspiring potential of magic. It is a page-turner filled with adventure, intrigue, suspense, and even a touch of horror. "The Book of Doors" is a true gem in the realm of contemporary fantasy.

The world created by Gareth Brown is immersive and thoughtfully constructed, and the book's magical system is both unique and richly developed. The characters are well-drawn, with Drummond Fox standing out as a mysterious and enigmatic figure who adds depth and intrigue to the story.

Incorporating elements of time travel and magic, "The Book of Doors" draws comparisons to other well-known works like "The 10,000 Doors of January," "The Time Traveler’s Wife," and "11/22/63." However, Brown's ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary sets this book apart. This debut novel promises a captivating reading experience for those who seek to explore the enchanting realm of the unknown.

Overall, "The Book of Doors" is a beautifully written, heartfelt, and imaginative novel that explores the limitless potential of magical books and the consequences of their possession. With its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a touch of wonder, it is sure to delight fans of contemporary fantasy and leave them eagerly anticipating more Cassie and Drummond adventures. This book is a must-read, and its release in 2024 promises an exciting addition to the world of fantasy literature.
Thank you to netgalley and Gareth Brown for this ARC.

“The Book of Doors” by Garett Brown is a fantasy ride of time travel and magic. The interesting cast of characters takes us through an incredible journey using magical books which have the power to change all of their destiny’s. This book has all of the elements of a great magical adventure but for me it became drawn out, repetitive and a slow read, thus the 3 star review.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book presents a dreamy formula for fantasy readers, complete with time travel, an epic battle between good and evil, and the tantalizing idea that the source of superpowers is intertwined with books. In this captivating narrative, seizing the most powerful books bestows wealth, invincibility, and unrivaled supremacy upon the possessor. As readers, we've always known that books are the most precious treasures in the world, and this riveting, action-packed, and magical adventure featuring the Midnight Library and time travel delivers a story that firmly underscores this belief.

The characters are vividly portrayed, and the magical system built around books is executed with intelligence, granting different powers to individuals based on their unique identities and characteristics. The significance of good books, which can transport you anywhere in the world, unlocking doors to limitless possibilities, is beautifully articulated. The "Book of Doors" becomes Cassie's key to turning her dreams into reality.

The story centers around Cassie, an introverted, orphaned, quirky young woman who finds solace working in a bookshop, preferring the enchantment of fantasy over the harshness of reality. Her polar opposite is her best friend and roommate, Izzy, an extroverted, energetic, and blunt young woman who, despite coming to New York to pursue a career in Broadway, eventually abandons her dreams due to lack of talent. With Cassie working night shifts and Izzy embracing the daylight, their paths barely cross. However, when they encounter each other at home, they share the mundane events of their days. Cassie confides in Izzy about losing her favorite customer, who left her a mysterious book covered in symbols created with special ink known as the "Book of Doors." Cassie discovers that when she visualizes a place and opens a door, her vision transforms into reality, allowing her to transport to that place. Cassie decides to use this extraordinary gift to explore different corners of the world. Izzy, though, has reservations, and she's not wrong because the book's power is so immense that it can open doors to any place in the universe. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could alter the course of humanity.

Cassie's life takes a perilous turn when she meets Drummond Fox, a mysterious and enigmatic Scottish man in his 40s, who inherited the Fox Library from his grandfather, Edmund. He warns her of the imminent danger she faces, explaining that there are numerous books in the world, each bestowing unique powers on its possessor. There's also a malevolent woman relentlessly pursuing Drummond, and she desires to possess all the books for nefarious purposes. Despite her initial skepticism, Cassie soon realizes that she is in grave danger. To protect her life, as well as Izzy's, she must join forces with Drummond to unravel the mystery of these powerful books, all while safeguarding the "Book of Doors." When she becomes trapped in an unimaginable place, Cassie must find a way to secure her freedom and protect her future.

This is one of the most intelligent, heart-pounding, and enchanting books I've had the pleasure of reading in recent times. It resonates with both your intellect and your emotions. The author's imaginative storytelling whisks you away to diverse places and introduces you to intriguing, well-developed characters. You won't want to put this book down; it's the kind of story that makes you wish you could skip work and all other responsibilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in its mesmerizing words and magical universe.

I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more works by this author, and I wholeheartedly award this book a well-deserved five stars. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing a digital review copy of this incredible book with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. Special appreciation to Gareth Brown for crafting this remarkable journey!

This book definitely felt like a magical portal between alternate worlds. Loved the themes that were played out in this book and everything was beautifully written.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the digital ARC.