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.

A world graced with magical books, bringing both joy and terror at the hands of a select few. This book will draw you in with beautiful imagery and endless fantastical possibilities. Fans of The Starless Sea will love this book.

Cassie Andrews works at a bookstore in New York when an old regular passes on a book that opens any door to all doors. She soon gets thrown into the dangers of magical books and those who hunt for them.

I enjoyed the magic, the world, and the cast of book holders we meet throughout the story. The villains are terrifying, and the tension really builds towards the end. It can get complicated at times, sometimes confusing. Izzy, and even Cassie, can act careless and contradictory to their own actions. Thankfully, Drummond is a strong character who carries the story along beautifully.

Definitely worth a read. I expect this book to be very popular once it’s published!

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown was a captivating read that blended time travel and magic. From the very first page, Brown's words weaved a rich tapestry of imagery that transported me alongside Cassie through the doors that led to different times and places. While the storyline is not unique (e.g. The 10,000 Doors of January, The Time Traveler’s Wife, 11/22/63), Brown was able to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, making this book a true gem.

The story begins in modern day and follows Cassie, a 20-something bookseller who lives in New York City with her best friend, Izzy. Cassie finds herself in possession of the Book of Doors and her life is immediately turned upside down. Readers follow along as Cassie embarks on an incredible journey of loss, love, and re-unification. It is through these trials and tribulations that readers witness Cassie transform from a curious yet naive young woman into a powerful and confident force.

The “Book of Doors” was a roller coaster of emotions, bringing about feelings of sadness, happiness, anxiety, and many others. Beyond its captivating narrative, Brown delved deep into profound themes of destiny, the power of choice, and the awe-inspiring potential of magic. It challenged me to reimagine my understanding of reality and the boundless capabilities of the human spirit. This book is an absolute must-read and a resounding five-star!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the ARC.