As someone with a vivid imagination, this book was sliiiiightly too graphic for me in certain places. In fact, it surprised me as at first I wasn't even sure if the book was my kind of thing. It initially gave me the impression it was aimed at a much younger audience than myself, but as it progressed I kind of felt like the tone shift was rather surprising.

In any case, if you're looking for a fast-paced YA mystery fantasy novel, this definitely delivers in all aspects, with elements of time travel interweaved within a magical adventure.

We follow Cassie and her roommate Izzy who get caught up in an unexpected situation after Cassie receives a mysterious book from a patron where she works. Not knowing what the book is for at first, she is stunned to discover she can somehow navigate her way through to other places by use of the book. Unfortunately for Cassie and her friend, it soon turns out there are others who are seeking this book with this extraordinary ability. The problem is that those searching are dangerous individuals who will not stop at anything to take what it is they desire.

After their sudden encounter with a man named Drummond, both Cassie and Izzy find themselves learning much more than they could have ever imagined, as they soon discover the dangers of the situation they have found themselves in.

I won't reveal much more than that regarding the story itself, as it is definitely one best left to the imagination to discover for oneself.

I was in two minds about this book, especially at first. On the one hand, I liked it enough to continue reading but on the other, I never really felt an urge to pick it up when I wanted to read something. It did manage to keep my attention as it progressed, but I think that I was mainly reading out of curiosity to know how it ends. However, it kind of lost me a little towards the end, and seemed a little anticlimactic in how things wrapped up, compared to what I expected, considering the rest of the book leading to that point was full of intrigue and excitement (if I overlook the slow start initially that took time to find its feet).

I'd say to put this book in a box would be tricky, as it's a bit of a unique one. It's also not one I'd recommend if you have a faint heart or a vivid imagination where it comes to gory scenes, but if you're not someone easily deterred by that, I can definitely recommend it. More action than character driven, I would have loved to have been able to spend more time getting to know the characters, as I only really got a glimpse about who they really are. There were slight hints at romantic development but it was overly subtle. The quick pace also meant there wasn't much time to invest emotions into any of the characters, which meant some of the high intensity scenes fell flat for me. But if you're someone who is an action-adventure lover at heart, you will eat this up!
The end of the book was sweet however, and left you feeling warm inside, which was comforting.

I'd recommend this book to those who want something fast-paced, sometimes suspenseful and unpredictable. There was some interesting twists too, and the book is well-written and flows nicely.

I'd say for me this is probably a 3.5 star read, rounded up, since it took me a little to get invested at first. Once it picked up though, it was thoroughly enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and to Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Another book I requested without realising it was YA. I imagine its intended audience will love it; the storyline is good, and the characters predictably without nuance. It wasn't my thing at all (and I was unreasonably irritated by the fact that no-one ever seems to eat proper food) but it is unfair to let personal preference affect my rating of a very creditable novel.

A super read - I would definitely recommend. Thank you to the writer, publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book

This book is an absolute masterpiece. ✨ From its immersive narrative that pulls readers into a spellbinding world, to its tantalizing hints of adventure and intrigue from the very first chapter, it's a five-star read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The plot unfurls with brilliance, presenting a fresh and absorbing tale that crescendos to a flawless finale. Destined to be a bestseller, I foresee great success for the author. My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the remarkably talented author for this advance copy. 🪄

This book and the fascinating concept of a magical book of doors, which allows you to travel anywhere, in any time, captured my imagination right from the start - It has a clever plot, which is well thought out and is delivered in an immersive writing style, making the story feel extremely engaging. This page-turner of a book will make you feel a sense of wonder and surprise - it is packed with adventure, intrigue and suspense (plus some mild horror) and is without doubt one of the best books I have read this year. Many thanks to NetGallery and Random House UK for allowing me to get an early copy of the book - it’s not out until February 13, 2024, but you should pick up a copy as soon as you can - it would make a great fantasy action film too.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown .

When reading this book I wasn't initially aware that it is a title aimed at the YA audience , but my goodness what a great read it is !😂

Set in New York we meet Cassie who works in an independent book store ( one of my dream jobs )
A elderly customer passes away in the bookshop and Cassie is left a book from him. It's The Book of Doors.
It leads to many adventures along the way and we meet her friends , fellow flatmate Izzy and Drummond.
I loved the characters and was invested in find out where the magic book would take them.

The only "extra-ordinary" thing about Cassie Andrews' very ordinary life is the escape she can find in all manner of books, living as she does as a New York City bookseller. When she unexpectedly receives a very special gift, Cassie's capacity to escape into books takes on a whole new meaning.

Because Cassie has been given the Book of Doors, a magical volume which renders any door into every door. The book is full of curious text and mysterious drawings, all just waiting to be explored. Which basically means that the sky is now the limit where destinations are concerned!

But as Cassie and her pal Izzy soon discover, it's not all fun and games. Luckily, they soon realise that Drummond Fox - who has his own collection of valuable volumes to protect - can help them. And that's just as well, because they're going to need all the help they can get...

This is a wonderful book replete with action, adventure and magic. The characters are beautifully-drawn and start to feel almost three-dimensional to the reader. Highly recommended.

Cassie works in a bookshop which serves coffee. One day a customer gives her a magical book, called the Book of Doors, after dying in the bookshop.
What Cassie finds out about the book is indeed a magical story and one I got into right away. The style of writing is brilliant and Cassie, Izzy and Drummond are particularly well described.
Highly recommended, one of the best books I have read this year.

Cassie Andrews lives in New York, flat sharing with her best friend Izzy. Whilst Izzy works amongst the glamour and glitz of the jewellery department in Bloomingdale’s, Cassie is more at home in her natural habitat of an independent bookstore amongst her beloved books.

When an aged gentleman customer dies, quite peacefully, one snowy evening in the store, he leaves a book behind which he has bequeathed to Cassie. This is the Book of Doors and will lead to many an adventure.

A very good YA book, which I as a not so young adult did enjoy.

Although aimed at the YA market according to the blurb, as a devotee of time travel books I had to read and I’m glad I did. Where the YA angle comes from I think is the magic involved, though I’m sure we all enjoy a touch of magic whatever the age.

A well written, well thought out book, though you need to keeps your wits about you as it does get very tangled and convoluted at times, but it all comes out in the wash!

I’m sure this will probably be the start of many Cassie and Drummond adventures, there are lots of books still waiting to be discovered!

3.5*

Thank you NetGalley.

This is truly a book you can become immersed in, lose yourself in the characters, and take the trip with them along the book journey, into fantasy lands and spells galore.

I could not put the book down as I was so entranced with it. What a marvelous book for television or as a film.

Just hope there is a sequel to this one.

New author for me and thank you to Netgalley for letting me read this.

I loved this book. It starts well and continues to keep the reader engaged and wanting to know what happens next The answer to that is - A Lot! It is full of action, violence, greed and a bit of mild horror. I think it could ake an excellent film. Cassie, Drummond, Issy and Lund make a great structure for the plot to work around. I shall be looking for more books by this author. With thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for an e-ARC to erad and review,

Magical read about a book which is a door to the past and the price to pay for those adventures. This is quite a tome and yet I finished it in two sittings. I was hooked. I think this might be the next big thing.

This is an exciting romp of a book. It is centred around a Book of Doors which Cassie learns can transport her back to the past. She can visit places, and people, she has loved.

But she soon gets caught up in violence and is in danger because this is not the only magical book and the Woman will stop at nothing to get new books. There is a Book of Despair, of Pain, of Joy etc and it is imperative the Woman does not get a complete library.

Simply and easily told. I wondered if this was intended as Young Adult fiction. Lots of ideas for younger readers to enjoy. Would make a good tv series.

I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers but my views are my own.

Loved this book. Read it over 2 days and so enjoyed it. The story of the Books, Cassie, Izzy, Drummond, Lund, Mr Webber and all the characters captivated me. Magical, thoughtful, highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review

Loved it! A lot of books usually either have a super good beginning or an amazing end. It's pretty rare for me to find one that has both but this defiantly had such a great beginning and all the way through pace that kept me wanting to keep reading like crazy!

This is a very very good book. It’s a hefty read which allows the reader to become truly immersed into this magical world with intriguing evil villains.
The first chapter hints at a promise of adventure and mystery and that’s exactly what is delivered. The plot is clever, absorbing and original and leads to a finale that is just perfect. Definitely a best seller coming and I wish the author every success. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this advance review copy.

This is a clever and original YA novel which is also very enjoyable for adults.
The characters are well developed and it's well plotted with an easy writing style.
There are books with magical powers, good versus evil, and time travel. Novels that have time travel can sometimes be confusing, but the way it was done here it was very easy to follow.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

Firstly thank you Netgalley and Gareth Brown in letting me read this ARC. I chose to read this book because of the blurb and the cover and I'm so glad I did. The cover does the story line justice. Just that hint of what's inshore for you and where you are going to be whisked away!

What I loved about the book in general was the journey that Cassie went on, and the deeper meaning of her own life. Her friends and the characters she meets along the way are very well described. Making them individual, 3D with their own idiosyncrisies. There is a good balance of good v evil within the narrative which works well. Which leads me into stating that this book can and probably will be quite emotive to some people. It certainly had me welling up in places and the ending did make me cry..

The world building was done well considering the journey took you to few places behind different doors. I felt like I stepped through to a new place with Cassie. Each place, was described atmospherically.

The writing at the beginning of the book feels a little jumpy but within a few chapters, Gareth found a flow and it carried on through the rest of the book. Considering this is an ARC, once defined and polished. Its definitely going to be a little gem of a book!

I really enjoyed this book, it was not what I was expecting though. Not in a bad way! One thing I have to say is that the 1st half feels a bit off with the writing, there is a lot of repetitiveness that I felt was not necessarily, and a lot of over describing of whatever the characters was doing, like step by step how they picked up a tea mug. But either it got better in 2nd half or I stopped noticing it, because 2nd half definitely felt more smooth like author gained a lot more confidence in writing [not a writer myself, especially not in English, it is just my personal feeling while reading]. I am not saying the 1st half was badly written by any means just bit clunky here and there. Story itself was really well thought through, at 1st i felt like I will have a lot of questions when I am done, but nope, they were all answered and made sense. Even when it was starting to get a bit confused. It was truly a magical adventure to go through with our main character but also scary at times and dangerous and I loved that. I do struggle with grasping one thing though, the books creation event, considering how time travel is approached in here... in my head it doesn't work. But maybe I missed something. I will definitely be buying physical book when it is released and will be re-reading it then. Highly reccomend <3

What a wonderful book about magical books. This was completely engaging, the writing and story flowed nicely while the characters and plot were well written
I devoured this in a couple of days as I enjoyed it so much

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc