I have said to my bookish friends that at the moment there seems to be a surge of books based around libraries, magical books, and combinations of both. Book of Doors does not disappoint. Fresh from reading The Invisible Library I picked this one up to continue getting my fix of magical books and libraries and I loved it. The novel was gripping and Gareth does a fantastic job of giving us an enthralling story. This Fantasy story has a bit of everything inside, action, tension, fantastical and amazing books, and captivating characters. It will suit all types of readers. Given this is a debut novel I am looking forward to reading more from Gareth.

I am grateful to Netgalley and Random House for sending me an eArc of this book so I could leave an honest review. It was so good I made sure I pre-ordered a signed copy to add to my library, which arrived today.

Many years ago I remember reading a fantasy book, The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and found it an amazing book and something completely different from the crime fiction that I normally read. I had exactly the same kind of experience with this book. It is quite a long read with a number of characters and stories involved but the author brings everything to life with his descriptive and emotive way of writing.
The story is quite dark and eerie at times but there is a lot of emotion, love and building of lifelong friendships within the book. There is also a lot of evil goes one and it does make you think about what power does to people, how they can change their attitudes and how sometimes money and power overcomes everything. There are certainly a lot of true events that you could link in to similar real events but in a fantasy world.
In this book you will read snippets of information that you will not really think about but later in the book the connections will come through which shows the excellent planning and storytelling of the author.
Whatever you normally read do give this a try as it is a book with a lot to give.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Uk and the author, for providing me with an advanced, elctronic, review copy of this book in return for a honest unbiased review,
The book is now available in various formats.

Oh, my word, I don't really know to start reviewing this awesome book! It's just amazing and thrilling and dangerous and so exciting I had to keep putting it down and having a rest because my heart was racing so much! Cassie and her like minded friends had so many adventures and I really hope there will be a sequel

This book had me in absolute tears and I honestly loved everything about it. This was such a magical and addictive read that I just could not put it down.

The plot is somewhat complex and I was worried at the beginning that I was missing something but then it all just started clicking into place and the everything was just wrapped up so perfectly. Any question I had was answered and explained so clearly that I couldn't believe I hadn't figured it out earlier. Gareth Brown has this amazing way of writing that just has you on the edge of your seat, falling in love with these characters and rooting for them throughout.

Honestly I don't want to spoil this book but if you're considering this one take this as your sign to pick it up! The whole premise of this book was just brilliant and I have not stopped thinking about how much I loved this one. Just go read it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Time Travelling Fantasy Marvel

This enchanting story follows Cassie and her best friend Izzy on a journey of discoveries after receiving a gift of an unusual and powerful book. They encounter an eclectic mix of characters and form unlikely friendships along the way.

This is really clever storytelling with creative characters that bring you joy and sadness.

A time travelling fantasy adventure with a sprinkling of magic!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for this ARC.

I just loved reading this book, I did find it a bit slow to start and was slightly annoyed by the main character Cassie at first however she really grew into herself as the book moves on and becomes quite a lovable heroine.
The friendship between Cassie and Izzy is for me quite central to the story and it was nice to see it blossom and know what Cassie and indeed Izzy would endure for her friend.
My favourite character I have to admit was Drummond Fox - the library keeper - the loner who gave up a decade of happiness for the betterment of all. It was heartwarming to see him develop and become an integral part of the lives of Cassie and the others, to learn to trust again and gain friendships.
The book of doors - a magical book that can take you literally through any door, thought to be a myth but ends up in the possession of Cassie who soon learns that other magical books exist and that there are people who would go to the darkest depths to collect them all.
Perfect for fans of the discovery of witches.

I found this book exciting, unputdownable and different. At first I assumed it would be another Midnight Library but it’s much more than that; there are multiple books with multiple powers, likeable characters and a storyline I just couldn’t predict. It’s not perfect - the end is quite rushed after such a detailed story, and it’s a little difficult at times to work out which character is where and when.
Thank you to Netgalley for the book. I’d be happy to recommend it.

A book about magical books? Yes please! This book has such an intriguing premise, I was excited to read it. Thank you Random House UK for granting my request for a review copy of this marvellous book.

Cassie is a Bookseller, living a quiet life in New York, when she comes into possession of an unusual book. The book is full of strange writing and drawings and a personal message to Cassie that "any door is every door". Fascinated by the book Cassie and best friend Izzy soon discover that the book can open doors to anywhere they want, and anywhen they want. And so the magic begins, as does the danger.

I love books about magic, especially when they involve magical libraries. However I'm always a bit dubious when time travel is involved. Gareth Brown does an amazing job dealing with the concept in a smart and original way. There were plenty of "aha moments" for me when little nuggets of information are revealed. This is impressive writing indeed.

This book has a little something for everyone as its a blend of fantasy, adventure, action, thriller, horror, and even a hint of romance. It has a cast of great characters, some you love and some you hate. It also has an amazing cover. All in all a perfect debut novel.

Do you love books about books? Fantasy elements? Time Travel? Then stop reading my review and read this book!!!

An excellent book with a truly brilliant magical element. Cassie finds the book of doors which enables her to go where ever her imagination can take her. However, she does not know that this is one of a series of books that gives the owner incredible powers. Unfortunately, there is an underworld of book hunters and owners who will do anything to own more of these books, and some of them are pure evil. A real page turner with lovely human elements in Cassie’s backstory. I just couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

I can definitely see why a lot of people are enjoying this. Moving from place to place, character to character, timeline to timeline - there's much going on here. It's an impressive balancing act from Gareth Brown, to keep the pacing up and everything moving forward. There's an entire fantasy system at work here. And it works well.

Being honest, this isn't my genre so I found it tricky to get into. There was just enough to keep my intrigued. Outside of the fantasy element, I really cared about Cassie's connection to the people around her. It really has love and hope at its core. That's what I'll take away in the end.

I definitely had mixed feelings about this book. I am not a fan of fantasy books but it definitely held my attention - the idea of books being capable of bringing happiness, safety, pain etc and then a book that can transport you through time. As with all things it depends in whose hands they are as to whether they are good or evil.
Much of the book was fascinating with characters who were well drawn and rounded. I did feel it was a little overlong and lost its way a little at times It was not always easy to follow the time lines of the characters who were thrown back in time. That Cassie was at the root of it all was also confusing.
Nevertheless a very interesting read.
Three and a half stars for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Gareth Brown/Random House UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

"The Book of Doors" is a delightful adventure that transports you to a world of magic, wonder, and bittersweet moments. The protagonist, Cassie, embarks on a thrilling journey of discovery when she comes across a magical book that can unlock doors to any place she desires. However, as she delves deeper into the world of magical books, she realizes the dangers that lurk within, and the lengths to which some would go to obtain them.

Despite the book's many enjoyable aspects, I found the pacing a little uneven at times. Additionally, some parts of the story felt too convenient and contrived, resulting in some loose threads being tied up too quickly. Nevertheless, I appreciate the author's efforts in crafting a magical and intriguing world that captures the imagination.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley and Random House Uk for providing me with an ARC, which allowed me to provide my honest review of the book.

As a rule, I don’t read fantasy but for some reason I was drawn to this book. The gorgeous cover was certainly a reason to investigate further & as for the tagline…

Cassie Andrews works in a New York bookstore & when one of her regular customers die they leave her an inscribed book. The Book of Doors is no ordinary tome as Cassie & her friend, Izzy, soon discover. The book is one of several in existence which can bestow different powers upon whoever possess them. It is sought after & Cassie has to join forces with Drummond Fox, a collection owner, in order to protect herself, & her friend as well as the book itself, from those who wish to use it for nefarious purposes.

What a remarkable read! Instantly transported to other worlds through the power of thought, that sums up a reader doesn’t it? The characters are well written & the plot fleshed out, not just the mysterious books but the whole gamut of emotions are wrought. If you want something different, read it.

The premise of this book was interesting but sadly the book itself was not. I read half of it then decided life was too short. The writing style is expository to the point of inanity, with every point laboured. It’s all tell, no show. Unfortunately I found it too long-winded and boring to bother finishing it.

The story:
Cassie has a pretty ordinary life, working at a job she enjoys in a bookshop in New York and sharing a tiny flat with her best friend Izzy. But when she is gifted a mysterious book by an elderly customer, her life is suddenly one of both wonder and danger. Because in the hands of its owner, the Book of Doors can make any door, every door. And in the wrong hands, that could be very dangerous indeed…

My thoughts:
“The Book of Doors” is author Gareth Brown’s debut novel, and I think it’s a pretty impressive one!

The story begins in modern-day New York with Cassie gifted a mysterious book by an old man she barely knows who frequents the bookshop she works in. Inside is a mysterious message and Cassie soon discovers that this book is something very special indeed. It has the ability to make any door, every door — in other words, it is a ticket to any where and, importantly to the story, any when.

The cast of characters gradually expands as we meet Cassie’s fun-loving best friend Izzy, followed by ‘the librarian’ Drummond Fox, and a series of ‘book hunters’ — some nice, and some very, very bad. Because Cassie’s book, the Book of Doors, is not the only special book in the world — and a very enjoyable part of this book for me was the array of books we are introduced to, all with unique and magical properties, from the ability to conjure illusions to the creation of pure joy.

But not all of the books are used for good — books of pain and despair are also among their number. And of the many people who want to get their hands on a book, there is one — known to those in the know only as ‘the Woman’ — who will stop at nothing to gather them all, and use them to inflict misery and pain on the world.

The plotting of this book is amazing — there’s nothing the author has forgotten, or short changes the reader over. And that’s no mean feat, given all the plot strands he needs to tie together, including multiple time loops that could easily have made the plot too complex to follow. Instead, it’s a fabulous adventure, with twists and pay-offs I didn’t see coming and a hugely satisfying conclusion.

This is a book about books, for people who love books and adventure (even if it’s from the safety of your favourite reading spot). Enjoy!

This is a magical and dark journey across place and time all thanks to a book that one of Cassie's customers leaves to her whilst working in a bookshop. Together with her best friend Izzy they discover this special book can take them anywhere they want to go - at first this is great fun - let's go to a bar, to Paris, to Venice! But things take a dark turn when it becomes clear there are other people searching for this book, and some of them have magical books of their own and will stopat nothing to own more of them.

When Cassie Andrew's favourite customer gives her a strange book she is confused at first. It's an unusual book full of strange drawing and script, and has an even stranger inscription at the front of it: 'Any door is every door'. Cassie and her friend Izzy start to learn the secrets of the Book of Doors, and very quickly draw the attention of book collectors worldwide, some of whom are very dangerous people. With the help of Drummond Fox, owner of the Fox library and several special books, Cassie and Izzy are about to face the fight of their lives.

I loved everything about this book. It was exactly the book I needed when I opened it, full of magic and wonder, and a world very cleverly constructed.

Cassie is a troubled protagonist, a young woman struggling with grief and not really living her life. Throughout the course of the book we see her start to process some of what has happened to her, whilst facing yet more difficulties. I enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the book. Drummond is similar, a man struggling with his past and the horrors he has seen, not yet willing to face up to them. Both characters seem to be inherantly good people though, and are easy to read about.

THe real magic of this book though is in the story and storytelling. The concept fascinated me (as I'm sure it will most book lovers!) Imagine having a book that would let you travel anywhere anytime! The idea of having books with such power was what caught my attention, but the time travel aspect of the Book of Doors took things to another level for me.

Brown does a fantastic job with this one with making sure his time travel rules are sound, and that no loopholes are left open. He ties everything together, and I very much enjoyed the cyclical nature of the story and the way that certain things had to happen.

It's only February, but I'm already sure that this will end up being one of my favourite books of the year.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House UK and Transworld Publishers for an arc in exchance for an honest review.

For the most part this was a really enjoyable read. I loved the idea of books wielding powers to be an exciting and intriguing premise.
Cassie comes into possession of the Book of Doors early in the story and what ensues is a tale of time travel, found family and friendship culminating in a good vs evil finale.
I liked the characters although I felt they were a little one dimensional and sadly found Izzy quite irritating. Disappointed that being ‘beautiful’ often cropped up as a positive female attribute.
I felt the ending did well to tie up the connections and set the scene for more stories in this world and I would easily read more.

Cassie is just living her life working in a bookstore, with a friendly regular customer, and is gifted a book by him... The Book of Doors

Cassie returns home and she and her Roommate Izzy are about to discover just how magical a book can be, but they could not imagine the danger that comes with it!

This book was amazing, it was high stakes and plotting and planning, and seeing all the bits fall into place as the story processes was so much fun!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the review copy... out tomorrow and I cannot wait for more people to find this book!