I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

Wonderful, wonderful read. Fantastic plot, great characters and a writer that can weave magic. This needs to be a great success and I’m sure will be bought up by a film company. I loved it!

The Book of Doors
Fantasy
Gareth Brown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ʀᴇꜱɪʟɪᴇɴᴄᴇ • ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ • ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ •

I need to start this review by saying that I would give this book more stars, if I could. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every minute of it!

This book was just magical and in a way, each book we read becomes our own Book of Doors. We can escape to any world we can imagine.

I loved the different POVs and the alternating timelines. The pacing was slow to begin with but I actually think that was the right way to start this book. It soon started to snowball and I think easing into that made it a lot easier to understand.

The world building was beautifully done. It was intricate and detailed without using info dumps. The plot itself was woven together in an incredible way. I loved how the simple things would go on to play a big role later on when situations changed.

This was essentially an arms race but with magical books.

The characters were lovely, especially Cassie and Drummond. The scene with Cassie and her Grandfather made me cry so much.

This book can easily make you question just how much of our lives has already been mapped out and how certain things are meant to be.

I did predict a couple of plot twists but the way they unravelled was great.

If you liked The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue then I really recommend this book. The vibes are similar and there are times when it's heart wrenching but it's also about hope, perseverance and cherishing the relationships made along the way.

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the publishers and @garethjbrown13 for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

This is one of the best, most thought provoking, fantasy books I have read for a long time. There is magic, wonder, time travel, a struggle between good and evil forces as well as the importance of friendship and kindness.

Cassie Andrews is leading an ordinary life in New York. A life-long book lover, she has her dream job, working in a book shop and shares a small apartment with her best friend Izzy. However, when an elderly man she has befriended in the bookshop passes away and leaves her a very special magical book, The Book of Doors, her world is about to change forever in ways that she couldn’t possibly imagine. And she has no idea how much danger she is in.

This was so much more than I was expecting, especially given this is the author’s debut novel. The characters are delightfully flawed and quirky, even the evil ones and the plot is full of unexpected moments and twists, sometimes folding back on itself to create a different perspective, but never losing momentum or becoming too complex to follow. Not too heavy on overly long explanations, it’s intelligently and imaginatively written while maintaining a light touch and a sprinkling of romance.

"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown takes readers on an extraordinary adventure alongside Cassie, a bookseller who unexpectedly receives a powerful gift in the form of a book from a dying customer.

As Cassie explores the incredible potential of her newfound possession, she discovers that she's not alone in her pursuit of its powers: bookhunters, librarians, and other dubious characters are equally intrigued by the book's unique properties. With her roommate Izzy by her side, Cassie embarks on a series of thrilling escapades, unaware of the perilous risks they're venturing into. Enter Drummond Fox, a wise librarian who becomes Cassie's guide, determined to make her aware of the dangers they face. Sinister forces lurk in the shadows, ready to go to any lengths to claim the coveted book.

While the story initially takes a gentle approach, it gradually gains momentum as Cassie unveils more about herself and the various secrets surrounding this magical book. However, towards the end, following an exhilarating auction, I found the pace to drag slightly. It lost a bit of its initial appeal. It no longer had the same captivating quality that initially drew me in, and I found myself wanting a more succinct conclusion. Trimming about 100 pages would have improved the overall flow. At times it felt like Brown was aiming at a Young Adult audience, other times at an Adult audience - I was a little confused. Nevertheless, Gareth Brown did an impressive job crafting a complex plot.

In terms of language, I found certain aspects of the story uncomfortable. I believe there could have been alternative approaches to convey one of the villains wickedness without relying on old fashioned derogatory language. It felt a little gratuitous. Specifically, a moment where a character suggests that it's acceptable to behave poorly among "us boys" was disheartening, it really did make me wince. Unfortunately, that detracted from my overall storytelling experience. I also noticed instances of insensitivity towards body image, which I feel it could have been approached with more care and understanding.

Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Gareth Brown for the arc

Oh wow. What an absolutely brilliant novel. I think it’s the best book I have read for ages. So well written, fast paced and dramatic. A total joy to read. It was one of those rare books that I raced through but equally didn’t want to finish. I would definitely award more than 5 stars if I could. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

A well written story with some great characters. This magical book is ideal for YA and teens. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy.

This was such an enjoyable read.

I loved the premise of it and how it clearly came from a person who loves books and the power that they can hold. And oh boy did these books hold some power.

I really enjoyed the set up of this book and how it layered itself up and drew you in as a reader. It slowly peeled itself back and revealed more and more and thickened the plot. Sometimes I really struggle to keep on top of stories that involve time travel but I thought this handled it really well in a way that kept everything straight.

There were a lot of twist and turns in this book really kept me guessing and it made it a really fun read. That final twist made me gasp out loud.

This was such a solid read that kept me hooked and demanded that I read it in two sittings and I would thoroughly recommend it.

The Book of Doors seamlessly blends magic, time travel, adventure, and romance into one stunning read. The story follows Cassie and Izzy as they are unexpectedly thrust into a world of violence and danger after Cassie inherits a mysterious book, which possess magical powers and allows them to travel to anywhere in the world by visualising the destination, opening the door and stepping through.
A fabulous debut!!

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a page turning magical mystery that I absolutely loved. What if any door could be every door, so that you could walk out the door of your house and find yourself in a bar in Tokyo or a cafe in Italy, wherever the mood takes you?
Bookseller Cassie Andrews is living a pretty unremarkable life in New York, she enjoys her job and is happy living with her room mate and best friend Izzy. When a regular customer dies in the store one evening Cassie is surprised to find that he has left her a book. At first she is perplexed by the inscription on the opening pages, and by the strange scribblings and drawings of doors within, but soon she discovers the book has a strange power, the ability to transport the person holding it to wherever they can visualise. At first this is a fun escapade for Cassie and Izzy, but they are in over their heads. The Book of Doors is not the only magical book in existence and there is a very high demand for these books among some very unsavoury people, and some of these people have Cassie and her book very firmly in their sights. Luckily help arrives in the form of Drummond Fox, a mysterious character who is seemingly dedicated to protecting and preserving the books, and keeping them out of more dangerous hands. But can he be trusted?
I loved the premise of this book so much, it is very immersive and captivated my attention to the point that I was reluctant to put it down. The magic system is deceptively simple but works remarkably well, and I loved that the intention of the user played a large part in how the books worked e.g. the Book of Pain could be used to cause unimaginable pain in the hands of one user while another could use it to alleviate pain in those suffering. It made me think about how very little in life is simply black or white, there are always shades of grey. This is a book that is not afraid to tackle some dark subjects and there are some descriptions of suffering and torture that are not for the faint hearted, but that being said it is still a book that I would highly recommend, particularly if you like beautifully written tightly plotted adventure stories told from multiple perspectives.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

There is a lot to love about The Book of Doors. I loved exploring the world of magical books, discovering each new book and what it could do. I loved the tension of the battles as people fought to take the books from other people.
I thought there were a couple of loose ends and Cassie’s dialogue was a bit clunky in places. However that didn’t detract from my over all enjoyment of the book. I would love to read another book set in this clever world.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Since I am chronically ill, having adventures in real life is not always possible. But books are a way of having adventures and traveling I can enjoy without limits. Wherever I wanna go, whatever place I wanna visit, there is a book somewhere taking me there. So, a book about a book that literally turns a door into a door anywhere in the world. I had to read it. Luckily Random House UK granted me a review copy via Netgalley.

This book was everything I had hoped it would be and maybe even a little more. I of course don't wanna give too much away, but a lot of thought has gone into this book and I love how during the finale more and more things started to make sense and more and more questions were answered. And since the author has made everything quite complicated, it's quite impressive that he managed to bring everything together so nicely.

And that's mostly because the mythology in this book makes sense. And without the author needing lengthy info-dumps to explain everything. Of course, at times characters are answering questions and offering some explanations, but it all feels very natural. I especially loved how well thought out the Book of Doors was. The moment we discover what it can truly do, we understand why the entire world is after it.

I also liked the different kinds of characters in this book. The author is introducing quite a lot of players and characters, but since most of them get at least one point of view chapter in the book it was never hard to keep everyone apart. I was especially happy that Izzy was a lot more than just the best friend. My one complaint would be that the villain felt a little too villainous for most of the story, but even that was explained in the end.

Although this story perfectly works as a stand-alone, I wouldn't be against more books set in this world!

I'm glad I discovered this little gem of a book! The Book of Doors focuses on Cassie and how she stumbles into the world of magical books when she discovers the mystical book of doors. It propels both her and her best friend Izzy into a dangerous yet wonderous life where some people will literally kill to get their hands on the legendary, magical books.
There's so much heart in this novel as Cassie learns to navigate her way through her new life. I really enjoyed the premise for the book and enjoyed all the various aspects of magic systems being thrown in there. A few issues stopped this from being a 5 star book. One was with the pacing that felt quite slow at times and parts of the narrative seemed to drag. The other was the MC of Cassie who just seemed to grate on my nerves. I liked Drummond's character the most as he came across as more well fleshed out and warm.
This is a book for those who like Addie LaRue and the Night Circus.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced copy,
This book surprisingly was really good, especially the writing style

I’m not quite sure what I was expecting when I started reading this, but it wasn’t this! Books to me talk of hugs and warmth and this is how it starts but it soon gets very dark and at times chillingly graphic. Cassie Andrews works in a New York bookstore. One of her regular customer’s dies in the store and leaves her a book, inscribed to her. But this is no ordinary book. Cassie soon discovers the secret of The Book of Doors and along with her friend Izzy starts exploring. But it’s not long before their harmless fun comes to the ears of some very unsavoury characters. Really well written fantasy tale with a great and engaging plot and fantastic characters.

Briefly, the Book of Doors is just one of any number of books that all bestow different powers on whoever owns it and there are merciless people willing to do anything, and I mean anything, to possess more of the books. Cassie and Izzy are soon in serious danger and their only hope is the mysterious Drummond Fox who himself owns a library of these books, collecting them to keep them out of the hands of anyone who will use them for nefarious purposes.

Parts of this are brutal! This author has one vidid imagination! But it’s not all about the books and the search for them but also about love, relationships and grief. Cassie has had more than her fair share of the latter; I loved the relationship she clearly had with her grandfather and later with Mr Webber but with love comes the sadness of loss when they are no longer with you. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.

I must confess I'm not into fantasy at all, but what made me request a review copy was when reading the blurb, it mentions 'Time Travel' now, I'm a huge fan of time travel (even if I don't half understand it). I'm so glad I read this fantastic world building, original story (for me anyways).

Cassie Andrews, a bookseller in New York City, receives an unexpected gift from a beloved customer, completely changing her unassuming life. It's a book, but not just any book - it's filled with peculiar writing and enigmatic drawings. Right at the beginning of the book, there's a handwritten message to Cassie, stating that any door is every door in the Book of Doors. Cassie's discovery of the Book of Doors reveals its incredible ability to grant extraordinary powers, leading her and her best friend Izzy into a thrilling exploration of unlimited travel possibilities.

Nevertheless, the Book of Doors is not the solitary magical book in the world. Cassie now possesses something that dangerous and ruthless individuals covet - other books capable of incredible and horrifying deeds. In a sudden turn of events, Cassie and Izzy are faced with violence and danger, with Drummond Fox appearing as their only possible saviour. He is an individual escaping from his personal demons - a man who possesses a hidden collection of mystical books, safeguarded in the darkness. All of them are being hunted by an unknown malevolence.

Gareth Brown's skilful storytelling merges time travel and magic, urging readers to expand their perception of reality and embrace the limitless capabilities of the human spirit. As Cassie sets out on her journey, her character undergoes a remarkable transformation, maturing from a curious and inexperienced young woman into a formidable and self-assured individual. Prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster as this story tugs at your heartstrings, evoking sadness, happiness, anxiety, and more. It's an exciting story packed with adventure, intrigue, suspense, and a touch of horror.

Many thanks to @GarethJohnBrown @TransworldBooks & @NetGalley for this fantastic story.

"This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door."

When one of the elderly customers at the bookstore Cassie works at dies, he leaves her a very peculiar gift. Next to him, she finds a book with strange writing and drawings, called 'The Book of Doors', addressed to her.

That night she's able to create portals to go to places she's visited before, all across Europe. Her roommate Izzy thinks the book might be dangerous, and that it shouldn't be used. Until a mysterious Scotsman named Drummond Fox falls into their lives, warning them they're in grave danger, just before a man who would do almost anything for the book, arrives with magical books of his own.

Cassie learns of Drummond's library, which holds not just thousands of ordinary books, but 17 magical ones, all with different abilities, he tries to keep them safe and out of the hands of those who would misuse them. Like 'The Woman', a cruel and evil creature who wishes to have all the books for herself, and enjoys causing absolute pain and misery in her quest to do so.

Initially, I was a bit worried that I wasn't feeling the kind of amazement that a book like this should make me feel – a book about how books are magical. The pacing was a bit odd at the beginning and I struggled to connect with Cassie. I feel like the author could have made her even deeper and more flawed than he did – she's been through a lot in her life, after all. I also felt Drummond could have been more fleshed out. That said, I really enjoyed the plot and concept of the book. A little twist somewhere along the line could have worked nicely, just to keep us on our toes, but overall an enjoyable read.

When Cassie, a bibliophile bookstore assistant in New York City, is given a strange book by a regular customer, her life changes. The ‘Book of Doors’ she soon discovers can make any door connect with any other door and so her world changes.
This is an incredibly inventive story which manages to include inter-continental travel, time travel, mind boggling paradoxes and all sorts of magic on the way as it tells the story of Cassie and a group of friends trying to keep the book out of the hands of those who would use it to do seriously bad things. I liked the way that time travel is handled and that an explanation of why the past cannot be changed is included early on. There were numerous paradoxes which appeared but all were resolved very neatly so there were no loose ends.
Early in the story we discover that the Book of Doors is only one of an unspecified number of other ‘Special Books’ which are much sought after and change hands for huge sums. Some of these make an appearance in the story but it is clear that by no means all of them feature in this tale.
Some sections of the story had an almost ‘Back to the Future’ feel as more and more versions of the same character turned up in the same locations waiting for events to happen before they could then carry on with the plan.
The whole story had a cinematic feel to it and I could easily see it translated to the big screen or as a TV story and, although the book is very much a standalone tale I could think of at least five different threads that the author could follow for a sequel (or series of sequels) should he wish to do so.
The only section which I felt was weak was the dream like sequence about two thirds of the way through the book. Although the language used was lyrical and a picture was clearly painted of the ‘Everywhere Nowhere’ I thought that it did not fit in well with the rest of the story. Cassie is very much a ‘matter of fact’ character and I would have preferred this section to have been written in the same tone. In my opinion the events would still have been clear to the reader without the jarring change of style (although it could be argued that this was a deliberate decision to match the jarring change of location).
All the characters feel very well drawn and individual. By the end they form a ‘well balanced party’ with differing skill sets which will all be required if they are to save the day. The writing made it very easy to picture and hear the characters as we moved through the story which I think, would allow easy translation to script form should a visual version ever be considered.
Overall though I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I hope that we will hear more about the books in the future.
Thanks to Random House UK for a review copy.

This book really surprised me and I found it very unexpected. It's an urban fantasy that takes place mostly in New York as we follow Cassie who is left a book that can open doors everywhere. Upon trying to find out more about this magical book, she and her friend are thrust into a world of danger and atrocities.

It went a lot darker then I was expecting as the tone of the book felt light hearted at the beginning, but I didn't mind as it reflected the reality of magical tomes in the hands of those with, lets just say..... not so nice thoughts.

A few unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages and I liked what the author did with time travel, but I feel like there was a little bit to be desired with the magic system. Although bare in mind I am someone who reads fantasy series rather then standalones.

Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend to those who enjoy urban fantasy standalones that have mysterious magic.

Thank you to Random House for providing me with a DRC!!

The Book of Doors is a love letter to readers who wish they could open a door and be whisked away to their favourite fictional worlds. Time travel within books can often make me vary, however author Gareth Brown has effortlessly weaved a beautiful and riveting tale exploring the theme of grief and humanity that readers will be unable to put down. I have to agree with my fellow reviewers that this is a story that would make an incredible live adaption on TV, and this is something I truly hope to see come to life. I look forward to recommending this book upon release.