Member Reviews

The Book of Doors is a journey of illusion and mystery. From the very beginning you are taken on an adventure where truth is distorted and belief is suspended.
I loved the idea of the different books and how they each had the power within them to manipulate and change things. Such a clever idea to use the physical form of the written word to hold such magic.
Cassie is a wonderful main character- her love of all things bookish so evident in her grasp for new adventures.
This is a story of friendship, of love and of grief and how it can make us stronger as we learn to live from the actions and stories of the past.

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DNF @ 64%

I had such high hopes for this book but unfortunately, it had a lot of issues.

To start with the good, the concept was excellent. Such an interesting idea that drew me in completely and made me excited to read the story.

The not so good list is quite a bit longer.
I DNF’d at 64% for a few reasons - I was really struggling to stay interested in the story and as a result of that, didn’t really care what the outcome was. The obsession with food throughout the book was genuinely bizarre and a little concerning. The body shaming comments towards women were completely unnecessary. The racist slurs used (later in the book which I heard about from other reviewers) were again, completely unnecessary and if the writer has to resort to including those to make a character a villain, they should possibly consider another career.

Overall the bad far outweighed the good for me and having taken 4 days to get 64%, I felt I’d given it enough of a chance and have come to the realisation that this book isn’t for me.

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The Book of Doors is a truly enjoyable read. Gareth Brown skilfully weaves together wonder and magic for this tale. I would recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown 

Thank you Netgalley for the arc for an unbiased review.

This book is undoubtedly one some will enjoy. Indeed, it ticked off a lot of my preferences in the genre. 

And then it all began falling apart as I started reading. I was initially drawn into learning more about Cassie, the fmc. But on the introduction of Izzy, some of the unease I had on how the author was bringing in stereotypical tropes for women only began to increase.

The plot began to become overly lacklustre with pacing issues that were as up and down as much the book seemed to be. One minute I could enjoy something written, only to have it blown apart in the next sentence or paragraph. 

However, what really made the book stop being enjoyable, no matter how little I was gaining at this point, was the use of one bad guys outright racism, bigotry, misogyny and emotional brutality, that was frankly not at all needed. Some books that tackle certain subjects can use these as plotpoints. 

This is NOT that kind of book in my opinion. What on earth processed the author to write what he did I don't know? Or honestly why someone in the publishing team didn't flag it up as a poor idea! 

I did push myself to finish, but the book was ultimately ruined for me. Had I not got a review to write, I would have done something that is rare for me, with it becoming a DNF. As it was, I slogged through the rest, but nothing was able to pull it back for me. 

1 out of 5 stars and truthfully I have no regrets giving it such a low score.

Not a book I will bother with again, nor recommend. 

⭐️

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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