There’s nothing quite like the feeling of closing a book and immediately wanting to talk about it—and that’s exactly where I am with this latest read. Whether it left me reeling, reflective, or reaching for a sequel, this story made an impact worth sharing. In today’s review, I’m diving into what made this book stand out, what could’ve been stronger, and whether it deserves a spot on your TBR.
Title: The Book of Doors
By: Gareth Brown
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 404
Release Date: February 13th, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for readers of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.
Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading.
But this is no ordinary book…
It is the Book of Doors.
Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them.
Then she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes. The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them.
Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books. With only her roommate Izzy to confide in, she has to decide if she will help the mysterious and haunted Drummond protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there.
But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.
Review:
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a clever and imaginative debut that blends literary fantasy with a touch of thriller, opening a world of possibilities—quite literally. The concept of magical doors that transport users anywhere they envision is both whimsical and dangerous, and Brown explores it with thoughtful pacing and vivid storytelling. The characters are compelling, especially the quiet strength of the protagonist, though some plot threads could have used a bit more depth. Still, with its inventive premise and page-turning momentum, this novel is a delightful escape that’s easy to recommend.
No comments:
Post a Comment