A Secret Library Adventure in ‘The Book of Doors’
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Do you want to hear a story? The story of a debut novel full of wonder, about a bookseller who discovers the power of books. Deciding if they hold magic. And, unraveling the mystery behind one particular book. Here’s another question. If you could open a door to anywhere where would you go?
When an elderly customer dies at New York City’s bookshop, Kellner Books; Cassie Andrews finds herself in a situation she would never have dreamt of in her wildest of dreams. Cassie knew John Webber as a friend. Often coming to the bookstore to sit and read his favorite works with a cup of coffee in hand. On the night of his death, he has a special book; a small, leather-bound book in a language Cassie doesn’t recognize. Filled to the brim with mysterious drawings of doors and scribbles of words. There are only a few words in English on the first page: “This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.” And then: “Cassie, This book is for you, a gift in thanks for your kindness.”
Later that night Cassie shows the find to her best friend and roommate Izzy, who’s rightfully scared of what the book can do. And yet, despite reservations Cassie is enamored with the magical book soon opening doors to faraway places. Naturally, a book this powerful people are vying for it right? Soon enough Cassie and Izzy find themselves entangled in the underground world of rare book collecting.
“The best place to enjoy a stormy night is in a warm room with a book in your lap,”
Enter Drummond Fox. Known as the enigmatic Librarian, he emerges from the shadows, drawn by the allure of Cassie’s newfound ability. Armed with his own Book of Luck, Drummond guides Cassie through the perilous landscape of magical tomes and hidden agendas, as he keeps watch over her. Yet, lurking in the shadows is “the woman,” a mysterious figure whose intentions are shrouded in darkness.
As Cassie delves deeper into the mysteries of the Book of Doors, she discovers its profound influence over time itself. Past, present, and future collide in a mesmerizing tapestry of cause and effect, where every choice reverberates across the ages. Fans of enchanting narratives like “The Night Circus”, “The Midnight Library”, and “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” will be captivated by Brown’s intricate world-building and compelling characters.

Title: The Book of Doors
Author: Gareth Brown
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice Rating: 0 chili peppers
My Thoughts on The Book of Doors
I must admit I thought this book was amazing. Bolstered by the fact that “The Book of Doors” is a debut novel. I must also admit that it did take a little bit to get fully immersed in the story, despite my initial intrigue in the first chapters and the premise of the story. But once you are drawn into Cassie’s world(s) you are fully suspended within the pages of the book.
Speaking of the premise. As a bibliophile, I love the idea that a book can essentially transport you into another world. Because that’s what they do when you read them right? I mean if it’s a really good book! Taking the figurative transportation and making it a literal thing. And then building on that with things like The Book of Luck.
“This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.”
What’s more, is that the book is intricate when it comes to the plot. Weaving threads together that culminate into this grand story. With writing that is lush and descriptive without going over the top in building the layers of the story. The pacing often felt haphazard (this going back to the beginning of me saying it was hard to get into). I am not one for pacing that is too slow (my ADHD gets the better of me in those moments). But as mentioned once the tempo steadies and syncs with the story it is smooth sailing.
However, amidst the wonderment lies a darker truth. The narrative takes an unexpected turn as the veil of innocence is lifted to reveal the chilling reality of torture inflicted by “the woman” and her sinister arsenal of magical books. While these scenes may unsettle, perseverance leads to a conclusion that is both disorienting and deeply gratifying.
In “The Book of Doors,” Gareth Brown transcends the bounds of traditional storytelling, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of time, choice, and the enduring power of literature. Prepare to be spellbound as you journey through the pages of this captivating tale, where the past holds the key to the future, and every door opens a new world of possibilities.
“Happiness is not something you sit and wait for. You have to choose it and pursue it in spite of everything else. It’s not going to be given to you.”
Overall, I had a great time with the story and was bummed that The Book of Doors is a standalone. It was fantastical and thrilling, (and a bit bloody lol). *side note* I did hear word that the author is penning his next book which will also be The Book of (Something) and I have to say I can’t wait. I hope that Cassie and Drummond are in the next one. I highly recommend it if you are into books with time travel or are a fan of a story within a story like “The Starless Sea”.
Thank you so much to William Morrow for an eARC of The Book of Doors. And, check out The Book of Doors on Libro.fm or support an indie bookstore.
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