The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

Description
A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for fans 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.

Darling Doors

Rarely do I encounter a book that leaves me yearning to dive back into its pages immediately upon finishing. Gareth Brown's “The Book of Doors” falls squarely into that exceptional category. As someone still navigating the realms of fantasy literature, time-travel narratives often prove hit or miss for me. However, from the moment I laid eyes on the title, I found myself inexorably drawn into Brown's enchanting world.

At the heart of the story lies Cassie, a character who resonated deeply with me, reflecting facets of my own journey. Witnessing her evolution and resilience throughout the narrative filled me with an immense sense of pride. Her dynamic relationship with Izzy, characterized by their stark differences yet undeniable synergy, added layers of depth to the story. Similarly, the subtle yet electrifying chemistry between Cassie and Drummond enriched the narrative without overshadowing its essence.

What truly sets “The Book of Doors” apart is its meticulous world-building, anchored by a sophisticated magic system revolving around mystical tomes. Brown's modern setting seamlessly integrates with the intricacies of this magical realm, captivating readers with its immersive detail. Each character possesses a distinct voice and personality, contributing to the narrative's richness and authenticity.

Throughout the book, I found myself enraptured by the relentless action and unexpected plot twists. Moments of clarity illuminated the storyline, while others left me reeling, necessitating moments of quiet reflection to absorb the magnitude of what I had just read. In my eyes, “The Book of Doors” stands as a masterpiece of the time-travel genre, showcasing Brown's remarkable storytelling prowess.

As a debut novel, “The Book of Doors” heralds the arrival of a formidable literary talent. I eagerly await Brown's future endeavors, eager to see where his boundless imagination leads. This book has left an indelible mark on me, its impact destined to linger in my thoughts for years to come.

I really loved the idea of this book, but unfortunately it was a bit boring. I felt that it was lacking a lot of potential wonder and magic that could have been fleshed out a bit better. I kept finding myself stopping and starting the book which is not typical for me as a reader. It just didn't hold my attention. I will give it another go once it's published as I still hold out hope for this book as it reminds of the the Librarian movies series meets a myraid of characters.