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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I am not usually a fantasy reader but the combined historical fiction + fantasy grabbed me.
Could not put it down.
My hopes are that there is a sequel.
Could not put it down.
My hopes are that there is a sequel.
I honestly loved the blurb, but cannot say the same about the book.
Great idea, it had many elements that intrigued me but I was never truly captured by the book, did not particularly like the characters and the plot.
I am surprised it is among the 2020 Hugo nominees
Great idea, it had many elements that intrigued me but I was never truly captured by the book, did not particularly like the characters and the plot.
I am surprised it is among the 2020 Hugo nominees
3.5 stars.
This was fairly interesting, but unfortunately I had recently finished [b:The Starless Sea|43575115|The Starless Sea|Erin Morgenstern|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554996038l/43575115._SY75_.jpg|66444785], which has an extremely similar concept (and is better executed).
I tried to read some books in between to ensure that I was being fair to this one, and found that I enjoyed this book, but it did seem a little more juvenile.
I think a lot of the mysticism was lost in this novel in exchange for more focus on the main character's personal relationships. I didn't dislike that aspect, but I did find it somewhat taxing to hear about the conflicting love/hate relationship with Mr. Locke when there were literal doorways to other worlds just being ignored.
Overall I liked the concept of the secret society and enjoyed the characters, but a few elements just fell a little flat in regards to the world building and fantasy aspects. Definitely not a bad read, and may have gotten an extra star had I not just finished The Starless Sea a few days before.
This was fairly interesting, but unfortunately I had recently finished [b:The Starless Sea|43575115|The Starless Sea|Erin Morgenstern|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554996038l/43575115._SY75_.jpg|66444785], which has an extremely similar concept (and is better executed).
I tried to read some books in between to ensure that I was being fair to this one, and found that I enjoyed this book, but it did seem a little more juvenile.
I think a lot of the mysticism was lost in this novel in exchange for more focus on the main character's personal relationships. I didn't dislike that aspect, but I did find it somewhat taxing to hear about the conflicting love/hate relationship with Mr. Locke when there were literal doorways to other worlds just being ignored.
Overall I liked the concept of the secret society and enjoyed the characters, but a few elements just fell a little flat in regards to the world building and fantasy aspects. Definitely not a bad read, and may have gotten an extra star had I not just finished The Starless Sea a few days before.
I really enjoyed this, it was a fun quick read, not what I expected at all. I liked Harrows writing style and while the ending in her fathers land felt heavy handed it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment.
slow-paced
i didn't even realize that the term 'portal fantasy' existed, but i suppose for a generation raised on narnia and alice in wonderland the appeal of the genre makes a lot of sense. the premise is already compelling - doors are inherently intriguing, right? - but combining that with a set of sympathetic characters (well, and some that are far less so) with conplex relationships makes for an all-around great read.
I wanted to like all of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, I admire the conceit and like the unusual assemblage of narratives, but I have little affection for the heroine and her dog, who lack much slyness and cunning, which I value in a disadvantaged and plucky heroine. Yule Ian Scholar and Jane Irimu are developed and interesting characters, but too much of the book fizzed out for me. Maybe if I hadn't read and enjoyed Silvia Moreno-Garcia's [b:Gods of Jade and Shadow|36510722|Gods of Jade and Shadow|Silvia Moreno-Garcia|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543268579l/36510722._SY75_.jpg|58230232] prior to reading this...
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A beautiful book about Doors, growing up, family, society (for better or worse) and the power of words, especially when words create stories. Harrow’s writing is filled with unique metaphors that translate mere descriptions into gorgeously accurate visions of the world she is building. A tale that will remain timely for young girls who must navigate a world that is constantly trying to tame them into “good girls.”
One of the best first novels in F&SF I've ever read. The author's background as a historian helps her give totally believable backgrounds to this novel of the 1850's to perhaps 1910. The use of an Arabian Nights-style book within a book works well, and it was hard to put down. If you like alternate worlds fantasy, this is a top pick!
Are you sure you don't want another ten pages so you can find one more way to torture the poor girl?