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quossie's review
3.0
I came for the alternate universes, and stayed for the... alternate universes?
Boilerplate prose, a mustache-twirling villain and a disappointingly shallow exploration of the why, what and how of multiverse travel left me a little cold on this one. The premise itself was enough to keep me reading, though; not exactly a page-turner, but not enough to completely turn me off.
The literary equivalent of not wanting to have to get up and find the TV remote.
Boilerplate prose, a mustache-twirling villain and a disappointingly shallow exploration of the why, what and how of multiverse travel left me a little cold on this one. The premise itself was enough to keep me reading, though; not exactly a page-turner, but not enough to completely turn me off.
The literary equivalent of not wanting to have to get up and find the TV remote.
lordofdisorder's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
deangilbarry's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.5
thomasgammon's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
alongreader's review
4.0
This is a great sci fi story, really imaginative, with some great lessons thrown in. Admittedly, one of the major lessons is "If you're hurtling helplessly through the multiverse, find a created plant person to bring along because she'll be really useful" but who knows when we'll need to know that!
I loved the varied civilisations Zax meets on his travels: some real thought has gone into them, even the ones that we skip past very quickly. These aren't cookie cutter planets, they're distinct and interesting. A whole novel spent on any of them - except maybe that first one, and the first one he's drunk on - would be fantastic in and of itself. I know I kind of made fun of Minna above, but I really did like her; she was clever and funny. There's a touch of Dr Who in this book's DNA, and I liked it.
Although the story starts in the middle, it doesn't fall prey to my least favourite trope - No One Talks About What's Going On - because it's presented as a journal and Zax constantly ruminates on his circumstances, so even though you don't know what's happening immediately - unless you've read the blurb - it quickly becomes clear, and the rules are easy to follow. However, I did think that the final cliffhanger came out of absolutely nowhere, wasn't signposted, and seemed like it was just there to be there.
Overall? A lot of fun, really clever, and definitely one I recommend.
I loved the varied civilisations Zax meets on his travels: some real thought has gone into them, even the ones that we skip past very quickly. These aren't cookie cutter planets, they're distinct and interesting. A whole novel spent on any of them - except maybe that first one, and the first one he's drunk on - would be fantastic in and of itself. I know I kind of made fun of Minna above, but I really did like her; she was clever and funny. There's a touch of Dr Who in this book's DNA, and I liked it.
Although the story starts in the middle, it doesn't fall prey to my least favourite trope - No One Talks About What's Going On - because it's presented as a journal and Zax constantly ruminates on his circumstances, so even though you don't know what's happening immediately - unless you've read the blurb - it quickly becomes clear, and the rules are easy to follow. However, I did think that the final cliffhanger came out of absolutely nowhere, wasn't signposted, and seemed like it was just there to be there.
Overall? A lot of fun, really clever, and definitely one I recommend.
posthumusly's review
5.0
Loved this book. All the worlds were so interesting and innovative. I did think the ending was a bit too easy - but I like it.
kevinscorner's review
4.5
Doors of Sleep was a fun romp through the multiverse. It reminded me quite a bit of a way more science fiction heavy version of David Levithan’s Every Day. Zax one day finds himself waking up in a different universe every time he goes to sleep. Now three years into his new reality, he realizes he is being pursued by an old friend and finds new allies along the way.
This type of format does not lend well to establishing a feeling of settling in a new fictional world and has to rely solely on the personality of its protagonist. Thankfully, Zax is a great, if a bit closed off, main character who did manage to carry the story through, although I did want more emotions out of him. Minna, a companion he finds along the way, adds heart while Vicki, a disembodied intelligence possessing a gem, adds some surprising humor.
The book races through the different worlds, giving us a few glimpses into each. Similarly, it raises some philosophical and ethical questions but does not dwell much in them. The book ends quite abruptly and at sort of a cliffhanger with some implications of what future installments will bring.
*I was sent a copy of this book by Angry Robot Books as part of the book tour for its sequel Prison of Sleep.
This type of format does not lend well to establishing a feeling of settling in a new fictional world and has to rely solely on the personality of its protagonist. Thankfully, Zax is a great, if a bit closed off, main character who did manage to carry the story through, although I did want more emotions out of him. Minna, a companion he finds along the way, adds heart while Vicki, a disembodied intelligence possessing a gem, adds some surprising humor.
The book races through the different worlds, giving us a few glimpses into each. Similarly, it raises some philosophical and ethical questions but does not dwell much in them. The book ends quite abruptly and at sort of a cliffhanger with some implications of what future installments will bring.
*I was sent a copy of this book by Angry Robot Books as part of the book tour for its sequel Prison of Sleep.
spacebot3000's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5