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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
dnf @ 32%
A huge disappointment. I was expecting a magical adventure of curiosity, exploration, portal travel and new worlds. Instead, this book delivers a slow-paced, almost plotless historical exploration of identity and discrimination. I found myself insanely bored and was clinging to the hope that the main character would 1. become interesting and 2. step through a flipping portal!!! Neither has happened yet, so I'm giving up.
A huge disappointment. I was expecting a magical adventure of curiosity, exploration, portal travel and new worlds. Instead, this book delivers a slow-paced, almost plotless historical exploration of identity and discrimination. I found myself insanely bored and was clinging to the hope that the main character would 1. become interesting and 2. step through a flipping portal!!! Neither has happened yet, so I'm giving up.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Audiobook Narrator: 4/5
Book Rating: 4.5/5
World Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Reaction: What a wonderful debut novel! I’ve read several books by Harrow at this point, so I’m not surprised that she started with a banger. It has everything I look for in a fantasy novel — strong world building, well-developed characters, and confident, lyrical prose. If you’ve been waiting to give her books a shot, this is a good one to start with.
I read this for the “Great Escapes” square in the Seattle Library summer bingo.
This book is like no other I have read.
I think about it often.
I think about it often.
Just not for me. It’s pretty slow and I didn’t find anything about the plot to be new or exciting.
4.5 ⭐️ Love a story that makes you feel so many things. Was a little difficult to fall into it at the beginning but when it takes a turn, gosh it rips you with it. So many meanings, so much poetry.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beautifully written. Such a captivating adventure and unique writing style. I was hooked from the moment i started reading.
Second read: still 3 stars. Not enough happens in the first 2/3's of the book.
I liked this book but the fact it took 75% of it to finally get to a conflict and a solid plot made it a nice journey but a slow story.
I liked this book but the fact it took 75% of it to finally get to a conflict and a solid plot made it a nice journey but a slow story.
This started out soooo slow but once it got going I was hooked. I love the premise and the open ending is very fitting.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
I really enjoyed the entire book from start to finish and can’t think of anything negative to say about it. The world-building with the different Doors was captivating. The book really highlighted family and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering who you are. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting to explore these themes and read something historical but also magical.