A review by hannahmariebrankley
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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? N/A

5.0

We find ourselves with Cassie Andrews, a bookseller in New York City. When a customer leaves her an unusual book as a gift…

He wrote on the front page that it is ‘The Book of Doors’ and that any door could be every door.

Cassie and her best friend, Izzy, soon discover the magic this book possesses. And that there are other books with different magical abilities. But there is a danger that follows.

Not long after Cassie is gifted The Book of Doors, we meet Drummond Fox, a man who is also fleeing danger.

Cassie has to decide if Drummond, who owns a secret library of these magic books, can be someone to trust.

“Because some doors should never be opened.”

I cannot remember the last time I read a book where I felt such a child-like buzz over what could happen next. The journey this book takes is so simple and so relatable for having that fantasy aspect. Cassie is very easy to relate to. Without spoiling too much, she didn’t have the easiest start but found safety and happiness with her grandfather. We do get to know a bit about him, which was both lovely and heartbreaking at times.

When you are like Cassie and feel stuck, it is usually the parent or parental figure in your life you yearn to talk to. Or go back for advice and comfort. The Book of Doors allowed that kind of comfort for Cassie. And those feelings came across to me as the reader.

The secondary characters were all well-fleshed, even though some are featured at brief moments or are the “strong silent type.” I didn’t find myself having to go back and figure out who came into the story where or through whom.

An impressive debut for Gareth Brown. This was a huge 5-star read for me. One of the contenders for my favourite read of 2024.