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The Book of Doors

Gareth Brown

Start date: October 1, 2025

Finish date: October 31, 2025

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What Members Thought

Dec 21, 2024 Bonnie rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy-general, time-travel, 2024-books

This is one of those pleasant, low-magic books with a cozy vibe (despite the moments of darkness) and a deep appreciation of books, which appeals to readers. It's The Starless Sea with more plot. It's one of those fantasy books that appeals to people who don't generally read fantasy (like The Time Traveler’s Wife appeals to people who don't generally read sci fi).

This is one of those pleasant reads which is mostly entertaining - except for the parts that annoyed the heck out of me - but whose ro This is one of those pleasant, low-magic books with a cozy vibe (despite the moments of darkness) and a deep appreciation of books, which appeals to readers. It's The Starless Sea with more plot. It's one of those fantasy books that appeals to people who don't generally read fantasy (like The Time Traveler’s Wife appeals to people who don't generally read sci fi).

This is one of those pleasant reads which is mostly entertaining - except for the parts that annoyed the heck out of me - but whose rough edges will be smoothed out with time and leave only a faint memory of books and magic and coziness.

Cassie, our main heroine, is gifted the magical Book of Doors after befriending an old man who patronizes the bookstore she works in. Her enthusiasm for this magical gift, her loyalty to her bestfriend/roommate (Izzy), and her tenacity make her an appealing character. Unfortunately, like everyone else in this book, although the author wants to make us think they are clever with good plans, she makes stupid mistake after stupid mistake. In fact, three separate characters make the SAME stupid mistake which, it turns out, is the root cause for every single bad thing that happens in this book. The reason everyone seems to make the same stupid mistake seems less like an inherent aspect of their character, but because it is necessary for the plot Brown wants to write. It's the equivalent of a horror film character running up the stairs, only to be trapped in a closet. There was a better book in here, with characters making more sensical decisions, but it's not the one we got. But we did get a very agreeable book with a wide appeal.

(view spoiler)[The repeated mistake is not killing sociopath Book hunter Hugo Barbary despite every opportunity - and great motivation - to do so. First, bodyguard Lund fails to kill him (for no reason!) despite Lund (believing at the time) that Hugo had just killed Lund's friend Azaki and tried to kill Lund. Lund doesn't even take all of Hugo's books (!!!). This despite the fact that it is clear to everyone, including Lund, that Hugo is going to hunt him down and murder him for the one book he did steal off Hugo (the Book of Pain). THEN, Cassie lives through several decades of planning her revenge when Hugo pushes through a door into the past. Cassie has literal years to gather all the skills, equipment, and knowledge she will need. Does she become a blackbelt in martial arts? Does she become a champion target shooter? Does she even lift weights or take up running? No, she snuggles up and drinks tea and reads books. While a charming existence, this is not the ideal way to plan for a life-and-death scenario. Cassie then defeats Lund AND AGAIN DOESN'T KILL HIM. Instead, she sends him into the past (to terrorize and murder people in the past, how kind of her). Does she send him back to the dinosaurs, or to a remote island, or to Roman Pompeii? No. She sends him back just far enough back that he can be an old but nimble man, horror-movie villain style. Hugo understood the assignment of carefully plotting revenge. AND THEN, someone has yet another chance to kill him and instead pulls out all his trauma (!?!?) and that gets sent out into the past to infect an innocent little girl and turn her into The Woman who committed decades of torture and killings (including the massacre that emotionally destroyed secondary hero Drummond Fox). I think the lesson here is don't wound what you can't kill. By trying to show Hugo Barbary undeserved mercy, our heroes are actually responsible for the deaths of dozens (at least) and the torture and trauma of countless others. I don't think that's the lesson the book is trying to teach, but that's certainly the lesson it gives. (hide spoiler)]

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Apr 21, 2024 Roelia (Roelia Reads) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a masterful blend of adventure, magic, and time-travel that captures the essence of a truly immersive reading experience. The storyline races along at a breakneck pace, filled with action that kept me invested. Brown’s skill in character development is evident, particularly in the intricate portrayal of the protagonist’s journey and the complex dynamics of a found family.

At the heart of the novel lies a book about books—a concept that serves as a portal to a The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown is a masterful blend of adventure, magic, and time-travel that captures the essence of a truly immersive reading experience. The storyline races along at a breakneck pace, filled with action that kept me invested. Brown’s skill in character development is evident, particularly in the intricate portrayal of the protagonist’s journey and the complex dynamics of a found family.

At the heart of the novel lies a book about books—a concept that serves as a portal to a multitude of enchanting settings. This meta-literary theme adds a fascinating depth to the story. Although there is a plot point that I found a bit convoluted, it is a minor detour in an otherwise seamless narrative.

Brown’s talent for creating captivating settings is undeniable. His vivid descriptions transport readers to worlds that are as enchanting as they are believable. The time-travel aspect of the story is not just a plot device but a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of power and the philosophical implications of our choices through time.

Drummond Fox stood out as a character with a distinctive personality and a memorable role, I found his bravery and integrity endearing. However, Brown’s portrayal of female characters has received mixed reviews. I personally found the dialogue and actions of some of the female characters to lack the depth and authenticity. This aspect, while not overshadowing the book’s many strengths, may be a point of critique.

In conclusion, The Book of Doors is an enchanting and captivating journey through a world where books unlock the gates to infinite adventures. It stands as a testament to Gareth Brown’s storytelling prowess, offering a tale that is both magical and grounded, entertaining and thoughtful.

Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding escapades or introspective literary journeys, this book is a delightful addition to any collection, promising to keep readers invested in its outcome.

With thanks to Penguin Random House SA for this gifted copy.
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