The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

Amy     

Lynnie

 

contemporary fantasy

If you possess The Book of Doors, you can travel anywhere by envisioning the door you want to open while opening whatever door is handy. Then you can just walk through to the envisioned space anywhere in the world. But it’s not only that--other magical books exist, each bestowing a different power upon whomever is touching them. Within the small, underground community of people who are aware of these magic books, there are people who are trying to collect more of them and others who are trying to protect the books and their owners. When Cassie’s favorite customer dies while reading in her bookstore, she becomes the new owner of his mysterious Book of Doors. She is delighted to figure out how it works but has no idea of the dangerous position in which she now resides.

 

Amy's Review

What a fun and crazy concept!  Right off the bat, this book hooked me.  Magic, adventure, and books!  However, I had a rough go when Gareth Brown quickly moved us through several different characters’ points of view at the beginning. I wanted to stick with Cassie some more!  While I understand Brown was laying the groundwork and showing the reader the extent of the underground network, I wish he hadn’t made so many character and setting changes so early and so quickly. I would have preferred a more subtle introduction to the bigger situation. I would recommend to readers that you ensure you have a nice chunk of time in which to begin this novel so that you can properly absorb the different situations in the first 3 to 4 chapters. I didn’t allow myself enough quality reading time at the beginning and had to reread a few chapters to get things straight in my head before moving on.

This is one of the most creative novels I’ve read in a while which is very appreciated by this reader! The concept of the magical books was exciting from the very beginning. And after the initial sense of wonder about The Book of Doors, the dangers Cassie faced were gripping. Sometimes, however, the execution of the story felt a bit imbalanced. There were a wide range of tempos—sometimes, it was full of quick action and other times it floundered in slow monotony and/or spent too much time in overly lengthy descriptions. It could be complex and it could also be mundane. But it did maintain my interest despite its many “personalities”.  Brown’s range of characters and books, from heartwarming to repulsive, was fantastic. I needed to know how it would end for Cassie and the others. And the puzzle of it all, finally being revealed in the end, was rewarding. I liked the underlying importance of having friends and support. If you are a fantasy lover looking for something entirely different, I recommend this one.

 

Lynnie's Review

What a wonderful adventure! The Book of Doors is Gareth Brown's debut novel and I hope it's not his last.

I was enchanted by the idea of this story - what if you had a magical book that could transport you from one door, through any other door you could envision. Just think of the possibilities! Well, Cassie receives just such a magical book and does imagine the possibilities. Along with her best friend and roommate, Izzy, Cassie begins her adventure with the Book of Doors until, of course, others learn of its existence and want to claim the book for themselves.

Drummond Fox, the keeper of a library of magical books just like the one they own may be the only person who is able to keep Cassie and Izzy safe. But how can he keep them safe when he isn't even sure he can help himself?

There is a back and forth in this book as the three try to save themselves, the Book of Doors and the other friends they meet along the way. There are an array of villains to worry about and avoid, mysteries to solve and friendships (and maybe more) to save. I found myself finding pockets of time to read this book whenever I could because I wanted to know what was going to happen next and which book would be found and used.

Once again, I both read the book and listened to the audiobook. The audiobook was ready by Miranda Raison and she was wonderful! I give her an A+ for sure for her array of voices and accents. I never questioned who was speaking and she transitioned from British to Scottish to American and other accents with apparent ease. It was a true pleasure to listen to her and I would happily listen to another novel narrated by her.

This book would be a pleasure to listen to during a road trip, but the story itself is fantastic no matter what mood you are in. I highly recommend it.