🚪Book Review🚪 The Book Of Doors by Gareth Brown

With thanks to @izzieghaffari, @penguinrandom, @TransworldBooks, and @GarethJohnBrown for the stunning proof copy.

Synopsis

Because some doors should never be opened.

New York bookseller Cassie Andrews is not sure what she’s doing with her life. She lives quietly, sharing an apartment with her best friend, Izzy. Then a favourite customer gives her an old book. Full of strange writing and mysterious drawings, at the very front there is a handwritten message:

This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.

Cassie is about to discover that the Book of Doors is a special book – a magic book. A book that bestows extraordinary abilities on whoever possesses it. And she is about to learn that there are other magic books out there that can also do wondrous – or dreadful and terrifying – things.

Because where there is magic there is power and there are those who will stop at nothing to possess it. 

Suddenly Cassie and Izzy are confronted by violence and danger, and the only person who can help them is Drummond Fox who has a secret library of magical books hidden in the shadows for safekeeping, a man fleeing his own demons. Because there is a nameless evil out there that is hunting them all . . .

Because this book is worth killing for.

Review

I LOVED everything about this incredible debut, filled with infinite possibilities and a mind-blowing plot, it had me completely gripped! I was swept away in the pages straight away, it’s fantastical, unpredictable, full of action, and a truly unique tale.

The vastness and complexity of the world skilfully created is breathtaking. I loved the unique magic system constructed from books, each with a different power and working differently depending on the person wielding it. Books are portrayed as the treasures they are although in the wrong hands they can become a lethal weapon!

We are gifted tremendous characters who feel authentic and believable. The glimpses into the past and tough journeys we follow them on create a great connection with the reader and we feel their emotions – the wonder, joy, panic, fear, sadness – every step of the way. It takes us on such a rollercoaster of a ride with no idea how it’s going to end!

We follow Cassie who’s grieving the loss of her grandfather. She is left a mysterious book taking her on an adventure of a lifetime – I was all in! With danger lurking and a bigger picture in play nothing will be the same again. Cassie needs answers, how far will she go to find them and what price will she pay?

It was brilliant meeting the people she encounters along the way, the connections forged and ideas shared. In particular, her special bond with Mr Webber was beautiful to see. There’s ulterior motives in play and Cassie has no idea who she can trust as she tries to keep the book and those around her safe.

Enter Drummond, he has a legacy to protect – the fascinating Fox Library. The unravelling of his story was terrifically dealt with, we see the incredible burden he’s shouldering and the lengths he must go to. I loved how he opens up to Cassie and finds someone to walk this path with.

There are ominous book hunters hiding in plain sight. “The Woman” is also on Cassie’s trail, she instills fear in all who know her. Brown expertly pens a truly evil character relishing in the suffering of others, it makes for a chilling read in parts!

I thoroughly enjoyed the interconnecting stories unfolding as the reader tries to piece everything together. The different threads perfectly weave alongside each other and cleverly come together for the most shocking of revelations.

The Book of Doors is a magnificent read looking at cause and effect on a grand scale. It’s a captivating world to get lost in, and a powerful read as friendship and love grow amongst the horrors. I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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