The Book of Doors: A Novel

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 4,781 ratings

Price: 21.25

Last update: 12-25-2024


About this item

A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for fans of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.

Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading.

But this is no ordinary book…

It is the Book of Doors.

Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them.

Then she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes. The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them.

Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books. With only her roommate Izzy to confide in, she has to decide if she will help the mysterious and haunted Drummond protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there.

But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Brie Fludd
    5.0 out of 5 stars SO GOOD!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2024
    This book is one of my favorite reads this year! Im so happy I got this copy! And for a great price. I really love the deckle edges as well. I’m already trying to get an ARC for the authors next release!!

    “A good story is just as good the second time around”. This quote from early in the story when first read seems like pretty words on paper, and yet it sits with you. It’s not until you finish reading you realize that in that one line you’ve told the story completely. Perfection.

    MY THOUGHTS????: A SPECTACULAR READ. This book was all I thought it would be and yet, nothing that I expected at the same time. It’s dark, even painful, yet charismatic, cinematic, and clever. There’s villains you hate, magic you desire, grief you feel, adventure you chase, violence you fear, time travel, friendships you value, and love. I even felt the various perspectives were executed perfectly alongside the pacing. There is SO much, and yet everything occurs at the right place at the right time.

    This story follows Cassie. A seemingly regular bookshop attendant whose life is altered when left a book by one of the store’s patrons who suddenly passes away. Though not just any book, but The Book of Doors. We’re mesmerized and taken along Cassie‘s adventures, mishaps, and fortunes as she discovers just what The Book of Doors can do….. and the attention it attracts. As Cassie gets comfortable with her new power she learns there are others who desire it more. Her questions are answered… is it dangerous? Are there more books out there? Can she protect her friends? Why her?

    1000% Recommend
  • Rachel
    4.0 out of 5 stars unique
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    I was debating on finishing this at about 30% but I’m glad I did. Very unique, interesting magic system and concept. The characters were very likable. I will say a reread would probably really help wrap up a few of those things I just didn’t quite pickup the first time through but overall happy with the full circle story.
  • KimberlyM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clever time travel story
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    Cassie works in a bookstore living a life that feels unfulfilling. One night one of her regular (and favorite) customers passes away in the store, leaving behind a small book with a dedication to her written inside. She soon learns that the book allows her to teleport from one place to another by opening a door. Soon after that, she learns that there are people who would kill in order to get her book, the Book of Doors.

    I like books about books and this one received so much praise that picking it up seemed like a no-brainer. I am so glad I did! I expected fantasy/sci-fi-ish fantasy but did not expect the time travel element. I love a good time travel story and this did not disappoint.

    The story is a delightful blend of intricate characters, immersive writing, and inventive time-travel elements. Cassie's character balances human flaws with determination and perseverance. The supporting characters' backstories add depth and nuance, making the relationships and stakes feel authentic. What truly shines is how the time-travel framework is used not just as a plot device but as a way to explore themes of fate, regret, and redemption. If you like character-driven fiction with a clever sci-fi twist, give this a try.
  • Lauren A. Haack
    3.0 out of 5 stars the story was great but….
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    I loved the story, and the author did a wonderful job of weaving all the plot points together. But…the dialogue ????.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and Mysterious
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    It seems like a rare event when I find a book that’s difficult to put down. This was a fun book to read, gave me a view to images I hadn’t thought of before. Well written and fascinating.
  • F. Moyer
    4.0 out of 5 stars First half a bit slow; second half much better
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    I would classify this book as Fantasy since the story is driven by the idea that a set of magical books exists, where each book imparts its own unique set of powers to whomever is holding that book. Still, Amazon’s “Product Details” calls the book “Time Travel Science Fiction” – probably because I’ve never seen a book classified as Time Travel Fantasy. Yet, isn’t the whole idea of time travel just wishful thinking rather than scientifically possible? Anyway …

    The protagonist (Cassie) is gifted an odd looking book (the Book of Doors). Does she know the book was magical? Not initially; but odd, wondrous things certainly made it appear that perhaps it is magical. Does Cassie’s life remain peaceful and mundane? Of course not.

    The story is slow getting started. And during that time, I’m thinking: this story should explain how all these magical books came to be. (To the author’s credit, he does explain that -- after a fashion, anyway.)

    The second half of the book was much better. More action. More heart. More urgency. More twistiness in the storyline.

    Bottom Line: A twisty, entertaining storyline. Suspend your skeptical nature and then just enjoy the ride. A heartwarming, fantastical read.

    Note: There is one point in the story where I was shocked with what the author allowed to happen within the story. It was just against the basic “flow” and “feel” of the story. As a reader, I just had to power through it. If you hit this same part with similar emotions as I had, just power through it. Ultimately, you won’t regret it.
  • Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magic books
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    This has two of my favorite tropes magic and books, best of all it combines them.
    Great characters and surprises I did not see coming.
    I have already preorder his next book and I can't wait.
  • Kristina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
    Interesting story full of vivid descriptions of places, situations and feelings. Characters are charismatic and story portraits a human nature and its capability of using things for good or bad in life. As a reader, you quickly get hooked on the story even though beginning was quite slow for me personally. I enjoyed reading this work and spending my free time on it. I understand why it is so popular but it didn't leave the best impression on me, meaning that I probably would not like to read it again. Story wasn't cheesy and it had just the right amount of romance which I really appreciate nowadays. It's not the type of fantasy I like the best but I would gladly recommend it to others because it was a nice time spent.

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