"The Book of Doors" by Gareth Brown tantalized with its premise of magical realism and bibliophilic wonder, but ultimately left me feeling like I'd stepped through a familiar portal. While the concept of a book granting access to any door is undeniably intriguing, the execution fell short of its potential.

Cassie and her friend Izzy's adventures had moments of excitement, and the mysterious Drummond Fox added a layer of intrigue. However, plot holes and a sense of déjà vu from other stories in the genre prevented this from being a truly magical read.

Brown's writing creates an atmosphere of possibility, but the narrative struggles to maintain its uniqueness as it progresses. The promise of danger and a nameless evil hunting our protagonists didn't quite deliver the tension it promised.

Despite its shortcomings, "The Book of Doors" offers an escape for those who dream of literary-powered adventures. It reminds us that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin on a bookshelf.