Book Description
Setting
The book begins in a mansion in the early 20th century, but, considering the genre is fantasy and the title includes the word “doors,” one can infer that other worlds will be reached. The time period does impact the plot. For example, the main character is raised in an upper class household, but her skin color makes other people of that class uncomfortable.
Characters
The title character, January, is the main heroine and narrator of the book. There are other secondary characters, both good and evil. However, the dog (Sinbad) is most likely to remain in the minds of readers.
Plot
While this book is more of an experience than a succinct move from conflict to climax, there is a question that draws January into new worlds. Where is her father? She typically lives with the unusual Mr. Locke, and her father returns from globe-trotting trips to visit her. When he doesn’t come back at the allotted time, her desire to find him is the initial motivation, and it drives the first half of the book.
See description and other reviews on GoodReads
An Editor’s Book Review
Character Development
There is one main character in this story, and she is more of a lens through which to see the world than a memorable character. Readers can be drawn in by shared qualities, such as a desire to explore and see new places. However, the main character doesn’t drive the pacing as much as some books do. Not every reader will embrace her or her motivations to explore.
Pacing
If you can appreciate it, this book is more of a road trip than a quest. By this, I mean that the pacing is not constantly driving toward a climax. There is one, and you do care about it, but it’s not a strong driver to keep reading. The magic and wonder of exploration is more key to enjoying this book.
Writing Style
I’ve loved Alix E. Harrow’s writing style, but it’s not for everyone. This book is particularly melodic, explorative, and descriptive. It’s great if you want to slowly cruise through a beautifully written book. However, readers that appreciate a more plot-driven book might enjoy her later book, The Once and Future Witches, much more than this one.