Book Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Redhook (September 10, 2019)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow is a lush and spellbinding coming-of-age portal fantasy about a young woman who finds answers to her past in a mysterious old book that can open pathways to other worlds. But first, can we take a moment to appreciate that drop-dead gorgeous cover? I have to say, never has a cover delivered a closer impression of what to expect from a book. It’s colorful, a little wild but still sophisticated and elegant, with just a touch of whimsy—which also happens to be exactly how I would describe this story to others.
Transporting us to the early 1900s, this novel follows January Scaller, who was just a little girl when she first discovered the Door. But as with many childhood recollections, soon the memory of that encounter began to fade, until many years later, when a teenaged January stumbles upon a strange book that changes her life forever. The mixed-race daughter of an explorer, our protagonist grew up in an unconventional household headed by the wealthy Cornelius Locke, the employer of her father Julian who is often away on his globetrotting adventures. But one day, terrible news arrives of Julian’s demise, sending January into a spiral of grief. Turning to the book for comfort, she instead finds the power to open doors leading to wondrous, fantastical realms.
Weaving together the magical words of the book with the revelations that January uncovers while on her journey through these different worlds, the story gradually unfolds to reveal the secrets about her family, the role of Mr. Locke, and the curious nature of the many hidden doors.
As you know, I’m a huge fan of “books about books”, and The Ten Thousand Doors of January is in its own way a celebration of that love—not only in the way it reveres knowledge, but also in the way it recognizes reading as a form of escapism for those of us who like seeking distraction from the realities of the world through fantasy and science fiction. These themes are front and center in this novel, and they were given their due respect with the author’s lyrical writing style which is vivid with meticulous detail, clever metaphors, and delightful turns of phrase. It made reading this book a real joy, especially once the story picked up in earnest and we embarked upon our quest to seek truth with January.
But the element that absolutely set this novel apart for me was the voice of our protagonist. January narrated this tale with an aplomb that belies her young age and experience, though as a woman and minority living in American society at the turn of the century, she’s had to grow up pretty quickly to harden herself against the rampant racism and sexism in those days. She also has a boundless imagination, a result of plenty of lonely childhood days spent finding fun and companionship in books. Furthermore, her personality is complex and often contradictory in a way that actually made her feel more genuine and interesting. At once contemplative and excitable, sweet and stubborn, January tells her story with an infectious charisma and precocious attitude that makes her completely irresistible.
If you like to read stories about the love of books and reading, you really need to check out The Ten Thousand Doors of January—and bonus if you enjoy portal fantasies. But this novel is also about so much more, including a thoughtful and heartfelt exploration of family, growing up, and finding your identify. Passionate and atmospheric, this book will fill you with nostalgia and wistfulness but also uplift your spirits with its beauty and warm vibes. I had a great time with it and I highly recommend it.
The BiblioSanctum 
I love how you can so effortlessly describe the characters and the author’s writing style, Mogsy. ❤ Loved your review.
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Thank you! It was a wonderful book!
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Oh hey, review friend!
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Haha, yep! Release day reviews rock 🙂
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This was so good. It really does feel like a love letter to fantasy fiction and readers. And I loved January. Plus the sense of whimsy which is increased by the writing style – which, admittedly, at first I found slowed the pace – but it just really gave a feel for the period. LIterally, I had goosebumps near the end and by the time I put this down I felt like crying. So so good. Great review.
Lynn 😀
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I know, I loved how it perfectly captured a love for books and the way it embraced the magic of imagination!
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Great review and now I’m even more excited to read this!
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I hope you get to check it out soon!
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I’m starting this next, can’t wait. I love how every review I’ve read has been glowing!
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Awesome! Looking forward to your thoughts!
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I guess all booklovers love books about books? At least me too 😀
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It makes sense 😀
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Oh I really want to read this one!
Great review!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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It’s great! Hope you get to check it out!
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The story sounds very attractive on its own, indeed, and the presence of some thought-provoking elements from history and reality only adds to the potential charm of this book, but the greater selling point is the fact that it seems aimed straight at us, lovers of speculative fiction – an encouragement to keep on dreaming… 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
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The book angle definitely helped! And January was such a charming character, it’s hard not to get hooked 🙂
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Wow wondeful review! I was curious what you would write about this very hyped book!
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I was a bit concerned about the hype too, but turns out it was justified 😀
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You had me at “portal fantasy”! I actually preordered this earlier, so glad to see a positive review. 😀
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Haha, I’m glad! And it’s been a while since I read a portal fantasy, so this one came at exactly the right time.
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I’m really pleased to hear you enjoyed this one. I was immediately drawn to it by the title alone. And to learn its a book about books, and with portals, and some great characters, story and writing… I’m in. Moving it up in my list. Thanks much.
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Haha yes, it’s a lovely title isn’t it? It was the title and cover that grabbed my attention in the first place, and I’m so glad the contents of the book lived up to all my expectations.
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This sounds fantastic! I love that she celebrates that it’s okay to read for escapism, and also it sounds like January’s voice in the story is excellent. I’m even more excited for this one now!
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Yes, January’s voice was what made the book for me! Loved her!
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Great review! I have to say, I’m pretty excited for this one, it seems like it’s one almost everyone has loved. I think it’s probably this book, A Boy and His Dog, and The Gutter Prayer that I’ve seen almost nothing but positive reviews for so far this year and that’s pretty impressive. I can’t wait to dig into this story. 🙂
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Haha, yes! Orbit/Redhook seem to be on a roll this year, right? 😀
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Seriously!
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Sounds really good. I might check it out. I love books about books and portal fantasy.
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If you love “books about books” then this one would be perfect 🙂
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I really like that cover…nice review!
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I agree the cover is stunning and the plot really appeals to me too. I’ll have to keep an eye out for this
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