I read this book because a reader highly recommended it, saying it gave her Midnight Library vibes. And if you have been here a while, you know… that is one of my most favorite books. For the first 150 pages, I really struggled. A girlfriend told me to keep going, that it was worth the effort. And I am so happy that I did as I ended up really loving the book (gobbling up the last 210 pages in two sittings). In the early 1900’s, January Scaller is the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke. Mr. Locke is a collector of curious objects; her father travels the world to help him add to his collections. January is insatiably curious, and finds herself in a predicament: both bored, and eager to explore the world on her won. When she finds a strange book in a hiding place, telling of secret doors (and a great love), her whole life changes. Each page feels more impossible, more dangerous. The story she is reading entwines with her own. I won’t say any more than that but this is one of those books (once you get past the initial slog!) that leaves you with goosebumps, feeling like you just got home from an in incredible adventure. It had Midnight Library vibes mixed with just a little Cloud Cuckoo Land. Highly recommend.
Author: Alix E.Harrow
