Special thanks to the author, @amistadbooks, & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️

Delivering a mind-bending speculative fiction novel that ventures into faith, religion, love, loss, and grief. Giddings presents readers with a rare premise that’s both intriguing and thought provoking but feels just a little bit off.

The heart of the novel surrounds the appearance of seven mysterious doors that lead to other worlds. These dimensions appear welcoming with its unique beauty and magical resources but what truly lies beyond the unknown is danger. Twin sisters Ayanna and Olivia would soon find out what’s on the other side of those doors. Leaving one sister lost forever and the other drowning in grief. 

Olivia and Ayanna were very different to be twins. With each of them growing up in different households their complex traits and upbringing make it hard for them to connect. Olivia was only present briefly and of the twins she seemed the most normal. Ayanna’s upbringing resulted in her having this weird mysterious personality just think of Carrie. And with her being a central figure in the plot the book has this strange uncanny feeling the entire time. 

But the book posed two questions for me: Why was there a culture of door worshippers? What causes people to be so drawn to the unknown?

Once Olivia disappears Ayanna is driven by faith that her sister will return yet she struggles the entire time holding on to that belief. It’s also evident that them entering the portal attached something spiritually to Ayanna when she returned. The relationship with her parents is practically nonexistent. It’s evident in her mother’s behavior that she wished it was her instead. 

Overall, the book was like nothing I’ve ever read before. Giddings has a unique writing style that’s very detailed but also leaves something to ponder on if that makes sense. Delving deep into the fate of family, the consequences of curiosity, the struggle to find meaning, human nature, accepting faith, and self-identity if you’re a fan of Megan Giddings prior work you’ll enjoy this book‼️