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The Door to the Lost
There was no warning the day magic died in Talhaven. It happened with a giant explosion and the arrival of a skyship full of children, all with magic running through their veins and no memory of home.
Rook and Drift are two of those children, and ever since that day, they've been on the run, magical refugees in a world that doesn't trust magic. Because magic doesn't die right away--it decays, twists, and poisons all that it touches. And now it's beginning to poison people.
Try as they might, Rook and Drift can't remember anything about their lives before Talhaven. But it's beginning to look like they're the only ones who can save their adopted world . . . if that world doesn't destroy them first.
Rook and Drift are two of those children, and ever since that day, they've been on the run, magical refugees in a world that doesn't trust magic. Because magic doesn't die right away--it decays, twists, and poisons all that it touches. And now it's beginning to poison people.
Try as they might, Rook and Drift can't remember anything about their lives before Talhaven. But it's beginning to look like they're the only ones who can save their adopted world . . . if that world doesn't destroy them first.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2018
34 people are currently reading
1671 people want to read
About the author
Jaleigh Johnson
34 books317 followersJaleigh Johnson lives and writes in the wilds of the Midwest. Her middle grade debut novel The Mark of the Dragonfly is a New York Times bestseller. Her other books from Delacorte Press include The Secrets of Solace, The Quest to the Uncharted Lands, and The Door to the Lost. She has also written fiction for Dungeons and Dragons, Marvel, and Assassin's Creed. Johnson is an avid gamer and lifelong geek.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 6, 2018
The Door to the Lost, by Jaleigh Johnson, is a magical fantasy that is packed with action and filled with heart. Written for middle-grade readers, it will delight young readers with its mixture of magic, adventure, strong young characters and well-built fantasy world. A page turner filled with excitement, this story wraps you in tightly with each turn of its doors.
In the world of Talhaven, magic is a tricky thing. It exists in pieces, hidden and often tainted - traded in black markets where, if caught with it, you could face serious consequences. No one knows this better than young orphans Rook & Drift, who live as exiles among the people of Talhaven, having lost their own home years before during a mysterious explosion. Rook & Drift take care of each other, trading their magical skills as a means to survive. Their names reflect their looks & powers - Drift can conjure and control wind, and Rook, who has the black & white hair of a Rook-bird, can draw doors that lead to other worlds.
Rook has been drawing doors for years as means to escape the constables and live on the run. But her ultimate goal is to draw the door that will lead her home, to the place where magic exists freely - and where the family she cannot remember may be waiting for her.
A book that kept me rapt in every heart-pounding chapter, this door turning story was a page-turner for me. A middle-grade fantasy that swept me up into magic and adventure, it is also a story of friendship and perseverance. Easily a 5 star read; I recommend this to readers young and old - and will be looking for more from this author.
*Received ARC from NetGalley & Random House Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.
In the world of Talhaven, magic is a tricky thing. It exists in pieces, hidden and often tainted - traded in black markets where, if caught with it, you could face serious consequences. No one knows this better than young orphans Rook & Drift, who live as exiles among the people of Talhaven, having lost their own home years before during a mysterious explosion. Rook & Drift take care of each other, trading their magical skills as a means to survive. Their names reflect their looks & powers - Drift can conjure and control wind, and Rook, who has the black & white hair of a Rook-bird, can draw doors that lead to other worlds.
Rook has been drawing doors for years as means to escape the constables and live on the run. But her ultimate goal is to draw the door that will lead her home, to the place where magic exists freely - and where the family she cannot remember may be waiting for her.
A book that kept me rapt in every heart-pounding chapter, this door turning story was a page-turner for me. A middle-grade fantasy that swept me up into magic and adventure, it is also a story of friendship and perseverance. Easily a 5 star read; I recommend this to readers young and old - and will be looking for more from this author.
*Received ARC from NetGalley & Random House Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2018
Magic is feared in Talhaven because a magical war in Vora causes adult wizards to send their children to Talhaven, and a cataclysm occurs. These children have no memories, but varying magical abilities, and are being hunted by vigilantes and the authorities. Protagonist Rook opens gateways to any place in the world using a piece of chalk, but not to the one place she desires ... her home in Vora. Mysteriously, a doorway keeps opening to a dark, wintry woodland, when suddenly a giant magical Fox comes through, to join Rook and her BFF, Drift, who can use magic to fly by manipulating wind currents and air. Their meager survival is threatened by Fox and the appearance of a wizard (and her captors) claiming to need their help to avert disaster to Talhaven. Rook, Drift and Fox embark on this adventure, finding some unexpected allies and enemies. Well-written and fun, with traditional middle age reader themes of friendship, family, and overcoming hardships.
April 15, 2018
A BIG Thank You to NetGalley, Delacorte Books for Young Readers and Random House Children’s for providing me a copy of “The Door to the Lost” by Jaleigh Johnson in exchange for my review. Before I begin, I would like to say that I’m not a fantasy reader in any way. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, but it takes quite some time for me to finish a fantasy novel. I prefer to read realistic fiction for the most part. Having said that, I selected this book in NetGalley because I LOVED the cover design! I am glad I selected it because Wow, this was a roller coaster of a read!
Let’s start off with the characters. For a fantasy adventure, the characters are down to Earth that we can relate to. All the three main characters, Rook, Drift and Fox have endearing qualities that make them naive and charming. I loved that we directly jump into the adventure and learn about the characters, instead of getting a proper introduction. My favorite character was Fox. He’s so adorable the moment he bumps into Rook and Drift! Even though he doesn’t have much of a dialogue, his ardent support throughout their journey makes him very memorable. I also loved the other exiles that the team meets in the ship, and wished they also had a backstory. The author has also written Dozana very well and you cannot help despise her for the crooked villain she is.
Now let’s talk about the story-line. From the get go, we travel with Rook as she tries to survive in the land of Talhaven. The whole book is action packed and there is never a dull moment in the story. There are some great suspenseful moment like when Rook and Drift hide in Mr. Baroman’s attic, or when Rook hears knocking on the other side of the door or when she gets trapped in the giant spider web. I really couldn’t predict what was going to happen next, and was completely engrossed in the book till the climax.
This is the first book I have read by Jaleigh Johnson, and I really like her style of writing. She beautifully blends the progression of the characters while keeping the fast pace of the story. My only question is, is this a standalone book or part of a series? The only part that could have been better was if the author provided more details of the characters and the history of the land. As much as I loved the story, I felt that the author cut down a lot to keep it in pace with a middle grade novel. Perhaps that is why I would love to read about more of these characters and hope there is a continuation. I want to pick out her “World of Solace” Series to see if that is equally good.
Overall, I completely enjoyed this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Let’s start off with the characters. For a fantasy adventure, the characters are down to Earth that we can relate to. All the three main characters, Rook, Drift and Fox have endearing qualities that make them naive and charming. I loved that we directly jump into the adventure and learn about the characters, instead of getting a proper introduction. My favorite character was Fox. He’s so adorable the moment he bumps into Rook and Drift! Even though he doesn’t have much of a dialogue, his ardent support throughout their journey makes him very memorable. I also loved the other exiles that the team meets in the ship, and wished they also had a backstory. The author has also written Dozana very well and you cannot help despise her for the crooked villain she is.
Now let’s talk about the story-line. From the get go, we travel with Rook as she tries to survive in the land of Talhaven. The whole book is action packed and there is never a dull moment in the story. There are some great suspenseful moment like when Rook and Drift hide in Mr. Baroman’s attic, or when Rook hears knocking on the other side of the door or when she gets trapped in the giant spider web. I really couldn’t predict what was going to happen next, and was completely engrossed in the book till the climax.
This is the first book I have read by Jaleigh Johnson, and I really like her style of writing. She beautifully blends the progression of the characters while keeping the fast pace of the story. My only question is, is this a standalone book or part of a series? The only part that could have been better was if the author provided more details of the characters and the history of the land. As much as I loved the story, I felt that the author cut down a lot to keep it in pace with a middle grade novel. Perhaps that is why I would love to read about more of these characters and hope there is a continuation. I want to pick out her “World of Solace” Series to see if that is equally good.
Overall, I completely enjoyed this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
July 4, 2018
4.5/5 Stars
First of all, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Jaleigh Johnson for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Jaleigh Johnson's new novel for younger readers, The Door to the Lost, is an amazing gem among fantasy novels for younger readers. From what I can tell, it is a stand-alone, but there are potential opportunities for future adventures with the characters...maybe?
This book contains multiple worlds/dimensions, and in Talhaven, magic suddenly disappeared. In Vora, a magical war leads to the adult wizards sending their children to Talhaven. Hundreds of children find themselves in a world they don't know with no memories of their names or families, but they all have different magical abilities. As these exiles learn to control and use their abilities, the people of Talhaven want to use them for their own needs, since the society that so heavily relies on magic can no longer replenish their own magical resources.
Since the children cannot remember their birth names, they each give themselves their own names, often based on their abilities. The main character of this story, Rook, is able to open gateways to any place in the world...just not to other worlds, like her homeland of Vora. But her doorways keep opening up to the same place against her best efforts, and she can't seem to find out why. Her best friend, Drift, can use magic to fly, manipulating wind currents and air in various ways. The two aim to live a simple life in seclusion until two things happen: a giant magical Fox appears, and an adult wizard claiming to need their help to save the town the children temporarily occupy.
I vastly enjoyed this book, and for 304 pages, it goes by in a flash! The story is told from Rook's third person limited perspective, and her age resonates with a young adult. Readers both middle grade and high school will find enjoyment in the magic and adventure found in this book. It also deals with the thematic ideas of finding one's own identity and what family means. A book that I would like to have in my classroom, this is a great read for a young adult audience.
Following Rook on her adventure was exhilarating, and despite the fact that this is definitely a conclusive volume, I wouldn't mind seeing further adventures with these characters. Even if you are beyond the years of middle or high school, if you like a quick read and are a lover of fantasy, put this one on your list! This is a must-read book for all ages!
First of all, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Jaleigh Johnson for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Jaleigh Johnson's new novel for younger readers, The Door to the Lost, is an amazing gem among fantasy novels for younger readers. From what I can tell, it is a stand-alone, but there are potential opportunities for future adventures with the characters...maybe?
This book contains multiple worlds/dimensions, and in Talhaven, magic suddenly disappeared. In Vora, a magical war leads to the adult wizards sending their children to Talhaven. Hundreds of children find themselves in a world they don't know with no memories of their names or families, but they all have different magical abilities. As these exiles learn to control and use their abilities, the people of Talhaven want to use them for their own needs, since the society that so heavily relies on magic can no longer replenish their own magical resources.
Since the children cannot remember their birth names, they each give themselves their own names, often based on their abilities. The main character of this story, Rook, is able to open gateways to any place in the world...just not to other worlds, like her homeland of Vora. But her doorways keep opening up to the same place against her best efforts, and she can't seem to find out why. Her best friend, Drift, can use magic to fly, manipulating wind currents and air in various ways. The two aim to live a simple life in seclusion until two things happen: a giant magical Fox appears, and an adult wizard claiming to need their help to save the town the children temporarily occupy.
I vastly enjoyed this book, and for 304 pages, it goes by in a flash! The story is told from Rook's third person limited perspective, and her age resonates with a young adult. Readers both middle grade and high school will find enjoyment in the magic and adventure found in this book. It also deals with the thematic ideas of finding one's own identity and what family means. A book that I would like to have in my classroom, this is a great read for a young adult audience.
Following Rook on her adventure was exhilarating, and despite the fact that this is definitely a conclusive volume, I wouldn't mind seeing further adventures with these characters. Even if you are beyond the years of middle or high school, if you like a quick read and are a lover of fantasy, put this one on your list! This is a must-read book for all ages!
January 14, 2018
I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off, this book was so wonderful and I'm hoping that a sequel is in the works. The world-building in the book was amazing; from the first few pages I was totally sucked in and couldn't stop reading. I love the main characters and how they have formed a family because they are unable to be with their 'real' family. I think that this is an important message to give to kids- that you can build your own family from friends. But onwards to the story, I thought it was a fantastic fantasy novel for kids that is based in the real world. I liked how the characters evolved as the book progressed. Looking forward to the next one!!!
First off, this book was so wonderful and I'm hoping that a sequel is in the works. The world-building in the book was amazing; from the first few pages I was totally sucked in and couldn't stop reading. I love the main characters and how they have formed a family because they are unable to be with their 'real' family. I think that this is an important message to give to kids- that you can build your own family from friends. But onwards to the story, I thought it was a fantastic fantasy novel for kids that is based in the real world. I liked how the characters evolved as the book progressed. Looking forward to the next one!!!
Want to read
March 29, 2023Pretty sure I read this book when I was younger, (I just don’t know if I finished it), and it’s crazy nostalgic seeing it agin
November 28, 2021
راستش خیلی دوست داشتم درمورد این کتاب بنویسم اما حوصله و وقتش رو نداشتم متاسفانه. اما حالا که خوابم نمی بره و داشتم یادداشت هام رو مرور میکردم به یادداشت هایی که از این کتاب برای خودم نوشته بودم رسیدم. به این نتیجه رسیدم که یه کوچولو برای این کتاب بنویسم:
بذارید روراست باشم، اوایل کتاب من رو اصلا جذب خودش نکرد. ولی خب داستان یه کوچولو برای من تازگی داشت ولی یکم که جلو تر رفتم متوجه شدم که اصلا ارزش وقت گذاشتن نداره باز هم خودم رو ترغیب کردم که ادامه بدم و وقتی به وسط های کتاب رسیدم متوجه شدم که داستان به جاهای خوبی داره می رسه، توصیفات بهتر میشن، شخصیت های تازه ای وارد داستان شدن و یه جورایی نویسنده تازه تازه داره هنر خودش رو نشون میده.
داستان، دو جهان رو روایت میکنه که با اتصال یک درِ جادویی به هم متصل شده اند. یه سمت درْ، دنیایی پر از جادو و جادوگر و در سمت دیگر دنیایی. بدون جادوگر و اما سرشار از روح حیات. بعد از انفجار درْ، اتفاقات ناگواری رخ میده، که پیشنهاد میدم برای یک بار هم که شده بخونید. دیگه بیشتر از این داستان رو لو نمی دم. ترجمه فوقالعاده رون. من دوستش داشتم ولی بیشتر از سه ستاره نمی تونم بهش امتیاز بدم. در اصل میخواستم دو ستاره امتیاز بدم ولی وقتی داستان رو تموم کردم متوجه شدم که می تونم یک ستاره به امتیاز هاش اضافه کنم.
ممنونم که این نقد رو خوندید و اینکه اگه فانتزی دوست دارید این می تونن گزینه خوبی باشه....
بذارید روراست باشم، اوایل کتاب من رو اصلا جذب خودش نکرد. ولی خب داستان یه کوچولو برای من تازگی داشت ولی یکم که جلو تر رفتم متوجه شدم که اصلا ارزش وقت گذاشتن نداره باز هم خودم رو ترغیب کردم که ادامه بدم و وقتی به وسط های کتاب رسیدم متوجه شدم که داستان به جاهای خوبی داره می رسه، توصیفات بهتر میشن، شخصیت های تازه ای وارد داستان شدن و یه جورایی نویسنده تازه تازه داره هنر خودش رو نشون میده.
داستان، دو جهان رو روایت میکنه که با اتصال یک درِ جادویی به هم متصل شده اند. یه سمت درْ، دنیایی پر از جادو و جادوگر و در سمت دیگر دنیایی. بدون جادوگر و اما سرشار از روح حیات. بعد از انفجار درْ، اتفاقات ناگواری رخ میده، که پیشنهاد میدم برای یک بار هم که شده بخونید. دیگه بیشتر از این داستان رو لو نمی دم. ترجمه فوقالعاده رون. من دوستش داشتم ولی بیشتر از سه ستاره نمی تونم بهش امتیاز بدم. در اصل میخواستم دو ستاره امتیاز بدم ولی وقتی داستان رو تموم کردم متوجه شدم که می تونم یک ستاره به امتیاز هاش اضافه کنم.
ممنونم که این نقد رو خوندید و اینکه اگه فانتزی دوست دارید این می تونن گزینه خوبی باشه....
June 4, 2018
Rook and Drift are exiles, forced to live in hiding because they possess magic from another world. Rook has the ability to open doors that will transport her to any place she can imagine, but when she opens a doorway to a mysterious snowy forest, a creature comes bounding into her life that will change her forever. Unable to trust anyone, hunted down by a government that hates their other-worldly magic, Rook and Drift try desperately to control the unreliable magic buzzing around their city. The magic of the world is poisoned and twisted, and only Rook and her friends have a chance at controlling the magic before it destroys their city.
I devoured this book, and was utterly fascinated with every scene! The characters, the world-building, the beautiful magic, the masterful writing, the adventure, the mysteries... I loved it all!
The world-building is incredibly imaginative! I loved the way the magic works, the deep history of the wizards from another world, and the poor exiled children stranded with no memory of their home. The whole scene unfolded before me in this wide tapestry of people and events and magical history.
The main characters are adorable and pitiful and strong, and my heart was wrenched for them in so many ways. Their miserable search for answers about their past lives made me very emotional, because aren't we all searching for the answer to that same question: "Who am I?"
The way the exiles desperately cling to one another and form a little family all their own was so touching and sweet. I was cheering for them, and crying for them, and laughing with them!
Rook is so dependent on Drift, two little girls trying to find a way to keep food in their mouths and shelter over their heads. Drift is smart and savvy, while Rook is the heart of the group. I just adore their friendship!
The adventure was glorious! Running, hiding, and barely escaping from the bad guys, then comes a big twist and everything is changed. The characters can hardly keep up with each new dangerous situation, and the reader is kept on their toes through every chapter. Even the quieter scenes were full of mystery and unanswered questions that kept me reading and reading into the wee hours.
I want to pick up more books by this author!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I devoured this book, and was utterly fascinated with every scene! The characters, the world-building, the beautiful magic, the masterful writing, the adventure, the mysteries... I loved it all!
The world-building is incredibly imaginative! I loved the way the magic works, the deep history of the wizards from another world, and the poor exiled children stranded with no memory of their home. The whole scene unfolded before me in this wide tapestry of people and events and magical history.
The main characters are adorable and pitiful and strong, and my heart was wrenched for them in so many ways. Their miserable search for answers about their past lives made me very emotional, because aren't we all searching for the answer to that same question: "Who am I?"
The way the exiles desperately cling to one another and form a little family all their own was so touching and sweet. I was cheering for them, and crying for them, and laughing with them!
Rook is so dependent on Drift, two little girls trying to find a way to keep food in their mouths and shelter over their heads. Drift is smart and savvy, while Rook is the heart of the group. I just adore their friendship!
The adventure was glorious! Running, hiding, and barely escaping from the bad guys, then comes a big twist and everything is changed. The characters can hardly keep up with each new dangerous situation, and the reader is kept on their toes through every chapter. Even the quieter scenes were full of mystery and unanswered questions that kept me reading and reading into the wee hours.
I want to pick up more books by this author!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 8, 2018
Interest Level: 5-8
Imagine that you live in a place where you have to hide all of the time because you are being hunted? How would it feel to have to sneak around and hide all of the time? This is exactly Rook and Drift's life. They live in a place called Talhaven where magic used to abound. Then one day without any warning there was a great explosion in the doorway between Vora and Talhaven that causes the magic to die, or what magic is left is dangerous. Everyone who is left in Talhaven that has magic is now being sought after to be put in prison, or even worse, some just disappear. Drift and Rook are best friends. Drift can cause great winds with her magic and Rook can create magical doors to travel anywhere. Rook is always trying to create a door back home to Vora so that they can live in peace. One day when Rook has created a door a red fox jumps through and threatens everything they have ever known. Is the red fox an enemy come to harm them, or is the red fox the answer they have been looking for? Will Rook ever make the door to get them back home, or will Rook find out that home may be something different all together? Read this fast-paced, action packed, edge of your seat adventure to find out.
This type of fantasy book is not usually my type of book but I received it from a publisher to review, so I did. Boy was I wrong! This book grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let go until I finished it. It was absolutely fantastic and Jaleigh Johnson now has a new fan! Do not miss this book!!
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Imagine that you live in a place where you have to hide all of the time because you are being hunted? How would it feel to have to sneak around and hide all of the time? This is exactly Rook and Drift's life. They live in a place called Talhaven where magic used to abound. Then one day without any warning there was a great explosion in the doorway between Vora and Talhaven that causes the magic to die, or what magic is left is dangerous. Everyone who is left in Talhaven that has magic is now being sought after to be put in prison, or even worse, some just disappear. Drift and Rook are best friends. Drift can cause great winds with her magic and Rook can create magical doors to travel anywhere. Rook is always trying to create a door back home to Vora so that they can live in peace. One day when Rook has created a door a red fox jumps through and threatens everything they have ever known. Is the red fox an enemy come to harm them, or is the red fox the answer they have been looking for? Will Rook ever make the door to get them back home, or will Rook find out that home may be something different all together? Read this fast-paced, action packed, edge of your seat adventure to find out.
This type of fantasy book is not usually my type of book but I received it from a publisher to review, so I did. Boy was I wrong! This book grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn't let go until I finished it. It was absolutely fantastic and Jaleigh Johnson now has a new fan! Do not miss this book!!
Follow me:
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August 20, 2018
Two years ago, the magical gate that led to the world of Vora blew up, scattering magic everywhere. And now magic itself is broken, unreliable, distrusted. Rook and Drift have been scrounging for a living since then, bartering Rook's ability to open magical doors to anywhere for cash. But when she opens a door she never intended, and a gigantic fox slips through, her life will change drastically . . .
I adored this. In a weird way, it's an anti-dystopia: the harsh, desperate, oppressive times we start out in gradually come to light as not actually as bad as Rook always assumed. That not everyone outside of the band of magical children is a horrible person just waiting to turn them in. The world's broken magic makes an interesting backdrop. All sorts of things went sideways thanks to that.
The characters are so much fun. Rook and Drift are two of the last people who had come through the gate before it exploded, along with a host of other children. Unfortunately, since the explosion wiped out their memories, they have no more idea than anyone else why everything went down. I love the tight friendship between the two of them. Both of them struggle with mistaken assumptions, both fear that their commitment isn't mutual, and both of them realize that their friendship means more to them than anything else.
Fox is amazing. He's a gigantic fox that Rook initially mistakes for a monster, and he certainly has several interesting abilities (shadow foxes!). Even though he doesn't say much, I love how he worms his way into Rook's heart.
Overall this is a complete story, but I do hope for more in this world because it was such a charming stay. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
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I adored this. In a weird way, it's an anti-dystopia: the harsh, desperate, oppressive times we start out in gradually come to light as not actually as bad as Rook always assumed. That not everyone outside of the band of magical children is a horrible person just waiting to turn them in. The world's broken magic makes an interesting backdrop. All sorts of things went sideways thanks to that.
The characters are so much fun. Rook and Drift are two of the last people who had come through the gate before it exploded, along with a host of other children. Unfortunately, since the explosion wiped out their memories, they have no more idea than anyone else why everything went down. I love the tight friendship between the two of them. Both of them struggle with mistaken assumptions, both fear that their commitment isn't mutual, and both of them realize that their friendship means more to them than anything else.
Fox is amazing. He's a gigantic fox that Rook initially mistakes for a monster, and he certainly has several interesting abilities (shadow foxes!). Even though he doesn't say much, I love how he worms his way into Rook's heart.
Overall this is a complete story, but I do hope for more in this world because it was such a charming stay. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
April 2, 2018
Fantastic book. Great characters with awesome magic. I loved the MC, who grew a lot throughout the book. And I'm a sucker for orphans and magic, which this book definitely has.
The non stop action and character building and magic make this book hard to put down. The girls' friendship was very well done. I fell easily into the story, fearing for the orphans' everyday struggle to get by, and hoping the adults don't discover or betray them. Or that their magic could save them in time.
I highly recommend this book for middle grade and older readers.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The non stop action and character building and magic make this book hard to put down. The girls' friendship was very well done. I fell easily into the story, fearing for the orphans' everyday struggle to get by, and hoping the adults don't discover or betray them. Or that their magic could save them in time.
I highly recommend this book for middle grade and older readers.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! THIS WAS SOOO GOOD!!!!
first, it’s found family and i loved it
second, it’s well written middle grade fantasy
third… fox is adorable and i love him
fourth, the ending was beautiful <3
content warnings: mentions of war, magic (no dark magic), an adult lies multiple times to the mcs
first, it’s found family and i loved it
second, it’s well written middle grade fantasy
third… fox is adorable and i love him
fourth, the ending was beautiful <3
content warnings: mentions of war, magic (no dark magic), an adult lies multiple times to the mcs
October 15, 2022
Also one I read a long time ago, I checked and it is in my Read list and it is there, idk why its still in my tbr tho I wouldn't mind reading it again cuz it was good.
December 1, 2023
There is courage in telling the people you love what you're afraid of.
November 28, 2019
i loved this book so much,there is so many realizing things moments and so much action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 27, 2019
There were a ton of original ideas in this book. I applaud the author for the whole concept! I’ve never heard of a protagonist with the power to open doors. This was a fun book to read.
October 6, 2018
Most of this book rubbed me the wrong way for whatever reason.
It's compelling, but most of the plot just felt rushed. It sets up the "here are things as they are now" part and then just sprints off into the distance. Where is the world-building? Nowhere in sight. There's a few mentions of concepts, like a disease caused by the disappearance of magic and some of the children disappearing or serving the ruling family (or whoever runs the country this takes place in), but the disease shows up for two scenes, and other children only show up near the end, and they aren't serving anyone. This really needed some more characters, since Rook and Drift (and later Fox) can't carry the story by themselves at all.
The plot twists here also felt...boring and predictable. Most of it just felt unsavory, and I didn't like where the plot was going after some of the more major events.
The characters are kind of boring here too. Fox was simple enough to be likable, but again, the two leads weren't very interesting. They were more like "the girl who flies and stuff" and "the girl who can create doors to anywhere semi-reliably but then doesn't use it for the late-middle of the book because she can't anymore" than real people.
The writing was okay, but there were a few sections where it seems off.
On the plus side, there's absolutely no romance in this book beside one scene with a husband and wife! Forced romances would have made this book much worse, so points for that.
All in all, I think I was just expecting too much of this book. It has a lot of potential, but not much of it goes anywhere, so it just feels unsatisfying. If you haven't read hundreds of fantasy books you might like this a lot, but if you're a veteran the pretty common tropes here will annoy/bore you.
It's compelling, but most of the plot just felt rushed. It sets up the "here are things as they are now" part and then just sprints off into the distance. Where is the world-building? Nowhere in sight. There's a few mentions of concepts, like a disease caused by the disappearance of magic and some of the children disappearing or serving the ruling family (or whoever runs the country this takes place in), but the disease shows up for two scenes, and other children only show up near the end, and they aren't serving anyone. This really needed some more characters, since Rook and Drift (and later Fox) can't carry the story by themselves at all.
The plot twists here also felt...boring and predictable. Most of it just felt unsavory, and I didn't like where the plot was going after some of the more major events.
The characters are kind of boring here too. Fox was simple enough to be likable, but again, the two leads weren't very interesting. They were more like "the girl who flies and stuff" and "the girl who can create doors to anywhere semi-reliably but then doesn't use it for the late-middle of the book because she can't anymore" than real people.
The writing was okay, but there were a few sections where it seems off.
On the plus side, there's absolutely no romance in this book beside one scene with a husband and wife! Forced romances would have made this book much worse, so points for that.
All in all, I think I was just expecting too much of this book. It has a lot of potential, but not much of it goes anywhere, so it just feels unsatisfying. If you haven't read hundreds of fantasy books you might like this a lot, but if you're a veteran the pretty common tropes here will annoy/bore you.
January 24, 2019
Before, the worlds of Vora and Talhaven traded. Vora supplied Talhaven with magic. Magic of all kinds. For airships and lights and tools. In exchange, Talhaven gave Vora the natural resources they needed. Talhaven became dependent on magic. And then the Great Catastrophe happened. The magical doorway connecting Vora and Talhaven exploded. Hundreds of people were killed and many more were injured. Just before the door exploded, a final ship came through. A ship with three hundred twenty-seven children. After the explosion, none of the children could even remember their names, much less why they’d come or what their lives were like before. No wizard has come through the doorway into Tralhaven since, and as the magic fades, it warps. Now all of Talhaven fears magic, and no place more than the city of Regara, where the explosion happened. The children who came through the doorway are feared, and those that were not rounded up hide as best they can. Rook and Drift stick together. Drift can conjure winds to lift herself and others into the air. Rook can make doors to almost anywhere, although what she wants most of all is to make a door back to Vora and go home. No matter how hard she tries, it never works. Then one day, Rook and Drift are caught by Regaran constables, and with them is an adult wizard, Dozana, the first adult wizard Rook and Drift ever remember seeing. The Rook’s powers are needed to travel into the Wasteland where the door to Vora once was. Power is building up where the door once stood, and if something isn’t done there will be another explosion, worse than before. Rook and Drift don’t know who to trust. The constables that are always cruel to them? The wizard who claims to be Drift’s mother? And could this be the final chance for Rook to go back to the home she’s always dreamed of?
October 27, 2018
The Door to the Lost by Jaleigh Johnson, 292 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2018 $17
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: EL -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE (DUE TO COVER ART AND TITLE)
Rook and Drift are orphaned children with no memory of their homeworld. As wielders of magic, they are not welcome in Talhaven, so they must sneak and hide to survive. The two worlds used to be linked for a beneficial magical trade relationship. But when the door between was closed it left Talhaven with a ship full of magical orphans and a blighted area around the former door that is driving people mad and seems to be ready to explode. Rook and Drift are caught up in a scheme to exploit the dark, wild and dangerous power near the former door, and must use their own magic to figure out how to survive.
This was a very well written book, I found it easy to engage with the characters and keep reading to find out their fate. Although creepy at times, it’s a fairly wholesome story with no swearing and an emphasis on friendship. Its just the right length for an upper elementary adventure and the magical component is intriguing. I think the cover is unappealing and I am not even sure how the name relates to the story in a real way. I also think readers would have loved to see more magical hijinks at the beginning of the book before the very serious plot takes over. A great book talk would get the checkouts rolling on this book.
Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: EL -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE (DUE TO COVER ART AND TITLE)
Rook and Drift are orphaned children with no memory of their homeworld. As wielders of magic, they are not welcome in Talhaven, so they must sneak and hide to survive. The two worlds used to be linked for a beneficial magical trade relationship. But when the door between was closed it left Talhaven with a ship full of magical orphans and a blighted area around the former door that is driving people mad and seems to be ready to explode. Rook and Drift are caught up in a scheme to exploit the dark, wild and dangerous power near the former door, and must use their own magic to figure out how to survive.
This was a very well written book, I found it easy to engage with the characters and keep reading to find out their fate. Although creepy at times, it’s a fairly wholesome story with no swearing and an emphasis on friendship. Its just the right length for an upper elementary adventure and the magical component is intriguing. I think the cover is unappealing and I am not even sure how the name relates to the story in a real way. I also think readers would have loved to see more magical hijinks at the beginning of the book before the very serious plot takes over. A great book talk would get the checkouts rolling on this book.
Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
February 1, 2018
I am grateful to start my year of middle grade reading with some fantasy, as there wasn't enough out last year. The premise of this book is fantastic--abandoned magical exiled children in a hostile world, hustling for money, going to the magical black market. There are some lovely themes in there. And Rook and Drift, our main characters, quickly wind up with a third member of their trio a fox--or at least, they think it's a fox. I loved all the cozy magic here, and the growth that Drift and Rook see. I did not connect as well to the action/adventure sequences where Rook and Drift are out in the magical Wasteland and the third person omniscient narration chooses to be much less omniscient, I think to create suspense, but I found it confusing. I wanted to know Rook's plans so I could see if they were going to make it. I think the emotional portions of this book are a lot stronger than the action in it, which is unfortunate.
June 5, 2025
SECOND REVIEW: 3.5/5
This book took me an absurdly long time to read. I started to read it outloud with my brother, but he never asked to finish it, then forgot everything when I went to college, so I just finished it on my own. This book is not as good as her Solace trilogy, and after growing up, I can see that so much more. That being said, I am still obsessed with the concept of sky pirates because of this novel. Amazing vibes. Great themes.
FIRST REVIEW: 5/5
This book is my second favorite out of Jaleigh Johnson's books. I didn't expect it to live up to my expectations, but man, it did. Even though there's no hint of a sequel coming, I'd so read it if there was one.
Honestly, Jaleigh's books are so underrated. It upsets me... They all have such beautiful worlds (and maps) and are filled with twists and good writing and just... AAAAA I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
This book took me an absurdly long time to read. I started to read it outloud with my brother, but he never asked to finish it, then forgot everything when I went to college, so I just finished it on my own. This book is not as good as her Solace trilogy, and after growing up, I can see that so much more. That being said, I am still obsessed with the concept of sky pirates because of this novel. Amazing vibes. Great themes.
FIRST REVIEW: 5/5
This book is my second favorite out of Jaleigh Johnson's books. I didn't expect it to live up to my expectations, but man, it did. Even though there's no hint of a sequel coming, I'd so read it if there was one.
Honestly, Jaleigh's books are so underrated. It upsets me... They all have such beautiful worlds (and maps) and are filled with twists and good writing and just... AAAAA I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
September 18, 2018
For me, this book was slow. There wasn't enough rising action to keep my interest. I did like the forms of magic given to characters. Rook reminded me of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" but with less control.
January 27, 2023
The plot sounded exciting even before I picked up the book. Magic. Gone wrong. The only people who have magic are children. From a foreign world. And instead of being cared for, they’re blamed for everything and forced to fend for themselves.
The story itself was great too. The characters were real. The scenes were vivid. There was danger, excitement and adventure. And amazingly sweet friendships.
Despite being quite a bit older than the intended audience, I really enjoyed reading it all. I had a hard time putting it down. And I loved the twist at the end
The chapter names were great too. Every single chapter had the word door in it. The Door to Power. The Door in the Dark. The Door to Friendship. The Door to Everywhere. And, lastly, The Door Home. These chapter names tied everything together rather nicely.
My main complaint was the blind trust in Lily.
Overall, this is a great, clean, magical adventure full of sweet themes of loyalty, courage, and belonging.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys sweet fantasy reads.
Also recommended:
The Mark of the Dragonfly
The Rose Legacy
The story itself was great too. The characters were real. The scenes were vivid. There was danger, excitement and adventure. And amazingly sweet friendships.
Despite being quite a bit older than the intended audience, I really enjoyed reading it all. I had a hard time putting it down. And I loved the twist at the end
The chapter names were great too. Every single chapter had the word door in it. The Door to Power. The Door in the Dark. The Door to Friendship. The Door to Everywhere. And, lastly, The Door Home. These chapter names tied everything together rather nicely.
My main complaint was the blind trust in Lily.
Overall, this is a great, clean, magical adventure full of sweet themes of loyalty, courage, and belonging.
Recommended to anyone who enjoys sweet fantasy reads.
Also recommended:
The Mark of the Dragonfly
The Rose Legacy
December 16, 2022
🚪🌇🌟The Door to the Lost🌟🌇🚪
When magic disappears from Talhaven, Voran children appear through a doorway into their land. The children are deemed as dangerous and exiles, although they have no recollection of their former life. Rook has lived most of her life on the run, spending her days with her best friend Drift. Together they accomplish risky tasks to earn money. One day, Rook's magic leads her to open a doorway to a place she's never seen, and a fox appears through it. This fox is more than he first appeared, and is in fact someone with a hidden identity. Sooner or later, Rook and Drift will not be able to dodge every attempt to find them, and will have to find some allies.
"The people of Talhaven named them exiles, and some even blamed the children for the disaster that had destroyed the portal between worlds and corrupted the remaining magic. Others wanted to use the children's magic for their own ends. So the exiles did the only thing they could think of to protect themselves: they used their magic to escape and went into hiding.
But no one can hide forever."
The Door to the Lost was a fun fantasy that utilized an interesting concept. As I mentioned, I enjoyed the interesting concept, yet it didn't do much to save this book from falling into over-used and common fantasy tropes. Nevertheless, this book wasn't particularly bad, but I still didn't love it. I felt like the world-building felt extremely detailed in certain areas, and then other places were mentioned once or twice and felt like just a place on a piece of paper.
I love it when the world feels real and rich, detailed and complicated. That worked for certain places, yet other places on the map weren't even mentioned or were not visited at all. It just felt like there was more to be explored that Jaleigh Johnson had created but never explored in her novel. Rook and Drift were good characters. I enjoyed how there wasn't a romance in this story, but it focused on the love between friends.
Rook and Drift both dealing with turbulence in their friendship and I like how this was dealt with in a fantasy novel. Fox was a good character but didn't seem to add to the plot that much. I wanted to see more of a kinship between the Vorans, or an exploration of what Vora was like. Certain things were presented that felt random without being explained or inserted at the right time.
Overall, a fantasy that didn't shock me, but did keep me interested. I hope to pick up more books by this author.
🆗PLOT
🆗PLOT TWISTS
🆗CHARACTERS
When magic disappears from Talhaven, Voran children appear through a doorway into their land. The children are deemed as dangerous and exiles, although they have no recollection of their former life. Rook has lived most of her life on the run, spending her days with her best friend Drift. Together they accomplish risky tasks to earn money. One day, Rook's magic leads her to open a doorway to a place she's never seen, and a fox appears through it. This fox is more than he first appeared, and is in fact someone with a hidden identity. Sooner or later, Rook and Drift will not be able to dodge every attempt to find them, and will have to find some allies.
"The people of Talhaven named them exiles, and some even blamed the children for the disaster that had destroyed the portal between worlds and corrupted the remaining magic. Others wanted to use the children's magic for their own ends. So the exiles did the only thing they could think of to protect themselves: they used their magic to escape and went into hiding.
But no one can hide forever."
The Door to the Lost was a fun fantasy that utilized an interesting concept. As I mentioned, I enjoyed the interesting concept, yet it didn't do much to save this book from falling into over-used and common fantasy tropes. Nevertheless, this book wasn't particularly bad, but I still didn't love it. I felt like the world-building felt extremely detailed in certain areas, and then other places were mentioned once or twice and felt like just a place on a piece of paper.
I love it when the world feels real and rich, detailed and complicated. That worked for certain places, yet other places on the map weren't even mentioned or were not visited at all. It just felt like there was more to be explored that Jaleigh Johnson had created but never explored in her novel. Rook and Drift were good characters. I enjoyed how there wasn't a romance in this story, but it focused on the love between friends.
Rook and Drift both dealing with turbulence in their friendship and I like how this was dealt with in a fantasy novel. Fox was a good character but didn't seem to add to the plot that much. I wanted to see more of a kinship between the Vorans, or an exploration of what Vora was like. Certain things were presented that felt random without being explained or inserted at the right time.
Overall, a fantasy that didn't shock me, but did keep me interested. I hope to pick up more books by this author.
🆗PLOT
🆗PLOT TWISTS
🆗CHARACTERS
January 3, 2024
DNF at page 232 (76%). 2.5 stars.
I absolutely love Jaleigh Johnson, and this book was very good for a while. But the second half of the novel really drags for me. The plot was progressing way to fast, and there was no time for stakes to properly develop. The characters also weren’t very clearly defined; Rook and Drift had character traits and things that sort of made them unique, but no actual development. Fox isn’t really a character at all, he’s more like a concept with autonomy. On top of all of that, plot contrivances really ruined it for me. But before I go into that, I want to mention some positive things.
The world is incredibly imaginative, and it’s very easy to get lost in it. The magic is fun and unique, especially with regards to Rook. Creating doors isn’t quite a new concept, but it’s not something you see very often and this take on it was very novel. And the history of the world is amazing as well; hearing about the skyships and the society built around them sounded so cool, and living in the ruins of that society gives the world an almost ancient undertone.
But that’s pretty much all for the positives.
The plot contrivances in the second half were really what threw me over the edge. The section where the team had to go into the Wasteland felt slow to me; Drift leaving Fox behind after escaping from Dozana seemed uncharacteristic; and Rook traveling elsewhere to get Drift and Fox help seemed odd. Couldn’t Rook have just made a door into the cave where Fox was hiding? If not, Johnson didn’t explain why. And even if she needed Rook to not save him in that moment for the plot, she could have written it so that the door didn’t work. It just felt like a clunky way to move the plot along.
I’ve read a few reviews and had some aspects of the end of the book spoiled, and I just don’t see myself caring. I was only about 70 pages from finishing the book, which isn’t a lot, but that’s 70 pages I could be reading of another book I’m actually enjoying.
This is by no means typical of Johnson’s works, though, she’s an amazing author. I haven’t read her Solace series, so perhaps she just isn’t very good at writing Young Adult books, but her adult fantasy novels are amazing. Definitely read this author, but maybe skip this book.
I absolutely love Jaleigh Johnson, and this book was very good for a while. But the second half of the novel really drags for me. The plot was progressing way to fast, and there was no time for stakes to properly develop. The characters also weren’t very clearly defined; Rook and Drift had character traits and things that sort of made them unique, but no actual development. Fox isn’t really a character at all, he’s more like a concept with autonomy. On top of all of that, plot contrivances really ruined it for me. But before I go into that, I want to mention some positive things.
The world is incredibly imaginative, and it’s very easy to get lost in it. The magic is fun and unique, especially with regards to Rook. Creating doors isn’t quite a new concept, but it’s not something you see very often and this take on it was very novel. And the history of the world is amazing as well; hearing about the skyships and the society built around them sounded so cool, and living in the ruins of that society gives the world an almost ancient undertone.
But that’s pretty much all for the positives.
The plot contrivances in the second half were really what threw me over the edge. The section where the team had to go into the Wasteland felt slow to me; Drift leaving Fox behind after escaping from Dozana seemed uncharacteristic; and Rook traveling elsewhere to get Drift and Fox help seemed odd. Couldn’t Rook have just made a door into the cave where Fox was hiding? If not, Johnson didn’t explain why. And even if she needed Rook to not save him in that moment for the plot, she could have written it so that the door didn’t work. It just felt like a clunky way to move the plot along.
I’ve read a few reviews and had some aspects of the end of the book spoiled, and I just don’t see myself caring. I was only about 70 pages from finishing the book, which isn’t a lot, but that’s 70 pages I could be reading of another book I’m actually enjoying.
This is by no means typical of Johnson’s works, though, she’s an amazing author. I haven’t read her Solace series, so perhaps she just isn’t very good at writing Young Adult books, but her adult fantasy novels are amazing. Definitely read this author, but maybe skip this book.
March 4, 2019
~3.5 stars
DOOR TO THE LOST was an interesting story, written from the point of view of adolescent Rook, a Voran girl with the ability to draw doors serving as portals. I never felt especially connected to the characters, maybe because their amnesia of earlier times presented something more like an emotionally blank canvas for me than a wounding black hole that made me ache with sympathy. Rook’s goal, it seems, was to draw a door from the world of Talhaven (where they’d been stranded) back to their magical Voran home world. Her reason (motivation) was that the people of Talhaven didn’t accept Voran exiles like her. She seemed especially hurt by that fact, a reaction I understood theoretically while failing to feel its full emotional impact. Whatever was lacking for me as a reader in this respect, the effect was clear: I didn’t feel for Rook as much as she felt for herself.
However, she’s likable enough as a character, and the book held my interest. I enjoyed the action and world building, especially near the beginning. The author does a good job with the pacing and action. In the middle—though the action continues—the conflict felt more contrived. The action and conflict near the end were nice, all mysteries tied up in a neat bow, though the tradeoff—for one of them at least—may have been a dampening of the emotional potential since readers couldn't fully appreciate the stakes without the information that was withheld.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I wasn’t blown away.
DOOR TO THE LOST was an interesting story, written from the point of view of adolescent Rook, a Voran girl with the ability to draw doors serving as portals. I never felt especially connected to the characters, maybe because their amnesia of earlier times presented something more like an emotionally blank canvas for me than a wounding black hole that made me ache with sympathy. Rook’s goal, it seems, was to draw a door from the world of Talhaven (where they’d been stranded) back to their magical Voran home world. Her reason (motivation) was that the people of Talhaven didn’t accept Voran exiles like her. She seemed especially hurt by that fact, a reaction I understood theoretically while failing to feel its full emotional impact. Whatever was lacking for me as a reader in this respect, the effect was clear: I didn’t feel for Rook as much as she felt for herself.
However, she’s likable enough as a character, and the book held my interest. I enjoyed the action and world building, especially near the beginning. The author does a good job with the pacing and action. In the middle—though the action continues—the conflict felt more contrived. The action and conflict near the end were nice, all mysteries tied up in a neat bow, though the tradeoff—for one of them at least—may have been a dampening of the emotional potential since readers couldn't fully appreciate the stakes without the information that was withheld.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I wasn’t blown away.
September 17, 2018
As with most YA novels, the plight of the tween or teen is center stage but in this case, those characters have an added burden of amnesia. There are two main characters -- Rook and Drift -- though they are joined early on by Fox. Rook is the only one of the trio whose name doesn't seem to just a reflection of what she or he can do. What can they do? Magic!
Magic is challenging to do in most fantasy worlds but when you have amnesia the difficulty level rises dramatically. Add into the mix the fact that the source of magic has been damaged but an event simply called "The Great Catastrophe." As a result of such a terrible event, anyone who can do magic is feared.
I don't want to give the plot away so I'll say that there is non-stop action from the first chapter and that Johnson does a good job of interweaving it with character development. However, I felt that the characters' growth seemed a bit forced at times. I would have liked some non-action scenes at the beginning to help us feel more connected to Rook and Drift. Rook is exciting enough to intrigue both girl and boy readers, Drift felt more feminine in many ways.
The other thing that annoyed me slightly about the book was the chapter headings. I understand that they are all playing with "door" but still given the magic of one of our main characters I kept expecting her magic to be used and it wasn't always used or used as the chapter title suggested.
Magic is challenging to do in most fantasy worlds but when you have amnesia the difficulty level rises dramatically. Add into the mix the fact that the source of magic has been damaged but an event simply called "The Great Catastrophe." As a result of such a terrible event, anyone who can do magic is feared.
I don't want to give the plot away so I'll say that there is non-stop action from the first chapter and that Johnson does a good job of interweaving it with character development. However, I felt that the characters' growth seemed a bit forced at times. I would have liked some non-action scenes at the beginning to help us feel more connected to Rook and Drift. Rook is exciting enough to intrigue both girl and boy readers, Drift felt more feminine in many ways.
The other thing that annoyed me slightly about the book was the chapter headings. I understand that they are all playing with "door" but still given the magic of one of our main characters I kept expecting her magic to be used and it wasn't always used or used as the chapter title suggested.
August 2, 2018
There was no warning the day magic died in Talhaven. It happened with a giant explosion and the arrival of a skyship full of children, all with magic running through their veins and no memory of home.
Rook and Drift are two of those children, and ever since that day, they've been on the run, magical refugees in a world that doesn't trust magic. Because magic doesn't die right away--it decays, twists, and poisons all that it touches. And now it's beginning to poison people.
Try as they might, Rook and Drift can't remember anything about their lives before Talhaven. But it's beginning to look like they're the only ones who can save their adopted world . . . if that world doesn't destroy them first.
Out July 3, 2018
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Magical refugees on the run because no one trust magic. How exciting. This is a fun and adventurous book for middle-grade readers.
The author did a great job with world-building, pacing and plotting, ensuring plenty of twists and turns to keep you fixated to the pages! To add to these pleasures, there's strong, well-fleshed out characters that are likable and fun and excellent magical elements too.
I enjoyed this original tale, especially because of the characters who will stay with me for a long time.
Rook and Drift are two of those children, and ever since that day, they've been on the run, magical refugees in a world that doesn't trust magic. Because magic doesn't die right away--it decays, twists, and poisons all that it touches. And now it's beginning to poison people.
Try as they might, Rook and Drift can't remember anything about their lives before Talhaven. But it's beginning to look like they're the only ones who can save their adopted world . . . if that world doesn't destroy them first.
Out July 3, 2018
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Magical refugees on the run because no one trust magic. How exciting. This is a fun and adventurous book for middle-grade readers.
The author did a great job with world-building, pacing and plotting, ensuring plenty of twists and turns to keep you fixated to the pages! To add to these pleasures, there's strong, well-fleshed out characters that are likable and fun and excellent magical elements too.
I enjoyed this original tale, especially because of the characters who will stay with me for a long time.
June 9, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
***
Rook and Drift are two best friends with particular magical skills trying to survive in a world that doesn’t trust magic after an incident that caused mass destruction and left behind “the exiles”, children from a world full of magic. Rook, our MC, can open doorways to wherever, or she could if she had a better hold of her magic. She, along with Drift who can create winds and fly/float/fall with style, use their skill sets to stay ahead of those who don’t want them around. After one memorable incident she accidentally opens a door that lets in Fox, an exile, a boy who can shift into fox form and uses shadows.
One day they come across a woman who claims to come from the same world they did, an adult who survived, and tells them they can use their magic to save this world and return to their own. Tempting of course, but these things are never easy and the truth less so.
It’s a fun magical ride. I loved the relationship between Rook and Drift and how easily Fox fell into their dynamic.
Fun fast read. Recommend fo someone looking to add some magic to their reading.
***
Rook and Drift are two best friends with particular magical skills trying to survive in a world that doesn’t trust magic after an incident that caused mass destruction and left behind “the exiles”, children from a world full of magic. Rook, our MC, can open doorways to wherever, or she could if she had a better hold of her magic. She, along with Drift who can create winds and fly/float/fall with style, use their skill sets to stay ahead of those who don’t want them around. After one memorable incident she accidentally opens a door that lets in Fox, an exile, a boy who can shift into fox form and uses shadows.
One day they come across a woman who claims to come from the same world they did, an adult who survived, and tells them they can use their magic to save this world and return to their own. Tempting of course, but these things are never easy and the truth less so.
It’s a fun magical ride. I loved the relationship between Rook and Drift and how easily Fox fell into their dynamic.
Fun fast read. Recommend fo someone looking to add some magic to their reading.
August 9, 2018
A really fun and heartfelt MG fantasy. See more reviews at my blog!
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The Door to the Lost is a standalone adventure for young readers that is so full of heart and magic that it’s sure to be a hit.
It’s been too long since I last dived into a middle-grade novel, I had forgotten just how refreshing some of the novels in that age range can be and I’m so glad I had The Door to the Lost to remind me of that. In Lost, we meet Rook and Drift, two best friends who have been cast out by society due to their magic. They do what they can to make ends meet, but a job takes an unexpected turn and they find themselves in more danger than before. This book has a few different themes that it touches on, and I think it does so in highly relatable ways that younger audiences will have no issues being able to understand and feel what the characters are going through. We see it touch on family, friendship, loneliness, and what it means to be home; and I really think it shines when it comes to presenting these in heartfelt ways. Drift and Rook, and later Fox, have a beautiful friendship that is so incredibly supportive and I loved seeing such a strong bond especially between two female characters. It seems like books geared towards older audiences shy away from that, and I’m thankful that middle grade still takes the time to really hone in on the wonderful bond between two people that grow up together. The concept of home is one that really stands out as well, as Drift and Rook deal with being ostracized for who they are and feel out of place in a world that isn’t really their own. I think in some ways this touches very lightly on an immigration experience that we don’t get to see in a lot of younger fiction.
I think that Jaliegh Johnson does a wonderful job with The Door to the Lost. It’s a standalone fantasy with fantastic worldbuilding and a ton of heart, hooking the reader from page one. She is a new author for me and I’m really excited to try out her other books. If you are looking for Middle Grade with focus on strong bonds or a standalone fantasy that is easy to get into, then The Door to the Lost is for you!
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
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The Door to the Lost is a standalone adventure for young readers that is so full of heart and magic that it’s sure to be a hit.
It’s been too long since I last dived into a middle-grade novel, I had forgotten just how refreshing some of the novels in that age range can be and I’m so glad I had The Door to the Lost to remind me of that. In Lost, we meet Rook and Drift, two best friends who have been cast out by society due to their magic. They do what they can to make ends meet, but a job takes an unexpected turn and they find themselves in more danger than before. This book has a few different themes that it touches on, and I think it does so in highly relatable ways that younger audiences will have no issues being able to understand and feel what the characters are going through. We see it touch on family, friendship, loneliness, and what it means to be home; and I really think it shines when it comes to presenting these in heartfelt ways. Drift and Rook, and later Fox, have a beautiful friendship that is so incredibly supportive and I loved seeing such a strong bond especially between two female characters. It seems like books geared towards older audiences shy away from that, and I’m thankful that middle grade still takes the time to really hone in on the wonderful bond between two people that grow up together. The concept of home is one that really stands out as well, as Drift and Rook deal with being ostracized for who they are and feel out of place in a world that isn’t really their own. I think in some ways this touches very lightly on an immigration experience that we don’t get to see in a lot of younger fiction.
I think that Jaliegh Johnson does a wonderful job with The Door to the Lost. It’s a standalone fantasy with fantastic worldbuilding and a ton of heart, hooking the reader from page one. She is a new author for me and I’m really excited to try out her other books. If you are looking for Middle Grade with focus on strong bonds or a standalone fantasy that is easy to get into, then The Door to the Lost is for you!
I received this in exchange for an honest review.
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