Alix E. Harrow's debut is an ambitious blend of portal fantasy and historical commentary that will particularly appeal to readers seeking diverse voices in speculative fiction. The novel follows January Scaller, a mixed-race young woman in early 1900s Vermont who discovers that doors between worlds exist—and that her benefactor, Mr. Locke, is part of a society dedicated to destroying them.

Harrow excels at world-building, creating vivid alternate realities and weaving together January's personal journey with broader themes of displacement, belonging, and cultural destruction. The prose is lush and evocative, particularly when describing the various worlds January encounters.

The book's exploration of colonialism through a fantasy lens feels genuine rather than heavy-handed, examining how power structures seek to control and eliminate what they don't understand. January herself is a compelling protagonist whose struggle with identity—caught between worlds both literally and figuratively—resonates throughout.

However, the novel suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the middle section where the plot meanders through January's discoveries. The book-within-a-book structure, while thematically relevant, sometimes slows momentum. Some readers may find the romance subplot underdeveloped, and the climactic confrontation feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful buildup.

The supporting characters, while diverse, occasionally feel more like vehicles for themes than fully realized people. Fantasy readers who enjoyed 'The Night Circus' or 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' will likely appreciate Harrow's atmospheric writing, though those seeking fast-paced adventure should look elsewhere. The book works best for readers interested in character-driven fantasy that grapples with real-world issues through a magical lens. Young adult readers aging into adult fantasy will find this particularly rewarding, as will anyone seeking portal fantasy that moves beyond simple escapism to examine questions of power, identity, and home.