Through the Door (The Thin Veil)
Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac is a very fun introduction to fantasy based on celtic mythology. Through the Door also has the interesting aspect of focusing on a single mother as the main character, though her daughter is the one with the special powers. This is a dynamic I haven’t read ever before, and so I was quite happy to see this portrayal of a woman making the best of a difficult situation with the help of her single mother as well. My biggest suggestion is not to let the title or cover put you off, since I was not immediately drawn to either, didn’t know what to expect from Through the Door, and was very pleasantly surprised.
Note: I received Through the Door through Netgalley for an honest review.
Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac (The Thin Veil #1)
Published by 47North on April 23rd, 2013
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 282 pages
How I got my copy: NetGalley, Publisher
Book Depository - Goodreads
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It’s been seven years since the love of Cedar McLeod’s life left with no forwarding address. All she has left of him are heart-wrenching memories of happier times and a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Eden. Then, one day, Eden opens her bedroom door and unwittingly creates a portal that leads to anywhere she imagines.
But they’re not the only ones who know of Eden’s gift, and soon the child mysteriously vanishes.
Desperate for answers, Cedar digs into the past and finds herself thrust into a magical world of Celtic myths, fantastical creatures, and bloody rivalries. Teaming up with the unlikeliest of allies, Cedar must bridge the gap between two worlds and hold tight to the love in her heart…or lose everything to an ancient evil.
Strengths:
- The fantasy world with celtic influences that Through the Door introduces was very cool and I look forward to finding out more!
- Because Cedar’s mother raised her alone in addition to Cedar raising her own daughter as a single mom, there is a great theme of single mothers being awesome and completely capable of forming a loving family.
- The writing of Through the Door was strong and quite enjoyable to read.
- There are several twists, one of which I did not see coming, and you know how I love my plot twists ;-).
Weaknesses:
- Mermaids made a brief appearance and I got all excited that we would get to follow the characters underwater with them, but then we didn’t at all. It was so sad. I would really love more description of the celtic mermaids, at least I assume these mermaids were faithfully based on celtic lore?
- The ending of Through the Door was a bit too convenient with a special gift showing up just in the nick of time.
- I am not a fan of the title of Through the Door, I just don’t think it grabs the reader or gives them any idea what the book is about. I know where the title comes from after reading the book, but I’m still not intrigued strictly based on the title. I think Tuatha de Danaan would have been a much better title. Also I’m not in love with the cover and it only kind of fits a scene in the book….
Summary:
I am fairly certain Through the Door is still available on Netgalley for review and I do recommend fantasy fans to go check it out. Through the Door is a fairly easy read with fun celtic influences and a new fantasy world for us all to enjoy. Mothers saving their daughters are like the epitome of kick-butt heroines right? I certainly don’t want to get in the way of this mother-daughter team ever ;-). I’m looking forward to the next in the Thin Veil series, but I’m not on the edge of my seat.
