The Ten Thousand Doors of January | FAQ & 12 Books Like It

The Ten Thousand Doors of January | FAQ & 12 Books Like It

February 8, 2024
·
4 min
Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there, fellow bookworms! If you're anything like me, you love curling up with a captivating story that takes you on a wild adventure to unknown realms. Well, let me tell you, "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" by Alix E. Harrow is the perfect book for just that! This enchanting tale weaves together elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and a touch of mystery to create a truly spellbinding reading experience. In this incredible novel, we follow the journey of January Scaller, a young woman who discovers a mysterious book called "The Ten Thousand Doors." As she delves into its tales of secret doors leading to other worlds, January begins to question her own reality and the possibilities that lie beyond. With gorgeous prose and vivid storytelling, Harrow effortlessly transports readers to magical realms filled with wonder and danger. "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" not only captivates the imagination but also delves into important themes of identity, belonging, and the power of stories. Through January's journey, we witness her struggle against societal expectations and her fight to reclaim her own narrative. This book is a testament to the transformative nature of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on our lives. If you found yourself immersing in the world of "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" and yearn for more captivating stories that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, fear not! I'm here to help guide you to other similar reads that will keep you flipping those pages well into the night. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on new literary adventures, because I've got some incredible recommendations just for you!
A Book Cover Image of The Ten Thousand Doors of January
A Book Cover Image of The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Fantasy
Mystery
Adventure

The Starless Sea

"The Starless Sea" is a mesmerizing tale that follows a graduate student who stumbles upon a hidden underground library filled with stories and secrets that are intertwined with his own life. Filled with enchantment and intricate storytelling, this book is a love letter to books and the power of imagination.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2019
The Starless Sea
Fantasy
Romance
Mystery

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is a captivating tale of two young magicians who are bound in a mystical competition that unfolds within a mysterious and enchanting black-and-white circus. With its intricate storytelling and vivid imagery, this book will transport you to a world filled with magic, romance, and suspense.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2011
The Night Circus
Fantasy
Adventure
Mystery

The Invisible Library

"The Invisible Library" follows the adventures of a librarian named Irene as she travels through different alternate worlds, collecting unique books for a mysterious library. Alongside her enigmatic assistant, she must navigate treacherous challenges and unravel a deadly conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of reality.
Author
Genevieve Cogman
Year Written
2010
The Invisible Library
Fantasy
Mystery
Young Adult

The Hazel Wood

The Hazel Wood is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the journey of Alice as she delves into her grandmother's mysterious world, the Hinterland, in search of her missing mother. With dark fairy tales and a haunting atmosphere, this book is a must-read for lovers of fantasy and mystery.
Author
Melissa Albert
Year Written
2018
The Hazel Wood
Fantasy
Folklore

The Bear and the Nightingale

"The Bear and the Nightingale" is a captivating fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where a young girl named Vasya must embrace her inherited magical gifts to protect her village from an ancient evil. With beautifully crafted prose and a richly imagined world steeped in Russian folklore, this atmospheric tale explores the power of belief, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the courage of a girl who defies societal expectations to become a legend.
Author
Katherine Arden
Year Written
2017
The Bear and the Nightingale
Fantasy
Coming of Age
Adventure

The Magicians

"The Magicians" follows Quentin Coldwater as he discovers a hidden world of magic and attends a prestigious magical university, encountering both wonder and darkness along the way. This gripping novel combines elements of contemporary fantasy with a coming-of-age story, exploring the allure and consequences of wishes fulfilled.
Author
Lev Grossman
Year Written
2009
The Magicians
Fiction
Fantasy
Coming of Age

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

"The Ocean at the End of the Lane" is a captivating and atmospheric tale that follows a middle-aged man as he revisits his haunting childhood memories of magic, darkness, and an extraordinary friendship with a girl named Lettie Hempstock. Gaiman effortlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age in this poignant exploration of the power of memory and imagination.
Author
Neil Gaiman
Year Written
2013
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Fantasy
Historical Fiction

The Golem and the Jinni

The Golem and the Jinni is a captivating historical fantasy novel that follows the unlikely friendship between a creature made of clay and a being of fire, exploring the complexities of their existence in 19th-century New York City. Through beautiful prose and rich storytelling, Helene Wecker masterfully weaves together folklore, immigrant experiences, and themes of identity and belonging in this enchanting tale.
Author
Helene Wecker
Year Written
2013
The Golem and the Jinni
Dystopian
Coming of Age
Satire

Less Than Zero

"Less Than Zero" by Bret Easton Ellis is a haunting portrayal of a disenchanted and apathetic youth culture in 1980s Los Angeles, exploring themes of nihilism, hedonism, and the emptiness of modern life. Through the eyes of protagonist Clay, it delves into a world of decadence, drug abuse, and moral decay, offering a bleak and uncompromising critique of the shallow and alienating aspects of society.
Author
Bret Easton Ellis
Year Written
1985
Less Than Zero
Fantasy
Adventure
Urban

Neverwhere

"Neverwhere" is a thrilling fantasy novel set in the hidden depths of London, where a young man named Richard discovers an unseen world called London Below. Filled with danger, magic, and unforgettable characters, Richard must navigate the streets of this alternate reality in order to find his way back home.
Author
Neil Gaiman
Year Written
1996
Neverwhere
Fantasy
Coming of Age
Adventure

The Book of Lost Things

"The Book of Lost Things" is a dark yet enchanting tale about a young boy named David who, amidst the backdrop of World War II, discovers a magical book that transports him to a mystical and treacherous alternate world. As David embarks on a gripping and transformative journey, he must navigate dangerous creatures and confront his own fears to find a way back home.
Author
John Connolly
Year Written
2006
The Book of Lost Things
Fantasy
Horror
Mystery

The Library at Mount Char

The Library at Mount Char is a riveting tale that follows a group of orphans as they navigate a mysterious library filled with ancient knowledge and dangerous secrets. Blending elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery, this book is a thrilling and mind-bending journey into a world where power and darkness collide.
Author
Scott Hawkins
Year Written
2015
The Library at Mount Char

FAQ

Overview

The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a mesmerizing tale that takes readers on a breathtaking journey through worlds both real and fantastical. The story follows January Scaller, a young girl who stumbles upon secret doorways to other dimensions. As she explores these mystical portals, she becomes entangled in a web of family secrets, adventure, and magical discoveries that challenge her perception of reality. With beautiful prose and a captivating plot, this book seamlessly weaves together themes of self-discovery, the power of imagination, and the importance of embracing one's own truth. As January unearths the truth about her own existence and the existence of the doors, readers can't help but be enchanted by the mysteries unraveled and the characters they meet along the way. The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a celebration of the transformative power of storytelling, reminding us that sometimes the most extraordinary adventures are found within the pages of a book.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 6h56m to read The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Main Characters

- January Scaller: A curious and spirited young girl who discovers hidden doors to other worlds, making her the key to unraveling a mysterious family secret. - Samuel Zappia: January's loyal and daring friend who embarks on a thrilling adventure with her, providing unwavering support and a touch of humor. - Adelaide Lee Larson: January's guardian, who initially seems strict and cold but holds her own secrets and plays a pivotal role in January's journey. - Yule Ian Scholar: A charming and enigmatic stranger who introduces January to the concept of doors and opens her eyes to a world beyond her imagination. - Mr. Locke: January's wealthy and powerful guardian who aims to control the power of doors and prevent them from being used for personal freedom and exploration. These characters bring a unique blend of determination, friendship, mystery, and danger to the story, making it a captivating and unforgettable read.

Ending & Meaning

In the ending of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, after a thrilling and emotional journey, January manages to open the final door, leading her to a world where she can finally be free. She reunites with her long-lost mother, and together they embrace the power of the doors, vowing to protect them and preserve the magic they hold. January realizes that doors are not just portals to other worlds, but symbols of hope, freedom, and the courage to defy limitations. She understands that by embracing her own story and heritage, she can create her own path and inspire others to do the same. The ending of the book explores themes of self-discovery, the importance of embracing one's identity, and the power of imagination. It encourages readers to question societal norms, break free from limitations, and seek out the doors that lead to their own personal journeys. The story reminds us that there is magic in the world, waiting to be discovered, and that by following our hearts, we can find our own place of belonging and fulfillment.
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