Through the Door

Through the Door by Jodi McIsaac

(Book #1 of The Thin Veil series)

Rating: 🍁🍁🍁

Link to Blurb

For the sake of transparency, let me say up front that the author of Through the Door is my cousin. I hope that won't detract from my opinion in anyone's mind, though.

Because this story is enjoyable. As in "don't start reading it unless you have time to finish it in one sitting" enjoyable. I made the mistake of starting on my commute to work and almost missed my stop because I was immediately sucked in to the world Jodi has skillfully crafted. I then had to spend the rest of the day forcing myself to work when what I really wanted to do was dive back in and find out what was going to happen next.

I quite liked the way the author manages to steer clear of many of the tropes that are so prevalent in this genre in a way that feels completely natural rather than contrived.

For one thing, the heroine (Cedar) is someone that I’d actually like to know. Her strength doesn’t come from a bottomless well of inner bitchiness or some supernatural ability that sets her apart from the rest of humanity. Instead, she’s a working mom who struggles with the same issues that other working moms do – at least until Eden’s ability manifests and all the fun begins. And can I just say that I love the fact that Cedar has a daughter? This isn’t a common feature in contemporary or urban fantasy, but it’s one that I’d love to see more of.

There is also a distinct, and very welcome, lack of a love triangle. Not that there isn’t a love interest (and a totally yummy one), but the romantic element is secondary to the main issue of…well, I don’t want to give too much away. Suffice it to say that the well-paced plot will keep you on your toes right up until the last pages. And if it doesn’t, then the fully developed, lovable (and sometimes hate-able) cast of supporting characters will.

Lest you think I’m gushing, there are some elements of Through the Door that aren’t perfect. It felt, for example, like Cedar’s forgiveness of Finn for abandoning her came way too easily, as if some of the scene’s emotional complexity was sacrificed for the sake of keeping the plot moving along. But on the whole, I honestly can’t find any significant flaws. In her debut novel, Jodi has successfully created a world that I’d love to revisit – and hopefully will soon. Just not on my way to work.