When seven mysterious doors to other worlds appear across the globe, twin sisters Ayanna and Olivia—raised apart in different faiths—are drawn to one in rural Michigan, but only Ayanna returns, haunted by grief and the supernatural after Olivia vanishes. Blending speculative elements with literary fiction, the novel explores themes of sisterhood, loss, faith, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of tragedy.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the Midwest, the novel centers on twin sisters Ayanna and Olivia, who are raised separately after their parents' divorce—Ayanna with her father in a community that forms a religion around a mysterious door, and Olivia with her devout Catholic mother. One summer, seven enigmatic doors appear around the world, sparking global fascination and the rise of new faiths and cults. The story follows the sisters as they approach the doors with differing perspectives: Ayanna is drawn to the spiritual and mysterious, while Olivia is more skeptical and cautious. When the twins enter one of the doors together, only Ayanna returns, setting off a narrative that shifts from speculative intrigue to a deep exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the aftermath of loss. The book unfolds in three parts: the initial phenomenon of the doors, Ayanna's coming-of-age and struggle with grief and supernatural abilities, and her later life as a medium still haunted by her sister's disappearance.

Readers praised the novel's emotional depth, particularly its nuanced portrayal of grief, sisterhood, and family relationships. Many highlighted the complex dynamic between Ayanna and Olivia, noting how their different upbringings and beliefs shaped their responses to the doors and to each other. The exploration of faith, both in organized religion and in the cult-like Church of the Blue Doors, was seen as thought-provoking. The writing was described as haunting, lyrical, and emotionally resonant, with some comparing its treatment of trauma and the supernatural to works like Toni Morrison's 'Beloved.' The audiobook narration by Brittany Bradford was also singled out for enhancing the story's impact. Several readers appreciated the focus on Black characters and communities, as well as the book's willingness to blend speculative elements with literary fiction and coming-of-age themes.

Some readers were disappointed by the book's structure and pacing, expecting a more plot-driven portal fantasy or science fiction narrative. Several reviews noted that after an intriguing start centered on the doors and their mysteries, the story shifted focus to Ayanna's internal struggles and everyday life, leaving the speculative elements largely unexplored. Criticisms included meandering or disjointed writing, excessive internal monologue, and underdeveloped supporting characters. A number of readers found the religious and philosophical themes overbearing or uninteresting, and some felt the narrative was slow, repetitive, or lacked clear resolution regarding the fate of Olivia and the true nature of the doors. The literary style, with its stream-of-consciousness passages and time jumps, was divisive, with some finding it confusing or tedious.

The book has an average reader rating of 3.55 out of 5 from 271 ratings and 80 full reviews, indicating a mixed reception. It is categorized as fantasy, fiction, science fiction, horror, magical realism, and adult literature, and is available in audiobook format. The story spans multiple timelines and settings, including rural Michigan, college life, and the broader impact of the doors on society. Themes include faith, loss, identity, family, and the search for meaning in the face of the unknown. The novel was published on June 3, 2025, and is the third work by Megan Giddings, following 'Lakewood' and 'The Women Could Fly.'