He would much rather solve problems with discussion rather than violence, or, if discussion fails, some good old-fashioned cunning, which makes him a very relatable character. Zax’s former role as a harmonizer – essentially someone who mediates between disagreeing parties – means he is not only driven to resolve conflicts, he’s actually good at it. Many of these worlds feel like there’s enough going on to have their own spinoff story, so deft is the worldbuilding. Each world Zax and his loveable companions visit is another opportunity for a sub-plot, whether it’s helping the local populace overcome a hardship or attempting to outwit Zax’s pursuers. Dead worlds, space stations, dystopias, utopias, post-scarcity worlds, nightmare cities of stalking creatures… Doors of Sleep is a treasure trove of ideas in terms of its settings alone, and that’s before we even come to discuss the finer details and the characters themselves. Worlds with mysterious, long-absent creators. Fear not, however, because Pratt just absolutely refuses to run out of ideas for new locations. Meanwhile, the planet below is preyed upon by an unknown entity known as “the Adverse.” Don’t get too used to this setting, as Zax is crashing hard from exhaustion sleep – and a new world – beckon. Altered humans party away, with wings, hooves and other cosmetic modifications on display, as recreational drugs are passed around with abandon, all inside the aerial domes which make up a playground for wealthy youths. Opening in the techno-utopian setting of the Dionysius Society, it quickly becomes clear that Doors of Sleep does not lack for imagination.

So begins a game of cat and mouse across hundreds of worlds, a game with the highest stakes imaginable. But a dangerous enemy is on his trail, pursuing him in a way he thought impossible and determined to unlock the bloodborne secrets of his multiverse-hopping abilities – by any means necessary.

Slipping between realities as he sleeps, Zax is an unwilling explorer of the multiverse who attempts to make the most of his affliction by helping those in need. This review contains an affiliate link to, which will earn me a commission if used, and will help to support independent bookshops.Įvery time Zax Delatree falls asleep, he wakes up somewhere new. This fair and unbiased review was conducted with gratitude for the free electronic copy of the book which I received from the publisher, Angry Robot. For my last review of 2020, I’m stepping into the multiverse with Zaxony Delatree as my guide, in Tim Pratt’s Doors of Sleep.

Doors of sleep tim pratt