[In Doorways in the Sand] Zelazny has succeeded in that most difficult creation in science fiction: a genuine three-dimensional character. He's Fred Cassidy, a 29-year-old perpetual student in an unnamed twenty-first-century university, with acrophilia which expresses itself in simian rooftop ramblings…. Zelazny uses his dry chuckle, superb writing, and a fascinating narrative to make the reader want to reach out and shake Cassidy's hand.

Dan Miller, "Science Fiction...

Roger Zelazny is one of my favourite authors. He writes well, with humour and quite astonishing invention and has earned several top SF awards. Doorways in the Sand is not one of his best but is still very enjoyable reading, with a mysterious alien artefact, galactic cops and robbers, lots of excitement and plenty of humour. Pure escapism—and I loved it!

Jeremy Weston, "Review: 'Doorways in the Sand'," in New Scientist (© IPC Magazines, 1978), Vol. 77, ...

[Doorways in the Sand] is just great fun. Fred Cassidy, professional college student (thirteen years and no degree) is suddenly the target of everyone searching for a missing alien artifact…. Classic space-mystery, this can not miss with the sci-fi crowd. And young adults might identify with someone who has spent nearly all his life in school.