Doorways: The People That Melt in The Rain #4

by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch, Mike Dubisch (Illustrator)

Since Jana’s accident during the frog rain her visions of the future are getting more vivid and more terrifying. She sees a massive creature from legendary stories headed to Deluge. Attracted by the magical hexes that circle the town there is nowhere to hide for the people of this cursed village.

Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Carolyn Watson Dubisch is an award winning author/illustrator of 17 children’s books and the illustrator on five children’s books with various authors. She also writes and illustrates comics for kids. Some of her comic book series include “The Horribles”, "After The Robots Died" and “The Dragon in The Closet”. As a writer and artist she has designed alien bird-men for Star Wars games and colored Wolverine and Silver Surfer Comics for Marvel. She's also had her writing and illustrations in various children's publications including Highlights for Children, Hopscotch and Whimsy Magazines

She currently lives in a house by the beach in Mazatlán, Mexico with her husband, scifi-fantasy artist and writer, Mike Dubisch and her youngest daughter.. She also has a very old dog and four Mexican street cats who make life interesting every day

Reviews

[Noorie Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doorways is a really engaging read with a strong sense of unease from start to finish. The atmosphere is eerie and suspenseful, and the illustrations are excellent—they make the story feel even more immersive. The setting, the strange village of Deluge is unsettling—the residents are trapped and an unknown danger is closing in.

The story follows Jana, Jason, and Laura. Jana and Jason are shaped by deeply painful pasts, while Laura is dealing with strange events that leave her anxious and unsettled. Jana’s visions of a dark future add to the tension and make it feel like the village is headed toward something truly disastrous. The mystery unfolds in a clever way, using details like a door hidden in the woods, missing people, and sequins from a dress as intriguing clues.

This graphic novel is dark, mysterious, and unsettling in the best way.

[Ayesha Soomro · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a strange accident that happens when frogs fall from the sky, Jana begins to change. She starts having strong and clear visions about what is going to happen in the future. These visions are not normal dreams they feel real and are very frightening. In her visions, she sees a huge and terrifying creature that exists only in old myths and stories. This creature is slowly making its way toward a place called Deluge.
The town of Deluge is surrounded by powerful magical symbols and spells. These spells pull dangerous things toward the town instead of protecting it. Because of this magic, the people living there cannot run away or hide anywhere. They are trapped inside the village, forced to face whatever is coming for them. The future Jana sees is dark, and it feels like the village is heading toward a terrible disaster
This graphic book is dark, mysterious, and very engaging. The artwork beautifully supports the story and makes the world feel alive and unsettling. Jana’s visions of the future add tension, and the mix of magic and legends keeps the story interesting. A great read for fans of fantasy and eerie graphic novels. 📚🌙 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ✨

[Ayesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not happy that I couldn’t participate in earlier book tours as the slots were limited but I’m the happiest this time because I heard a lot about Carolyn and her husband Mike in our reading group.

This book is the perfect example of their teamwork and shows how amazing they both are. Imagine being a writer and having an illustrator as your husband <3

Doorways actually tells you a story about doorways—how everything is a doorway to the next especially the awesome ending. Laura is seeing and experiencing strange things and is unable to comprehend them. While Jana is having another one of her visions and Jason is responsible for the weather (loved the doorknobs rain scene lol)

Everything is so special about this book and I really hope to read more of Carolyn and Mike’s work. Absolutely love their chemistry.

[Usman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doorways really creeped into my mind and now that I’ve read it, I can’t stop thinking about it. Idk what but doorways has this effect on me that I’m unable to forget it. I felt scared, interested, nostalgic and confused while reading this book. It’s just so unique and different. I’ve read comic books before but this one really stands out and I mean it in a good way. I’m surely going to recommend it to others (my friends, family and colleagues). Carolyn really is the best writer out there, hands down!

[Musfira Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!
I almost forgot how much I like graphic novels. Though this book was a short one, it was super interesting & engaging. So the book, Doorways, follows Jana, along with Jason and Laura, as they face unsettling events shaped by painful pasts and growing fear. After a strange accident, Jana begins having vivid visions of the future; visions that feel real and terrifying. With nowhere to run and something dark approaching, the story unfolds into a gripping mix of fear, magic, and mystery, leaving the village on the edge of disaster. i absolutely loved the graphics and the storytelling totally gripped me from the start. Highly recommend to read this series ❤

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Rain from this series but I loved this one because this one has more detailing and the story makes more sense. The execution is excellent the illustrations are excellent the overall eerie vibe is excellent. There’s this thunderbird and a giant and so so much more. I loved this comic book and I can’t wait to read more books by Carolyn.

[Malik Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doorways is a fantasy story about a girl named Jana who starts seeing the future after an accident.
Her visions become scary and show danger coming to her town.
A huge monster from old stories is moving toward Deluge.
The town is already cursed, and there is no place to hide.
The story is full of fear, magic, and mystery.
It makes readers wonder if Jana can save the people. Highly recommend from me to the readers

[Sophia._.reads]

What a book with great illustrations, this book gives us comic vibes which I really like it. Story about jana who see’s massive creature that she and the village people have to face. Alot of magic spells, dark & mystery’s there. How she conquers and how new beginning brings hope. Must read if you’re into dark fantasy. Highly recommended!

[Hoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Carolyn and mbooktours for making me a part of this book tour.

I read Carolyn’s 2 books before and this is the third one and safe to say she’s such a talented author. She definitely deserves more recognition and appreciation. Her husband is an illustrator and all her books are illustrated by him.

Ive read RAIN from this series before and now that I’ve read DOORWAYS, it all makes sense. Doorways can be easily read as a standalone. It’s a complete book that talks about a bit about characters’ previous experiences so it’s easy to grasp the whole point.

There’s more of Jana and Laura in this one. Jana finally reaches a point that she has always desired. It was so unexpected but in a good way.

Laura might be the key to everything but a giant and thunderbird? Very mysterious and eerie vibes.

Excellent book, excellent writing, excellent execution and excellent illustrations.

[Jia Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but chilling read completely surprised me. In just 40 pages, the story pulls you into a cursed village where danger feels unavoidable and time is running out.After Jana’s accident during the eerie frog rain, her visions of the future grow sharper and far more terrifying. What starts as strange premonitions soon turns into a fight for survival as a legendary creature makes its way toward Deluge. With magical hexes trapping the town, there’s no escape… only fear, mystery, and looming doom.The atmosphere is dark, tense, and unsettling, proving that you don’t need hundreds of pages to tell a powerful story. Perfect for readers who love short horror, folklore vibes, and apocalyptic tension.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
‎A fast, haunting read that leaves a lasting impression.

[Chris Woakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my groupies (reading buddies) and it was a fun experience. I mean why is no one talking about small people in the forest that captured laura?
Aunt Jana has now clearer visions and she can sense it that something big is coming.
There’s also a thunderbird and a giant which honestly didn’t make sense to me but nvm I just focused on the storyline and I loved it.
After so much tension in the whole story, the ending is so relieving and I was engrossed in the story too deeply.
If you’re someone who’s into dark fiction or fantasy then this is a perfect option with awesome illustrations.

[Biya Siddiqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not much a fan of comics but this comic style story got my attention due to the cool illustration giving an errie, mystery vibe. The story revolves about the girl Jana who starts to see the future where a giant creature will cast spells on the inhabitants of the town and everyone will have to face them. The lesson of the story was basically about how hope help us to survive through hard times. The story was a bit fast paced but still I enjoyed the way the author has made it captivating for kids.

[Mutaharah Shafiq · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay so hear me out, Doorways is basically a manga-style graphic narrative that creates a mysterious and unsettling atmosphere. Which I really liked!

it starts with a strange village and characters who seem affected by hidden rules and unexplained events. I really enjoyed how visuals played a strong role in storytelling, using symbolism rather than clear explanations.


so yes this particular part of the book felt pretty intriguing and has left me really curious as to what will happen next 🫶🏻

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something spooky yet exciting then this is the perfect book. It’s a comic book that is dark yet interesting and I was completely hooked from start to finish. I actually wanted more of it but it ended so soon. Jana and Jason with some dark pasts are centre of attention while Laura is struggling in Deluge. The little strange people also captured my attention as it’s a unique concept and it increases your curiosity. I thoroughly enjoyed Carolyn’s work and I hope to read more of her books.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is just me or everyone else’s heartbeat races too while reading such graphic content?

My heart was beating so fast while I was reading this one. Has anyone seen the Netflix series DARK? Ik it’s so different but I got that vibe while reading this.

Carolyn knows what she’s doing and what to deliver. Yes it’s a bit too fast paced but overall I enjoyed.

Laura is captured by the little people in the forest and that’s a huge turning point for Jana as she discovers that secret door in the woods.

Wanna know what’s inside? Grab a copy of DOORWAYS now and thank me later!

[Nyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doorways by Carolyn is an amazing webcomic/graphic book. The illustrations are extraordinary—they serve the perfect dark eerie vibes while maintaining the overall feel of the story. I’m so glad to have read this book and I’ll definitely keep this one saved. Certainly one of the best books so far this year.

I won’t spoil much but y’all have to pick this one up. The pictures, the story, the whole vibe is on point. Jana and Laura make the most appearance in this one. The storyline is amazing! I highly recommend this book.

[Foxtrot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover captured my attention at first—it’s something eerie, haunting and not normal. Now talking about the story—it’s a complete short story. There are parts in this series as well but this one can be easily read as a standalone. The storyline has this invisible pull that keeps you hooked. The writing style is fabulous—it has this drive that will make you want more and more and you’d not want stop/story to end. It’s strange yet powerfully crafted. I love such stories that stay on your mind for a long time.

[Uzma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man what a hypnotic graphic novel this was!!! I’m a sucker for comics and this one really stood out!!! I’m not even exaggerating, this could really turn into an interesting tv show or a short film.

Carolyn has this art and power of compelling her reader and make her reader obsessed with her work. I’m so mesmerised by this piece of work specially.

It’s a series but it’s a complete story which definitely makes sense at some points while at some points it doesn’t but it’s riveting and I absolutely loved it!!!

100/5 stars from me

[Rania Shaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This issue really leans into the eerie vibe. We get more of Aunt Jana, who’s been having these intense visions, and then also there’s a giant and a thunderbird?
The art is so cool and atmospheric, and that ending? a door in the woods, missing people, sequins from a dress as clues? such a good way to lead the plot
It’s got that indie comic charm, unpredictable, personal, and beautifully drawn. Definitely keeping up with this series.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome and impressive book! Mike and Carolyn are officially my fav duo. Carolyn knows how to write and capture her reader’s interest while mike knows how to illustrate and keep his audience captivated. Laura is the new character here (at least for me) and the way Carolyn proceeds with the story while keeping the suspense alive is excellent 👌🏻 I highly highly recommend this one to everyone and trust me the graphics are amazing!!!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super haunting and suspenseful read. Jana can see the future and something big, something disastrous is headed towards the village of Deluge. The people living there are trapped and are in danger. Something strange happened when the frog rain happened and now there’s a giant and a thunderbird. Some points don’t make any sense at all while others will keep you on your toes. It’s a short yet powerful piece of art and I definitely recommend it.

[Arwaa Karim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love graphic novels and this was a perfect one! The pacing is a bit too fast but apart from that everything is perfect in this book.
I won’t spoil much but I’ll talk about one thing that captured my interest the most was sequins from Laura’s dress. Laura wears a pink dress and that dress gets her caught by the little people in the forest. I’d call this part the climax because after this scene things changed abruptly and I think that was the best execution and ending for such a great story.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an impressive dark fantasy graphic novel that instantly captures one’s attention from the start. The story unfolds in a strange far off village of deluge where bad things are attracted and all the residents are cursed and trapped. Jana can see the future through her visions and it’s more clear now. Something big/huge and dangerous is headed their way. The ending is so satisfying after an intense story. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Definitely recommended.

[Humble · Rating 4 out of 5]

The comic delivers a deeply atmospheric experience, pairing evocative, unconventional visuals with a sense of creeping tension that steadily draws the reader in. Its imaginative approach and haunting narrative tone create a captivating journey, making it especially appealing to readers who appreciate dark, stylized fantasy and mood-driven storytelling.

[Rana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creepy read about Jana, Laura and somewhat Jason…They all live in Deluge..which is in danger..the overall atmosphere of the book is haunted and spooky..the characters are undoubtedly very nicely developed..the story has enthralment in it that makes the readers want more..I’m highly impressed except that the pace should’ve been a bit slower..otherwise it’s a spellbinding read..

[Kirthana Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic reads like a moody animated series, blending vivid, unique artwork with an eerie, suspenseful mystery. It’s creative, immersive, and perfect for fans of dark fantasy and atmospheric storytelling.

[Rosa Sisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Creative and Fun

Really enjoyed the spooky vibe of this one. The art is unique and adds a lot to the story. I just wish a few moments were paced a bit slower, because the story jumps quickly in places. Still Avery fun and unique dark fantasy read!

[Doreen Pullo-Fleisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an interesting comic book vibe, I enjoyed it. The illustrations are very unique !