What do you think?
Rate this book
Doormaker #2
Tower of Shadows
Protected by the hestroth, hunted by the Sechnel.
Maella has broken the one family rule—and things are about to get much, much worse. She has (accidentally) unleashed otherworldly violence on her friends, herself, and all three worlds.
Then Maella and her friends are captured and forced to work as torchlighters inside the Tower of Shadows.
Maella and her friends must race against the prediction of her death while keeping her doormaker abilities secret from Doormaker Tain, learning the truth about Maella's father, and discovering Maella's special role in the search for the One Door.
Maella has broken the one family rule—and things are about to get much, much worse. She has (accidentally) unleashed otherworldly violence on her friends, herself, and all three worlds.
Then Maella and her friends are captured and forced to work as torchlighters inside the Tower of Shadows.
Maella and her friends must race against the prediction of her death while keeping her doormaker abilities secret from Doormaker Tain, learning the truth about Maella's father, and discovering Maella's special role in the search for the One Door.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2018
12 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Thornton
45 books121 followersI am a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels. I like my characters strong and wounded, and my adventures thrilling and dark.
Try out one of my books for free when you sign up at JamieThornton.com
I'm a voracious reader in many genres. I do sometimes judge a book by its cover art. Life is too short to spend time reading or reviewing bad books so you'll see my library, ratings, and reviews represent books I believe are worth sharing.
I live in Northern California with my husband, two dogs, a garden, lots of chickens, a viola, and a bicycle. My anthropology degree shapes my fiction. I write dark adventures (science fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age) with a hint of romance. Follow me at JamieThornton.com
Try out one of my books for free when you sign up at JamieThornton.com
I'm a voracious reader in many genres. I do sometimes judge a book by its cover art. Life is too short to spend time reading or reviewing bad books so you'll see my library, ratings, and reviews represent books I believe are worth sharing.
I live in Northern California with my husband, two dogs, a garden, lots of chickens, a viola, and a bicycle. My anthropology degree shapes my fiction. I write dark adventures (science fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, coming-of-age) with a hint of romance. Follow me at JamieThornton.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 16, 2018
Maella, Claritsa and Sethlo have escaped the slave prison of Rock Heaven, but now seem to be in a very similar situation on another world. The Tower specialises in child slave labour to refine the licatherin that had been mined in Rock Heaven. In theory, everyone is paid, but with the huge deductions for food, accommodation and minor infractions, the debts are seldom worked off. Maella and her friends were ‘rescued’ from certain death in the desert, and then sold on into servitude to pay-off the ‘rescue fee’.
In this second book in the Doormaker series, Maella develops slowly but surely into the strong woman we know she can become. She still relies a lot on others (particularly the magnificent Claritsa), and is over-quick to take the blame for any and every misfortune that befalls them, but she is starting to understand human nature better. She sees that almost everyone around her has their own agenda, and is using her for their own ends – but now can comprehend that that does not means they will not help and protect her when she needs it. She realises that, she too has a mission, and sometimes, for some of the way at least, it may coincide with others’ pathways.
In the first book, Maella fully trusted some-one – until there was a betrayal, a look in their eyes, a difference of opinion … - or totally mistrusted them from the start. Now she sees that there are levels of trust, that change from time to time, place to place. Not everything is black or white, good or bad, but many shades in between, and always open to interpretation: “Her very existence caused people to either love her or hate her. No, that wasn’t right. They didn’t love or hate Maella, only what she stood for in their eyes. … Sechnel believing doormakers bring death wherever they go? … The hestroth believing doormakers are the only ones who can fix the worlds?” … “People believing opposite things about the same thing?” As always, she turns to Claritsa for clarity: “How do you know who’s right?” Maella said. “How do I know what I’m supposed to do?” Claritsa answers: “You decide what kind of person you want to be”.
Maella discovers more about her family history, but is still uncertain what part she has to play in their future. The doormaker patterns that she finds hinder rather than help her: “Every pattern we’ve seen has misled us. Every prediction has been proven false or turned into a twisted version of itself. I let Keeper Shaul’s prediction take over this last year of my life. Every decision I made in Rock Heaven and here in the tower were because of that seven door death prediction.”
She wants all her friends and family to be safe, but that looks less and lees likely to happen: “She had tried so hard not to cause harm. She had been so careful in Rock Heaven. She had tried to follow the rules. People had gotten hurt anyway.”
The Doormaker series continues on at a breakneck speed, more people die – those close to Maella, and her adversaries. Chaos increases everywhere and it is now so very clear that the worlds are indeed broken. What Maella and her friends can do to remedy that, must wait until Book 3, which I really, really hope will not be too long coming. As before, I highly recommend this series to all fantasy fans out there.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
In this second book in the Doormaker series, Maella develops slowly but surely into the strong woman we know she can become. She still relies a lot on others (particularly the magnificent Claritsa), and is over-quick to take the blame for any and every misfortune that befalls them, but she is starting to understand human nature better. She sees that almost everyone around her has their own agenda, and is using her for their own ends – but now can comprehend that that does not means they will not help and protect her when she needs it. She realises that, she too has a mission, and sometimes, for some of the way at least, it may coincide with others’ pathways.
In the first book, Maella fully trusted some-one – until there was a betrayal, a look in their eyes, a difference of opinion … - or totally mistrusted them from the start. Now she sees that there are levels of trust, that change from time to time, place to place. Not everything is black or white, good or bad, but many shades in between, and always open to interpretation: “Her very existence caused people to either love her or hate her. No, that wasn’t right. They didn’t love or hate Maella, only what she stood for in their eyes. … Sechnel believing doormakers bring death wherever they go? … The hestroth believing doormakers are the only ones who can fix the worlds?” … “People believing opposite things about the same thing?” As always, she turns to Claritsa for clarity: “How do you know who’s right?” Maella said. “How do I know what I’m supposed to do?” Claritsa answers: “You decide what kind of person you want to be”.
Maella discovers more about her family history, but is still uncertain what part she has to play in their future. The doormaker patterns that she finds hinder rather than help her: “Every pattern we’ve seen has misled us. Every prediction has been proven false or turned into a twisted version of itself. I let Keeper Shaul’s prediction take over this last year of my life. Every decision I made in Rock Heaven and here in the tower were because of that seven door death prediction.”
She wants all her friends and family to be safe, but that looks less and lees likely to happen: “She had tried so hard not to cause harm. She had been so careful in Rock Heaven. She had tried to follow the rules. People had gotten hurt anyway.”
The Doormaker series continues on at a breakneck speed, more people die – those close to Maella, and her adversaries. Chaos increases everywhere and it is now so very clear that the worlds are indeed broken. What Maella and her friends can do to remedy that, must wait until Book 3, which I really, really hope will not be too long coming. As before, I highly recommend this series to all fantasy fans out there.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
January 15, 2018
An exciting adventure where doors lead to other worlds but also death and destruction awaits them on the other side. I was on the edge of my seat wondering where the next door would lead and who would make it through! A great read!
January 16, 2018
Another amazing book! If it wasn't for life getting in the way I would have read it in one sitting. The story draws you in and keeps you guessing as to what's going to happen and then just when you think you know what's going to happen there's a twist! Love it and definitely recommend it.
January 15, 2018
This is an awesome adventure and a thrilling one at that. This is the first book I enjoyed without knowing what came next. I just read it in one go, the outcome you will never expect. This is the most thrilling book to read. A book with uncertain paths....
December 2, 2018
Tower of Shadows is the second book in this series written by Jamie Thornton. The author continues this unique series with an imaginative plot that follows some interesting twists and turns. The plot is well developed and has some nice twists I didn't see coming hidden within, which I always appreciate! Overall the pace of the book is not bad and doesn't drag out too much except in a couple of spots. I definitely never felt rushed though.
In this second book Maella is growing up a good amount and is starting to come more and more into her own I think. She is finally learning a lot about herself and her family but there are still a lot of secrets that are still hidden from her, so I am curious how that will play out still.
Her friend Clarista still stands by her side no matter what but there are a few times she does question what Maella is doing. Some friends are they really friends? And foes are they foes? Only time will tell who is really who and I am curious to see how it all plays out but some chips are already starting to fall in places that may not be completely final yet.
I for one will stay tuned and see where this story will go!
Voluntary review of Advance Reader Copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
In this second book Maella is growing up a good amount and is starting to come more and more into her own I think. She is finally learning a lot about herself and her family but there are still a lot of secrets that are still hidden from her, so I am curious how that will play out still.
Her friend Clarista still stands by her side no matter what but there are a few times she does question what Maella is doing. Some friends are they really friends? And foes are they foes? Only time will tell who is really who and I am curious to see how it all plays out but some chips are already starting to fall in places that may not be completely final yet.
I for one will stay tuned and see where this story will go!
Voluntary review of Advance Reader Copy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
January 21, 2018
Overall, this was a very strong second book. Sometimes second books in a series feel a little like running in place and nothing much of importance seems to get done. That is not the case here.
This book picks up right where the first one left off. Maella continues to develop amid the challenges that seem to constantly be thrown at her, though she is still in the process of coming into her own. The Klylup parts of the story were particularly interesting.
It does seems as though every single person she meets has an ulterior motive for being around Maella, though whether that other motive will control them is still a question mark. Everyone except for Claritsa and her staunch friendship, which is such a great part of the story. The romance aspect of Maella's life is fairly subtle, which I like. Because almost everyone is trying to use Maella, I didn't really buy in to the heavy weight of guilt that she seems to feel so often. Then again, that's probably just part of her growth.
The story continues to keep my interest. There were also some important answers that Maella got in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book picks up right where the first one left off. Maella continues to develop amid the challenges that seem to constantly be thrown at her, though she is still in the process of coming into her own. The Klylup parts of the story were particularly interesting.
It does seems as though every single person she meets has an ulterior motive for being around Maella, though whether that other motive will control them is still a question mark. Everyone except for Claritsa and her staunch friendship, which is such a great part of the story. The romance aspect of Maella's life is fairly subtle, which I like. Because almost everyone is trying to use Maella, I didn't really buy in to the heavy weight of guilt that she seems to feel so often. Then again, that's probably just part of her growth.
The story continues to keep my interest. There were also some important answers that Maella got in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 23, 2018
Maella, Clarista and the others appear to have escaped from one barren wasteland to another and this one is way worse than the rocks. The Tower is full of people who have been taken advantage of and are slaving away to pay off their or their family debts with most having no end in sight. Maella and the others all get separated and while she tries to work out a way to keep who she is hidden she also needs to find the others so they can leave this place and find the one door. As always nothing goes as planned and while she tries to trust those around her she is reminded of ruthless people who deal with licatherin and make people do things like the Torchlighters. I definitely didn't know which way things would go in this book and damn there were plenty of twists, surprises and very tense times. I can not wait to read book 3 to see what happens next and how many doors are left for Maella!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 18, 2018
Have you ever read a book and forgot that you were reading? Instead, a movie is playing in your mind as you flip through the pages, completely immersed in the story? Tower of Shadows (the entire Doormaker series, really) was like that for me. I could perfectly picture how everything was playing out and any real life interruptions were very... jarring. Can you say book hangover, much?
All her life, Maella has been taught to hide her ability - that it brings death and ruin for every door opened. She’s finally finding answers in The Tower of Shadows, answers that she’s light on everything that has been kept from her in all her 14 years of life. Now that she has them, she doesn’t know who to trust - or who she’ll lose next along the way.
I am very eager for the next installment of The Doormaker Series.
All her life, Maella has been taught to hide her ability - that it brings death and ruin for every door opened. She’s finally finding answers in The Tower of Shadows, answers that she’s light on everything that has been kept from her in all her 14 years of life. Now that she has them, she doesn’t know who to trust - or who she’ll lose next along the way.
I am very eager for the next installment of The Doormaker Series.
August 14, 2019
Kobo - 250 pages
Rescued from the desert (though 'captured' might be a better term) to which the door led them Maellas's group are sold to an industrial (and decaying) Tower where licatherin is being processed. She must remain unidentified - her blood will reveal she is a Doormaker - while working to help maintain the Tower. As her time working lengthens it becomes harder to hide the truth...
Maella learns much more about herself and her family - and the ending is an orgy of destruction that separates Claritsa and Daniel from the rest of the group on a different world while at the same time offering some hope for the future of the worlds and her own family.
This continues to be an intriguing story.
Rescued from the desert (though 'captured' might be a better term) to which the door led them Maellas's group are sold to an industrial (and decaying) Tower where licatherin is being processed. She must remain unidentified - her blood will reveal she is a Doormaker - while working to help maintain the Tower. As her time working lengthens it becomes harder to hide the truth...
Maella learns much more about herself and her family - and the ending is an orgy of destruction that separates Claritsa and Daniel from the rest of the group on a different world while at the same time offering some hope for the future of the worlds and her own family.
This continues to be an intriguing story.
September 7, 2019
Oh my goodness. Reader be warned. Once you start this book you won't be able to put it down. That being said this is a great read. Even better than the first book in the series. Ok non stop action check, great characters check, great world's check, oh by the way there's Dragons. Just a nice bonus.
This book is another well written successful story. With a bit of darkness. Great read. I don't give out many 5 star reviews. (This is the second this year). An author really has to touch base with me on several different levels to get 5 stars from me . This is one of those kinds of books.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is another well written successful story. With a bit of darkness. Great read. I don't give out many 5 star reviews. (This is the second this year). An author really has to touch base with me on several different levels to get 5 stars from me . This is one of those kinds of books.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2018
This book continues flawlessly from book one. I enjoyed the slight tie-in to the prequel, which I actually read immediately after this book. There doesn’t seem to be a huge amount of magic in this world, and so far we have seen a lot of the lower rungs of society. I look forward to book 3 and the possibility of seeing the other side of the coin, and where our main characters story began. I want to know the life she could have lived if her family had stayed, and she hadn’t had a curse hanging over her head. I already anxiously look forward to book 3.
November 13, 2018
This continues the story and answers some questions from the first book. Like the first, it has an amazing story line, moves at a wonderful pace (no dead spots) and grabs your imagination. Also like the first book it makes you wanting more! I cannot wait to start the next book! If and when the series ends I will be said but, will be happy to have read them all!
June 24, 2019
I usually don't read slow but if I don't slow down my reading I miss so much information. This is one of my favorite series cause it makes me focus on something else other than the drama/stress of life. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
April 16, 2020
This book is awesome! I love the story line and the characters. This is an action packed story that you will not be able to put down! Extremely well written and descriptive! Alot of fun to read! You need to read this series!!!
September 5, 2024
This is a great series. Luckily on Libby I got all 4 books at once!
June 22, 2025
My Spoiler Free Review
Narrated by: Jamie Thornton
Series: Doormaker, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
Release date: 08-18-21
Ratings:
5 stars! Overall / Story / Performance by Jamie Thornton
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this series so much that I've read book 2 twice. I highly recommend it if you enjoy new adult paranormal that I tagged as Entertaining / Wonderful characters / Great world building / Original / Action-packed / Unpredictable / Easy-to-read / Page-turner
Narrated by: Jamie Thornton
Series: Doormaker, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
Release date: 08-18-21
Ratings:
5 stars! Overall / Story / Performance by Jamie Thornton
Final thoughts: I enjoyed this series so much that I've read book 2 twice. I highly recommend it if you enjoy new adult paranormal that I tagged as Entertaining / Wonderful characters / Great world building / Original / Action-packed / Unpredictable / Easy-to-read / Page-turner
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews