The Dollmakers

A Novel from the Fallen Peaks

De: Lynn Buchanan

Narrado por: Angela Dawe

In this dark and enchanting stand-alone fantasy from debut author Lynn Buchanan, discover a world centered around destructive, all-consuming monsters; the magical dolls designed to fight this force; and the artisans tasked with creating demon-slaying dolls. A touch cozy fantasy and a touch horror, The Dollmakers is perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli films, the works of TJ Klune and Travis Baldree, and listeners of Juniper & Thorn and The Goblin Emperor.

In the country called One, dollmakers are vital members of the community. An artisan’s doll is the height of society’s accomplishments, while a guard’s doll is the only thing standing between the people of One and the Shod: vicious, cobbled monstrosities that will tear apart any structure—living or dead, inanimate or otherwise—to add to their horde.

Apprentice Shean of Pearl is a brilliant dollmaker. With her clever dolls, she intends to outsmart and destroy the Shod, once and for all—a destiny she’s worked her whole life toward accomplishing. But when the time comes for her dolls to be licensed, she’s told her work is too beautiful and delicate to fight. A statement that wounds and infuriates her; the Shod killed everyone she loved. How could her fate be anything but fighting them?

In an attempt to help her see a new path for herself, Shean’s mentor sends her on a journey to the remote village called Web, urging her to glean some wisdom from Ikiisa, a reclusive and well-respected guard dollmaker. But Shean has another plan: if she can convince the village of Web of her talents, the Licensor Guild will have to reconsider and grant her a guard’s license. And what better way to convince them than challenging Ikiisa and instating herself as the official dollmaker of Web? Once she’s done that, proving her dolls’ worth in the fight against the Shod will be simple.

As simple, that is, as calling the Shod to Web...

©2024 Lynn Buchanan (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Refreshingly Unique Fantasy

I absolutely love this book. The characters had me invested, the storyline was intriguing, the magic and world building unique, and the monsters terrifying. So good!

Absolutely Delightful

I really enjoyed this book and I'm thrilled that I finally got around to it. I love that the lead character starts off so infuriating because women so rarely get to occupy that kind of space. the world is engaging and I'm in love with the magic. I cannot wait to see where this series goes and/or other projects the author pursues.

Refreshingly Original Story

I had high hopes for this after hearing the praise from Sanderson and having been able to read a small preview,and my hopes were not misplaced!

Lynn's story is a refreshingly different take on a fantasy story, giving readers a main character who is absolutely infuriating in the beginning, but building a premise strong and interesting enough to hold readers attention as the story unfolds. The concept and world of Dollmakers and the Kingdom called One is so unique and was truly a joy to explore.

The Dollmakers left me wanting more in the best possible way, and I cannot wait to see how Shean's story unfolds in future books!

Very well done

Story was interesting and I liked the world building. Least favorite thing was the names for locations.

Unique world and masterful character depth

I highly recommend this book. Both for the incredible job on the narration but also for the absolutely unique (Ghibliesque) story, world, and magic system. The writing felt elevated but accessible and the performance made both even better. Couldn’t recommend it enough.

I felt like I was there the descriptions were so vivid!

Please oh please let there be a sequel. I want more adventures like this one and want to hear about eventual conquest of the Shod. The concept of the doll makers and their dolls was original and really interesting. All the characters were super interesting.

Cozy-creepy story set in a richly developed world

I always marvel at the narrators who can make each character sound so distinct, I forget it’s just one person. Performance is fantastic. Story hits all the right notes. I can’t think of any plot holes or questions I still had unanswered. The world building is excellent. You feel steeped in this colorful world from the onset.

Impeccable world building and character development!

First, Angela Dawe was amazing!

I was so sad to see that this is Lynn Buchanan's only published work. As soon as I finished this book I wanted more.

A relatively small cast of characters, Lynn Buchanan has managed to create a beautiful, complex, and fascinating world. The world she built is so unique and I hope she tells many more stories there. I really hope we get a dedicated sequel, too!

Her character development is some of the best I've ever read. She managed to create such real characters who can make you hate them, feel sorry for them, and root for their success within the matter of pages.

I was shocked to learn this is her first novel. I cannot wait to see what she publishes next!

I’m super impressed!

I believe that this is Lynn Buchanan’s first book. & I am really impressed! I like it a lot! There is a strong message of being true to yourself that I thought was conveyed really well. In the book they talk a fair amount about understanding yourself, why you want to do the things you want to do, and how to do it and be true to the person you want to be. But that’s just the message/moral which is great! But, beyond that she created a fascinating world upon which she could keep writing excellent stories like this one! I am very eager to see what else she will write! If you haven’t already I strongly recommend giving this book a try, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

I will definitely be re-listening to this book many more times. Why would you listen to a book you like only once? That seems crazy to me.

Sooooo, if one thing could have been better. Which there is like nothing to criticize here… when Shean made it to the village I was very surprised by what she was doing. At that point we’ve only seen Shean a couple of times. Admittedly she’s not exactly putting her best foot forward. But, freaking out is one thing. To actively do something that seems mean spirited was a surprise. It made me think worse of her without having gained an understanding of who she was. & I think another scene or two with Shean and master Nock might have been able to convey that Shean is bullish/hyper focused & not mean. Everyone will get it by the end & the story picks up so quickly that I don’t think it will be detrimental. But just something to keep in mind. We don’t know your characters yet. So, don’t let us get the wrong idea. You are clearly an excellent author so that may have been intentional but just wanted to mention it in case knowing how I was feeling in response to what you wrote/ how you wrote your story might help you in someway with your writing going forward. Again, I loved your book and will definitely be re-listening to it many more times. Thank you for the hard work you put into your book it shows 😊!

A beautiful story about finding purpose

The Dollmakers is a lovely story about growing up and defining yourself when your self doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes society gives us. It is part mystery, part coming of age, and part redemption story. It is the adventure of an artist finding her art. If any of that resonates with you, I would recommend this book. I personally greatly enjoyed it.