The Dollmakers

A Novel from the Fallen Peaks

By: Lynn Buchanan

Narrated by: 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

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.

incredible

I was put on to this by the Sanderson podcast and it didn't disappoint! Unique and fully engaging!

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!

Super Cute!

Can't wait to see what's next from this author! The world building was good and characters are well fleshed out. I wanted to punch the main character for most of the story but that was the worst part.

What are you?

The Dollmakers is a heart-felt story with an overarching theme of "finding your place." The story is great - at 12 hours, there's no filler and the world building is engaging from start to end. I look forward to future novels from the Fallen Peaks. As an audiobook performance, Angela Dawe does an amazing job of bringing the world and characters to life. The characters are each given distinct voices, and I was entranced from start to end: I will be looking at Dawe's other works as a result.

Simply fantastic in everyway.

Fantastic works building and character development. I only critique is that I wish the book was longer. Great writing!

Unique, creepy, and an MC you’ll have a love/hate relationship with.

The Dollmakers was on my radar for a while. I’m not sure where I first saw the title, but it was intriguing - and I will not lie - mostly for the cover art! Loved the cover enough that I read what the book was about simply cause I wanted the book. Well, turns out this is right up my alley! It’s kinda dark and creepy with macabre elements that will bring you great joy if you like that sorta thing. The story is unique, with a MC you kinda hate at the beginning and love by the end. I’m going to use unique again as the world itself feels so new and, yes, unique! The ideas are all there and you can see where the author is taking her world opening it up to many more stories to come, but without sacrificing anything for this story. Did I leave this book wanting to be a Dollmaker myself? Yes. Do I ever want to see a Shod in my lifetime? No. Please go read this book! 9/10. Not perfect, but so wonderful!

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!

Exciting new series and Author

Well written story, great character development, clean, interesting world with lot left to explore.

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.