The Dollmakers - by Lynn Buchanan (Paperback)

About the Book

"In this dark and enchanting stand-alone fantasy from debut author Lynn Buchanan, fall into a world centered around art and creation as well as self-possession, self-discovery...and self-preservation in which it is only through magical constructs-and the people that make them-that humanity can be protected. 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 readers 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, dead, inanimate, or otherwise, to add to their horde Apprentice Shean of Pearl is a brilliant dollmaker, and she knows it. With her clever dolls, Shean intends to outsmart and destroy the Shod, once and for all. However, when the Licensor Guild proclaims her work to be that of an artisan, she loses her temper... punching the licensor in the face. But honestly, how is that her fault? Her dolls may be a work of beauty, but they're also powerful and able to defeat any enemy. Her creations are meant to be more than the frivolous companions of children. She is meant to be more. If other dollmakers can't see that, Shean will just have to prove them wrong. Under her mentor's order, she journeys to the remote village called Web to glean some wisdom from Ikiisa, the reclusive guard dollmaker. Frustrated, Shean starts brewing up a plan of her own. Surely her masterpieces are superior to the dolls of some country bumpkin, and 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. She confronts Ikiisa to showcase her dolls, and in doing so may put Web-and the cities beyond-in grave danger. Because the Shod may not be what they seem, and Shean may not quite be ready for what she discovers"--

Book Synopsis

In this dark and enchanting stand-alone fantasy from debut author Lynn Buchanan--complete with black and white illustrations and a full-wrap illustrated cover--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 readers of Juniper & Thorn and The Goblin Emperor.

In the unique fantasy world 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...

Review Quotes

"The Dollmakers is an evocative and engaging fantasy filled with a lush worldbuilding and a killer, creepy premise. The doll magic system is one of the most creative and unique magic systems I've ever read. Shean is a complex character that grows with the reader as they continue along a dark journey toward that light in the far distance. Buchanan has written an absolutely captivating debut, and I can't wait to read their next book." - Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Prophecy

"Never before have I had so much fun rooting for a character I hate." - Dan Wells

"The Dollmakers is guaranteed to be a contender for one of the strongest fantasy debuts of the year 2024."

- Petrik Leo, Novel Notions

"An engaging new voice with excellent worldbuilding. I enjoyed The Dollmakers, and can't wait to see what is next!" - New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson

"A unique tale of self-discovery and transformation, filled with fabulous magic and monsters, featuring a stunning character arc with an immensely satisfying ending. I couldn't put it down!"

- Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of The Spellshop

"Buchanan's novel echoes with alluring nostalgia that's sure to ensnare others to the very end." - Library Journal

"This beautifully written dark fantasy is a fascinating read ... Arrogant, willful Shean is as unlikable as they come at first, but her redemption arc, as she grows in empathy and self-realization, truly satisfies." - Booklist