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 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 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...

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.

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!