The Dollmakers BY Lynn Buchanan

In The Dollmakers, debut author Lynn Buchanan weaves a dark and captivating tale that blends cozy fantasy with unsettling horror. Set in the world of One, where Dollmakers hold critical roles in society, this novel explores a realm where art, magic, and survival intertwine. In One, dolls crafted by Dollmakers are not mere toys; they are vital to protecting humanity from the Shod—nightmarish creatures that relentlessly destroy everything in their path to add to their monstrous horde.

Shean of Pearl, an ambitious and talented apprentice Dollmaker, dreams of surpassing her peers and proving the true power of her creations. Her dolls are not just intricate works of art but formidable tools against the Shod. However, her defiant nature gets the better of her when she punches a Licensor Guild member, jeopardizing her chance to be recognized as a master artisan. Determined to demonstrate her worth, Shean sets out to the remote village of Web to learn from Ikiisa, a reclusive guard Dollmaker.

Expecting to easily overshadow Ikiisa’s creations, Shean is blindsided by the complexities of Web’s guard dolls. Her plan to showcase her dolls and win her license spirals into a dangerous gamble. As Shean's actions risk endangering Web and beyond, she must confront the truth about her own ambitions and the true nature of the threat posed by the Shod.

The Dollmakers is a mesmerizing blend of whimsy and dread, appealing to fans of Studio Ghibli, TJ Klune, and readers of Juniper & Thorn and The Goblin Emperor, offering a fresh and imaginative take on fantasy and horror.