Summary
The Dollmakers is a captivating debut fantasy novel by Lynn Buchanan that blends elements of cozy fantasy and horror. Set in a world where magical dolls are the only defense against destructive monsters called the Shod, the book explores themes of artistry, destiny, and the lengths one will go to protect their community.
Buchanan's rich worldbuilding draws comparisons to Studio Ghibli films and the works of acclaimed fantasy authors like TJ Klune and Travis Baldree. The novel's unique premise and dark undertones have garnered attention from fans of books like Juniper & Thorn and The Goblin Emperor, positioning it as a promising new entry in the fantasy genre.
At the heart of The Dollmakers is Shean of Pearl, a talented apprentice dollmaker whose ambitions are thwarted when her creations are deemed too beautiful for combat. Her journey to prove her worth as a guard dollmaker drives the narrative, exploring the tension between art and utility in a world constantly under threat.
Plot
In Lynn Buchanan's fantasy novel The Dollmakers, the story unfolds in a country called One, where dollmakers play a crucial role in society. Their creations, particularly guard dolls, are the only defense against the Shod - vicious monsters that destroy everything in their path. The protagonist, Shean of Pearl, is a talented apprentice dollmaker who dreams of crafting dolls to fight the Shod, monsters responsible for killing her loved ones.
However, Shean's aspirations are thwarted when her dolls are deemed too beautiful and delicate for combat. Frustrated by this setback, she embarks on a journey to the remote village of Web at her mentor's suggestion. The goal is to learn from Ikiisa, a renowned guard dollmaker. But Shean has her own agenda - to prove her worth and convince the Licensor Guild to grant her a guard's license.
Determined to showcase her talents, Shean devises a plan to challenge Ikiisa and establish herself as Web's official dollmaker. She believes that once she achieves this position, demonstrating her dolls' effectiveness against the Shod will be straightforward. Her confidence in her abilities leads her to consider a drastic measure to prove her point.
In a bold and potentially dangerous move, Shean contemplates summoning the Shod to Web. This decision sets the stage for a confrontation between Shean's creations and the monstrous threat, with the fate of the village and Shean's ambitions hanging in the balance. The story explores themes of ambition, craftsmanship, and the lengths one might go to prove their worth in a world where survival depends on the artistry of dollmakers.
Themes
Contrast between art and practicality
Power of determination and ambition
Struggle against societal expectations
Importance of craftsmanship and creativity
Coping with loss and grief
Balance between tradition and innovation
Consequences of unchecked ambition
Setting
The Dollmakers by Lynn Buchanan is set in a fantasy world called One, a country plagued by vicious monsters known as the Shod. The era evokes a pre-industrial feel, with artisans and craftspeople playing vital roles in society. The story unfolds against a backdrop of constant threat from the Shod, creating an atmosphere of tension and urgency.
Within this larger setting, the narrative focuses on two specific locations. The first is Pearl, presumably a city or town where the protagonist Shean begins her journey as an apprentice dollmaker. The second key location is Web, a remote village where much of the story's action takes place. This rural setting provides a stark contrast to Shean's origins and serves as the backdrop for her attempts to prove herself.
The world of The Dollmakers is richly detailed, with a unique magic system centered around the creation of dolls. These magical constructs serve both artistic and practical purposes, with guard dolls being the primary defense against the Shod. This blend of artistry and survival creates a captivating environment that merges elements of cozy fantasy with darker, more horror-inspired themes.
Characters
Shean of Pearl: The protagonist and an apprentice dollmaker. Shean is brilliant at her craft and driven to fight the Shod after they killed her loved ones. She's determined to prove her dolls can be used as guards despite being told they're too beautiful and delicate. Ambitious and stubborn, Shean travels to Web village to challenge the established dollmaker there.
Ikiisa: A reclusive and well-respected guard dollmaker in the remote village of Web. Ikiisa serves as a potential mentor figure and rival to Shean. Their interaction and possible conflict seem central to the story's development in Web.
Shean's mentor: An unnamed character who sends Shean on her journey to Web. They hope Shean will gain wisdom from Ikiisa and find a new path for herself beyond fighting the Shod.
The Shod: While not individual characters, the Shod are vicious, cobbled monstrosities that threaten the people of One. They tear apart structures to add to their horde and serve as the primary antagonistic force in the story.
Quick facts
Lynn Buchanan's debut novel The Dollmakers blends elements of cozy fantasy and horror.
The story is set in a country called One, where dollmakers play a vital role in society.
The main character, Shean of Pearl, is an apprentice dollmaker with exceptional talent.
Magical dolls in the story are used to fight monstrous creatures known as the Shod.
The book draws comparisons to Studio Ghibli films and works by authors TJ Klune and Travis Baldree.
A key conflict in the story arises when Shean's dolls are deemed too beautiful to be used for fighting.
The remote village of Web serves as an important setting in the novel.
Ikiisa, a reclusive guard dollmaker, is a significant character in the story.
The novel explores themes of destiny, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions.
The Licensor Guild plays a crucial role in determining the fate of dollmakers in the story.
About the Author
Lynn Buchanan is a fantasy writer based in Utah, nestled in the foothills of imposing, chilly mountains. Her academic credentials include graduating from the Odyssey Writing Workshop in 2019 and earning an MFA in fiction from Brigham Young University. Buchanan's experience extends beyond writing, as she has also taught creative writing at BYU.
Buchanan's imaginative works often feature unique and whimsical elements. Her writing explores themes such as monster-fighting dolls, moody painters, and even mummified arms used as dancing props. This blend of the fantastical and the macabre showcases her ability to create vivid and unusual narratives.
Outside of her writing career, Buchanan pursues a variety of interests. She is an accomplished oboist, demonstrating her musical talents. Her love for nature is evident in her hobby of collecting houseplants. Additionally, she enjoys immersing herself in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli films, which likely influences her own creative storytelling.
Buchanan's debut novel, The Dollmakers, is available on Audible, introducing listeners to her distinctive voice in the fantasy genre. As a rising author, her unique blend of academic training and imaginative storytelling positions her as an exciting new voice in contemporary fantasy literature.
