"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"--