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Fallen Peaks
Master Coen’s Apprentice
A story of found-family and the struggle of navigating a world that far too often judges far too quickly, Master Coen's Apprentice is a companion story to The Dollmakers and a good launching point for the wider world of the ongoing fantasy series the Fallen Peaks.
Readers can get this story for free by signing up for Lynn Buchanan’s newsletter.
Readers can get this story for free by signing up for Lynn Buchanan’s newsletter.
130 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2024
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Lynn Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 20, 2026
Lynn Buchanan’s Master Coen’s Apprentice was such a lovely return to the world of The Dollmakers, one of my favorite books of 2024. This prequel novella follows a young Ikisa during her apprenticeship as a dollmaker.
Ikisa was my favorite character in The Dollmakers, so I was absolutely delighted that Buchanan chose to give her a story of her own. I loved getting to spend more time with her and seeing what her life was like as a young apprentice. We also get a much closer look at the dollmakers’ school, which only played a small role at the beginning of The Dollmakers, and I really enjoyed getting to explore that part of the world more.
Buchanan’s writing is sometimes almost lyrical, and I absolutely adore it. The way she describes the world of the Fallen Peaks makes it feel so vivid and magical, and even the names of its cities and towns have such a beautiful, almost musical quality.
I became so emotionally invested in Ikisa’s story and was honestly devastated for her at times. My favorite part, though, was getting to see more of her dolls. I already loved this aspect of her character, so seeing more of her creations was such a treat.
I really hope we get to see more of Ikisa someday because I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to her!
Ikisa was my favorite character in The Dollmakers, so I was absolutely delighted that Buchanan chose to give her a story of her own. I loved getting to spend more time with her and seeing what her life was like as a young apprentice. We also get a much closer look at the dollmakers’ school, which only played a small role at the beginning of The Dollmakers, and I really enjoyed getting to explore that part of the world more.
Buchanan’s writing is sometimes almost lyrical, and I absolutely adore it. The way she describes the world of the Fallen Peaks makes it feel so vivid and magical, and even the names of its cities and towns have such a beautiful, almost musical quality.
I became so emotionally invested in Ikisa’s story and was honestly devastated for her at times. My favorite part, though, was getting to see more of her dolls. I already loved this aspect of her character, so seeing more of her creations was such a treat.
I really hope we get to see more of Ikisa someday because I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to her!
January 4, 2026
3.5 ⭐ (Really Liked It)
I found myself thinking about The Dollmakers a lot. The world, and its characters, hooked me more than I initially had thought when I first read through that book. So I looked up Lynn Buchanan and found I could get this book for free if I signed up for her newsletter, which had to happen because I wanted to return to Fallen Peaks.
And this book just confirms how much I enjoy this world. I don't know what it is about this world but I'm invested. It's fantasy, but not your typical fantasy. No magic or elves or anything that's typically fantastical. It's a world that is overrun by monsters and the Dollmakers are there to send their dolls out to keep the citizens of each city protected. That doesn't do this book justice. It's way cooler than that probably sounds.
I really like Buchanan's prose. It's easy to read, with great characters and a great world. There is mystery and conflict. Characters that are mean but also ones that are kind. Especially Ikiisa. She is so easy to root for and be hopeful for. And she was a perfect candidate for the main character.
I hope Buchanan returns to Fallen Peaks. Because I can't wait to go back and learn more about this world.
I found myself thinking about The Dollmakers a lot. The world, and its characters, hooked me more than I initially had thought when I first read through that book. So I looked up Lynn Buchanan and found I could get this book for free if I signed up for her newsletter, which had to happen because I wanted to return to Fallen Peaks.
And this book just confirms how much I enjoy this world. I don't know what it is about this world but I'm invested. It's fantasy, but not your typical fantasy. No magic or elves or anything that's typically fantastical. It's a world that is overrun by monsters and the Dollmakers are there to send their dolls out to keep the citizens of each city protected. That doesn't do this book justice. It's way cooler than that probably sounds.
I really like Buchanan's prose. It's easy to read, with great characters and a great world. There is mystery and conflict. Characters that are mean but also ones that are kind. Especially Ikiisa. She is so easy to root for and be hopeful for. And she was a perfect candidate for the main character.
I hope Buchanan returns to Fallen Peaks. Because I can't wait to go back and learn more about this world.
January 10, 2026
It was so nice to be back in this world. I WANT MORE.
August 22, 2026
Fun prequel that provides back story on Ikiisa, a main character in The Dollmakers. As expected, well written and reads like a calm flowing river. Just peaceful and smooth. Interesting and engaging.
December 3, 2025
Felt like a cozy read.
I’ve had The Dollmakers on my TBR since I bought it when the book came out a year ago. The list is long and I read per my mood so it just hasn’t hit the rotation yet. But then the author sent out this short prequel to her mailing list for free, including the audiobook, so I was able to listen to it while doing laundry and prepping for dnd.
The magic system and world does have similar sounding terms to Sanderson (her IRL professor and mentor) like Breath-Mark and Shod, but it’s certainly its own identity despite the word association. This story takes place at a magic doll-making school. 8-year-old Ikiisa is a prodigy and orphan so she lives on campus. Her dolls are weird and unsettling, looking a bit like the mysterious murderous “shod,” so people don’t like them, or her. But when her dolls help save a mysterious man’s life (I assume he’ll be significant in the main book), important people begin to notice her exceptional talent for what it is.
I think this story is also meant to give backstory to Ikiisa, perhaps helpful because most (YouTube) reviews I’ve personally seen of The Dollmakers main book call her unlikable (EDIT: Oh ok, the main character in Dollmakers is Shean and yeah, she’s unlikable. I didn’t realize it wasn’t about Ikiisa). She seems fine to me. Rough life and sympathetic, not unlikable by any stretch, at least as a young girl. I’ll surely get to Dollmakers at some point now. It was a great appetizer taste of this world.
I’ve had The Dollmakers on my TBR since I bought it when the book came out a year ago. The list is long and I read per my mood so it just hasn’t hit the rotation yet. But then the author sent out this short prequel to her mailing list for free, including the audiobook, so I was able to listen to it while doing laundry and prepping for dnd.
The magic system and world does have similar sounding terms to Sanderson (her IRL professor and mentor) like Breath-Mark and Shod, but it’s certainly its own identity despite the word association. This story takes place at a magic doll-making school. 8-year-old Ikiisa is a prodigy and orphan so she lives on campus. Her dolls are weird and unsettling, looking a bit like the mysterious murderous “shod,” so people don’t like them, or her. But when her dolls help save a mysterious man’s life (I assume he’ll be significant in the main book), important people begin to notice her exceptional talent for what it is.
I think this story is also meant to give backstory to Ikiisa, perhaps helpful because most (YouTube) reviews I’ve personally seen of The Dollmakers main book call her unlikable (EDIT: Oh ok, the main character in Dollmakers is Shean and yeah, she’s unlikable. I didn’t realize it wasn’t about Ikiisa). She seems fine to me. Rough life and sympathetic, not unlikable by any stretch, at least as a young girl. I’ll surely get to Dollmakers at some point now. It was a great appetizer taste of this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2026
God I loved this so much. I spend the last 80 pages crying. I love Ikiisa with all my heart and it hurts so much to realize all what she’s been through. She’s an angel and such an innocent and good soul, I just want to hug her and protect her from the world.
I really love this story, this world, all the magic and Lynn’s writing style. I need like a dozen more books set in this universe.
I really love this story, this world, all the magic and Lynn’s writing style. I need like a dozen more books set in this universe.
December 26, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
This world is so fun and unique, can't wait to read whatever she writes next!
This world is so fun and unique, can't wait to read whatever she writes next!
January 13, 2026
This was such a good addition to The Dollmakers!! Every time I step foot in this world I just want to stay longer and longer! I really want to reread Dollmakers right now! Loved this!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews