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The Teddies Saga #3
They Set the Fire
At once darkly suspenseful and heartfelt with stunning spot art from illustrator Rovina Cai, this trilogy finale of New York Times -bestselling author Daniel Kraus's action-packed The Teddies Saga is perfect for fans of Victoria Schwab, Katherine Arden, and Holly Black.
An Indie Next Pick!
After searching so long for a place to call home, the daring teddies–clever Buddy, shrewd Sunny, fearless Nothing, and wise Reginald–find few answers at the place where they were created, Furrington Industries. But with a new friend―a teddy of legend!―the teddies head back into the dangerous world to seek the secrets of their creation.
Soon the teddies find themselves surrounded by people who hated them, and discover that the founder of Furrington Industries, known as the Suit, is on trial for an unknown crime. Left reeling but determined, Buddy leads his friends–those that survive–through the protestors that line the streets outside and into the bowels of the courthouse . . . where they’ll find out the true, incendiary reason the teddies were thrown away.
An Indie Next Pick!
After searching so long for a place to call home, the daring teddies–clever Buddy, shrewd Sunny, fearless Nothing, and wise Reginald–find few answers at the place where they were created, Furrington Industries. But with a new friend―a teddy of legend!―the teddies head back into the dangerous world to seek the secrets of their creation.
Soon the teddies find themselves surrounded by people who hated them, and discover that the founder of Furrington Industries, known as the Suit, is on trial for an unknown crime. Left reeling but determined, Buddy leads his friends–those that survive–through the protestors that line the streets outside and into the bowels of the courthouse . . . where they’ll find out the true, incendiary reason the teddies were thrown away.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 10, 2023
4 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kraus
79 books1,360 followers“Kraus brings the rigor of a scientist and the sensibility of a poet.” – The New York Times
DANIEL KRAUS is a New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. WHALEFALL received a front-cover rave in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.
With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored THE SHAPE OF WATER, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored TROLLHUNTERS, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. His also cowrote THE LIVING DEAD and PAY THE PIPER with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero.
Kraus’s THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both ROTTERS and SCOWLER), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and more.
Kraus’s work has been translated into over 20 languages. Visit him at danielkraus.com.
DANIEL KRAUS is a New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. WHALEFALL received a front-cover rave in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.
With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored THE SHAPE OF WATER, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored TROLLHUNTERS, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. His also cowrote THE LIVING DEAD and PAY THE PIPER with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero.
Kraus’s THE DEATH AND LIFE OF ZEBULON FINCH was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both ROTTERS and SCOWLER), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, and more.
Kraus’s work has been translated into over 20 languages. Visit him at danielkraus.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 5, 2024
I am sad this series is over, I do think it may be my favorite middle grade series ever. While I do think it pushes the boundaries of middle grade I think the result of that is a collection of books that will touch readers of all ages. This book leads to answers for the teddies of why they have been thrown away and why all of the adults seem to hate them. This book holds layers of meaning and messages and I think it is a series that I will be thinking about for a long time. Buddy and his friends Reginald, Sunny, Nothing, and Proto head out of the factory determined with a revised goal of finding the Suit and the evidence of his crime which they believe must be why everyone hates them so much. I will warn you that all of these books include lovable characters and not all of those characters survive the books (and this one is no exception).
January 15, 2024
The conclusion to The Teddies Saga. Buddy's life is full of ups and downs. I couldn't quit turning the pages.
Much like the first two in the trilogy, there are moments of happiness, glimmers of hope, and times of hopelessness & helplessness. Buddy, Sunny, and Reginald continue their journey to find the answers to why they were thrown away and to find forever sleep.
Much like the first two in the trilogy, there are moments of happiness, glimmers of hope, and times of hopelessness & helplessness. Buddy, Sunny, and Reginald continue their journey to find the answers to why they were thrown away and to find forever sleep.
December 13, 2022
Both of the previous entries in Daniel Kraus’s "The Teddies Saga" have easily ranked among my favorite reads of the past few years. They’ve consistently delivered a great mixture of adventure, mystique, and horror. But as any reader knows, an ending can often make or break a story. So, there was a lot riding on "They Set the Fire," the final entry in "The Teddies Saga." But I’m happy to say that "They Set the Fire" is as perfect an ending as you can hope for. By far the most horrific entry in the series, "They Set the Fire" pushes the boundaries of what’s appropriate for middle-grade novels about as far as it can, but it never strays too far from what makes the genre work. It’s a scary, action-packed, and deeply emotional read. But it’s also one that brings the series’ overarching storyline to a very satisfying conclusion.
"They Set the Fire" picks up immediately where "They Stole Our Hearts" ended. Buddy, Sunny, Reginald, and Nothing meet the newly-awakened Proto, hoping he can finally answer the questions that have haunted them for so long. And, in a way, he can. But those answers require yet another journey, one that leads them to the very center of the city. For inside the Courthouse, the Suit is on trial accused of the very crime that led to the world’s hatred of the Furrington Teddies. But before the Teddies can finally get the answers they seek, they have to get through all the protestors gathered outside the courthouse. Protestors that hate everything about the Teddies. It’s a threat unlike any the Teddies have yet faced - but one which might finally provide the closure they’ve longed for.
"They Set the Fire" delivers a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying conclusion that neatly ties up every one of "The Teddies Saga"’s loose ends. From page one, things get off to a roar of a start, and Kraus never takes his foot off the pedal. He crams as much as he can into the book’s relatively short page count, but it never feels rushed. Instead, it reads as the culmination of three books’ worth of stories, with more than enough room to deftly explore all the avenues such a culmination requires. Obviously, I can’t go into any details about the book’s bigger revelations or character beats. But what I will say is that, underneath all the grander revelations, it's a story about growing up. About how hard it is to grow up, but also how immensely rewarding it is. And that might just be my favorite part of the book.
One of the (admittedly few) problems with "They Stole Our Hearts," the previous book in "The Teddies Saga," was the lack of focus given to the book's characters. But "They Set the Fire" goes a long way toward fixing that mistake. Buddy's certainly still the main character here, and easily gets the vast majority of the attention once again. Here, Buddy feels the pains of growing up. He's a teddy who's been changed by the world around him - both for the better and for the worse. And the more the world changes him, the more Buddy realizes things can never remain the way they were. But how do you cope with that? How do you open yourself up to that change and allow yourself to keep growing? That's the question at the heart of the book, and it's one that Kraus explores to great effect.
It's not just Buddy struggling with this concept, though, but the rest of the Teddies too, each in their own ways. Kraus does an excellent job at using this universal theme as a way to help even the smallest of supporting characters feel like fully-rounded characters. Sunny, in particular, goes on quite an arc here, but to say any more about that would definitely be too spoilery. Overall, "They Set the Fire" does right by its characters, giving each of them ample time to shine and develop. You'll walk away feeling very satisfied with where Kraus takes these characters, and that's a very nice feeling to have.
It’s also worth pointing out just how dark this book is. To be fair, it’s not like the previous "Teddies Saga" books haven’t flirted with darkness. But "They Set the Fire" operates on a whole different level. There’s some imagery in here that would prove shocking to even the most seasoned horror fan. Part of what makes the book so scary is the way it combines the childlike innocence of the teddy bears with the harsh, cruelty of the world. The same elements that made movies like "Toy Story 3" so upsetting are exactly what make "They Set the Fire" so inherently horrific. Again, I can’t go into too many details here about what, specifically, makes this book so scary, but there were multiple times I had to briefly put the book down and allow myself to mentally decompress a bit.
That being said, it’s not like the book is wildly inappropriate or anything. It’s very similar in both tone and subject matter to works like Neil Gaiman’s "Coraline" or Katherine Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia." These are all books that sort of blur the line between what’s considered “children’s literature” and what might be considered YA or adult fare. And there’s a genuine joy to be had in that. As a kid, I always found myself drawn to those kinds of stories. The ones that felt a little dangerous to read, that might be just a bit too scary or too adult for me. And that’s very much how "They Set the Fire" feels. Kraus is careful not to make things too intense or too alienating for his audience. But you can definitely feel the influence of some of his other work find its way into this book.
Overall, I absolutely adored "They Set the Fire" from start to finish. It's every bit as good as the previous two books in "The Teddies Saga," if not better. It's a fast-paced adventure, filled with enough twists, turns, and emotional gut punches to make even the most adult stories quiver in fear. While it's scarier than the previous entries, it never feels gratuitous or ventures into anything that's too frightening. And above all else, "They Set the Fire" is a rip-roaringly fun time. It's an immensely satisfying read that's sure to stick with you long after you finish it. Whether you're a young reader or just a reader who's young at heart, "They Set the Fire" is a must-read in every sense of the phrase.
"They Set the Fire" picks up immediately where "They Stole Our Hearts" ended. Buddy, Sunny, Reginald, and Nothing meet the newly-awakened Proto, hoping he can finally answer the questions that have haunted them for so long. And, in a way, he can. But those answers require yet another journey, one that leads them to the very center of the city. For inside the Courthouse, the Suit is on trial accused of the very crime that led to the world’s hatred of the Furrington Teddies. But before the Teddies can finally get the answers they seek, they have to get through all the protestors gathered outside the courthouse. Protestors that hate everything about the Teddies. It’s a threat unlike any the Teddies have yet faced - but one which might finally provide the closure they’ve longed for.
"They Set the Fire" delivers a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying conclusion that neatly ties up every one of "The Teddies Saga"’s loose ends. From page one, things get off to a roar of a start, and Kraus never takes his foot off the pedal. He crams as much as he can into the book’s relatively short page count, but it never feels rushed. Instead, it reads as the culmination of three books’ worth of stories, with more than enough room to deftly explore all the avenues such a culmination requires. Obviously, I can’t go into any details about the book’s bigger revelations or character beats. But what I will say is that, underneath all the grander revelations, it's a story about growing up. About how hard it is to grow up, but also how immensely rewarding it is. And that might just be my favorite part of the book.
One of the (admittedly few) problems with "They Stole Our Hearts," the previous book in "The Teddies Saga," was the lack of focus given to the book's characters. But "They Set the Fire" goes a long way toward fixing that mistake. Buddy's certainly still the main character here, and easily gets the vast majority of the attention once again. Here, Buddy feels the pains of growing up. He's a teddy who's been changed by the world around him - both for the better and for the worse. And the more the world changes him, the more Buddy realizes things can never remain the way they were. But how do you cope with that? How do you open yourself up to that change and allow yourself to keep growing? That's the question at the heart of the book, and it's one that Kraus explores to great effect.
It's not just Buddy struggling with this concept, though, but the rest of the Teddies too, each in their own ways. Kraus does an excellent job at using this universal theme as a way to help even the smallest of supporting characters feel like fully-rounded characters. Sunny, in particular, goes on quite an arc here, but to say any more about that would definitely be too spoilery. Overall, "They Set the Fire" does right by its characters, giving each of them ample time to shine and develop. You'll walk away feeling very satisfied with where Kraus takes these characters, and that's a very nice feeling to have.
It’s also worth pointing out just how dark this book is. To be fair, it’s not like the previous "Teddies Saga" books haven’t flirted with darkness. But "They Set the Fire" operates on a whole different level. There’s some imagery in here that would prove shocking to even the most seasoned horror fan. Part of what makes the book so scary is the way it combines the childlike innocence of the teddy bears with the harsh, cruelty of the world. The same elements that made movies like "Toy Story 3" so upsetting are exactly what make "They Set the Fire" so inherently horrific. Again, I can’t go into too many details here about what, specifically, makes this book so scary, but there were multiple times I had to briefly put the book down and allow myself to mentally decompress a bit.
That being said, it’s not like the book is wildly inappropriate or anything. It’s very similar in both tone and subject matter to works like Neil Gaiman’s "Coraline" or Katherine Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia." These are all books that sort of blur the line between what’s considered “children’s literature” and what might be considered YA or adult fare. And there’s a genuine joy to be had in that. As a kid, I always found myself drawn to those kinds of stories. The ones that felt a little dangerous to read, that might be just a bit too scary or too adult for me. And that’s very much how "They Set the Fire" feels. Kraus is careful not to make things too intense or too alienating for his audience. But you can definitely feel the influence of some of his other work find its way into this book.
Overall, I absolutely adored "They Set the Fire" from start to finish. It's every bit as good as the previous two books in "The Teddies Saga," if not better. It's a fast-paced adventure, filled with enough twists, turns, and emotional gut punches to make even the most adult stories quiver in fear. While it's scarier than the previous entries, it never feels gratuitous or ventures into anything that's too frightening. And above all else, "They Set the Fire" is a rip-roaringly fun time. It's an immensely satisfying read that's sure to stick with you long after you finish it. Whether you're a young reader or just a reader who's young at heart, "They Set the Fire" is a must-read in every sense of the phrase.
April 13, 2023
MY 1,300 BOOK READ ON GOODREADS!
The third and final volume of the “Teddies Saga” sees our teddies learn about who was responsible for them being thrown away and who was the one who created them, the Mother. It certainly gives us answers to the Teddies’ past and a heartwarming end to their story that gives them all they deserve: a heart. A (100%/Outstanding)
The third and final volume of the “Teddies Saga” sees our teddies learn about who was responsible for them being thrown away and who was the one who created them, the Mother. It certainly gives us answers to the Teddies’ past and a heartwarming end to their story that gives them all they deserve: a heart. A (100%/Outstanding)
January 10, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
They Set The Fire is the third and final book in the Teddies Saga. All good things must come to an end but I'm really sad this series is finished.
Just to get this one thing out of the way, I really did enjoy it but it dragged a little for me. I expected this one to keep the same pace as the first two books but I just don't think it did. It was still entertaining and everything, just a little slow.
I adore these teddies! I love how they were on this little teddy quest but the adventure itself was so terrifying. Kraus really did an amazing job at mixing the sweet and innocent with scary and what the hell.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It's weird, crazy, scary, sweet and sad. I'm not sure who I'd recommend this to but if you're a fan of weird, try this one.
They Set The Fire is the third and final book in the Teddies Saga. All good things must come to an end but I'm really sad this series is finished.
Just to get this one thing out of the way, I really did enjoy it but it dragged a little for me. I expected this one to keep the same pace as the first two books but I just don't think it did. It was still entertaining and everything, just a little slow.
I adore these teddies! I love how they were on this little teddy quest but the adventure itself was so terrifying. Kraus really did an amazing job at mixing the sweet and innocent with scary and what the hell.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It's weird, crazy, scary, sweet and sad. I'm not sure who I'd recommend this to but if you're a fan of weird, try this one.
November 3, 2022
It is not the ending I was expecting (I don’t know what I was expecting to be honest) but I did enjoy it! The author is excellent at adding double meanings to the teddies and their trauma. As with the previous two titles in the series, it has hard to get attached to any of the teddies as with actual life because none of them are “safe”. Lovers of the previous two books will find themselves instantly back into the world and receive the series long answers we have been waiting for. Not for the faint of heart but neither is life!
July 10, 2024
"The scariest doors are the ones you need to go through."
This is the third and last book of the Teddies Saga.
Buddy, Sunny, Nothing and Reginald are finally at the Furringtons' factory. And there, is also Proto, the first ever teddy, the protagonist of all the Mother's tales!
When he joins the group to find the Suit and get answers, Buddy's leadership is threatened.
But, again, this is just the very beginning of what the teddies will endure to find answers for their questions.
This book (and all the saga, actually) was heartbreaking, breathtaking, inspiring, lovely... Just like life!
I admit I'm easily surprised, so I could not guess many of the moments and that makes the experience so magical! I love it when I have all these feelings about a book ❤️!
This is the third and last book of the Teddies Saga.
Buddy, Sunny, Nothing and Reginald are finally at the Furringtons' factory. And there, is also Proto, the first ever teddy, the protagonist of all the Mother's tales!
When he joins the group to find the Suit and get answers, Buddy's leadership is threatened.
But, again, this is just the very beginning of what the teddies will endure to find answers for their questions.
This book (and all the saga, actually) was heartbreaking, breathtaking, inspiring, lovely... Just like life!
I admit I'm easily surprised, so I could not guess many of the moments and that makes the experience so magical! I love it when I have all these feelings about a book ❤️!
August 5, 2024
this series is easily one of my top 3 favs (i don’t read many series) but it was so symbolic, nostalgic, sad, and loving. it intertwined friendship, growing up/adulting, learning whats good and bad in the world all the while hinting on underlying tones of capitalism and the lack of control people tend to have in these societies.
It incorporates LGBTQ+ themes and a diversity I would have never thought could be found in a little book series about teddy bears. I want to have all copies on my bookshelf!!!
It incorporates LGBTQ+ themes and a diversity I would have never thought could be found in a little book series about teddy bears. I want to have all copies on my bookshelf!!!
November 17, 2025
Sunny should have made it to the end oh my gosh, Proto was a little inconsistent but I liked that he got nicer, and the Teddies were flammable… also Buddy’s a kid now??? That felt super random but also beautiful for some reason
Overall such a cute series for spooks and cuddles I loved it so much
Overall such a cute series for spooks and cuddles I loved it so much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
Official Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
General thoughts:
I was sad to see the story come to an end. It was a phenomenal read and I don't regret any time I spent binging the series.
Commentary:
My number one compliment is that the pacing overall was well executed. Chapters are both full and devoid of information. Each one keeps you wanting to read just another. This final book was a satisfactory end to the saga that teaches life is worth living, friends are worth loving, and struggles are inevitable with being alive. I encourage anyone reading this review to start from book one and delve into the experience of seeing the world from a teddy's perspective.
Additional Tidbits:
If you like creepy and ominous books, this is a good read for you! I think there is plenty within the story for those in middle grade through adulthood to enjoy.
General thoughts:
I was sad to see the story come to an end. It was a phenomenal read and I don't regret any time I spent binging the series.
Commentary:
My number one compliment is that the pacing overall was well executed. Chapters are both full and devoid of information. Each one keeps you wanting to read just another. This final book was a satisfactory end to the saga that teaches life is worth living, friends are worth loving, and struggles are inevitable with being alive. I encourage anyone reading this review to start from book one and delve into the experience of seeing the world from a teddy's perspective.
Additional Tidbits:
If you like creepy and ominous books, this is a good read for you! I think there is plenty within the story for those in middle grade through adulthood to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
They Set the Fire
The Teddies Saga Book 3
By: Daniel Kraus
Publish Date: January 10, 2023
Publisher: MacMillian Children’s Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co (ByR)
Children’s fiction/Horror/Middle grade
100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
Book Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. It was a great ending to the series. To recap a little without giving spoilers. Teddies are thrown into the dump. These teddies come to life and wonder why they ae in the dump and not on the store shelves to be sold. They decide to go and confront the store people to find out why. They go on many adventures and learn to do things. They fight and get into situations that takes all of them to get out of. In this last book they find out what they are made of and why they were thrown away. it was not what they expected. Small spoiler here not all the teddies make it. They find friendship on the way and made change some people’s minds. They learn to except who they are, and that love is more than hugs and snuggles.
What I liked about this book was of course the friendship between the teddies. They never gave up no what was in their way. They worked together to find the answer they were seeking. Let’s not forget about the adventures they went on also. This book really wasn’t all that scary and is an easy quick read. I highly recommend the whole series.
The Teddies Saga Book 3
By: Daniel Kraus
Publish Date: January 10, 2023
Publisher: MacMillian Children’s Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co (ByR)
Children’s fiction/Horror/Middle grade
100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
Book Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. It was a great ending to the series. To recap a little without giving spoilers. Teddies are thrown into the dump. These teddies come to life and wonder why they ae in the dump and not on the store shelves to be sold. They decide to go and confront the store people to find out why. They go on many adventures and learn to do things. They fight and get into situations that takes all of them to get out of. In this last book they find out what they are made of and why they were thrown away. it was not what they expected. Small spoiler here not all the teddies make it. They find friendship on the way and made change some people’s minds. They learn to except who they are, and that love is more than hugs and snuggles.
What I liked about this book was of course the friendship between the teddies. They never gave up no what was in their way. They worked together to find the answer they were seeking. Let’s not forget about the adventures they went on also. This book really wasn’t all that scary and is an easy quick read. I highly recommend the whole series.
September 28, 2023
It's a short book (less than 200 pages) but it is full of action, heartbreak and answers. We finally find out why the Teddies are considered evil . More spoilers . I have loved these characters and these stories so much! I am going to miss them.
Read
February 10, 2023I finished another Teddie (or teddy) bear book! And a series, too!
I picked the first book in this series up when it first came out because of the cover. Sad bears in a trash heap? I must know more.
In the first book, this group of teddies wake up in a landfill wondering how they got there. They go on a bunch of adventures to find what they call the Forever Sleep, that special feeling when you find the child you were meant to be with. By the second book, things don't really work out the way that our fearless leader, Buddy, thought it would. More adventures ensue, so by the time the third book comes around, you're wondering how the story will end.
This was a fun, sometimes disturbing, middle grade trilogy that I would recommend if it sounds interesting to you.
I picked the first book in this series up when it first came out because of the cover. Sad bears in a trash heap? I must know more.
In the first book, this group of teddies wake up in a landfill wondering how they got there. They go on a bunch of adventures to find what they call the Forever Sleep, that special feeling when you find the child you were meant to be with. By the second book, things don't really work out the way that our fearless leader, Buddy, thought it would. More adventures ensue, so by the time the third book comes around, you're wondering how the story will end.
This was a fun, sometimes disturbing, middle grade trilogy that I would recommend if it sounds interesting to you.
December 12, 2023
In the daylight, out of the snow, the teddies got a good look at one another for the first time since the courthouse. As rough as they looked, they had to laugh. Their wounds were overwhelming evidence: not of failure, but of a life well lived.Since the first pages of the first book in this saga, when the teddies came to life in a landfill wondering who they are--and, more importantly, why they are--I've loved this trilogy. It's the clash of warm, fuzzy innocence against a dangerous and often cruel world, desperately searching for reason and meaning.
In this final book, once again the teddies come up against terrors of both the physical and psychological kind; and, once again, they find the grit, persistence, and love in themselves journey on. As the cover indicates, this time, for a while, they try making themselves into fierce and dangerous terrors. In the end, they complete their self-appointed quest--though not without further losses--and the find meaning they need to carry on with satisfying lives.
This story has offered a unique mix of ingredients, snuggly teds in the hands of a horror writer, and has ultimately proved to be a wonderful work of philosophy. I've loved it and am sad the tale has reached its end.
"Why did we come to life?"
The Mother folded her spotted hands in her lap. Her teeth were old and yellow. But Buddy thought is was the best grin he'd ever seen.
"Life can be wonderful. But it also causes a lot of suffering. Have you found this to be true, Buddy?"
"Yes, I have."
"That's why I think we--all of us--were put here on this world. To soothe one another's suffering. I did it by giving the Originals to people who needed them. But you can do it however you like. Through laughter. Through caring for the sick. Through cooking delicious snacks. Through snuggling, if you happen to be a teddy."
Reginald stood up beside Buddy. With so much of his belly stuffing gone, he swayed beneath the weight of his head.
"But we never found children of our own," he said. "Whose suffering could we soothe?"
The Mother smiled tightly, as if holding back a chuckle. She looked at Reginald, then at Buddy, then at Proto, then back to Reginald.
"Oh," Reginald said. "We did it for one another.
Buddy felt a sad gladness, an emotion as invisible as fireplace heat and just as strong. The teddies had spent their whole lives searching for someone to comfort, unburden, cheer, and love. It had never been a child.
They were the ones they'd been looking for.
April 8, 2025
This was the best middle-grade series I have ever read. It was beautifully written all the way through. Kraus was able to create a story that resonated every step of the way, that had enough mysteries to keep you turning the next page, and characters worth rooting for.
As with all things, reading only adult books sometimes has its downsides. Something that I noticed was refreshing while reading this trilogy was the fact that Kraus implicitly spelled out what he was trying to get across to the reader a lot of times. A lot of mature reading material is all about the interpretation of the reader and while that can be fun, I find that when something happened, Buddy then interpreted the deeper meaning behind it. I was like "Dang, that's so true!" Maybe I'm just lazy... Reading anything only has as much significance as the reader gives it, I understand that. But sometimes it's nice to know why the writer decided to tell the story the way they did, and by being transparent about that through a character you get a window into their writing process, which is pretty cool.
I loved how Kraus wrapped everything up, I would highly recommend this series to readers of ALL ages.
Primarily read because: it is part of a series.
(ATY #13)
As with all things, reading only adult books sometimes has its downsides. Something that I noticed was refreshing while reading this trilogy was the fact that Kraus implicitly spelled out what he was trying to get across to the reader a lot of times. A lot of mature reading material is all about the interpretation of the reader and while that can be fun, I find that when something happened, Buddy then interpreted the deeper meaning behind it. I was like "Dang, that's so true!" Maybe I'm just lazy... Reading anything only has as much significance as the reader gives it, I understand that. But sometimes it's nice to know why the writer decided to tell the story the way they did, and by being transparent about that through a character you get a window into their writing process, which is pretty cool.
I loved how Kraus wrapped everything up, I would highly recommend this series to readers of ALL ages.
Primarily read because: it is part of a series.
(ATY #13)
February 24, 2023
This is the third book in the Teddy Saga. Even though I was dying to get my hands on it, it took me a while to get into it. Once I reconnected with Buddy, Proto, Reginald, Sunny and the gang I was all in!
Recap of the first two books…the bears wake up in the dump and want to know why they aren’t still on the store shelves or in a home. They work together to escape the dump and find their way to answers. Along the way they have tons of adventures. Some scary, some interesting and some kind of funny.
They ended this series well. The bears get their answers, shockingly. I just hope the middle school children grasp the context of the how the bears have grown and matured in the story. I would love to see some children do a book report (do they still do those?) on this series!
I’m going to miss the bears 🐻 🐻🐻🐻🐻
Recap of the first two books…the bears wake up in the dump and want to know why they aren’t still on the store shelves or in a home. They work together to escape the dump and find their way to answers. Along the way they have tons of adventures. Some scary, some interesting and some kind of funny.
They ended this series well. The bears get their answers, shockingly. I just hope the middle school children grasp the context of the how the bears have grown and matured in the story. I would love to see some children do a book report (do they still do those?) on this series!
I’m going to miss the bears 🐻 🐻🐻🐻🐻
August 31, 2025
They Set the Fire
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) or 9.42/10 overall
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 10
Writing - 9
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 10
Logic - 9
Enjoyment - 10
Overall Thoughts:
What an end to the series! I can't believe it's over now. 😭 This was as good of an ending as I could have hoped for. Full of twists and turns, the teddies continue on their journey to find the Suit. Of course they encounter more horrors, as well as the occasional delight. Overall, this series is haunting but full of small wonders and good quotes. I'm typically not a horror fan but the way that the story was told really worked for me. If anyone has similar book recs, let me know! :)
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) or 9.42/10 overall
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 10
Writing - 9
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 10
Logic - 9
Enjoyment - 10
Overall Thoughts:
What an end to the series! I can't believe it's over now. 😭 This was as good of an ending as I could have hoped for. Full of twists and turns, the teddies continue on their journey to find the Suit. Of course they encounter more horrors, as well as the occasional delight. Overall, this series is haunting but full of small wonders and good quotes. I'm typically not a horror fan but the way that the story was told really worked for me. If anyone has similar book recs, let me know! :)
February 16, 2023
What a great trilogy, good ending overall. The characters and their journey get deeper throughout the three books.
I love each teddy bear having a distinctive character with their own traits.
It's a weird mix of genres, I think the underlying message and some of the moments are too scary for children but the overall message and story is brilliant regardless of age.
Brilliant trilogy, I'm excited to read some horror now by Daniel Kraus
I love each teddy bear having a distinctive character with their own traits.
It's a weird mix of genres, I think the underlying message and some of the moments are too scary for children but the overall message and story is brilliant regardless of age.
Brilliant trilogy, I'm excited to read some horror now by Daniel Kraus
July 11, 2023
I literally burning after the last to find out what happens...and I wasn't expecting that even though I could guess + speculate the reason for the teddies being hated. Happy the surviving teddies get a happy ending after so much heart ache.
August 8, 2023
Wonderful conclusion to this trilogy. The remaining Teddies finally meet Proto and the five of them set off to find the Suit. Kraus continues to build the suspense throughout the story until them meet the ultimate creator. By then, only three remain. I appreciate the ending as Buddy sets off on new adventures and readers learn who the mysterious voice is.
August 20, 2023
What else can I say about this series? It's an emotional ride full of love, loss, and friendship from the opening line of They Threw Us Away to the very last page of They Set the Fire. Kraus has crafted a special and memorable story that will challenge middle grade readers, not to mention adults, while simultaneously enthralling them.
January 24, 2023
Third in the series. Daniel Kraus did a great job in filling the reader in about the back story without going overboard..just a reminder of what had happened in past books.
Have enjoyed this series. Really like how he tied this up. Gave us all the answers and a great ending.
Have enjoyed this series. Really like how he tied this up. Gave us all the answers and a great ending.
July 19, 2023
How did a book series about teddy bears get five stars from me? I have no idea, these books are far better than they have a right to be. I did not expect that ending to be as emotional and beautiful as it was.
WTF just happened?
WTF just happened?
January 23, 2024
3.75*
Kraus brings the Teddies Saga to a close, we finally find out why they were thrown away and why everyone hates/are scared of them.
Buddy grows and learns more. They lose friends and meet new ones.
The ending makes you feel all cozy-wozy (so to speak).
Kraus brings the Teddies Saga to a close, we finally find out why they were thrown away and why everyone hates/are scared of them.
Buddy grows and learns more. They lose friends and meet new ones.
The ending makes you feel all cozy-wozy (so to speak).
May 21, 2024
I don’t have the words to describe how much this little saga has come to mean to me, but I silently sobbed during those last few chapters. I wish it didn’t have to end and yet it ended perfectly. I will miss Buddy and friends, but I won’t be forgetting them any time soon.
March 15, 2025
This was an incredibly satisfying end to this series. I really loved it.
“ […] all you can do is take hold of what you have, love what you can, and be grateful that you had the chance to touch anything soft at all.”
“That’s why I think we - all of us - were put here on this world. To soothe one another’s suffering.”
“ […] all you can do is take hold of what you have, love what you can, and be grateful that you had the chance to touch anything soft at all.”
“That’s why I think we - all of us - were put here on this world. To soothe one another’s suffering.”
June 8, 2025
You know when you read a good book and it’s not just I enjoyed that, it’s wow that was a really good book and Man what a clever series, this has got to be my favorite in the series. This book shows growing up and it does it so well like this was so good.
September 19, 2025
Saga is a good word for this trilogy. We follow a group of teddies on their odyssey to find "home". They experience the horrors of the world, crises of faith and an unwavering love for one another. I would say this is like Toy Story mixed with Tim Burton's 9. Highly recommend!
August 29, 2022
A wonderful and fitting conclusion to the trilogy! I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on children's lit. Thank you to Macmillian and NetGalley for the ARC
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
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