What good is a toy that will wind down? What if you could put a heart in one? A real heart. One that beat and beat and didn't stop. What couldn't you do if you could make a toy like that? From the moment Mathias becomes the owner of a mysterious piece of paper, he is in terrible danger. Entangled in devious plots and pursued by the sinister Doctor Leiter and his devilish toys, Mathias finds himself on a quest to uncover a deadly secret.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
An intriguing and atmospheric plot...The story is pacy, exciting and inventive with strong and interesting characters. It's violent in places too, with threats, torture (fingers snapped "like dry twigs"), and death. The hero, Mathias, seems to be constantly sustaining new and painful injuries. The plot is essentially a race to uncover a secret: a battle between good and evil and shades of grey in-between, but the revelation of the secret is really worth waiting for. This is no MacGuffin, here simply to justify the chase. It is a dark and dirty secret at the very heart of what the story is all about. The Guardian 20080830 The sense of menace is maintained throughout and culminates in a chilling climax. Simply and effectively written and very visual, it all fits together like clockwork. The Children's Bookseller 20080815 Classic tale for long winter nights. The Bookseller 20080919 Fantastic story set in an imaginary world. School Librarian 20081001 This is a world of shadows and terror told with the utmost conviction. A remarkable debut novel. Carousel 20081015 Although it ends on one of those maddening cliff-hangers now too common in children's fiction, this is beautifully produced, and worth reading aloud to 9+. The Times 20081025 The Toymaker is fast paced and beautifully written. Junior Education Plus 20081101 A superb debut! Achuka 20081031 This is a new, strong and distinctive voice. More please. Books for Keeps 20081101 The Toymaker is refreshingly readable with some downright creepy moments...The ending is as dark as the story deserves, though a little sudden; you'll definitely be left wanting more. SFX 20081101 This is an edge of the seat thriller that will stay in the mind long after the book finishes. Irish Examiner 20081101 Toys are given the hearts of sparrows, an exquisitely sinister polygraphic doll, a heart-thumping scary dwarf tracking down his prey through scent are some of de Quidt's brilliant inventions in this tale of a boy being hunted for a secret he has yet to discover. Sunday Telegraph 20081123 This is not a book for the squeamish. There is a great deal of bloodshed, killing and torture and an unexpected ending. It is a difficult book to categorise but should appeal to good readers of 10 plus who enjoy adventure stories. INIS 20090301
About the Author
Jeremy lives in Somerset with his wife and their three children.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Was Left Stunned & Very Pleased,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Toymaker (Hardcover)
Though this book is very short (~350 pages and large print, lots of white space), and is over quickly (I finished it in less than an afternoon - most average sized books take me a day to read).The size or length doesn't matter though, this tale is exciting, gripping, and has you wanting to turn the page before you're even done reading the current one. I couldn't put it down, I loved the characters, all of them. Mystery abounds - with shadowy villains around every corner, interesting plot twists and no annoying deus ex machinations. Even that doesn't cover just how excellent a read this book was, it was such a pleasure - and when I finished I just coulnd't believe I had read a story that was written so well and so interesting by an author that I've never even heard of. If you like adventure novels, or fantasy (I wouldn't call it science fiction myself) novels, or just action/mystery novels - this makes for a great afternoon (or night!) I should note, that I'm an adult and never felt like I was reading a children's story. Its [very] enjoyable for all ages.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent reading,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Toymaker (Hardcover)
I've just received the book yesterday and began my reading. Just after reading the prologue I knew this is the book I always wanted to read!! And the illustrations from Gary Blythe are gorgeous!I Recommend this book for all automata Enthusiasts and those interested in excellent reading!
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