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The Toymakers

This Christmas, be completely swept into the magic of this enchanting and utterly gripping book

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The Toymakers

By: Robert Dinsdale
Narrated by: Ruby Bentall
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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

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Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale, read by Ruby Bentall.

Do you remember when you believed in magic?

It is 1917, and while war wages across Europe, in the heart of London, there is a place of hope and enchantment.

The Emporium sells toys that capture the imagination of children and adults alike: patchwork dogs that seem alive, toy boxes that are bigger on the inside, soldiers that can fight battles of their own. Into this family business comes young Cathy Wray, running away from a shameful past. The Emporium takes her in, makes her one of its own.

But Cathy is about to discover that the Emporium has secrets of its own…


A dark enchanting, spectacularly imaginative novel perfect for fans of Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist and Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus

 20th Century Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Magic Magical Realism War & Military World War I Heartfelt Mind-bending Paranormal Feel-Good Tear-jerking War Military
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Critic reviews

There is magic at the heart of The Toymakers, a glittery inventiveness that shimmers through the dark corners of a story about love, war and sibling rivalry...Robert Dinsdale's imagined toys are truly glorious...a gripping, moving story.
Like the magic at the heart of the story, this vivid, haunting novel is both vast and intimate. A world war echoes a family conflict, and the delights and dangers of childhood suddenly have vast implications. A wonderful and thought-provoking read. (KATHERINE ARDEN, author of The Winternight Series)
What an extraordinary and wonderful achievement this novel is! I was gripped, and thrilled, and touched, and above all I was completely swept into the magic of the book...And the scope of the thing! Such a broad chronological range, such sweep, all with the lightest touch. Just astonishing. (ADAM ROBERTS)
truly magical ... Anyone who’s ever stepped inside a traditional toyshop and marvelled at the wonders on display will instantly be captivated by this book, which transports readers to The Emporium in London. Prepare to be charmed by this utterly enchanting tale.
A magical World War I novel
Robert Dinsdale’s engaging and enchanting new novel offers the literary equivalent of a Guillermo del Toro film; it is, at its best, a fairytale for adults, with all the wonder – and terror – that that entails. Even as the story takes an inevitably darker turn with the advent of the second world war, it is the sense of joy that lingers in this fine book.
The Toy Makers is a gorgeous puzzle-box of a novel, opening to reveal layer on astonishing layer. From the magic of a remarkable toy emporium to the carnage of trench warfare to the personal battles of an exceptional family, this story will delight, amaze and deeply move the reader.
All stars
Most relevant
I found this book annoyingly ambiguous. The magical elements just could not have coexistence with the real elements. That is the trick and delight of the genre.
Could the toys not have been put to real.military use. Would the shop really just be treated as a curiosity.
I was also not really engaged by any of the characters.
I liked the ending and the reading was generally OK but there are edits which been left in when the reader has a second go at some phrases. Tut Tut.
I had hoped for Rivers of London in a toy shop but it didn't have the wit in any sense.
I see a lot of people liked it but not me.

Not magical for me

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This book is beautifully written. I can't wait for First Frost... The performance is perfect - Ruby Bentall just added to the magic!

Simply magical!

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I wouldn’t normally have read this book but I had a spare credit I’m so glad that I spent it on this book
If you want to truly wish to lose yourself in a book there is no better book than this
Taking you back to childhood imagination and fantasy with a very grown up story line running through it this book is a magical gem that will stay with you long after you have finished it

What wonderful find

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This book is surprisingly enchanting and sad. A mixture of evil, the harsh reality of war and the beauty of love. I loved it. To be read til the end.

Surprisingly good

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This tale of two battling brothers whose creations have a touch of magic was very reminiscent of the Night Circus book. I found it ok with a very touching ending.

Narration was good.

Night Circus vibes

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