What do you think?
Rate this book
Made Things #0.5
Precious Little Things
A prequel to the magical novella Made Things, out now from Tor.com Publishing.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
26 pages, ebook
First published November 10, 2017
71 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Tchaikovsky
194 books17.9k followersADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY was born in Lincolnshire and studied zoology and psychology at Reading, before practising law in Leeds. He is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor and is trained in stage-fighting. His literary influences include Gene Wolfe, Mervyn Peake, China Miéville, Mary Gently, Steven Erikson, Naomi Novak, Scott Lynch and Alan Campbell.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 28, 2022
In the Middle of a Story.
I feel like I’m in the middle of something that started before I read this book. I feel as though I’m supposed to already know what is happening. But, I don’t.
From what I gather, this is a book about magic. Little people made of magic and giant people, also made of magic.
There is a misunderstanding between them and then a magic battle commences. I believe that the little magicians are the underdog, who we are supposed to root for.
Once we figure out what is going on, then I’ll know what I’m rooting for and who I am rooting for.
Three stars. 💫💫💫
I feel like I’m in the middle of something that started before I read this book. I feel as though I’m supposed to already know what is happening. But, I don’t.
From what I gather, this is a book about magic. Little people made of magic and giant people, also made of magic.
There is a misunderstanding between them and then a magic battle commences. I believe that the little magicians are the underdog, who we are supposed to root for.
Once we figure out what is going on, then I’ll know what I’m rooting for and who I am rooting for.
Three stars. 💫💫💫
December 6, 2019
Aaahh!! I was so excited to find a prequel for Adrian Tchaikovsky's novella Made Things free online at Tor.com. More living puppets FTW!!
Tam is a low-grade but determined wooden puppet (homunculus) who has carved a daughter to the very best of his ability. He beseeches the noble magician puppets for some gold to put on his daughter as filigree, to make her a better class puppet and improve her chances in the puppet's world. The magicians agree, if he will send his daughter to them for training when she has been imbued with magical life and learned to control her body.
The second half of this story is told from the point of view of Liet, Tam's daughter. This is a charming world, but Tchaikovsky deals with some universal human issues here, and it's not all sweetness and light.
Full review to come. You can read this either before or after Made Things, and I recommend both! Link to story on Tor: https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
Tam is a low-grade but determined wooden puppet (homunculus) who has carved a daughter to the very best of his ability. He beseeches the noble magician puppets for some gold to put on his daughter as filigree, to make her a better class puppet and improve her chances in the puppet's world. The magicians agree, if he will send his daughter to them for training when she has been imbued with magical life and learned to control her body.
The second half of this story is told from the point of view of Liet, Tam's daughter. This is a charming world, but Tchaikovsky deals with some universal human issues here, and it's not all sweetness and light.
Full review to come. You can read this either before or after Made Things, and I recommend both! Link to story on Tor: https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
December 30, 2022
3.5 Stars
An intriguing start where the inanimate are rendered magically alive, worshipping a mage stuck in stasis who gives off enough power to bring these “puppets” sentience.
Sequestered in a warded tower, their ignorant bliss can only last for so long, as the outside human world tries to breach their defenses. These little miracles must make the ultimate decision - either wait for the inevitable discovery and possibly become victims or explore ahead to learn all they can to prepare for the worst - invasion.
The world building was good, and I’m thankful there’s a sequel!
An intriguing start where the inanimate are rendered magically alive, worshipping a mage stuck in stasis who gives off enough power to bring these “puppets” sentience.
Sequestered in a warded tower, their ignorant bliss can only last for so long, as the outside human world tries to breach their defenses. These little miracles must make the ultimate decision - either wait for the inevitable discovery and possibly become victims or explore ahead to learn all they can to prepare for the worst - invasion.
The world building was good, and I’m thankful there’s a sequel!
November 3, 2025
An enjoyable companion to the fantasy heist book Made Things, included as a short story at the back of that book. In Made Things, the homunculi (little puppet-like people) have already established colonies in various human towns and cities. This short story is a prequel, showing the time immediately prior to that, where they decide to leave the sanctuary of the Tower in which they were created and have lived for several generations.
It fleshes out some of the back-story, but still leaves open questions about the original creation of the homunculi. At 30 pages, it would probably be better as a prologue to Made Things, but still wouldn’t address the sense of incompleteness of the overall story.
Meh.
It fleshes out some of the back-story, but still leaves open questions about the original creation of the homunculi. At 30 pages, it would probably be better as a prologue to Made Things, but still wouldn’t address the sense of incompleteness of the overall story.
Meh.
December 7, 2019
A prequel to the magical novella Made Things. I enjoyed this prequel more than the novella.
It had a fairytale feel to it. The world was more fully envisioned than the novella. The characters remained a bit more one-dimensional though.
I liked Tam and that he wanted more for his child than he had been given. Poor guy.
The ending left me unsatisfied. It feels unfinished.
Can be read for free here:
https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
It had a fairytale feel to it. The world was more fully envisioned than the novella. The characters remained a bit more one-dimensional though.
I liked Tam and that he wanted more for his child than he had been given. Poor guy.
The ending left me unsatisfied. It feels unfinished.
Can be read for free here:
https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
June 5, 2020
A good short story that probably needed more space to grow. I enjoyed the first part the most, though the second one with the giants was good too. However, the story didn't manage to pull me in, unfortunatelly.
January 23, 2020
For they were rich and we are poor, Liat thinks. And they would have taken everything we had and everything we were, and counted it as but little.
This is a wonderfully layered fairy tale that could stand on its own! Luckily, it's a prequel to a longer, potentially more enchanting, story. I look forward to reading it.
This is a wonderfully layered fairy tale that could stand on its own! Luckily, it's a prequel to a longer, potentially more enchanting, story. I look forward to reading it.
November 22, 2019
Enjoyable story about how the homunculi expanded their numbers at the Tower, and eventually expanded to surrounding towns, including Loretz.
February 14, 2021
4.5 perhaps, rounded up
Why have I never read this author before??
Such a lot of world building and characterisation packed into a short story (novelette? Not sure). I don't know if the central concept has been used before but it really feels original and fresh here. In a way, this is a first contact story of a totally different kind. I thoroughly enjoyed it and intend to read more by this writer soon.
Why have I never read this author before??
Such a lot of world building and characterisation packed into a short story (novelette? Not sure). I don't know if the central concept has been used before but it really feels original and fresh here. In a way, this is a first contact story of a totally different kind. I thoroughly enjoyed it and intend to read more by this writer soon.
February 2, 2021
Meh. I’m not really a big fan of magical fantasy but I’d heard so many great things about Adrian Tchaikovsky that i decided to give this a try. At least it was short. I only hope the Children of Time series is a lot more engaging.
December 6, 2020
A short story from an author that is on my "To be Read Radar ", namely Children of Time. Needed about a half hour to read this interesting short tale.
January 23, 2020
5 🌟!!!
I adored this unique short story. I've never read this author before though decided to give this prequel to Made Things a try before reading the book. I'm probably going to be reading the book later hopefully as it's now high on my radar. Very nice world-building and characterization!!!
I adored this unique short story. I've never read this author before though decided to give this prequel to Made Things a try before reading the book. I'm probably going to be reading the book later hopefully as it's now high on my radar. Very nice world-building and characterization!!!
November 21, 2019
Superb writing, amazing world building and an enchanting tale of magical homunculi living in a quiet corner of the world, the size and scope of which they have no conception of ... yet. This feels like the start of something great.
December 13, 2019
"Use me however you wish, if only my child may be something more than me.”
That line didn't end up as crucial to the story as I thought it would, but I loved it.
That line didn't end up as crucial to the story as I thought it would, but I loved it.
December 1, 2022
Precious Little Things by Adrian Tschaikovsky
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
It's hard to classify this as a fantasy or a science fiction short story. It is nice short about 'homunculi" who have created a society. The homunculi are doll sized beings made of wood or paper or fabric and have been brought to life by the magic of a giant trapped wizard. Their lives are interrupted when three other giant wizards break into the castle that is their home.
This is a quick read. We don't get an explanation about what is going on here - magic? science? But it is a nice quick diversion. I assume that the explanations are offered in the larger book which is the basis of this short story.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
It's hard to classify this as a fantasy or a science fiction short story. It is nice short about 'homunculi" who have created a society. The homunculi are doll sized beings made of wood or paper or fabric and have been brought to life by the magic of a giant trapped wizard. Their lives are interrupted when three other giant wizards break into the castle that is their home.
This is a quick read. We don't get an explanation about what is going on here - magic? science? But it is a nice quick diversion. I assume that the explanations are offered in the larger book which is the basis of this short story.
July 20, 2025
I get the feeling that this is a short story that may be a prequel or bit of explanatory history but which really ought to be read after MADE THINGS.
I will not give it stars because I haven't read MADE THINGS and this story entirely failed to engage me. I felt nothing and the story didn't even make me curious about the world.
Free at HOOPLA.
February 7, 2020
According to Amazon, this adorable little piece was published November 27, 2019, by Tor. You can read it for free here. https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
Anyway, it should be eligible for either a novelette or short story nomination this year. (I think novelette, it's too long for a short story.)
I almost gave it four stars but then I decided it was too much fun. So five stars. I won't tell you more for fear of spoiling it.
Anyway, it should be eligible for either a novelette or short story nomination this year. (I think novelette, it's too long for a short story.)
I almost gave it four stars but then I decided it was too much fun. So five stars. I won't tell you more for fear of spoiling it.
August 9, 2021
I was happily surprised by this unique story. The author's imagination and attention to detail are tremendous. While I didn't connect with the characters as much as I might like, the world building knocked my socks off. I am definitely going to read the novella, Made Things, set in the same reality.
June 12, 2022
An absolutely lovely short story about magical homunculi, managing to create a very interesting world in just 30 pages. I will definitely check out Made Things :)
January 8, 2020
I have not read Made Things so I didn't know exactly what to expect. It was interesting and different for sure. Tam wanting something more for his daughter and not let the boundaries limit him. He dares to think differently and push the boundaries. I really want to read Made Things now.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 2, 2025
My rating : 4.5 of 5 stars
This is a delightful prequel to Tchaikovsky's Made Things, and while very short, is full of some beautiful storytelling and ideas. You don't have to read it to appreciate Made Things, but it definitely adds to the worldbuilding.
This is a delightful prequel to Tchaikovsky's Made Things, and while very short, is full of some beautiful storytelling and ideas. You don't have to read it to appreciate Made Things, but it definitely adds to the worldbuilding.
December 12, 2019
Oh, this was absolutely lovely. I read the version that was up on the Tor.com website. Well worth a look at https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precious-little-things-adrian-tchaikovsky
I admit that it took me a few paragraphs to get used to the setting, but it was every bit as enchanting as the subject matter.
I admit that it took me a few paragraphs to get used to the setting, but it was every bit as enchanting as the subject matter.
March 23, 2020
Another wonderful story
I have enjoyed every shirt story and book from Tchaikovsky and this one is no different. Happy to find out that this is a prequel so I'm off to get the best one.
I have enjoyed every shirt story and book from Tchaikovsky and this one is no different. Happy to find out that this is a prequel so I'm off to get the best one.
December 30, 2019
Short, fairy-tale like story about beings born out of trapped magic.
February 7, 2020
Great little prequel to Made Things which I now look forward to reading.
February 13, 2020
Remarkably rich world building and mythology. I'm delighted!
Offered for free here:
https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
Offered for free here:
https://www.tor.com/2019/11/20/precio...
August 19, 2022
What a pity it was short...I was realy starting to enjoy this strange world
November 1, 2023
Amazing how much world building he accomplishes in just thirty pages.
February 8, 2024
Novelette length free online (here) by Adrian Tchaikovsky, about small creatures living in a magic tower. A first contact story. It's a prequel to a longer novella (I will get to it one day) and my one problem with it is precisely that it is a prequel. The setting is fantastic, the writing is just great.
(By the way, I think even us fans still underrate Tchaikovsky writing. We talk about the ideas and scope and action, but in this short fiction every day thing I am doing, I am noticing how some people's prose is just so much smoother, more efficient, evokes deeper feelings. And Tchaikovsky is just so very good at defining everything, smoothly, no fuss.. )
But the story is a setup, an intro to the universe, a portrayal of some history in that worldbuilding rather than a self-contained story about individuals. There are two important characters, Tam and his daughter Liat, and the story's ending is not really about them (and I wanted that, even if just in a line) but for their people in general. So like I said, it's a worldbuilding prequel - fantastic appetizer for the longer work, but still no matter how good, it did not feel complete on its own.
Random observation: starting to read this, the small creatures with finite life spans living in a magic universe gave me PTSD regarding having read an anthology of Hans Christian Andersen´s stories as a child. I hate hate Hans Christian Andersen´s stories very fiercely and will avoid those and anything like those as much as possible. But I trusted Tchaikovsky and it worked out.
(By the way, I think even us fans still underrate Tchaikovsky writing. We talk about the ideas and scope and action, but in this short fiction every day thing I am doing, I am noticing how some people's prose is just so much smoother, more efficient, evokes deeper feelings. And Tchaikovsky is just so very good at defining everything, smoothly, no fuss.. )
But the story is a setup, an intro to the universe, a portrayal of some history in that worldbuilding rather than a self-contained story about individuals. There are two important characters, Tam and his daughter Liat, and the story's ending is not really about them (and I wanted that, even if just in a line) but for their people in general. So like I said, it's a worldbuilding prequel - fantastic appetizer for the longer work, but still no matter how good, it did not feel complete on its own.
Random observation: starting to read this, the small creatures with finite life spans living in a magic universe gave me PTSD regarding having read an anthology of Hans Christian Andersen´s stories as a child. I hate hate Hans Christian Andersen´s stories very fiercely and will avoid those and anything like those as much as possible. But I trusted Tchaikovsky and it worked out.
July 28, 2020
Great world-building for such a short story. I loved how the little Homunculi were made out of every kind of material in the Tower (soon to include, I presume, ). It reminded me of all the little 2D "people" I used to make out of objects I found in my life: seashells from the beach, colorful stones, beads and buttons on the sidewalk, funny shapes of mulch from the playground, etc.
I did struggle a bit to imagine the size of the Homunculi. The description for Made Things describes them as dolls, but then the humans' feet are as tall as mountains, so the creatures should be less than an inch tall, but they can still hail and ride (comparatively) massive ravens. Was also a little odd that gender was still a thing when reproduction doesn't require it.
But still, an enjoyable light fantasy read.
I did struggle a bit to imagine the size of the Homunculi. The description for Made Things describes them as dolls, but then the humans' feet are as tall as mountains, so the creatures should be less than an inch tall, but they can still hail and ride (comparatively) massive ravens. Was also a little odd that gender was still a thing when reproduction doesn't require it.
But still, an enjoyable light fantasy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews