✦ Praise from Readers ✦
Loved acrossgenerations.
Reviews left over fifty years by readers who first met the iron knight as children — and returned, years later, with children of their own.
✦ Featured Review ✦Amazon · June 14, 2026
"A cherished childhood book"
Sir MacHinery was the first fantasy novel I ever read as a third grader, and its story left a lasting impression on me that has stayed with me throughout my life. While the book is filled with magic, adventure, and dragons what resonated with me most was the journey of Sir MacHinery himself—an unlikely hero who never gives up, no matter how overwhelming the odds.
As a child, I often felt like an underdog trying to find my place in the world, and I connected with Sir MacHinery's determination, courage, and resilience. His willingness to face challenges head-on and keep moving forward, even when others doubted him, was both inspiring and comforting. The story reminded me that heroes do not have to be perfect; they simply need the courage to persevere and do what is right.
Sir MacHinery is more than a fantasy adventure, it helped shape my imagination as a child and continues to serve as a reminder that no matter how difficult life may become, we should never stop believing in our ability to overcome obstacles and find our place in the world. For that reason, Sir MacHinery will always remain one of my most cherished childhood books.
— Michael Bonitatis
Goodreads · 1,348 reviews "The cover captured me"
I was 12 or 13 when I came across Sir MacHinery in a used bookstore, and I was intrigued by the eclectic team of characters on that cover. A couple of kilted Scotsmen, a witch, a wizard, being led by a small robot, a brownie, and a cat! I had to read it. It was simple, fast-moving YA fantasy with great atmosphere and a fascinatingly incongruous crowd of characters. It still makes me smile.
Theo LogosAugust 3, 2024
"The first fantasy novel I ever read"
I was in fourth grade, riding on a bus to a field trip. A friend handed me a coverless book and said, 'You have got to read this!' So I did. I loved it. I thought about it for thirty years. Today I just finished reading it out loud to my daughter for the second time in my life. It is no less wonderful now. Maybe it is even better. My friends, if you can get your hands on this book, read it. What a delight!
JeffreyFebruary 11, 2018
"Among my prized possessions"
Masterfully paced, original, and compact without being simplistic — with an amazing and beautiful twist at the end. From 1970, it's 150 uplifting pages of kid-friendly font that today's writers would bloat to three 400-page volumes with no room for imagination. In a short span it treats AI in a cool-handed way and gets Scots right. The book is full of such gems.
Eric WeissApril 14, 2026
"Verra good!"
Once home, I eagerly read the book and to say the least it was 'verra good!' The tale that follows is wondrous indeed, mightily entertaining and even moving. Many aver that Sir MacHinery was the first fantasy book they had ever read and led them on a lifelong love of the genre. A thoroughly unique and satisfying gem.
Ken MuellerDecember 31, 2013
"I fell deeply in love with it"
My mom got me this novel when I was a kid, and I fell deeply in love with it. Nearly forty years later, I still remember it very fondly. The wee folk, the misidentification of MacHinery and everything that transpires in the novel caught my imagination. A wonderful story and a great way to introduce youngsters to the idea of heroic fantasy.
Anna RoseDecember 26, 2012
"Given to me by my 8th grade literature teacher"
I lost my copy during one of my many moves. I started searching for it again about 8 years ago to share with my young son. Finally in 2020 I was able to find one. It is a wonderful story, a bit dated yes, but still a good piece of literature. I love that the setting is Scotland. The interactions of the characters flow like easy banter. It is becoming one of my son's favorite stories too.
Trapper IIJanuary 11, 2023
"Classic book reaches another generation"
My husband talked about this book for years and said it was one of his favorites as a child. We took turns reading the entire book out loud as a family. Our boys are 16, 13 and 9, and while the eldest protested at first, he quickly refused to miss a chapter. They loved performing in a Scottish accent as they read. Impressed with how well the story still works forty years after publication.
TonyaJuly 16, 2013
"Stood the test of time"
I've had this book since I was in elementary school as part of a book club. I loved it back then, soooo much. I recently reread it and it has absolutely stood the test of time. Still as exciting, thrilling, funny, and imaginative as it was way back then. Very Lord of the Rings-esque, but with a modern tone.
Tammie GroenemanNovember 1, 2020
