Five star reviews from verified readers, decades after first publication.
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
June 14, 2026
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 Logos
August 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!
Jeffrey
February 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 Weiss
April 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 Mueller
December 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 Rose
December 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 II
January 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.
Tonya
July 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 Groeneman
November 1, 2020
Part of my soul
This was the greatest book I ever read as a kid. My mother got it at a garage sale for five dollars and read it to me and my brother when we were sick with the flu. It got us into reading. I have always been an avid reader and it has been passed on to both of my kids. We could open the book and read a paragraph and we know exactly where it is. I love this book — it is part of my soul.
Greg Bradshaw
March 17, 2022
Finding an old friend
I read this book when I was in 5th grade multiple times. I grew up, joined the Marines, lived in Japan for 10 years, got married, had kids, returned to my old neighborhood and my kids went to my elementary school. At an open house, I was going through the shelves hoping I would see Sir MacHinery. Yes, it was still there. I had my son check it out. It is one of my favorite books and its magic spell is still over me.
C. Heinzmann
October 1, 2017
Still a favorite after all these years
One of my very favorite books growing up. The author artfully and skillfully weaves science and fantasy, ancient times and modern day into a captivating tale that is a must read. A classic story of good triumphing over evil and an odd lot of characters banding together to accomplish something that really seems impossible.
HarleyCharlie
October 12, 2012
I loved this book at age 10, 12, and 15
Desperate for a hero, a few dwarves enter a castle and open a shipping box labeled 'machinery'. A knight in shining armor, they decide, and dub him Sir MacHinery. A robotics engineer. A witch. Brownies. An old war vet. Vivid characters, great team bonding, good plot, some humor. Still makes me feel good, decades later.
Kathleen
July 14, 2014
My favorite book as a kid
So much so that I made my mother retrieve it after it ended up in a collection of books she donated. I'm glad to see so many people still remember it as fondly as I do. I still have the original hardcover that I read, although it's seen much use over the last 45 years! I recommend this to anyone, child or adult.
Karen McKenna
November 5, 2015
Should be much more popular
A fantastic book that should be much more popular than it is. It manages to get Scottish folklore, Arthuriana, and robotics together in a seamless whole. I recommend it for anyone who is a fan of any or all of those genres.
Samuel Valentino
June 12, 2022
Profound effect on me
I took this from my dad's old room at my grandparents, and nearly 15 years later I'm still regularly saying 'Sir Mac Hinnery' in a Scottish accent in my head. So it's had a profound effect on me.
Sam
March 6, 2024
It should be made into a movie
I love this book. It should be made into a movie.
Maureen
February 22, 2025
A great find for any parent
My dad said this was his favorite book as a kid so I decided to read it to mine. Was great! The premise was a lot of fun. Should you find this at a used book store, grab a copy!
Andrew
November 14, 2025
What is this world coming to?
A guy finds the most deserted Scottish castle he possibly can to work in secret on his robot, and before he even gets a chance to test it out it gets stolen by brownies for a battle with demons. What the heck is this world coming to?
Mir
December 6, 2014
Wonderful to read aloud
A great book, wonderful to read to young children. Brilliant title, easy to read but great for the mind's imagination.
FredC Dobbs
January 2, 2026
The last book read to me as a child
This was the last book anybody ever read to me as a child (age 11), and I loved it so much that I read it to my kids when they were young. The premise is charming, and what follows is a campaign against a horde of demons with forest creatures, dwarves, ghosties — it seems like no young boy could NOT love it.
Blake
September 2, 2020
Magic meets science
One of the first books that I read in my childhood; I enjoyed it from start to finish. Magic meets Science in an exciting and humorous way.
David Hensley
September 8, 2022
Read across generations
I love this book — found it years ago and read it on a cross-country road trip to my young boys. Recently read it aloud to an adult friend, and my young adult son read it to his girlfriend and her family. Funny with elements of mystery, magic and the timeless battle between good and evil.
Lori Lynn Hallifax
March 9, 2013
Awe-inspiring
An awe-inspiring children's book that is just as enjoyable to a child at heart as to an intellectual looking for light reading. The dualism of science and magic really makes one think deeply. Whimsical fluff that is simultaneously old-school and contemporary. Something you wouldn't expect from 1970. I absolutely loved it!
Ashley Kay
May 11, 2012
A place of honor
This book is out of print and hard to find. Happy with my purchase — my husband keeps it in a place of honor in his office.
Charis Calvert
July 10, 2019
Why I love fantasy and science
Favorite book. Read it as a child, read to my kids when they were young. Why I love fantasy and science.