I would actually recommend the audiobook for this title, as the narration in it was fantastic. I didn't full get absorbed into the story or the characters and felt that it was a bit too long, but I think fans of TJ Klune will enjoy this book. I've enjoyed the author's other works enough to continue following his writing journey in the future.

I'd like to start this review by deeply thanking NetGalley and Tor Books (publisher) for granting me access to an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I gave this book 4 stars.

This is an adult dystopian novel where Giovanni (an android), Victor (his human son) and two robots (Nurse Ratchett and Rambo) live peacefully on a house built on the branches of a tree. Although not everything is as good as it seems.

Victor regularly goes to a dumpster site for robots and androids where he never finds anyone or anything interesting. One day he's attracted to an android he calls HARP that seems to still have some life in him and, when he takes him home, secrets and old fears start unveiling, which leads to really serious issues and deep reflections that put .

T/C Warnings: Grief, genocide, violence, death, death of a minor, fire, fire injury, murder, blood confinement, panic attacks, panic disorders, injury detail, dementia, kidnapping, sexual content, animal death, abandonment, gore, mental illness, medical content, animal cruelty, suicide xenophobia, war, body horror, gaslighting, bullying, physical abuse, hate crime, gun violence, cursing, sexual harrassment, pandemic/epidemic, deportation, forced institutionalisation, police brutality, torture, excrement, acephone/arophobia, psychosis, terminal illness, slavery, self-harm, outing, body shaming, suicidal thoughts, dysphoria, domestic abuse, colonisation.

Characters are, as usual, peculiar. I've heard some people say it's not ok to somehow show that killers are forgivable and that this is promoting their actions should be accepted and they should be loved no matter what they do, but we also have a psychopath in The House in the Cerulean Sea and we wtill love him.

What's different about this one? That it's more obvious for us the history it carries. Now, I get the whole point of this book, I think. This is about acceptance, which is part of love, and how that can really change your life and the way you act. Most psychopaths are people who got deep wounds in their minds and souls early in life and most of them, if not all, come from some form of rejection, so real love and acceptance can change the outcome those wounds have in life and, in turn, people's behaviours. For reference, you can check the story of Beth, the psychopath child. Things can be changed until your brain is fully developed, which happens at around 25.

TJ Klune's stories are also about giving second opportunities because mistakes are ok. Of course some of them have deeper consequences than others, but we all deserve to be better and given a second chance. Who wouldn't like that?

All the things he promotes in his books are what actually promote emotional intelligence and make the difference between a brain whose structures are damaged and another one whose life is successful: support makes a whole difference.

However, in this book I saw important/deep/philosophical discussions were cut short with humour as a way to avoid tension, which is quite common in real life, to be honest, but not always healthy.

Regarding the story, I thought it felt flat after the beginning until everything started happening, when it picked up.

Tropes were more cliché, but this is not at all something negative; cliché just means common.

I loved the political criticism and, as usual, how TJ Klune really warms your heart through a deep understanding of love and support.

I certainly recommend this book, as I do all of this author's works.

Unsurprisingly a wonderful read by such a fantastic author. This was such a new and creative idea that took a crazy idea and made it feel real and meaningful. The characters were diverse and very unique and just all so lovable.

I did not read this book. I haven't read a TJ Klune book and didn't know what to expect and I never did pick this one up. I would eventually like to read something by him.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.

I really enjoyed this book, basically a robotic retelling of Pinocchio. It has all of the features that make it a great TJ Klune book. Tons of heart, love, and philosophy mixed up in a great story. The robots were definitely the stars of the book, making me laugh many times while reading. Highly recommend reading this one if you are a fan of his work!

This was a really interesting book I really enjoyed the author I find him so amazing at being able to write fantasy in a realistic way. I thought the writing was brilliant but the subject matter wasn't as good as I thought it would be and some of his previous books.

Stepping into a TJ Klune book will never disappoint, and this one did not either! So many elements and depths to this book that brings together so many different arenas!

Vic lives a pretty normal life. Or at least a life that Vic considers typical. Living far away from civilization with his android father, Gio, the two invent and tinker with old robots and androids that are decommissioned and dumped into the Scrap Yards near their home. However, when Vic finds an android with some power left, he is thrust into an unexpected adventure. Hap, better known as a HARP unit, was invented by Gio with a sole purpose: eradicate humans. When Vic’s idyllic life is upended, Gio is taken to the City of Electric Dreams, and Vic must journey to try and get him back. Embarking on a quest with Hap and his other two companion robots, Rambo, a nervous Roomba, and Nurse Ratched, a sadistic nurse robot, Vic must try to get Gio back and unravel the secrets that have been hidden from him.

In the Lives of Puppets continues T.J. Klune’s traditional approach to storytelling. Much of the novel fit within the category of cozy/hopepunk fantasy. The stakes are present, and while they feel real, they also feel low because it’s clear from the outset that the “good guys” will win. This doesn’t impact the novel in a negative way, and instead, it sets readers up to enjoy the experience. Vic’s journey becomes a quest that sees him learning new information and encountering other beings within his world. And while most of the novel is like a hug in a book, the conclusion echoes Klune’s other work as it shifts toward a mix of both melancholic and hopeful.

In terms of characters, Vic functioned well as the naive individual who was broken out of his routine. However, standouts are those who act as a mirror to Vic’s actions, specifically Rambo and Nurse Ratched. Rambo, the anxious Roomba, was often both the heart and comic relief. I think Rambo was my favorite, probably because everything said by Rambo was so sincere and pure. There were no hidden intentions and Rambo loved his companions, even if they didn’t always appreciate his interjections. Nurse Ratched was a good counterpart. As a sadistic nurse robot, a fun reversal of a traditional medical unit, Nurse Ratched derived extreme pleasure from drilling, much to everyone’s horror, and she frequently offered to do so when the situation seemed dire. Even when Nurse Ratched engaged her Empathy Protocol, everything said still seemed to be accompanied by an eyeroll. The juxtaposition of Rambo and Nurse Ratched made the novel fun and various parts of the journey unexpected.

As with all of Klune’s books, the emphasis is on connection, found family, friendship, and love, including both romantic and unromantic. Vic is devoted to his found family of Gio, Rambo, Nurse Ratched, and Hap. He loves them as a unit, and when Gio is taken, risks himself to return them to their full member count. In addition, it’s clear that Vic has a connection to Hap. The bond between the two is clearly an intense friendship and trust that could be redefined at a later point with the suggestion that this may occur after the conclusion of the story on the page.

Overall, I would recommend In the Lives of Puppets for anyone who has liked other Klune titles as the novel fits well within his larger body of work.

I absolutely loved House in the Cerulean Sea, so I was really looking forward to more heartfelt characters to fall in love with. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with any of the characters in this book, so I just felt apathy during the whole story.

The characters felt like broad generalizations. The snarky nurse robot's jokes weren't funny or clever; Rambo was just a common airheaded-but-sweet caricature character; Gio was just Geppetto; HAP was a protective jerk; and Victor was just confused.

Once the traveling started, the book went downhill quickly. It felt unneccesarily long and so boring it was a slog.

The whole Coachman side story was just weird and most of the interaction didn't really do anything to further the story, just waylaid it. And meeting the Blue Fairy felt very unoriginal and too Wizard of Oz-ish.

The romance piece felt awkward and forced and kind of came out of nowhere. And the frequent mention of bodily functions and sex felt very out of context as well.

I guess this is trying to show how having a heart/humanity is valuable because it affects how events change (or don't) change you? I'm not really sure, but the end was just so bleak. Sorry but I didn't enjoy this one.

While I absolutely loved TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, and its sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, I struggled with this one and ultimately decided not to finish. The premise of the book wasn’t grabbing my attention and it was a book I constantly found myself putting down to read other books. Perhaps I will give it another chance one day, but this was just one I could not get into at this time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for my gifted e-copy!

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune is a heartfelt and imaginative fantasy that explores themes of identity, love, and what it means to be human. The story follows Victor, an inventor who lives in a forest with his creations—robots and a gentle humanoid named Giovanni—when their peaceful life is disrupted by a mysterious visitor. As they embark on a journey to save the world, Klune weaves a beautiful narrative full of quirky characters, emotional depth, and moments of humor. This novel is a unique blend of whimsy and introspection, making it a must-read for fans of thought-provoking and enchanting tales.

In the Lives of Puppets was not at all what I thought it would be. That being said, I loved it so so much. Gio, an android and inventor, lives with his son Victor in a beautifully cobbled together quaint treehouse, along with Nurse Ratched, a medical robot, and Rambo, a robotic vacuum cleaner. One day, when Victor, Ratched, and Rambo are scavaging in what is ostensibly a junk yard, they find another android, his designation on his front smudged, but appearing to be HAP. What comes afterward is an adventure like nothing I could have imagined and far lovelier than I ever could have hoped. The LGBTQ representation that is the hallmark of many of TJ Klune’s books did not fail to tug at my heartstrings, and I would give a lot to be able to read this again for the first time. Alas I shall have to settle for recommending that others read it for the first time, which I most definitely do. 5 out of 5 stars, read this the second you have a chance. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor publishing for the e-galley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advanced reader, copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune has such a stunning cover that I couldn’t help but want to read another one by this author. The book follows an almost Pinocchio like tale that is very LGBTQIA friendly. Nurse Ratched was probably my favorite character but I did enjoy the relationship that formed between Vic and Hap as well. I would have rated the book higher but at times it story seemed to drag on and thus making it not one of my favorite books by this author.

Absolutely adore this author. Ilove their books so much. I'm so grateful I was able to read this book in advance, I missed the feelings this author's books bring

Even though this is not my favourite book by TJ Klune, it was so fun to read. I can't wait to read more by him.

This book felt like all the books I grew up reading and loving but with more off color jokes. I wish I could have had these diverse books growing up!

Take the movie AI with Haley Joel Osment, add in a reverse-pinnochio vibe, and witty and hilarious found family and make it super wholesome and warm and you've got In The Lives of Puppets. What else can I say, TJ Klune knows how to write whimsical fantasy, and pack a lot of heart and relevance into it. I will read anything he writes, including a grocery list!

Started to read this one but could not finish it. It’s too had because I really enjoyed T J Klune’s Cerulean Sea but the last couple of his books I’ve read, I could not get into. For this one, I was not a fan of the forced humor and the off-color jokes. I don’t consider myself a prude but the penis jokes in this were so off-putting. I also found myself distracted from the story by the annoying characters. Stopped at 10%

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune was the first of his books I’ve read, and it made a strong impact on me. At first glance, the story seems straightforward: a boy, his father, and their robot companions set off on an adventure. But as I read, I realized it was much deeper. This book is a poignant exploration of humanity—what it means to love, connect, and embrace our imperfections. Klune captures these themes with a wonderful mix of humor and heart. The humor, a blend of innocence and mischief, added a lightness that perfectly complemented the story’s emotional depth. It kept me smiling and feeling joyful throughout.

The science fiction elements were another highlight. Klune balanced the speculative aspects beautifully, providing just enough detail to make the world feel immersive without overwhelming the reader. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but he nailed it. The story started a bit slowly for me, as the first hundred pages were spent introducing the characters and setting the stage. However, the cozy tone kept me engaged, and once the main conflict emerged, I was completely hooked.

One thing I’ve realized about TJ Klune is that his stories make you feel like a kid again, stepping into a magical world where you root for the good guys and become immersed in the journey. His characters and their world feel so alive, drawing you in and staying with you long after the final page. For me, this is exactly what I hope for when I pick up a book—to be moved, entertained, and left thinking about the story long after it's over.

What I love about Klune's writing is the thought and insight he brings to his stories. They’re never “just stories.” Even if you don’t agree with every idea, the themes will make you reflect, which is always worthwhile. The novel is inspired by Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio, though it’s very much its own unique tale. I appreciated that, as I’m not a fan of the original Pinocchio story. Here, “puppets” seem more metaphorical, referencing the strings that influence our thoughts and choices. I also noticed a touch of The Wizard of Oz, with its journey of one human and three loyal companions, all seeking something meaningful.

The heart of the story lies in its exploration of family—not one defined by blood but by choice. This theme resonated deeply with me, as the bonds between the characters are what drive the story forward. It’s also one of the most humane books I’ve read, despite most of the characters being robots or machines. Nurse Ratched, the hilariously sociopathic nurse machine, Rambo, the adorably needy Roomba, Vic, the human inventor, and Hap, the angry yet endearing puppet, each brought their quirks to this found-family dynamic. Their loyalty, humor, and love for one another were the glue that held the narrative together.

I also appreciated the representation in this book. Vic’s asexuality is depicted naturally and thoughtfully, becoming part of who he is without defining him entirely. It’s refreshing to see this type of representation done so well. Klune handles the topic with care and respect, offering subtle but meaningful insights into what being asexual can mean.

Overall, In the Lives of Puppets was a delightful read. It’s humorous, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, with characters that linger in your mind. While the pacing starts slow, it builds beautifully, and the ending—bittersweet yet hopeful—feels fitting for the story’s tone. Klune’s unique blend of creativity and heart makes this book a standout, and I can’t wait to read more from him.

Rambo and Nurse Ratched are my favorite characters, pinchers and tentacles (hands) down. I received an early copy of this story through Netgalley, but regrettably didn’t get very far the first time. (Dystopian fiction depresses me.)

This year (2025) I’ve been re-reading Klune’s books (Cerulean Sea, Whispering Door) and decided to tackle this again. The ending made me cry. Also, I’m stealing Rambo - he’s mine now.