In the Lives of Puppets is a fun, queer Pinocchio inspired adventure tale that will sweep its reader away in a sci-fi-ish world of imagination. As like the other Klune books that I have read thus far, this one has a found family element that will tug at your heart strings. All of that being said, I don’t think that this was quite what I was expecting it to be. I think I was looking for it to reach The House In The Cerulean Sea levels of enjoyment and this one just didn’t reach that level for me. The story felt a little too long for what it was and the themes were very on the nose in my opinion. A good read overall and definitely worth it if you enjoy Klune’s writing.

E-ARC generously provided by Tor in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

4.5 stars. One-half Pinocchio, another half The Wizard of Oz, and all signature T.J. Klune, In the Lives of Puppets is a story that wears its fragile human heart on its cybernetic sleeve that brought me to tears several times.

What is free will? What is autonomy? What does it really mean to find yourself?

Klune does is it again in another magnificent work of whimsy. The start of this book has the feel of Star Wars (if it were only about R2D2 and C-3PO - serving the galaxies best banter.)

Victor Lawson and his dad Gio live alone in a secluded forest. They spend their days restoring androids, and enjoying the art and history of a supposedly struggling humanity. This all changes when humanoid androids of the mysterious “authority” show up in search of humans, and leave with Victor’s dad.

Victor is forced to grow up fast as he adjusts to the truth of the world, learns the meaning of forgiveness (and who is responsible for granting it), and tests the bounds of how far one will venture to hold on to the ones they love.

I’m confident that In the Lives of Puppets will debut as one of the most popular novels of 2023. With its insightful but lighthearted writing, phenomenal character arcs and more mature subject matter than some of Klune’s past books, it is sure to capture the hearts of many.

It was amazing to see an Ace protagonist. Particularly because Vic wasn’t tokenized, nor was his sexuality treated as a shocking plot point. Showing us once again that Klune truly cares about meaningful inclusion.

Overall, this book was cleverly written, features hilarious robots, and makes one appreciate the simple everyday luxuries we take for granted.

There was a couple of sections where the dialogue felt forced or where I questioned if a word was being used in the appropriate context (see Nurse Ratched’s graphic line bouncing in a “circadian rhythm”). But overall, In the Lives of Puppets is a highly entertaining and heartwarming read, and offers a new twist on the tried and true AI world domination plot.

I was excited to be approved for this arc because House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favourite books last year. In the Lives of Puppets is definitely geared to a more adult audience, but would still be appropriate for teens. The dialogue was smart and funny, and the characters incredibly likeable. It was so sweet even though the general premise of the future Vic lives in is depressing as hell. Really enjoyed this one! Solid four star read.

This novel, a loose take on Pinocchio, tells the story of Victor, a human who lives with robots. Their lives change when Victor finds a decommissioned robot in the scrap yards and fixes him up. Hap is a gruff specimen who has completely forgotten his past, but Victor’s dad Gio knows what Hap did in his former life. The scrap yard discovery sets off a chain of events that will topple their whole world. This was a fun adventure story, but while all the other robots were fully developed, Victor felt flat and the story took a while to get going.

I found this book a chore to read. If I wasn't having to write a review about this book, I probably wouldn't have finished it. I found the characters really grating, the plot really slow and at times unbearable. Then when it came to the humour of the book, I found it eye rollingly bad. There wasn't the same charm as I have found in other examples of TJ Klune's work.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

TJ Klune's books are books that I pick up when I want feel-good speculative fiction (Becky Chambers is another author that fits this category for me). I love knowing that I'm going to get a story with queer representation that's well-written and leaves me with a smile on my face and a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart.

That's not to say that Klune's characters don't experience hard things, because they do. But the worldview that Klune weaves into his novels leaves me feeling better about the world, despite how shitty it can be on a daily basis.

The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is that it was a little slow in places. But I loved how clever it was -- there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, particularly with Rambo and Nurse Ratched. Obviously there's the Pinocchio story, but there's so much more going on here, with nods to Frankenstein, e.e.cummings, and more.

Giovanni is an android and an inventor who has created a life amongst the trees away from the world. Just as a deep sense of loneliness sets in a pair of humans arrive and leave their baby with him.

Giovanni with his anxiety ridden vacuum and his over protective, almost psychotic robot nurse raise his human son, Victor.

Victor, an inventor himself has an inquisitive mind and adventurous soul. On one journey away from home he finds a broken android, HAP. Brining HAP home threatens their peaceful existence and Victor becomes aware of the android run world.

TJ Klune has written these android characters in such a human way that I kept forgetting they should have no heart and soul. This quirky family and the banter which arises from their unique personalities was so engaging.

Perhaps the most interesting and surprising aspect of this book for me was the writing, perhaps that is due to this being my first experience with TJ Klune’s writing, but I loved the way that they created an atmosphere which I could sit within and completely immerse myself in the vibe of the story.

I love a good fantasy mixed with Sci-fi and this book delivered! Adventure, found family, romance, thought provoking, quirky characters and all the feelings.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC. I have chosen to write this review and all the words are my own.

In the Lives of Puppets is a TJ Klune book through and through, It gave me the feels, although perhaps not as much as The House in the Cerulean Sea or Under the Whispering Door. I enjoyed it lot. I appreciated the friendship between Vic and all of the robots. Lots of witty one liners that made me snicker. I got a little less interested in the middle portion but once the story started moving again, it really hit its stride. I feel like TJ Klune could re-write the phonebook and I would read it at this point. Definitely would recommend this one to his diehard fans as they will love it. Was it my favorite by him? No, but it doesn't mean he doesn't take us on a really wonderful ride with a great message of inclusion.

I never thought the words "I want to befriend Nurse Ratched" or "I would love to give Rambo a hug" would've invaded my mind before reading IN THE LIVES OF PUPPETS. Yet here we are. These two robot characters steal the show in TJ Klune's latest novel, a retelling of PINOCCHIO by Carlo Collodi. Nurse Ratched and Rambo are hilarious, infinitely loyal and supportive to Vic (the sole human character in the book), and are the best ride-or-die bffs you'd want to follow on an adventure through this post-human, robot-dominated world. Do not expect this retelling Pinocchio to feel overly familiar; it is an extremely loose retelling. There is a Blue Fairy. There is a Whale. There is a Puppet. There is an inventor/creator named Giovanni. And there is a long, somewhat random journey Vic must take to meet the Blue Fairy to get his wish. This is where the similarities end.

I wish I could say that I loved this book. There are elements I enjoyed immensely--Ratched, Rambo, sweet Vic who is frequently embarrassed by his friends, and HAP, a robot discovering a new path which is very much against his initial programming. Oh, and there were many dick jokes that popped up (lol) frequently, much to my delight. Unfortunately, the story as a whole did not grab my heart as many of Klune's past books have done. There were too many happenstances in the narrative that completely stole Vic's agency. It was as if the events were happening *to* our hero, rather than him being the driving force of the story. In many cases, it felt as if he could be removed from the narrative and the story would progress just fine without him. It is too bad, as the last few chapters are beautifully written and emotional, so much so that I'd wished the bulk of the book and the journey we took to get to these deeply impactful, human moments had been a bit more earned.

Overall, I liked this book enough, but it is not a love-it-must-reread story. I would share this book with students as an example of an intriguing, loose retelling of a beloved classic children's story.

I ADORED In the Lives of Puppets and had a hard time hitting pause.

Three robots are living inside a tree: inventor father Giovanni, a spiteful nurse and a full hearted vacuum cleaner. Alongside them lives Victor, a human. Four things in a happy family.

Alas, Gio is stolen transported back to his homeland, Electric City. Together, the trio must go out and save Gio from an ugly fate. And figure out what love and friendship truly mean for themselves.

Daniel Henning brings T.J. Klune's latest novel to life. His little characteristics for each robots voice had me smiling and looking forward to each moment. The message at the end of the story hits him and makes you ponder on the little things. I definitely recommend this on audio!

Thank you Tor Books and MacMillan Audio for my alc in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can’t tell you how much joy this book has brought me. I’m not typically a sci-Fi fan, but this story was pure perfection. It’s reminiscent of so many other classic fairytales and children’s stories. This tale, about a human man in a post-human world, is inspired by The Adventures of Pinocchio. The compound where Vic lives with his family, is inspired by the setting of Swiss Family Robinson, a book Vic loved as a child.

The journey to the City of Electric Dreams reminded me of Dorothy’s pilgrimage to Oz. And the City itself felt a teeny bit 1984ish and (dare I say?) a smidge Vonnegutian. The Coachman reminded me of Ariel and Scuttle, pouring over artifacts from the human world. And naturally, there’s plenty of details that call to mind Disney’s Wall-E. The amazing thing is that all of these elements came across as fresh and inspired, not cloying and cutesy. Overall? Two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me. Even at its saddest points, this book felt like a warm, toasty blanket.

I know there has been some controversy surrounding The House in the Cerulean Sea, and I certainly don’t seek to trivialize those very real issues. But regardless, it’s an indisputable fact that TJ Klune is a master of creating characters who will leave an indelible mark on your heart (I would die for Theodore and Lucy). ITLOP is no different. Between the laugh-out-loud dialogue to the heartwarming devotion these robots have for their human companion, he’s done it again. Rambo and Nurse Ratched will stay with me for years to come.

TJ Klune’s newest novel feels familiar in the best of ways. With roots tangled in the tale of Pinocchio, In the Lives of Puppets takes readers on a new and exciting adventure. The larger than life setting created both a sense of nostalgia reminding me of tales like The Iron Giant, and a true fear of a dystopian world I hope to never see.

A typical journey to gather supplies goes awry, starting a chain reaction that will send our beloved found family on a journey from which they will never be the same. In the Lives of Puppets sends us straight to the heart of humanity, tackling the very traits that make us who we are. But can our heroes find what is is they’re searching for, or will they fall to pieces along the way? This beautiful tale of self discovery and love for others is a beautiful reminder to embrace what makes us unique and to always leave the world a little better than you found it.

Okay, I am behind on TJ Klune books. I have heard so much praise for The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering door that I bought them super quick, but haven’t gotten to start them yet! That being said, I didn’t know what to expect diving into In the Lives of Puppets. I’m a romance and mystery/thriller girl usually.. so let me tell you, I was SO surprised when I started this and simply couldn’t put it down. It was that good. I loved loved loved the characters. I was laughing so much throughout while reading my husband was scowling, much like I imagine Hysterically Angry Puppet was in the book lol. Nurse Ratched was my favorite with her wittiness and quick comebacks. Rambo was the cutest little anxious thing (never thought I’d relate to a robot vacuum, but here we are). Giovanni was brilliant and I could feel the fatherly concern and love for Victor and the others while reading. Hap was charming. I loved seeing him slowly open up to his new found family. And Victor, I loved him the most. He was brave, intelligent, loving, bashful… just amazing. I loved how much finding his father meant to him and how he didn’t allow anything to stop him from doing just that. I loved the relationship he developed with Hap and was emotional as he tried to create a perfect heart to get him back. I don’t want to give too much away and I’ve already typed the longest review I think I have in my entire life. So I will just say, thank you TJ Klune, Tor Publishing, and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review. It was fantastic.

TJ Klune did it again. Another 5 star, heartfelt, and moving novel. This one about robots and family. Rambo, an anxiety-riddled vacuum robot was my absolute favorite character, but I loved all of them. Nurse Ratched, Vic, Gio, and Hap all have my heart. Give me the next book!

Another great read from TJ Klune. I found the book to be well-written and engaging and enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

TJ Klune is the master of cozy fantasy. The wasn’t as excellent as House in the Cerulean Sea but I still really enjoyed it. Pretty cute read and very enjoyable.

A wonderful story of friendship, forgiveness, trust, and staying true to yourself, once you think you've figured out whatever it is yourself may be.
My first Klune, and I will definitely be joining the throngs who have read "The House in the Cerulean Sea" (not that it hadn't been on my TBR anyway).
Starts out as a sort of Swiss Family Robinson, set in an elaborate tree house deep in the woods built by father Gio. Son Vic, and two mechanical companions - a refurbished health aid, and a similarly restored vacuum cleaner spend their days exploring the woods and scavenging the nearby scrapyard. Enter one HAP, short for Hysterically Angry Puppet (until his real name is exposed), and the past catches up with Gio, leading Vic on a journey to find his kidnapped father and himself in the process.
The interplay between nurse and vacuum are enough to make me love this book, and there is so much more. HAP enters the scene at the right time to catalyze some confusing and awkward growth in Vic.
There's also a dystopian robot city, genocide, heartbreak and family secrets so something for everyone. I am pretty sure this references Frankenstein, The Wizard of Oz, and a host of other seminal fantasy and sci-fi classics.
#netgalley provided me with a digital copy of this book and I am happy to provide an honest five-star rating.

So pure, so funny, and just so touching. This is like a mix of Pinocchio and The Brave Little Toaster, with a bit of The Wizard of Oz tossed in. I was a bit intimidated with a 15 hour audiobook, but it just flew by! Rambo had me laughing the whole time, easily my favorite character. We get this intricate society of machines, juxtaposed with their hidden family, and all of this adventure and chaos. It absolutely punched me in the feels though, so be ready with tissues for the ending.

Also we NEED to talk about what a phenomenal job Daniel Henning does. Each of the robots and characters had such distinctive voices and really brought character to the story. I tried switching back to the ebook so I could finish it faster, but it felt incomplete without him!

*Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for an ARC and Macmillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

Are androids, machines and puppets all bottled up into a whimsical, wholesome, magical book? Absolutely.

A queer retelling of The Adventures of Pinocchio starring an inventor, an android, an anxiety-filled vacuum (whom I fell in love with), and the sociopathic nursing machine. Immerse yourself into this sci-fi world and embark on an adventure that will bring love, joy, and heartache.

TJ Klune has quickly become one of my favourite authors, and he successfully wowed me again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with this ARC. The book releases on April 25th.