TJ Klune strikes again! I've now read a total of three of his books and each one has been 5 stars, always leaving me speechless and my heart feeling full.

This book was amazing! An absolutely incredible fairytale! Such an interesting retelling of Pinocchio!

People who have read and enjoyed 'The Lunar Chronicles' series ( The Cinder Series ) will absolutely love this! Very similar in the sense of futuristic/robotic characters. The thing that made this book so amazing was the character development, the characters truly blew me away they were so amazing!

We have Victor - a brave human, asexual, coming-of-age boy. Nurse Ratched - a HILARIOUS robotic nurse with tentacles that is sassy as hell, clever and forthgoing. Rambo - an innocent robot vacuum that is always looking out for new adventures and is brave and so so witty. Tell me you aren't curious as ever just reading the descriptions of these 3 characters?!

These three go on the bravest of brave adventures and come across dangers that will affect their lives forever. Learning about friendship, family, love and sorrow, these characters are bound to stay with you for a lifetime.

I laughed soooooo much in this book and the ending was so heartfelt and perfect, truly the cherry on top!

Loved Loved Loved 'In The Lives of Puppets' and already can't wait for Klune's next piece of work!

Thank you so much Tor Books for providing me with an advanced E-book copy in exchange for an honest review!

Out April 25th, 2023!

We were pleased to share this title at our live Spring Book Preview event for the Modern Mrs Darcy and What Should I Read Next communities on January 10, 2023, when 1200 readers attended live and twice that many watched the replay in the following week. The PDF from that event is attached. Long story short: at this point we come to TJ Klune expecting kindness, wit, and a good dose of welcome earnestness. This one delivers on all counts.

A stunning novel and heartfelt adventure we follow Vic as he traverses through this strange world after the fall of humanity. I think the base story being that of Pinocchio was a fun way to tell this story but I think that Vic's companions really stole the show, Nurse Ratched and Rambo were the heart of the book for me. Overall it was an exciting adventure and a very fun take on the classic tale.

I was so excited to get a chance from @netgalley to read TJ Klune's upcoming book. The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my Top 10 books in 2021 so I had high hopes for this one.

In the Lives of Puppets is the story of Victor Lawson, a human living among robots. His father, Gio has built a treehouse laboratory in the forest far from civilization. Victor, along with his two robot friends Nurse Ratched and Rambo spend their days exploring the Scrap Yard and tinkering with new inventions. But when they recover Hap, a decommissioned robot, things start to change. Gio's past is revealed and he is taken by the authorities to the City of Electric Dreams. Victor and his three friends set off to rescue Gio and bring their family home.

Parts of this book were very enjoyable but overall it did not have the charm and emotional connection that I was hoping for. Nurse Ratched and Rambo are funny characters but their jokes got repetitive and stale. Klune uses Victor to explore what it means to be human but it fell flat for me. This is a story of found family and I did enjoy that aspect of the story.

Overall, this book is worth a read if you manage your expectations. You aren't going to get The House in the Cerulean Sea but you will get a unique story with memorable characters and a reflection on what a world of robots could be.

When I started this, I knew next to nothing of what it was about other than having heard vague rumblings about it being a Pinocchio retelling? All I knew: TJ Klune wrote it, which means I want to read it.

It is supposed to be a retelling of Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio from 1883 which I was completely unfamiliar with. (I’m barely familiar with the Disney version.) Every time something weird came up that I didn’t understand, or something felt like it had meaning but I didn’t know what, it turned out to be from Pinocchio. I ended up reading the wikipedia entry on Collodi’s Pinocchio just so I could somewhat understand and appreciate the references I knew I wasn’t getting. So the Pinocchio stuff went largely unappreciated by me but I feel like the whole thing was more Frankenstein meets Bladerunner with a dash of The Wizard of Oz and a pinch of Wall-E.

That said, I loved the characters with my whole heart. The story/plot wasn’t as interesting to me as I would have hoped but the characters made it worthwhile.

‘Puppets’ is filled with Klune’s signature humor and pathos. It is poignant, thoughtful, charming, hilarious, profound, insightful. A moving found family tale with a massively big heart. It’s a mish mash of elements that come together to make a pretty unique book with extremely lovable characters. It has the outer wrappings of a dystopian futuristic SF novel but it has the heart and soul of a fairytale. And it will give you a lot to think about.

(Oh, and remember how you had “Beyond the Sea” on repeat in your head while reading The House in the Cerulean Sea? You will have “Cheek to Cheek” in your head with this one.)

TJ Klune has become an auto-buy for me because of the way he creates characters that matter and his past books have had an important message that has been carefully and subtly woven through the story. Unfortunately, this book is a much more didactic novel that has so much to say and teach, that those messages get in the way of the story and the growth of the characters.

I had to sit back after reading it, making sure that I wasn’t just disappointed because I had loved Under the Whispering Door and The House in the Cerulean Sea so very much. They were both 5 stars for me. But, I really did feel like these two lessons on humanity got in the way of the story, instead of being shown through the characters actions and thinking. One point was that humanity kind of sucks. Klune says it right at the start and then the whole book looks at how humans became extinct because they couldn’t get their lives together. The other piece was the queer tale that took place between one of the main characters and another character - building slowly as the story continued to the end. Both very valid and good lessons to teach - but, like I said, I often felt that the lessons were being force fed to the reader, rather than felt (like in his other books).

The characters and general story that Klune writes would get a 3.75 from me, but with the “in your face” messages that jumped in the way of the story - I would have to give this a 3.25. I think that the story’s characters were meant to be hopeful, but the general disgust with humanity kept throwing a wrench in that hopeful feeling of the book.

This story is about Victor Lawson. He is the human boy of Giovanni and has a hilarious cast of characters (all robots that were constructed/fixed by either Victor or Gio). They live in the forest in a grove of tree houses and Victor is warned against going to the Scrap Yards because he is not to be found by the Old Ones. Eventually, he is discovered and Victor learns the truth about Gio’s past and Victor’s humble beginnings. At the start of the story, Victor and his best pals, Nurse Ratched and Rambo, discover a decommissioned humanoid. They secretly fix him up and, when found by Gio, get in trouble for bringing Gio’s past back to the present. This story is about what found family would do to come back together - no matter what the cost. It is also about how you can still love someone for who they are, even when their past self is not someone that you would even like. And, lastly, it is about surprising love that sees no boundaries and how you have to fight for that love no matter what.

I loved cerulean sea, didn’t enjoy under whispering door but was very hopeful I’d enjoy this one. The story follows a rag tag group of robots and one real boy. The robots are a roomba and a sociopathic “nurse” robot. I actually found their banter cute and funny even if a bit juvenile: if you’ve ever seen the movie Ron’s Gone Wrong it sort of has those vibes.
That said the writing maybe because the characters are mostly robots is somehow clunky and it does t flow easily. I really appreciate the LGBTQIA+ rep but overall not the same warm hug of cerulean sea.

I was provided this by the publisher via NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

This was a charming, melancholy, sweet and beautiful book. A cozy Sci-fi Pinocchio reimagining, that also has hints of Wizard of Oz.
Our main character Victor lives in a lovely wooded tree house with his father Giovanni, who happens to also be an android. They have two delightful robot companions as well. On a scavenging expedition Victor discovers a new android that will unravel his world and unlock the mystery of this world.
I adored the characters of this book. If you like character driven tales, you will absolutely enjoy this book. Though it does not feel as wholly original as T.J. Klune’s previous books (due to being a retelling) it was still a lovely read. 4.5⭐️

TJ Klune once again swept me off my feet with this elaborate retelling of Pinocchio, set in a futuristic earth, run by robots and androids. The world building is intricate yet immersive; My mind was reeling upon finishing this masterpiece of a novel. TJ truly succeeds in making the reader feel as if they are a part of the journey this crew of misfit characters are on. If you're like me, you'll want to savor each aspect of this story that TJ has crafted. Yet at the same time, I found myself yearning to finish it in one sitting. As this is a retelling, The nods to the original story of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi are perfect and so uniquely done. Referenced in the cat and wolf pin attached to the android inventor Giovanni Lawson, the implication of white lies and even an unconventional spin on the Blue Fairy.

"Is that a whale?" Dad asked, pointing at the screen. "Yes," Vic said and. "And it's going to swallow us whole."

As an avid fan of TJ Klune for the past several years, I've noticed that he has become known for his portrayal of the found family trope in his writing. In the Lives of Puppets was no different. My heart ached for each character, wanting to follow their growth as an individual and the love that has buried itself in the heart of each and every one.

"You must remember what you symbolize. You are a dream, A hope. A remembrance of what we once were."

This story will have you tearing up one moment and laughing the next with characters such as, the anxiety riddled Roomba vacuum, named Rambo or the nickname, "Hysterically Angry Puppet" placed on a mysterious android.

Filled with adventure, diverse representation, betrayal, and friendship, this fantasy meets sci-fi whirlwind of a novel, is certainly one you cannot miss! The fate of humanity lies in the hands of robots, will they be able to save the world?

Thank You TJ Klune, Tor Books and Netgalley for a chance to read and review this lovely story! <3

It's official. Everything TJ Klune writes will absolutely melt your heart! I gathered that this was a queer retelling og Pinnochio, except with a robot instead of a wooden boy. This book provides such a comfort I didn't know I needed!

I love this Author so much. I swear he cannot write a bad book. I love this just as much as his other books. I cannot wait to purchase this one.

Loosely inspired by Pinocchio, this is a futurist take of the familiar story.

Victor has grown up in the woods with just his father, Giovanni, and his two friends, Rambo and Nurse Ratched.

Victor is the only human. His father is a robot designed to create; Rambo, a roomba; and Nurse Ratched, a health care robot.

Gio tells the story of a woman and man on the run leaving their child with him for safety and never returning, but this isn’t quite the truth.

Soon another unexpected friend is added, but this leads to robots from The Authority coming and the revelation of huge truths previously hidden from Victor. Gio is taken and Victor and his three friends set out on an adventure to get him back.

Ultimately this is the storing of change and choosing who and what you are over expectations and what you’ve been taught.

I’m a huge fan of the chosen family plot line and love how Klune’s books never end in a picture perfect way, but some how the imperfection is everything I really want. I’ll be wondering about these characters for a long time. Also, Rambo is the cutest.

TJ is of course, one of the best storytellers of our generation, and it is beyond a privilege to read his works before publication. I have deeply connected with his works in the past, and probably put too much of my expectations on this one, as well, The storytelling was in Klune's usual fashion, and the pacing was perfect. The characters I really struggled to connect with, although I deeply appreciated having an Asexual character on page and acknowledged. I've never, ever been drawn to robot stories or tales like Pinnochio, so part of the struggle to really connect with this book is due to to that. With that said, I am really looking forward to putting this one in the hands of our readers.

In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thanks to @panmacmillan and @netgalley for this ARC! Just like House on the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door, the characters in this book have my heart. TJ Klune’s books have a way of pulling me in immediately. Under the Whispering Door is still my favorite, but the story of Vic and Gio Lawson and their found family of Nurse Ratched, Rambo, and HAP shows that family is what you make it and they had me at page one #bookstagram #book #bibliophile #alwaysreading #avidreader #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #bookreview #booklover #booknerd #bookshelftour #booknerdproblems #bookobsessed #bookreviews #booksaremagic #booksbooksbooks #bookstagrammers #instabooks

I’ve loved everything I’ve read but TJ Klune, but this book didn’t draw me quite the same. It was really funny and I loved that! But overall, I just didn’t find myself drawn in to this book.

4/5 Stars to In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune. I have to admit, through roughly 70 pages of this, I did not think it had that "Klune Magic" we all love. Then out of nowhere, I'm sobbing over household machines. This is undeniably a found family book. Which T.J. Klune is absolutely the master of! An entire community of various machines have a human Child, (later Adult) who grows up with them. This becomes our Family. Each interaction is precious. Making you either laugh, cry, or both in turn. Klune's magic weaves through every character. T.J. Klune is hands down my favorite Author for this genre of reading. Each book feels like coming home after an especially long, tiring day. They bring you joy in its most base feeling. Thank you so much Mr. Klune, Netgalley, & Tor Books for this heart warming opportunity!
(Waiting to post reviews online until closer to publication. I have rated the book stars only, on Goodreads, and Amazon.)

Infinity/5 stars

Y’all are not ready for the magnificence that is this book! The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door are some of my very favorite books of. all. time. I’m pretty sure In The Lives of Puppets has earned a spot on the most loved shelf as well.

Victor Lawson is real, flesh and blood real. Surrounded by his family (of wires and gears), he lives a life full of love in a treehouse in the forest. When he stumbles upon an old android that he restores, he sparks a chain of events that will change his family forever. Joined by a lovable but anxious vacuum named Rambo, a robotic, sarcastic nurse named Ratched, and a restored android named Hap, Victor embarks on an adventure that has him questioning everything and learning about society’s dark past.

With every TJ Klune book I read, I am so emotionally spent (but in the very best way). He has a way of writing that makes you connect so deeply with each and every character. You will laugh and cry in equal measure (par for the course with TJ’s books, in my opinion). The writing is top tier, the character development is bar none, and the story? The story has so much heart and soul.

I cannot emphasize it enough: you NEED to add this book to your TBR, and preorder/request from your library.

SO MANY THANKS to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of the book!

Wall-E meets The Adventures of Pinnochio with a touch of Swiss Family Robinson in this story about the last human on earth and his makeshift family consisting of a sadistic nurse macine, a neurotic vacuum, a robot father, and a new mysterious android labeled HAP. This was the most adorable, sweet, and fun story ever. I adored Nurse Ratched and Rambo so much, they were such a fun pair to read about. The story itself was sweet and such a gorgeous read. The romance was light and the story also really focused in on the love we have for our family. it honestly was such a touching read and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a fun read with a funny and quirky cast of characters who go on an adventure.

For a book that’s almost entirely inhabited by androids and machines, this may be one of the most human books I’ve read in a long time!

Synopsis: Giovanni Lawson, an android and inventor, has built a home in the forest with his human son, Victor, and two machines Victor salvaged: Rambo, an adorably neurotic and talkative vacuum and Nurse Ratched (Nurse Registered Automaton to Care, Heal, Educate, and Drill), who’s loyal, hilariously blunt and just a wee bit sociopathic! When Victor, Rambo and Nurse Ratched discover a decommissioned and damaged android who they name Hap, after his visible letters H.A.P.,Victor doesn’t realize his well-intentioned efforts to restore it will cause a cascade of events that unearths Gio’s past and threatens all of their futures.

Soon it becomes clear that the machines have no room for humanity in their plans. Only Victor’s peril-filled journey to the City of Electric Dreams with Nurse Ratched, Rambo and Hap to rescue Gio will decide what everyone’s future holds … or if there will be one at all.

My Thoughts: I LOVE this story. I’ve read three books now by TJ Klune and every one of them has made me laugh, cry, worry, grumble and just FEEL all the things. There’s so much insight and thought in what he writes that it never feels like “just a story”. You may not agree with every idea presented, but I guarantee they’ll make you think and that’s always a good thing!

The blurb says the story is inspired by Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio. I see some nods and references, but this is very much its own story, which I was so thankful for since I’m not a Pinocchio fan. Don’t let the word “puppets” scare you off, because there are NO creepy, nose-growing puppets in this story! It seems more a reference to the strings of thought that pull one to think and behave the way they do. There were also some Wizard of Oz vibes for me with the destination journey of one human with their three trusted friends. Overall it was a riveting adventure!

I’m not a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi, so it says something that I already know this will be one of my favorites for this year. The writing is filled with heart, humor and hope, the plotting and world-building is fantastic and the characters are so memorable. Nurse Ratched and Rambo alone are worth this read, but I loved Victor and Hap’s dynamic and Gio as well!

If you want a story that includes adventure, romance, diverse representation, fantasy, sci-fi and a little bit of inspiration from the classics, this is perfect. I can’t wait to see what TJ Klune comes up with next!

★★★★★ ❤

Thanks to Tor Books, NetGalley and author TJ Klune for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due to be published on April 25, 2023.

Yeah okay cool. I'm fine. Totally fine. Absolutely fine. 😭😍😭😍

I loved this. It is no surprise since I have read and loved every single one of TJ's books but this one really felt more authentic as a TJ Klune style.

If you've read any of his back list, you know that Klune has a humor of a adolescent boy, which I absolutely am here for. He also is the master at found family and creating these little bands of people going on adventures saving the world and that's truly what I felt in this book. As much as I love house in the cerulean sea and under the whispering door, I feel like they kind of lacked his traditional level of humor and I don't know if that's just because they were the first traditionally published books or what, but in the lives of puppets really brought his humor back to the forefront while also crushing and hugging your heart in the same time.

For me this was like a weird mashup of Pinocchio but then also his previous books Withered + Sere and snippets of Verania and little bits of ridiculousness.

There's not a good way to describe the book. There is this inventor named Victor who has two best friends, one is a roomba vacuum named Rambo and the other is a automated nurse aka Nurse Ratched. Then of course that we have Hap who is the hysterically angry puppet and Giovanni. There is some saving of the world, there's lots of robots, and there's a whole freaking lot of heart. Like a lot. Hearts are very important.

One of my favorite bits of this book is the fact that Victor is asexual. This is not the first asexual character that TJ Klune has written and I hope it will not be his last but this is going to be the first one of his that is going to get huge coverage in terms of publication popularity. This is his first traditionally published book with an asexual main character and I am living for it. If you haven't read his back list, I highly highly recommend how to be a normal person and how to be a movie star both with asexual spectrum main characters and also heartsong has an ace character. There's also an ace character in the tales from Verania but it's a secondary character. (TJ is also openly asexual and we love own voices rep)

Anyway, I feel like I've said a lot without saying anything which is quite fitting for the book (iykyk) so we're running with it. go forth and enjoy.