A review by luluwoohoo
In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

In The Lives Of Puppets by TJ Klune
☀️☀️☀️☀️🌥️

▪️A magical tale with filled with humour and heart that examines exactly what it means to be human 
▪️The inspirations for this story are obvious but no less interesting for Klune's treatment of them. Thematically it is on the same wavelength as his other novels with a focus on found family, love and connection which I adored once again 
▪️ The plot can essentially be divided into two parts - pacing-wise I thought the first half could have been tightened up to help with dramatic tensions in the second half, but overall I enjoyed the concept and it's execution 
▪️The characters all bar one are robots, each with charming and funny personalities, though I will say the style of humour Klune goes for did get a bit tiresome by the end. The strongest elements were their love and connection to each other, particularly in the final chapter. Vic's characterisation was plainly autistic-coded which is so appropriate within this story and I really enjoyed his relationships with the others 
▪️Klune has delivered another whimsical, heartfelt story that made me emotional to read and that I wouldn't hesitate to read again.

"No civilization can survive indifference. It spreads like a poison, turning fire into apathy, a dire infection whose cure requires more than most are willing to give."

"What do you do if you've forgotten all you know?"