Book description
From New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, In the Lives of Puppets is a queer retelling of the Pinocchio tale, inviting you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.
'A deeply stirring journey through a world…
Why read it?
1 author picked In the Lives of Puppets as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I totally took a risk when I bought this book. Robots? Gay romance? Dystopian future? Not my usual pick, but I had a feeling about it. Boy, am I glad I listened to my spidey-booky-senses, because this was so unique that I still find myself thinking about it.
Firstly, the characters were so fleshed-out that I feel as if I know them. In fact, I miss them. I miss imaginary characters. How bizarre is that? I laughed and I sympathised – a rarity for most characters.
The contrast between high-tech beings living in a secluded, untouched forest provided interesting imagery…
If you love In the Lives of Puppets...
The High House
The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.
The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.
Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…
Want books like In the Lives of Puppets?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like In the Lives of Puppets.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,299
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like In the Lives of Puppets, you might also like...
Domesticated Magic
Mateo Taurasi and his family fled their island home when their people turned to sorcery. Mateo’s own magic is tame but it’s still banned in the Vaeringan Empire...and his family still use it every day in their cosy teahouse. The last thing they need is an Imperial barging in to…
The Quicksand Theatre Company
A heartfelt romantic fantasy set in a whimsical traveling theatre troupe—where the newest member is fleeing home, and the lead actor is hiding a dangerous fae curse.
Vai Delvecchio, escaping a family scandal, joins the eccentric Quicksand Theatre Company, where magic fuels both stage tricks and real-world consequences. As they…
