I became a huge TJ Klune fan after reading “Under the Whispering Door” and “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” so I was super excited to finally find time to pick up “In the Lives of Puppets.” While it wasn’t my favorite (“Under the Whispering Door” will likely hold that spot for a while) I still really enjoyed this delightfully charming and unique twist on “Pinocchio”. As always, Klune’s narrative style is engaging and draws the reader into a world filled with humor, heart, and a touch of darkness.

Klune has a knack for writing about found families, and this book is no different. The book opens with Gio building a home for himself deep in an Oregon forest. One day, a man and a woman run past his home – seemingly running from something – and leave their baby with Gio. Years later, the baby (Vic) now lives with Gio (who we learn is an android) and two robots that they have managed to repurpose. Rambo is a hyperactive roomba-like vacuum with a lot of anxiety, and Nurse Ratched is a surgical robot with a dark sense of humor and a penchant for violence. One day, Vic and his robot companions discover the remains of an android in the junkyard and bring him back home. Vic intends to see if he can give this robot a heart (much like the one his father has) and bring him back to life, but when Gio discovers the robot, he warns Vic that he is in danger. This android (who they call Hap) was designed to wipe out humans and could kill Vic if brought back to life. It’s not long before a group of robots descend upon the home in the forest in search of Vic – the last remaining human. Gio hides Vic and instructs Rambo, Nurse Ratched, and Hap to protect him before Gio is whisked away to “Heaven.” Desperate to rescue Gio before he can be decommissioned, Vic and his ragtag group of robot buddies set out in search of the mythical Blue Fairy, who may be able to help rescue Gio and bring him back home.

The plot is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep us engaged. The quest to rescue Gio is filled with danger, humor, and unexpected revelations. As expected, Klune’s writing is witty and engaging, with plenty of humor and heart. The dialogue is sharp and snappy, with clever banter and playful interactions between the characters.

Speaking of the characters, they are what truly make this book shine. Klune’s characters – no matter how fantastical – always make his stories relatable and engaging. I see a little of myself in all of them.

Vic is a lovable protagonist who must navigate his complicated feelings for Hap while trying to save his father. Hap, the enigmatic android with a mysterious past, is a complex character who tugs at your heartstrings. Then there’s Rambo, the small vacuum desperate for attention, who brings a sense of whimsy and lightness to the story. Rambo had me laughing out loud multiple times! And, of course, we can’t forget Nurse Ratched and her threatening, dark sense of humor; she was another highlight.

The dynamics between all the characters are rich and multifaceted, adding layers of depth to the story – something readers have come to expect from Klune, but the sweetest part of the story for me was the bond between Gio and Vic. Their connection is beautifully portrayed, showcasing the deep connection between a father figure and his surrogate son.

As always, Klune’s world-building is immersive and vivid, painting a picture of a futuristic society filled with robots and artificial intelligence that is both familiar and fantastical. The City of Electric Dreams (which we can only assume was once Las Vegas) is a captivating setting filled with dangers and secrets that starkly contrasts the tranquil forest where Vic and his family used to reside.

Overall, this is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of science fiction, fairy tale retellings, and stories that explore the complexities of love and family. TJ Klune has once again proved himself to be a master storyteller with a knack for blending humor, heart, and a touch of darkness in a way that is wholly original and captivating. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further. It’s a wild and fantastical ride that you won’t want to miss!