Love and Adventure: In the Lives of Puppets Review

Author: T.J. Kune

Synopsis

In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots—fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too. They’re a family, hidden and safe.

The day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labelled “HAP,” he learns of a shared dark past between Hap and Gio–a past spent hunting humans.

When Hap unwittingly alerts robots from Gio’s former life to their whereabouts, the family is no longer hidden and safe. Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams. So together, the rest of Vic’s assembled family must journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommission, or worse, reprogramming.

Along the way to save Gio, amid conflicted feelings of betrayal and affection for Hap, Vic must decide for himself: Can he accept love with strings attached?

Review

“In the Lives of Puppets” by T.J. Kune offers a delightful and inventive twist on the classic tale of Pinocchio, blending fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming themes into a captivating narrative.

Set in a unique world where humans and robots coexist, the story centers around Victor Lawson, a human boy, and his makeshift family of robots, including the fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson and the endearing yet mischievous HAP. When Vic discovers HAP’s dark past and his connection to Gio, their tranquil existence is shattered, leading them on a perilous journey to save Gio from his former life.

Kune’s storytelling shines with its clever reinterpretation of familiar characters and themes from “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” infusing the narrative with wit, charm, and unexpected twists. The dynamics between the characters are richly developed, each imbued with their own quirks and complexities, making them both endearing and relatable.

The author’s world-building skillfully blends whimsy with depth, creating a vivid and immersive setting that feels both fantastical and grounded. From the cozy treehouse home nestled in a grove of trees to the sprawling landscapes they traverse on their journey, every detail is brought to life with vivid imagery and imagination.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to balance humor and heart with moments of genuine emotion and introspection. The camaraderie and bond between Vic and his robot family are palpable, adding layers of depth to their relationships and driving the emotional core of the story.

While the pacing occasionally lags towards the end, the overall narrative remains engaging and thoroughly enjoyable. Kune’s writing is crisp and engaging, effortlessly drawing readers into the whimsical world of puppetry and adventure.

“In the Lives of Puppets” is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, adventure, and classic literature alike. With its charming characters, imaginative world-building, and heartfelt storytelling, it’s a journey well worth taking.