In the Lives of Puppets

T. J. Klune
56 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

T. J. Klune

In the Lives of Puppets

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Science Fiction

•

Romance
Setting

Forest • Dystopian Future

Theme
Death

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Forgiveness
Topic
LGBTQ+
First Publication Year

2023

Publisher

Tor Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune is an adult science fiction novel that follows Victor Lawson, a 21-year-old human inventor raised by the android Giovanni. When Victor discovers and repairs a mysterious android named Hap, Giovanni's past threatens their existence, prompting Victor to embark on a perilous quest to save his mechanical family. The novel explores themes of free will, love, and human nature.

Fantastical

Emotional

Heartwarming

Humorous

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

3.9

110,669 ratings

69%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

T. J. Klune's In the Lives of Puppets showcases a captivating blend of heart and humor, telling a unique tale of robots and human connection. Readers praise its emotional depth and creative world-building, though some find its pacing uneven. The novel's charm and originality, however, largely outweigh any minor drawbacks.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Lives of Puppets?

Readers who cherish heartfelt, whimsical tales with unique twists will delight in T.J. Klune's In the Lives of Puppets. Fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Night Circus will find it particularly enchanting, as it combines charming characters, magical realism, and a profound exploration of identity and belonging.

3.9

110,669 ratings

69%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

An inventive and empathetic 21-year-old with a deep love for creation, particularly artificial hearts. He was raised in isolation by his father, Giovanni, and is driven by a strong desire to fix what is broken.

Victor's loving and creative android father, characterized by his paternal kindliness and a guilt-ridden past. He played a pivotal role in creating the dystopian world by building the Human Annihilation Response Protocol.

An irritable but protective android who becomes Victor's love interest. Initially built as a machine for destruction, he undergoes significant changes, revealing a selfless and protective nature.

A five-foot-tall medical android with a penchant for sadistic humor, particularly towards Rambo. Despite her menacing persona, she provides unwavering support to Victor as both a nurse and a friend.

An affectionate and timid vacuum-turned-companion who provides comic relief through his fears. His deep care for Victor and friends offers encouragement and plays an essential role in the plot's resolution.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Science Fiction

•

Romance
Setting

Forest • Dystopian Future

Theme
Death

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Forgiveness
Topic
LGBTQ+
First Publication Year

2023

Publisher

Tor Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,950+ additional titles.