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

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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

4.0

Characters: 9/10
If there’s one thing Klune gets right, it’s characters. Vic? Relatable and human. Rambo and Nurse Ratched? Absolute scene-stealers. Hap? Surprisingly deep for someone who could’ve just been the "cool, broody type." Every single character has enough personality to actually feel like a real person (or sentient machine). They bicker, they joke, they genuinely care for each other—basically, they have more emotional depth than half the people I know in real life. If I can describe each one in detail without struggling, that means they’re doing something right.
Atmosphere/Setting: 8/10
Whimsical dystopia? Sure, why not. Klune has a knack for creating environments that feel both cozy and vaguely ominous, like a fairy tale you can’t quite trust. The contrast between the peaceful forest and the colder, industrial landscapes works well. That said, sometimes the descriptions got a little too abstract, like trying to recall a dream where everything made sense but also… didn’t. Still, it’s a world I’d be happy to visit (as long as I got a cute robot sidekick).
Writing Style: 8/10
Klune’s prose is like a warm hug with a side of sass. It’s sharp, funny, and heartfelt, and the dialogue? Chef’s kiss. Each character has a distinct voice, which makes interactions pop off the page. The flow is generally great, though there were a few moments where it felt like he was trying just a bit too hard. Not quite as effortless as some of his other works, but still leagues ahead of most cookie-cutter writing out there. I’d happily read whatever he writes next, even if it’s just a grocery list.
Plot: 7.5/10
Think Pinocchio meets The House in the Cerulean Sea, with enough originality to keep it from feeling like a direct copy-paste job. The themes—identity, purpose, love—are well done, and the emotional beats land. However, the pacing takes a few detours into “wait, why are we still here?” territory. Some sections drag, which makes you appreciate the heartfelt or exciting moments even more when they finally hit. A little tightening up, and this could’ve been a knockout.
Intrigue: 7.5/10
The story kept me hooked, but I wasn’t exactly glued to the page. I cared about the characters and their journey, but there were definitely moments where the momentum dipped. Thankfully, Klune’s humor and emotional depth pulled me back in before I wandered off to check my phone. Consistently engaging, if not always unputdownable.
Logic/Relationships: 9/10
This book nails relationships. Found-family vibes? Off the charts. The bonds between characters feel real, and the emotional connections drive the story in a way that doesn’t feel forced or saccharine. The world’s internal logic holds up well, too—no weird inconsistencies that pull you out of the immersion. Klune gives enough detail to keep things grounded without making me feel like I need a textbook to understand the rules. Solid work.
Enjoyment: 8/10
I laughed, I teared up, I had a good time. Is it perfect? No. Did I still walk away feeling warm and satisfied, like I just finished a great comfort meal? Absolutely. The minor pacing issues kept it from being an all-time favorite, but it still left an impression. Klune’s signature mix of humor, heart, and weirdly lovable characters works its magic once again.