In the Lives of Puppets (2023)

T.J. Klune’s In the Lives of Puppets is a tender, imaginative sci-fi fable that blends Pinocchio-like whimsy with post-apocalyptic heart. It follows Victor (“Vic”), a human who lives in a forest workshop with his fatherly android Giovanni, the anxious vacuum Rambo, and the sharp-tongued Nurse Ratched. Their peaceful existence unravels when Vic rescues HAP, a damaged android with a dark past, pulling them into a journey across a machine-dominated world.

Klune’s signature warmth shines through his quirky cast. The dialogue is witty and heartfelt, and the book explores identity, love, and chosen family in a way that feels both futuristic and deeply human. While the tone occasionally swings between goofy humor and heavy emotion, the story’s sincerity keeps it grounded.

Ultimately, In the Lives of Puppets is less about robots and more about what makes connection possible in a fractured world — curiosity, forgiveness, and courage. It’s a story that leaves you both smiling and aching a little.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) — A funny, heartfelt, and hopeful sci-fi adventure about love and belonging.