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In the Lives of Puppets

Author:
Tj Klune
Read by:
Daniel Henning
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
30
Narrator
16
Release Date
April 25, 2023
Duration
15 hours 22 minutes
Summary
'Narrator Daniel Henning demonstrates perfect comedic timing and impressive vocal versatility in this queer/sci-fi retelling of 'Pinocchio.' This laugh-out-loud, emotional audiobook asks listeners to question what it means to be human.' - AudioFile Magazine (Earphones Award Winner)

'Narrator Daniel Henning does a phenomenal job capturing Gio’s fatherliness and Vic’s early naivete, and he positively shines as the heartless, bloodthirsty Nurse Ratched and the anxiety-ridden robot vacuum Rambo.'- Library Journal

New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune invites you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

Most Anticipated from BookPage • Goodreads • The Nerd Daily • Paste Magazine • LitReactor • OverDrive • LGBTQ Reads • Tor.com • more

“An enchanting tale of Pinocchio in the end times.” —P. Djèlí Clark

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?

Inspired by Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio, and like Swiss Family Robinson meets Wall-E, In the Lives of Puppets is a masterful stand-alone fantasy adventure from the beloved author who brought you The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door.

★ “An epic quest of rescue and discovery [with] the author’s trademark charm, heart, and bittersweetness.” —Library Journal, starred review

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.
Reviews
What listeners say
The audiobook received high praise for its creative storytelling and strong character development. Listeners appreciated the engaging and tender narrative, particularly enjoying the unique concepts and diverse character portrayals. However, some found certain aspects of the narration distracting or struggled to connect with specific character types. Overall, it is considered a captivating and well-crafted listening experience. The audiobook maintains consistent quality that resonates with many listeners.
Profile Avatar Katie W. May 2023

I loved this book so much. I love this narrator as well. He is always perfect for Klune’s books. I couldn’t imagine anyone else.

Profile Avatar Mary C. Sep 2026

Absolutely brilliant! I originally tried to read this book and just couldn’t get into it. Listening to the audiobook was a whole different experience. I loved this book. The narrator did an amazing job bringing the characters to life and kept me engaged. TJ Klune yet again broadens our understanding of love, relationships, and family. The names he gives his characters are witty. More of a retooling of Pinocchio than a retelling. I will be listening to this more than once.

Profile Avatar Kristin K. Jan 2025

Story good. Narrator is distracting ⚡️

Profile Avatar Smith Apr 2024

This was a well written and creative take on story. I just didn’t love it. Definitely person taste. I apparently do not like robot characters, I could not connect to them despite all the human struggles they were given.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2024

Just started listening to these audio books this is my second one, listen to fairytale by Steven king also but this book is incredible and adorable I absolutely love it and it’s really great at keeping me interested

Profile Avatar Kayla P. Sep 2023

TJ Klune never disappoints. There's is always at least one odd character, one gay character and a funky house . . . And I love it EVERY TIME. I loved this book. the concept was wild and that made it unique. Worth every minute spent reading this. 5 stars

Profile Avatar Jim G. Jun 2023

This was a surprise. Very engaging, funny and quite tender in places. I love the characters, the narrator is fantastic.

In the Lives of Puppets

In the Lives of Puppets

Author: Tj Klune
Read by: Daniel Henning
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