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The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice
A young girl is commissioned to build an assassin for a dark-hearted tyrant.
Impressed by the work of the puppetmaster and his apprentice, Tavia’s ruler, The Margrave, has ordered dozens of life-size marionette soldiers to be sent to Wolfspire Hall. When the orders for more soldiers come in with increasingly urgent deadlines, the puppetmaster’s health suffers and Pirouette, his daughter and protégé, is left to build in his stead. But there is something far more twisted brewing at Wolfspire—the Margrave’s son wants Pirouette to create an assassin. And he wants her to give it life.
With Tavia teetering on the brink of war and her father dying in the dungeons, Pirouette has no choice but to accept. Racing against the rise of the next blue moon—the magic that will bring her creations to life—she can't help but wonder, is she making a masterpiece...or a monster?
Impressed by the work of the puppetmaster and his apprentice, Tavia’s ruler, The Margrave, has ordered dozens of life-size marionette soldiers to be sent to Wolfspire Hall. When the orders for more soldiers come in with increasingly urgent deadlines, the puppetmaster’s health suffers and Pirouette, his daughter and protégé, is left to build in his stead. But there is something far more twisted brewing at Wolfspire—the Margrave’s son wants Pirouette to create an assassin. And he wants her to give it life.
With Tavia teetering on the brink of war and her father dying in the dungeons, Pirouette has no choice but to accept. Racing against the rise of the next blue moon—the magic that will bring her creations to life—she can't help but wonder, is she making a masterpiece...or a monster?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2020
18 people are currently reading
3519 people want to read
About the author
Lisa DeSelm
2 books57 followersThanks to a steady childhood diet of fairytales, Lisa still dreams of running away to the woods to live amongst the fairy folk in her own enchanted bower. Until then, she happily lives with her husband and two daughters in the wilds of suburban South Bend, Indiana. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her working as an art director and designer, most likely daydreaming with a cup of tea in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
December 9, 2020
What a delightfully dark and original fairy tale, complete with beautiful prose and strong characters! I would LOVE to see this one come alive on the big screen. It would be so creepy and magical! <3
October 12, 2020
"I am Pirouette, a girl whose heart is made of stronger stuff than flesh and blood."
I must admit, the cover of The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is what really caught my attention. Look how beautiful it is! And after finishing this novel, that beautiful cover truly matches the beautiful story as well. The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a fantasy novel and a retelling of the classics Pinocchio and Frankenstein. Our main character, Piro, is a lovely marionette turned into a girl because of forbidden magic. She is a product of a fathers yearning for a daughters love and companion.
Lisa DeSelm's writing is purely magic. From the first page, I was captivated right away. The way everything was described was absolutely enchanting and engrossing. And with the authors lyrical writing, you can't help but feel the atmosphere of the books setting as if you're really there, feeling the magic of the woods.
On top of that, I absolutely adored every character of this book. The fact that this is gender-flipped, I was sold already. Pirouette may be young, but she's fierce and strong willed. She was penned as a realistic character who will do everything she can for the people she care about. Piro is not perfect, she get angry, she made mistakes and her thoughts was confusing at times, but this is what made her realistic and relatable. I also admire the The Makers or the secondary characters from this novel. Even though they were just in the background and helpers of our protagonist, they were really well written. I am even curious and would be delighted if they will have their own books too.
The Puppetmasters Apprentice is not in any way a bad book, but there are some few things that I wished wasn't included. Such as the romance of the book. It's not explicit or annoying, however, I felt that it was unnecessary and that the book will still be a great one if that aspect isn't included in the story. Don't get me wrong, our love interest is delightful, but I hoped he just stayed as a friend of Piro. Someone that could just also help her character growth.
Overall though, I can't help but gush about this book. I highly recommend it to everyone looking to be absorbed in a magical world along with likeable and charming characters. Lisa DeSelms writing alone will make you fall in love with this gender flipped Pinocchio retelling.
I must admit, the cover of The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is what really caught my attention. Look how beautiful it is! And after finishing this novel, that beautiful cover truly matches the beautiful story as well. The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a fantasy novel and a retelling of the classics Pinocchio and Frankenstein. Our main character, Piro, is a lovely marionette turned into a girl because of forbidden magic. She is a product of a fathers yearning for a daughters love and companion.
Lisa DeSelm's writing is purely magic. From the first page, I was captivated right away. The way everything was described was absolutely enchanting and engrossing. And with the authors lyrical writing, you can't help but feel the atmosphere of the books setting as if you're really there, feeling the magic of the woods.
On top of that, I absolutely adored every character of this book. The fact that this is gender-flipped, I was sold already. Pirouette may be young, but she's fierce and strong willed. She was penned as a realistic character who will do everything she can for the people she care about. Piro is not perfect, she get angry, she made mistakes and her thoughts was confusing at times, but this is what made her realistic and relatable. I also admire the The Makers or the secondary characters from this novel. Even though they were just in the background and helpers of our protagonist, they were really well written. I am even curious and would be delighted if they will have their own books too.
The Puppetmasters Apprentice is not in any way a bad book, but there are some few things that I wished wasn't included. Such as the romance of the book. It's not explicit or annoying, however, I felt that it was unnecessary and that the book will still be a great one if that aspect isn't included in the story. Don't get me wrong, our love interest is delightful, but I hoped he just stayed as a friend of Piro. Someone that could just also help her character growth.
Overall though, I can't help but gush about this book. I highly recommend it to everyone looking to be absorbed in a magical world along with likeable and charming characters. Lisa DeSelms writing alone will make you fall in love with this gender flipped Pinocchio retelling.
Want to read
May 5, 2020So when I read the synopsis and saw the cover I swear I thought this was going to be a retelling of Coppelia (ballet), because I want it so much, but it's a retelling of Pinnochio x Frankenstein...
Well, as long as it has the Blue fairy, I'm in!:D
Well, as long as it has the Blue fairy, I'm in!:D
September 9, 2020
THE PUPPETMASTER’S APPRENTICE is a gender-flipped reimagining of Pinocchio with elements of Frankenstein and it is SO PHENOMENAL. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, the world-building and characterization nuanced and gripping, and the story itself carries you along with the effortless feel of a classic fairytale, while remaining innovative and unique. This book is STUNNING.
October 19, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up
I was immediately drawn to this story with the comparison Pinocchio meets Frankenstein. I am a sucker for fairytale retellings, especially when they are on the darker side. That being said, while I still enjoyed The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice, I envisioned a much darker story reminiscent of Kiersten White’s The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein.
Pirouette ‘Piro’ is the daughter of the renowned puppetmaster. Unlike everyone else, Pirouette’s father brought her to life using magic under the blue moon. Pirouette trains under her father as his apprentice, honing the craft as her own. When Pirouette is faced with dire circumstances, she has no choice but to create marionettes for the Margrave even if the nature in which he intends to use them is evil.
The prose in this book is beautiful and delicate, which is also how I felt about Pirouette for the first 50 percent of the book. Pirouette is dedicated to both her father and her craft. While I enjoyed her character, I much preferred the paradigm shift that we see in the latter half of the book. Pirouette changes from the timid and delicate daughter to someone who is strong, independent, and unrelenting.
I loved that the author put a spin on the traditional nose elongation that accompanies lying. Pirouette also must pay the price for lying but the way in which it was carried out was really interesting and original. I love that everything tied back to the wood that Pirouette was made from. It was more reminiscent of magic coming at a price versus being wielded without consequence.
The pacing of the story was slower than I would’ve liked to see. Again, the first 50 percent of the story feels more like an elegant waltz and then we move into the more rapid pace and darkness that I prefer in the second half of the book.
Thank you to Turn the Page Tours for the tour invite. Thank you to Page Street YA for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
I was immediately drawn to this story with the comparison Pinocchio meets Frankenstein. I am a sucker for fairytale retellings, especially when they are on the darker side. That being said, while I still enjoyed The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice, I envisioned a much darker story reminiscent of Kiersten White’s The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein.
Pirouette ‘Piro’ is the daughter of the renowned puppetmaster. Unlike everyone else, Pirouette’s father brought her to life using magic under the blue moon. Pirouette trains under her father as his apprentice, honing the craft as her own. When Pirouette is faced with dire circumstances, she has no choice but to create marionettes for the Margrave even if the nature in which he intends to use them is evil.
The prose in this book is beautiful and delicate, which is also how I felt about Pirouette for the first 50 percent of the book. Pirouette is dedicated to both her father and her craft. While I enjoyed her character, I much preferred the paradigm shift that we see in the latter half of the book. Pirouette changes from the timid and delicate daughter to someone who is strong, independent, and unrelenting.
I loved that the author put a spin on the traditional nose elongation that accompanies lying. Pirouette also must pay the price for lying but the way in which it was carried out was really interesting and original. I love that everything tied back to the wood that Pirouette was made from. It was more reminiscent of magic coming at a price versus being wielded without consequence.
The pacing of the story was slower than I would’ve liked to see. Again, the first 50 percent of the story feels more like an elegant waltz and then we move into the more rapid pace and darkness that I prefer in the second half of the book.
Thank you to Turn the Page Tours for the tour invite. Thank you to Page Street YA for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2020
Pirouette is a girl who comes to life. Born from wood and blood, under a blue moon, with the incantation of forbidden magic uttered by her father, Tavia's master puppetmaster. Piro, as she is called, learns the skills of the trade under his tutelage and becomes a force to be reckoned with in her own right. Coming from wood herself, she has that extra special connection with her craft. The wood speaks to her. A skill she would come to need if she is to save her father's life after he is captured by Tavia's ruler, The Margrave. In her father's stead Prio has to tirelessly work to finish an impossible order of life-sized marionette wooden soldiers and an assassin. With the approaching blue moon, Piro begins to question the intents of The Margrave and his son.
Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a fantasy novel and a retelling of the classics Pinocchio and Frankenstein. Lisa DeSelm's writing is beautiful and she weaved an enchanting story that is perfect for the fall. I am undecided if the romance element was necessary. The story would have been enjoyable all the same even with its omission..
Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a fantasy novel and a retelling of the classics Pinocchio and Frankenstein. Lisa DeSelm's writing is beautiful and she weaved an enchanting story that is perfect for the fall. I am undecided if the romance element was necessary. The story would have been enjoyable all the same even with its omission..
Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2021
Wow 😯 review to come as I’m speechless right now
October 25, 2020
4.5/5, rounded up, review coming soon.
Side note, the world needs more Pinocchio retellings; this one was awesome.
Side note, the world needs more Pinocchio retellings; this one was awesome.
October 15, 2020
OMG, THIS WAS INCREDIBLE.
The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a gender-flipped YA retelling of Pinocchio and Frankenstein which follows the main character Pirouette, who was made alive by her father on a day of the blue moon using forbidden magic. She trains well as his apprentice to become a skilled craftswoman herself and has a special connection to wood, being made of it herself.
"I am Pirouette, a girl whose heart is made of stronger stuff than flesh and blood."
After her father is captured by Tavia's ruler, The Margrave, she is forced to use her skills for the ruler's ill intentions, she is forced to make a deadly assassin and bring it to life.
This book also takes a spot in my top 10 reads of this year. It was beautiful and everything I wanted. I mean, have you seen a YA retelling of Pinocchio? The quotes and the author's writing are some of the best I have seen in a while.
"But it always seems happiness only ever hovers near, a wisp of flame ready to vanish with my next breath.
I would totally recommend you read this book, maybe this month for some spooky Halloween reads🎃
Trigger Warnings: Death, Assassination
A huge thank you to Page Street YA for sending a copy my way in exchange for a spot on a Bookstagram tour hosted by Turn The Page Tours
The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a gender-flipped YA retelling of Pinocchio and Frankenstein which follows the main character Pirouette, who was made alive by her father on a day of the blue moon using forbidden magic. She trains well as his apprentice to become a skilled craftswoman herself and has a special connection to wood, being made of it herself.
"I am Pirouette, a girl whose heart is made of stronger stuff than flesh and blood."
After her father is captured by Tavia's ruler, The Margrave, she is forced to use her skills for the ruler's ill intentions, she is forced to make a deadly assassin and bring it to life.
This book also takes a spot in my top 10 reads of this year. It was beautiful and everything I wanted. I mean, have you seen a YA retelling of Pinocchio? The quotes and the author's writing are some of the best I have seen in a while.
"But it always seems happiness only ever hovers near, a wisp of flame ready to vanish with my next breath.
I would totally recommend you read this book, maybe this month for some spooky Halloween reads🎃
Trigger Warnings: Death, Assassination
A huge thank you to Page Street YA for sending a copy my way in exchange for a spot on a Bookstagram tour hosted by Turn The Page Tours
July 20, 2020
This book is the perfect Halloween read! It has forbidden magic, a medieval-type setting, puppets, and an enchanting blue moon. I've been waiting for a solid YA fantasy the past couple weeks, and this one fulfilled my expectations. Piro is an engaging character, and the plot (though predictable) is entertaining. The writing has a storytelling feel to it, like listening to a fairytale. I'd readily recommend this one.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4
Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4
Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!
January 14, 2021
3.5/5 ⭐️
•
This was a story that I was drawn to for the premise made it sound like a cross between Frankenstein and Pinocchio. I thought the book was enjoyable but I personally envisioned that it would be a darker story. There are dark elements in the story but it was never expanded, which I wish it did, because if it was darker I would have liked it a bit more. I found the authors writing to be very beautiful and it really mixed well with the story. Pirouette/Piro was a very intriguing character and she was very easy to follow and connect with. I would also say her character was most interesting in the second half because she is not as delicate and timid that most people saw her as. She became independent, strong, and sure of herself which was excellent to see. And all of the side characters were interesting and it was easy to differentiate them and be able to tell the role that they played in the community. They also had their own personalities. The one thing I would say that I didn’t like about the characterization would have to do with the romance. My only problem with it is that I couldn’t tell whether or not Piro was actually interested in Bran, I could tell he liked her and she said she liked him, but I didn’t feel it. But something that I liked that the author did was how she did something different from Pinocchio to indicate that Piro was lying, it felt original and it fit into the story really well.
•
This was a story that I was drawn to for the premise made it sound like a cross between Frankenstein and Pinocchio. I thought the book was enjoyable but I personally envisioned that it would be a darker story. There are dark elements in the story but it was never expanded, which I wish it did, because if it was darker I would have liked it a bit more. I found the authors writing to be very beautiful and it really mixed well with the story. Pirouette/Piro was a very intriguing character and she was very easy to follow and connect with. I would also say her character was most interesting in the second half because she is not as delicate and timid that most people saw her as. She became independent, strong, and sure of herself which was excellent to see. And all of the side characters were interesting and it was easy to differentiate them and be able to tell the role that they played in the community. They also had their own personalities. The one thing I would say that I didn’t like about the characterization would have to do with the romance. My only problem with it is that I couldn’t tell whether or not Piro was actually interested in Bran, I could tell he liked her and she said she liked him, but I didn’t feel it. But something that I liked that the author did was how she did something different from Pinocchio to indicate that Piro was lying, it felt original and it fit into the story really well.
November 1, 2020
“A puppet’s pull goes far beyond its strings.”
The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice follows Pirouette, a Pinocchio figure whose puppetmaster father brought her to life by the magic of the blue moon. They are ordered by the Margrave of Tavia, the town where they live, to build life-like wooden soldiers for his son, the Duke. The old puppetmaster Gep’s health is failing, but the Margrave’s orders won’t stop coming.
Apart from her father, Pirouette has a tight-knit group of craftsmen, various makers of Tavia, glassblowers, clockmakers, blacksmiths and potters who are also burdened by the Margrave to create weapons and clothes for the wooden soldiers Piro and her father are building. I loved the found family aspect of the Maker’s Guild, and I don’t know why, but whenever puppets or theater troops or something akin to this are a part of a fantasy plot, it hooks me in right away. This was no different. I just find it adds so much to the atmosphere.
Piro wants only to finish the Margrave’s orders in time and continue living a quiet life with her father. But Piro has a secret – no one can know the magical origins of her birth, not even Bran, the tailor’s son who she is increasingly drawn to. Keeping this secret is made harder by the fact that a violent and painful splinter protrudes from her body for each lie she tells.
I was intrigued when I saw this book being pitched as Pinocchio meets Frankenstein. Pinocchio is arguably less utilized when it comes to retellings and DeSelm shows us why this is a shame. She incorporates elements from Pinocchio and Frankenstein while still crafting a story of her own. By highlighting the dark elements of both stories (seriously, I want to see this author tackle a full-on horror novel someday!) and melting them in a pot of old fairy tales and ancient magic, The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice have become something unique. The plot isn’t twisty, so it’s not a dense read. But it is definitely more character-driven, which is a plus!
I’ve enjoyed the elements of puppetry and craftsmanship in the story, and there was something magical about the writing, something fairytale-like, that didn’t give up the threads of the plot that were sort of glossed over as I was reading it. It was only after I finished The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice that I really thought about how Piro forgave Bran so quickly for betraying his father, and how the village folk, who are supposed to shun Piro and treat her with caution after the Margrave’s proclamation, seemed not to mind her after the events of the book’s ending. These kinds of conflicts stopped being conflicts when they were explained away with one or two sentences, or with Bran lashing out at Piro and defending himself by saying he did it to protect her somehow.
As I said, the fairy tale quality of the writing helped to gloss over parts of the story and made for an enjoyable reading experience despite them.
Also, how cool and telling it is that we had a blue moon right when I was still reading this book? I don’t know, but it sure looks like a sign to me. Maybe I should have gotten my marionette ready 😉
The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice follows Pirouette, a Pinocchio figure whose puppetmaster father brought her to life by the magic of the blue moon. They are ordered by the Margrave of Tavia, the town where they live, to build life-like wooden soldiers for his son, the Duke. The old puppetmaster Gep’s health is failing, but the Margrave’s orders won’t stop coming.
Apart from her father, Pirouette has a tight-knit group of craftsmen, various makers of Tavia, glassblowers, clockmakers, blacksmiths and potters who are also burdened by the Margrave to create weapons and clothes for the wooden soldiers Piro and her father are building. I loved the found family aspect of the Maker’s Guild, and I don’t know why, but whenever puppets or theater troops or something akin to this are a part of a fantasy plot, it hooks me in right away. This was no different. I just find it adds so much to the atmosphere.
Piro wants only to finish the Margrave’s orders in time and continue living a quiet life with her father. But Piro has a secret – no one can know the magical origins of her birth, not even Bran, the tailor’s son who she is increasingly drawn to. Keeping this secret is made harder by the fact that a violent and painful splinter protrudes from her body for each lie she tells.
I was intrigued when I saw this book being pitched as Pinocchio meets Frankenstein. Pinocchio is arguably less utilized when it comes to retellings and DeSelm shows us why this is a shame. She incorporates elements from Pinocchio and Frankenstein while still crafting a story of her own. By highlighting the dark elements of both stories (seriously, I want to see this author tackle a full-on horror novel someday!) and melting them in a pot of old fairy tales and ancient magic, The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice have become something unique. The plot isn’t twisty, so it’s not a dense read. But it is definitely more character-driven, which is a plus!
I’ve enjoyed the elements of puppetry and craftsmanship in the story, and there was something magical about the writing, something fairytale-like, that didn’t give up the threads of the plot that were sort of glossed over as I was reading it. It was only after I finished The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice that I really thought about how Piro forgave Bran so quickly for betraying his father, and how the village folk, who are supposed to shun Piro and treat her with caution after the Margrave’s proclamation, seemed not to mind her after the events of the book’s ending. These kinds of conflicts stopped being conflicts when they were explained away with one or two sentences, or with Bran lashing out at Piro and defending himself by saying he did it to protect her somehow.
As I said, the fairy tale quality of the writing helped to gloss over parts of the story and made for an enjoyable reading experience despite them.
Also, how cool and telling it is that we had a blue moon right when I was still reading this book? I don’t know, but it sure looks like a sign to me. Maybe I should have gotten my marionette ready 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
RATING: 4/5 STARS
This book was such a lovely surprise! Pirouette is a girl who was brought to life under the magic of the blue moon by her father, the master puppeteer who created her. She trains under him as his apprentice and becomes a talented craftswoman in her own right. When her father is endangered under the Margrave's command, she has no choice but to complete the ruler's requests to create marionettes for his own secretive but sinister intentions.
The writing was absolutely gorgeous - delicate, descriptive, and atmospheric. Pirouette was an admirable character. She had a relationship with the forest and nature that was beautiful to read. I also enjoyed reading about her talent in creating marionettes and her connection with each of her creations. The way her puppets were described were so amazingly lifelike that I could vividly picture each of them. This level of detail is an absolute must for me in fantasy writing, as I love when an author can fully immerse me in their story and magical world. The supporting characters were all fantastic, especially Bran, Pirouette's best friend. There is a sweet romance in this story but I would say where this novel truly shines is in its fantasy elements and exciting plot.
A sincere thanks to Page Street Publishing for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram
This book was such a lovely surprise! Pirouette is a girl who was brought to life under the magic of the blue moon by her father, the master puppeteer who created her. She trains under him as his apprentice and becomes a talented craftswoman in her own right. When her father is endangered under the Margrave's command, she has no choice but to complete the ruler's requests to create marionettes for his own secretive but sinister intentions.
The writing was absolutely gorgeous - delicate, descriptive, and atmospheric. Pirouette was an admirable character. She had a relationship with the forest and nature that was beautiful to read. I also enjoyed reading about her talent in creating marionettes and her connection with each of her creations. The way her puppets were described were so amazingly lifelike that I could vividly picture each of them. This level of detail is an absolute must for me in fantasy writing, as I love when an author can fully immerse me in their story and magical world. The supporting characters were all fantastic, especially Bran, Pirouette's best friend. There is a sweet romance in this story but I would say where this novel truly shines is in its fantasy elements and exciting plot.
A sincere thanks to Page Street Publishing for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Social: @_shelf.awareness on Instagram
October 20, 2020
*I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley from the publisher as part of a promotional tour.
What I liked about the book:
> Spooky setting
>Vivid and dark descriptions. Definitely felt straight out of a horror movie at times.
>A Pinocchio retelling I never knew I needed but once I read it, I knew this was a fantastic idea and the spin on Pinocchio's curse was excellent.
>The Frankenstein elements
>The MC's connection to marionettes and trees
>The relationship between the father and the daughter
>The MC's characterization and wits. She was a sneaky little thing and I loved it.
>The MC's relationship with the rest of the cast
What I did not like:
> Lots of telling vs. showing. This was a short book and it tried to cram a lot in the page count. iw ish it had been a little longer because the writing capacity of making some moments shine was definitely there.
>Characters were... not very smart? Like it was obvious what the villain was trying to do, but none of the characters guessed it despite having all the information they needed to figure it out, or even suspect it.
>Unecessary romance that added nothing to the plot, and the love interest was... not very smart either. Neither was he that well fleshed out. In fact, while the character dynamics were heartwarming, none of the characters had much depth to them, at least not as much as I would have liked to see.
BLOG REVIEW: https://mythsnmisadventures.wordpress...
What I liked about the book:
> Spooky setting
>Vivid and dark descriptions. Definitely felt straight out of a horror movie at times.
>A Pinocchio retelling I never knew I needed but once I read it, I knew this was a fantastic idea and the spin on Pinocchio's curse was excellent.
>The Frankenstein elements
>The MC's connection to marionettes and trees
>The relationship between the father and the daughter
>The MC's characterization and wits. She was a sneaky little thing and I loved it.
>The MC's relationship with the rest of the cast
What I did not like:
> Lots of telling vs. showing. This was a short book and it tried to cram a lot in the page count. iw ish it had been a little longer because the writing capacity of making some moments shine was definitely there.
>Characters were... not very smart? Like it was obvious what the villain was trying to do, but none of the characters guessed it despite having all the information they needed to figure it out, or even suspect it.
>Unecessary romance that added nothing to the plot, and the love interest was... not very smart either. Neither was he that well fleshed out. In fact, while the character dynamics were heartwarming, none of the characters had much depth to them, at least not as much as I would have liked to see.
BLOG REVIEW: https://mythsnmisadventures.wordpress...
June 8, 2021
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a solid, young-adult, fantasy novel. This Pinocchio-inspired story follows Pirouette "Piro" Leiter, the puppetmaster's daughter and apprentice. Piro and her father live in and run a wooden toy shop in a small Germany-inspired town. The two are beloved members of their village, but they also are hiding a secret. Years ago, Piro's lonely father used outlawed magic to bring a beautiful marionette to life under the blue moon, and Pirouette was "born." Now the evil margrave of their village has commissioned dozens of wooden soldiers and intends to use the same magic to bring them to life and use them to enforce his will and ambition..... and, he knows the truth about Piro's origins.
The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a sweet story of hope and love that is liberally sprinkled with action and danger. It's full of very likeable characters and a swift moving plot. It is also appropriate for all teenagers and adults. I really enjoyed this book.
The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a solid, young-adult, fantasy novel. This Pinocchio-inspired story follows Pirouette "Piro" Leiter, the puppetmaster's daughter and apprentice. Piro and her father live in and run a wooden toy shop in a small Germany-inspired town. The two are beloved members of their village, but they also are hiding a secret. Years ago, Piro's lonely father used outlawed magic to bring a beautiful marionette to life under the blue moon, and Pirouette was "born." Now the evil margrave of their village has commissioned dozens of wooden soldiers and intends to use the same magic to bring them to life and use them to enforce his will and ambition..... and, he knows the truth about Piro's origins.
The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a sweet story of hope and love that is liberally sprinkled with action and danger. It's full of very likeable characters and a swift moving plot. It is also appropriate for all teenagers and adults. I really enjoyed this book.
September 5, 2020
What can I say about this Pinocchio retelling, other than that I loved every second of it?!
The first half I found sad in a beautiful way, and the second half is the beauty of empowerment and finding oneself.
I really enjoyed how parts of Pinocchio’s became Lisa DeSelm’s own through small details such as the splinters. Her writing was so easy to read and kept me up late into the night, unable to stop.
Piro’s strength was probably my favourite aspect of her character. How, even when she felt broken, she was still strong. In the writing it was like I could feel her longing to be fully free.
I will definitely recommend this to friends and I look forward to more books from this author.
The first half I found sad in a beautiful way, and the second half is the beauty of empowerment and finding oneself.
I really enjoyed how parts of Pinocchio’s became Lisa DeSelm’s own through small details such as the splinters. Her writing was so easy to read and kept me up late into the night, unable to stop.
Piro’s strength was probably my favourite aspect of her character. How, even when she felt broken, she was still strong. In the writing it was like I could feel her longing to be fully free.
I will definitely recommend this to friends and I look forward to more books from this author.
October 15, 2020
This was new at my library today. The ebook version anyway, since my city is in Phase Two of reopening at the time of this writing. I looked at the cover first and was curious due to that. It said "YA fantasy, possibly romance," and I was right for half of the book. The prologue made sense for the story! I was pleased. For the first few chapters, I couldn't figure out how old Pirouette was. I think she's eighteen, and still consider this to be a YA novel since the tropes are there. This is a genderswapped Pinocchio/Frankenstein retelling. It takes place on the French-German border or somewhere similar, in the 1800s or it seemed. I liked the imagery and descriptions. They were my favorite parts of the book. Instead of Pirouette's nose growing, she got splinters of varying sizes (tiny sliver, whole wood chip) in varying places of her body (ankle, ear, cheek) depending on the lie. Such decision on part of the author did away with an anti-Semitic trope and maintained the character's secret in a creative, realistic way. Much appreciated. I thought Pirouette saving each wood chip and splinter was interesting, and wondered what the symbolism was. And she -bleeds- each time a wood chip or splinter emerges. The magical realism of that fascinated me. The wooden puppets, whether they were ones Pirouette constructed or not, conversed with her. Trees did, too. This was such a creative and intriguing new layer.
Halfway through the book, the tone abruptly veers jarringly into something far darker. This is where the Frankenstein retelling happens, only the Pinocchio one is still going on, too. The tone shift is a noticeable and immediate escalation with no buildup or foreshadowing at all. It goes from "the government is working us exhaustingly and severely underpaying us, and locking us up for reasons they decide on the spot" to "horrible, sudden murder and fascist government". Which...is how a lot of that happens in the real, modern world. Chilling and unfair. What a jarring structural choice for a book to have. It--I--shall continue. The book varied in levels of creepiness, but was unsettling throughout. The action scenes that led to the HEA were unsettling and creepy, and gave me vivid, realistic nightmares. That's an achievement on part of the author. Books don't make it into my dreams often, let alone into vivid nightmares. The HEA made me smile. It was a neat read and so nice for the month of Halloween.
Halfway through the book, the tone abruptly veers jarringly into something far darker. This is where the Frankenstein retelling happens, only the Pinocchio one is still going on, too. The tone shift is a noticeable and immediate escalation with no buildup or foreshadowing at all. It goes from "the government is working us exhaustingly and severely underpaying us, and locking us up for reasons they decide on the spot" to "horrible, sudden murder and fascist government". Which...is how a lot of that happens in the real, modern world. Chilling and unfair. What a jarring structural choice for a book to have. It--I--shall continue. The book varied in levels of creepiness, but was unsettling throughout. The action scenes that led to the HEA were unsettling and creepy, and gave me vivid, realistic nightmares. That's an achievement on part of the author. Books don't make it into my dreams often, let alone into vivid nightmares. The HEA made me smile. It was a neat read and so nice for the month of Halloween.
September 17, 2020
"I hope and pray that I will do this piece justice, giving the wood the honor it deserves. In the days that follow, I labor over smoothing every angle, refining every curve and ligature so that its stringed movement will be a thing of beauty. Of feline grace. Of terror.
If it were alive, of course"
Oh my word, this story was glorious.
First off, the characters. All were so well developed and the friendships were phenomenal. The makers reminded me of the Inklings, the group that Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were part of. The group was always there to help out the ones struggling and it was oh-so-nice.
Can we please talk about the fact that this book is 100% unique? Seriously. When was the last time YA had a Pinocchio retelling? I've never read one.
The romance was actually the only thing I was not a fan of. I was shipping hard for the first quarter of the book but then I wasn't. It felt like the characters rushed into a relationship after more of a slow-burn type.
I sincerely hope that Lisa plans to publish more books because I'd read them in a heartbeat.
Rating:
Language: n/a
Romance: some kissing
Spiritual: n/a
Violence: murders, deaths
*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. Quote is taken from ARC and subject to change at publication.
If it were alive, of course"
Oh my word, this story was glorious.
First off, the characters. All were so well developed and the friendships were phenomenal. The makers reminded me of the Inklings, the group that Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were part of. The group was always there to help out the ones struggling and it was oh-so-nice.
Can we please talk about the fact that this book is 100% unique? Seriously. When was the last time YA had a Pinocchio retelling? I've never read one.
The romance was actually the only thing I was not a fan of. I was shipping hard for the first quarter of the book but then I wasn't. It felt like the characters rushed into a relationship after more of a slow-burn type.
I sincerely hope that Lisa plans to publish more books because I'd read them in a heartbeat.
Rating:
Language: n/a
Romance: some kissing
Spiritual: n/a
Violence: murders, deaths
*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. Quote is taken from ARC and subject to change at publication.
June 19, 2020
I absolutely love retellings, especially fairytale retellings. They often have a beautiful mysticism about them, and The Puppetmaster's Apprentice certainly hits this mark.
DeSelm has written a thoroughly engaging retelling of Pinocchio. I'll admit that I have never thought of Pinocchio retelling being told before, but I absolutely loved this one! To be more specific, this is a gender-bent retelling of Pinocchio with a heroine that any reader can admire. DeSelm has wonderful imagination when it comes to taking a well-loved story and turning it into something completely new.
It has been a while since I have read a story where I did not want to stop and picked it up every chance I got. I will be recommending this to everyone I know who enjoys a story with unique twists, characters that you love, and a magical story that reads like a tale as old as time.
DeSelm has written a thoroughly engaging retelling of Pinocchio. I'll admit that I have never thought of Pinocchio retelling being told before, but I absolutely loved this one! To be more specific, this is a gender-bent retelling of Pinocchio with a heroine that any reader can admire. DeSelm has wonderful imagination when it comes to taking a well-loved story and turning it into something completely new.
It has been a while since I have read a story where I did not want to stop and picked it up every chance I got. I will be recommending this to everyone I know who enjoys a story with unique twists, characters that you love, and a magical story that reads like a tale as old as time.
June 4, 2020
I was uncertain of this book when I saw that it was a Pinnochio retelling as I've never been a fan of that story, but was pleasantly surprised by this story. I loved the agency that these characters (particularly the female characters) had throughout the story and also enjoyed the moral dilemmas that the characters were facing. The pacing was solid. The "magic system" in this world is pretty light and not well developed but the character work and plot made for an enjoyable read. I also thought that the writing was light and flowy and captured my attention throughout without being overly flowery and descriptive.
Want to read
May 15, 2020A gender-swapped retelling of Pinnochio and Frankenstein?
I'm SO IN!!!!
I'm SO IN!!!!
April 10, 2022
A maior parte do sofrimento com esse livro foi a discrepância entre a sinopse e a realidade, então para quem não lê sinopses deve ser melhor kkkk. Na dúvida, vou fazer uma sinopse mais realista do que a original:
A história começa com um estilo "releitura de Pinóquio". Pirouette é a filha do fazedor de marionetes (eu ia dizer "titereiro", mas fiquei em dúvida se um titereiro só controla a marionete ou é ele que fabrica também). Exceto que na verdade ela era uma marionete que ganhou vida sob a ação da Lua Azul. Agora, ela e o pai dela estão lutando para terminar uma encomenda muito peculiar para o governante de Távia: 100 soldados de madeira, em tamanho real, cada um com um rosto único. Além de essa ser uma encomenda particularmente estranha - sabemos que o príncipe é meio excêntrico, mas o que ele vai fazer com 100 marionetes em tamanho real? - os prazos apertados e a magnitude da encomenda começam a afetar a saúde do fazedor de marionetes, ameaçando deixar Pirouette pra terminar o trabalho sozinha.
Eu achei os personagens muito bons. O começo é bem calmo, apresentando as pessoas, os conflitos da Pirouette, coisas assim. Quando as coisas começam acelerar tem um momento de frustração porque eu sei pra onde as coisas estão indo, mas a protagonista ainda não, mas depois que cai a ficha ela propõe um plano muito bom.
A conclusão também ficou bem legal (apesar de que eu queria que a assassina tivesse tido um destino diferente e que a Pirouette "não aprendeu nada" com a questão das árvores e das farpas). Nem todas as pontas.foram amarradas - eu acho que tinha elementos que podiam tornar a história ainda melhor se fossem explorados, ou retomados na trama como paralelos narrativos, mas em geral foi uma narrativa gostosa e interessante.
A história começa com um estilo "releitura de Pinóquio". Pirouette é a filha do fazedor de marionetes (eu ia dizer "titereiro", mas fiquei em dúvida se um titereiro só controla a marionete ou é ele que fabrica também). Exceto que na verdade ela era uma marionete que ganhou vida sob a ação da Lua Azul. Agora, ela e o pai dela estão lutando para terminar uma encomenda muito peculiar para o governante de Távia: 100 soldados de madeira, em tamanho real, cada um com um rosto único. Além de essa ser uma encomenda particularmente estranha - sabemos que o príncipe é meio excêntrico, mas o que ele vai fazer com 100 marionetes em tamanho real? - os prazos apertados e a magnitude da encomenda começam a afetar a saúde do fazedor de marionetes, ameaçando deixar Pirouette pra terminar o trabalho sozinha.
Eu achei os personagens muito bons. O começo é bem calmo, apresentando as pessoas, os conflitos da Pirouette, coisas assim. Quando as coisas começam acelerar tem um momento de frustração porque eu sei pra onde as coisas estão indo, mas a protagonista ainda não, mas depois que cai a ficha ela propõe um plano muito bom.
A conclusão também ficou bem legal (apesar de que eu queria que a assassina tivesse tido um destino diferente e que a Pirouette "não aprendeu nada" com a questão das árvores e das farpas). Nem todas as pontas.foram amarradas - eu acho que tinha elementos que podiam tornar a história ainda melhor se fossem explorados, ou retomados na trama como paralelos narrativos, mas em geral foi uma narrativa gostosa e interessante.
October 19, 2020
I love reading debuts because, oftentimes, these stories are the most pure in imagination. They’re something that author has dreamed of writing in one way or another and to some extent. And so debuts are the product of that first pen-to-paper experience. With THE PUPPETMASTER’S APPRENTICE, it’s clearly evident the love and thought the author put into this first story. And that alone is something to celebrate.
However, I will say that while that love is apparent from the writing, the audience isn’t really given the same sort of opportunity to love the characters or the world to the extent we should. The first 2/3 or so of the book is very slow moving and focused on the day to day of the Puppetmaster’s duties and her maker friends, but, at the same time, I didn’t really get a sense for who any of them really were. That and the slowness didn’t do anything to further the plot or even build the world as much as I’d have liked. And then by the time of the rising action, the stakes just felt really low.
There are three women in this story whose lives and stories and thoughts and feelings and chemistry together I would’ve loved to have explored more here or in another novel, but the rest of the book I’m good with having read once.
All in all, an interesting concept and take on the Pinocchio take (in a way), but a bit too slow moving and didn’t really take off for me.
However, I will say that while that love is apparent from the writing, the audience isn’t really given the same sort of opportunity to love the characters or the world to the extent we should. The first 2/3 or so of the book is very slow moving and focused on the day to day of the Puppetmaster’s duties and her maker friends, but, at the same time, I didn’t really get a sense for who any of them really were. That and the slowness didn’t do anything to further the plot or even build the world as much as I’d have liked. And then by the time of the rising action, the stakes just felt really low.
There are three women in this story whose lives and stories and thoughts and feelings and chemistry together I would’ve loved to have explored more here or in another novel, but the rest of the book I’m good with having read once.
All in all, an interesting concept and take on the Pinocchio take (in a way), but a bit too slow moving and didn’t really take off for me.
October 21, 2020
I LOVED this book! The story was so immersive and I enjoyed the gender swap retelling of Pinocchio.
Set in an old world German-style town, I felt like I could walk right in and become part of this town. The town, the shops, the maker’s, even the local pub felt so real.
And the makers - I loved them all, especially Nan who felt like the big sister to everyone. Taking care of them all, but also a little sassy.
As Pirouette works for the Margrave and she enlists the help of the makers, I fell in love with each of them all over again. Their friendships are so beautiful and honest and the way the come to each other’s aid is heartwarming.
The use of forbidden magic in the town was used well. The tension between Pirouette’s existence and what brought her to life was palpable. And use of magic and its consequences throughout the book helped to thread the tension throughout the story.
I found myself reading through this story quickly; Lisa DeSelm’s writing is engaging and easy to read. I loved that the elements of the Pinoccio story came through, but DeSelm made the story her own.
Thank you to Turn the Page Tours and Page Street YA for the review copy!
Set in an old world German-style town, I felt like I could walk right in and become part of this town. The town, the shops, the maker’s, even the local pub felt so real.
And the makers - I loved them all, especially Nan who felt like the big sister to everyone. Taking care of them all, but also a little sassy.
As Pirouette works for the Margrave and she enlists the help of the makers, I fell in love with each of them all over again. Their friendships are so beautiful and honest and the way the come to each other’s aid is heartwarming.
The use of forbidden magic in the town was used well. The tension between Pirouette’s existence and what brought her to life was palpable. And use of magic and its consequences throughout the book helped to thread the tension throughout the story.
I found myself reading through this story quickly; Lisa DeSelm’s writing is engaging and easy to read. I loved that the elements of the Pinoccio story came through, but DeSelm made the story her own.
Thank you to Turn the Page Tours and Page Street YA for the review copy!
October 18, 2023
Lisa DeSelm weaves a magical story with lyrical writing that leaps from the page and into your heart and imagination. I so enjoyed reading THE PUPPETMASTER’S APPRENTICE. What a beautifully crafted novel. Piro is an amazing protagonist. And I love her name! The devotion to her father and her found family was heartwarming throughout. Her relationship with Bran was especially sweet. All the talk of trees and nature was one of my favorite aspects of the book. A powerful message about triumphing over hardships, acknowledging our helpers, and embracing personal growth.
December 24, 2020
Such an original take on a fairytale!! When I first started the story I wasn’t sure, but once I got to a certain point I could not put it down. It was even better than the original version. That’s what I love about retellings, especially the really good ones.
October 20, 2020
Rating: 4 🌟
Author: Lisa DelSelm
Publisher: Page Street Kids
_____________________________
I want to start by saying thank you to Turn the Page Tours for letting me be a part of the Bookstagram tour , and to Page Street Kids for providing me with an advanced copy
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Ever wondered what happens when Pinocchio meets Frankenstein? Then The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice is the book for you! I loved this book. While it wasn’t what I was expecting, it blew me out of the water. I found myself having trouble putting it down. Especially when things started to get really REALLY wild and interesting in the second half of the book! Piro is such a fantastic character, I related to her so much. I love her determination and will. Bran is an absolutely fantastic love interest. I was very happy with how he supported Piro and tried to help her instead of holding her back , or preventing her from her goals. I feel like all the characters where well written and flushed out. I even found the Margrave to be some what relatable at times. I loved the magic system , I thought it was really interesting! I am looking forward to what Lisa comes up with next!
Author: Lisa DelSelm
Publisher: Page Street Kids
_____________________________
I want to start by saying thank you to Turn the Page Tours for letting me be a part of the Bookstagram tour , and to Page Street Kids for providing me with an advanced copy
_____________________________
Ever wondered what happens when Pinocchio meets Frankenstein? Then The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice is the book for you! I loved this book. While it wasn’t what I was expecting, it blew me out of the water. I found myself having trouble putting it down. Especially when things started to get really REALLY wild and interesting in the second half of the book! Piro is such a fantastic character, I related to her so much. I love her determination and will. Bran is an absolutely fantastic love interest. I was very happy with how he supported Piro and tried to help her instead of holding her back , or preventing her from her goals. I feel like all the characters where well written and flushed out. I even found the Margrave to be some what relatable at times. I loved the magic system , I thought it was really interesting! I am looking forward to what Lisa comes up with next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2023
Wasn’t terrible, but wasn’t anything outstanding either
October 17, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for sending out an arc to review! All opinions are my own.
I’m always excited to see smaller fairy-tales get picked for a retelling. I have never read a retelling for Pinocchio so I was quite curious about this book!
Pirouette is a genderbent Pinnocchio and although you can pick out similarities, the author does a great job of giving new life to a classic.
Pirouette is a girl learning what it means to love, being strong in the face of danger, and appreciating the life she has been given. All of this is no easy task. There are many things we can learn from her and don’t worry, the lesson about not telling the truth is still there and had me laughing!
The minor characters help Pirouette along the way and also add life to the story, especially Bran. He is a friend that anyone would be lucky to have. Although there is a bit of romance, it doesn’t take away from the plot and is sprinkled in nicely.
The pacing can be a bit slow at the start but the writing is descriptive and it’s easy to get lost in the words.
As for the plot, it was darker at times than I thought it would be. I honestly didn’t mind it and it just adds to the spooky season. Learning about the puppeteer and the crafting of the puppets was interesting and something I haven’t read about before. There is also magic, like the blue moon, that is introduced from the prologue and weaves its way throughout the story. I really liked how it all came together.
Overall, this was a fun read and one I would recommend for this season.
I’m always excited to see smaller fairy-tales get picked for a retelling. I have never read a retelling for Pinocchio so I was quite curious about this book!
Pirouette is a genderbent Pinnocchio and although you can pick out similarities, the author does a great job of giving new life to a classic.
Pirouette is a girl learning what it means to love, being strong in the face of danger, and appreciating the life she has been given. All of this is no easy task. There are many things we can learn from her and don’t worry, the lesson about not telling the truth is still there and had me laughing!
The minor characters help Pirouette along the way and also add life to the story, especially Bran. He is a friend that anyone would be lucky to have. Although there is a bit of romance, it doesn’t take away from the plot and is sprinkled in nicely.
The pacing can be a bit slow at the start but the writing is descriptive and it’s easy to get lost in the words.
As for the plot, it was darker at times than I thought it would be. I honestly didn’t mind it and it just adds to the spooky season. Learning about the puppeteer and the crafting of the puppets was interesting and something I haven’t read about before. There is also magic, like the blue moon, that is introduced from the prologue and weaves its way throughout the story. I really liked how it all came together.
Overall, this was a fun read and one I would recommend for this season.
November 9, 2020
Enchanting! Captured my imagination and took me to a dark place, on a magical journey, with a dash of fantasy. A good read.
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