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Puppetmaster’s Apprentice, The Hardcover – October 13, 2020

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 56 ratings

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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?

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-In her debut novel, DeSelm offers a new take on "The Adventures of Pinocchio." Pirouette works alongside her father, Gephardt, the puppetmaster of her village. While he makes fantastic creations in his workshop, she excites the market crowd with masterly crafted productions to make money for supplies. Father and daughter soon receive a large order from the ruler of the city, the fair-haired Margrave, for an army of lifelike wooden soldiers. Unbeknownst to Pirouette, Gephardt promises the royal that he can finish the project earlier than their deadline for a higher payout. Although working tirelessly, the family fails to make this new deadline and Margrave imprisons Gephardt. Can Pirouette save her father? DeSelm starts with a fast-paced prologue but the actual story begins too slowly. DeSelm follows in Marissa Meyer's footsteps, changing the traditional fairy tale just enough with an interesting new premise. Pirouette is a fun character but her lack of self-confidence is disappointing. Flaws are sometimes necessary to make a character relatable, but Pirouette reacts to situations in ways that make the story feel choppy and contrived. The high points are DeSelm's detailed descriptions of the masterpieces that Pirouette and the other artisans of the village create. Fight scenes and deaths are somewhat gruesome, but not gratuitous. It is more the bland background characters that will disinterest fans of adventurous romances. Pirouette and Gephardt have dark brown and gray hair respectively, though their race is never specified. VERDICT A good general purchase where fairy tale retellings are popular.­DeHanza Kwong, Butte Public Library, MTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

* “DeSelm excels at creating a strong sense of place and nuanced characters… Laden with atmosphere and written in gorgeous prose, this stunning debut novel is a dark fairy tale about creating life, becoming human, and longing for connection, reminiscent of Pinocchio and Frankenstein. This author is one to watch.” - Booklist, starred review


“Allusions to source texts buttress gender-conscious explorations of belonging, honesty, autonomy, empathy, and the nuanced politics of creation... An artful adaptation and delightful debut.” -
Kirkus Reviews

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Page Street YA (October 13, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645670805
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645670803
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 17 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 10 - 12
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.72 x 1.38 x 8.49 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 56 ratings

About the author

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Lisa DeSelm
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Thanks 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. Learn more at lisadeselm.com.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
56 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and unique. They describe the book as enjoyable and creative to read. Readers appreciate the descriptive language and depth of characters, which brings back familiar characters in a fresh way.

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9 customers mention "Story quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They find it imaginative and captivating, with unexpected twists and turns that keep them hooked until the end. The retelling of Pinocchio is described as an exciting and enjoyable fantasy with beautiful descriptive language.

"...The story feels like the classic we all grew up with, without being too similar. I couldn’t stop listening and finished in just a few days!..." Read more

"...Overall this was a wonderful story to read. I'm looking forward, and hope, to be reading more from this author soon." Read more

"lovely tale! kept me intrigued throughout. I didn't see many of the twists coming. Loved the names. Loved the descriptions...." Read more

"There were unexpected twists and turns in this story. Held my interest. Very rich language woven throughout the story." Read more

8 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it exciting and creative, with rich language woven throughout the story.

"I loved this book! That is coming from someone who listens to 2-3 hours on my commute a day...." Read more

"There were unexpected twists and turns in this story. Held my interest. Very rich language woven throughout the story." Read more

"A beautifully written fantasy that is perfect for fall/winter! Great depth of characters and the description of locations immediately makes..." Read more

"Very exciting and enjoyable. Well written, brings you right into the story. So imaginative." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing style. They find it descriptive, rich, and imaginative. The language weaves throughout the story, providing depth and detail. It is an easy read that is hard to put down.

"...The narrator was fantastic and the story was perfectly sweet. It brought back familiar characters of old in a fresh and unexpected way...." Read more

"...I loved the depth of the book and the dilemmas that we’re faced and thought through by the characters. My 12 year old son couldn’t put it down...." Read more

"...I didn't see many of the twists coming. Loved the names. Loved the descriptions. Felt like I could picture where it was...." Read more

"...Held my interest. Very rich language woven throughout the story." Read more

3 customers mention "Depth of characters"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the characters. Reviewers say it brings back familiar characters in a fresh and unexpected way.

"...It brought back familiar characters of old in a fresh and unexpected way...." Read more

"...The author makes it effortless to imagine the characters, see the colors, feel their struggles, hear their cries, and experience their triumphs...." Read more

"...Great depth of characters and the description of locations immediately makes everything visible. Grab your favorite winter drink and order this book!..." Read more

A Serenely Sinister Tale!
5 out of 5 stars
A Serenely Sinister Tale!
I was sold on this book the moment it was advertised as a hybrid of Pinocchio and Frankenstein! A simple village puppetmaster and his daughter/apprentice are being crushed under the weight of the massive puppet orders coming from their local lord. But what are the puppets really for?A delightfully dark fairy tale that poses the deep, ethical question of how much responsibility and/or culpability do we have for the things we bring into the world.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2020
    I loved this book! That is coming from someone who listens to 2-3 hours on my commute a day. The narrator was fantastic and the story was perfectly sweet. It brought back familiar characters of old in a fresh and unexpected way. The story feels like the classic we all grew up with, without being too similar. I couldn’t stop listening and finished in just a few days! I thought it was so good that I bought a paper copy for my 10 year old daughter, she is very excited to start reading it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021
    Right from the beginning this talented author sets a beautifully dark and enchanting tone for this wonderful take on a classic fairy tale. The author makes it effortless to imagine the characters, see the colors, feel their struggles, hear their cries, and experience their triumphs.
    Similarly to Lovecraft's The Outsider who believes himself a 'stranger in this century and among those who are still men,' I love protagonists, such as the one in this story, who have to find a way to navigate life knowing they will never fit in and often feel it's imperative to also keep it secret as to why - a feeling many fans of this genre may relate to, including myself.
    Overall this was a wonderful story to read. I'm looking forward, and hope, to be reading more from this author soon.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2020
    This book has quickly become a favorite in our house. Beautifully written with so much detail and imagery that involve all your senses. I loved how I couldn’t predict what was going to happen and how the characters were going to respond. I loved the depth of the book and the dilemmas that we’re faced and thought through by the characters. My 12 year old son couldn’t put it down. I know we will both be reading it through again in the near future. I recommend this book!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021
    lovely tale! kept me intrigued throughout. I didn't see many of the twists coming.
    Loved the names. Loved the descriptions. Felt like I could picture where it was.
    Thank you Lisa for this wonderful tale. Looking forward to more works from you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2020
    The Puppetmaster's Apprentice was a delightfully haunting kind of fantasy. Piroutte apprentices with her father the puppetmaster, and shares his passion, but she has a secret: she was not born, but made by her father when he brought her to life 7 years ago under the light of a blue moon. That secret is threatened when Piroutte and her father catch the eye of the duke, the heir to the Margrave. When Piroutte creates a wooden assassin for the duke to get her father out of prison, she finds herself the object of scorn in her village when she's charged with using forbidden magic. In order to survive, Piroutte must make a marionette unlike anything she's ever made before, but she soon learns that magic comes with a price regardless of whether or not you are able to pay it.
    I really enjoyed The Puppetmaster's Apprentice. It was wonderfully spooky and whimsical, emotional and striking, and utterly captivating. I found myself captivated by the magic system and the story of Piroutte's existence, and the dual nature of her being both a young woman and someone with magic running through her veins in a world that eschews both of those things to be really compelling. I love the striking vein of feminism that runs through this story as well. DeSelm's writing style is both melodic and haunting, and this book has a perfect atmospheric tone that blends characteristics of fantasy and classic horror. Also, the romance in this book was really sweet. Reminiscent of the tales of Pinocchio and Frankenstein, The Puppetmaster's Apprentice is a fairytale for our time about grief, angency and humanity. I adored it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020
    There were unexpected twists and turns in this story. Held my interest. Very rich language woven throughout the story.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2020
    I was sold on this book the moment it was advertised as a hybrid of Pinocchio and Frankenstein! A simple village puppetmaster and his daughter/apprentice are being crushed under the weight of the massive puppet orders coming from their local lord. But what are the puppets really for?

    A delightfully dark fairy tale that poses the deep, ethical question of how much responsibility and/or culpability do we have for the things we bring into the world.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Serenely Sinister Tale!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2020
    I was sold on this book the moment it was advertised as a hybrid of Pinocchio and Frankenstein! A simple village puppetmaster and his daughter/apprentice are being crushed under the weight of the massive puppet orders coming from their local lord. But what are the puppets really for?

    A delightfully dark fairy tale that poses the deep, ethical question of how much responsibility and/or culpability do we have for the things we bring into the world.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020
    Lisa is an amazing writer and will captivate you with her enchanting retelling of Pinocchio. This is a quick and easy read that you will NOT be able to put down. Can't wait to share with all of my friends. Highly recommend if you are looking for a new book to read!

Top reviews from other countries

  • MaryS
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you love fairy tales and beautiful writing, you'll love this!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 7, 2020
    This beautiful novel took me to a magical world I didn't want to leave. I see that it's been described as a gender-flipped Pinocchio meets Frankenstein, which I think is extremely apt. DeSelm's writing style is clear and lyrical, appropriate for a novel that is rooted in classic fairytales and folklore. Pirouette is a strong, brave, yet very human protagonist with flaws that readers will easily relate to. She drew me in immediately and I rooted for her throughout her struggles all the way to the dramatic ending. And the trees---how I loved the way trees and wood were part of the tale at so many levels!
  • TheEndlessUnread
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, true art.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2021
    This gripped me right from the start. What stunning imagery, all the little intricacies, I just can't even..... Just like Piro's works the author carefully crafted this art form and wound the very essence of magic into it. Hauntingly beautiful. This was perfectly paced, thought out, and breathed life into the genre. I can't wait for the author's next book. An instant pre-order for me in the future.
  • VelvetW
    4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
    Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2021
    I haven't read the book yet but the story line in very interesting. Pthiftbooks was excellent, book came in as described condition, used but very good. Love ordering from them.